I really enjoyed this movie for what it is: fun entertainment that is easy to follow and fairly captivating.
In reading many of my peers' contributions here, my view is clearly a departure from theirs. While I agree that the plot wasn't airtight on each and every detail, I fail to understand how a movie that is covering about 6 sub-plots/relationships could go that deep.
Elle (Teagarden) indeed has a job with "Zigg", and it's true we never really know the company's profile. Is that really necessary to understand the overall gist of the movie? Not at all. We know that this firm has come into challenging times, and it threatens Elle's self-confidence, because she has placed her identity in her work. Another reviewer stated that this is disappointing; I respect this, however, I myself truly relate. I work in non-profit, but if my job were threatened, my purpose and joy would be rocked; I try to work on this, but I would absolutely need to recalibrate. To me, the point of her statement "My resume is who I am" is not that her identity is the money she earns, but that her work is her 'comfort zone' - she is structured, disciplined, very Type-A, and many people are similar.
It is only until this painful moment happens that she is forced to reconsider her priorities, and for that reason, she is able to step back and see how it hasn't been as wonderful as she thought.
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I agree that she is somewhat aloof, because in this role, her respect for a peer that was silly, undisciplined, and her complete opposite in high school is understandably sparse. She doesn't keep that mindset for the entire movie, and realizes that Devin has found wisdom worth sharing.
I loved Aimee in other movies, especially I think "Christmas miracle", where she plays a very ill and endearing young lady. To see her in two very different roles, but equally believable, shows her range and skill.
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I loved the couple that had their marriage issues; oddly enough, the young man was so incredibly handsome and charming (i'm not related, I swear) - the actor looked absolutely in love with his movie partner, but I did think she was somewhat like a shell of a person. I appreciated the realistic view of a couple that drifts apart due to career, and it's a great foil for the usually magical relationships that Hallmark is known to highlight. (Every HM movie has a conflict, but it's rare for the conflict to be this level of "icy"; while it's not fun to feel these emotions, they are truly a reality for millions of people. It helps to see that - surprise! - we are truly not alone, and even the bliss-filled Christmas world of Hallmark has complexities.)
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The story lines that were also included, but for me, lacked enough depth to warrant a "10", were the ones that featured the 'nerd that became a success' with her amusing assistant, as well as the father/daughter storyline that failed to be authentic to me. (he didn't have enough 'fatherly' factor to seem like her dad, and she needs to be in movies that allow her to be the focal point - not a bit part)
I laughed aloud at the start, when the movie decides to channel Carrie, because that scream of Aimee's was absolutely hilarious. I also listened - the entire time! - for a 'voice clearing' that Aimee allegedly does, and I heard nothing. That was actually why I decided to watch each detail of the movie, and I must say that I'm disappointed to not be able to hear this allegedly annoying trait of Aimee's!
Overall: enjoy this movie, don't overthink it, and know that if you are the sort of HM movie lover that relates to work/career situations, this is a great Christmas movie for you.
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