Magic in Mistletoe Review: A Slight Twist to the Formula, but Another Cute Romantic Tale

Nothing is certain except death, taxes, and the Hallmark movie formula. Magic in Mistletoe leans into this winning blueprint but adds some clever twists and changes.

This premise of an author’s fall from grace allows social commentary and indirect references to several pop culture incidents and figures.

Harrington Davis’s scandal clearly showcases cancel culture. However, the said cancellation is far less intense and serious than many real-life cancellations.

Additionally, everything about Harrington’s misstep and the Magic in Mistletoe book series screams a certain famous author of a wizard book series.

Immediately, this may cause some unease, because, Hallmark could downplay the gravity of that so-called cancellation. However, thankfully, the movie may take inspiration from real-life events but distances Harrington from any real-life famous authors.

Separating reality and fiction keeps the story light and frivolous. Nevertheless, it makes a stand on accountability. Harrington must acknowledge those he hurt.

He apologizes and rectifies the situation.

Harrington taking responsibility for his harsh criticism of Christmas is absolutely the right decision. Nonetheless, he has valid grievances with his town for becoming so commercialized.

If only Hallmark leaned a little more into that concept…but, you can’t expect this cable network to completely say commercializing the holiday is a bad thing. Additionally, people don’t watch these types of movies for biting social commentary and reflection.

But Magic in Mistletoe could have found some middle ground between Harrington’s criticism and the town’s losing its spark. The town could have been less touristy, and Harrington could have accepted that it needed the tourists to financially survive.

Hallmark movies are whimsical unicorns that aren’t meant to be taken too seriously. They exist in a world outside reality. However, Magic in Mistletoe resolves the conflict between April and Harrington a little too quickly.

Their bickering is fun to watch. Therefore, it should have extended a bit further into the film.

These interactions allow Lyndie Greenwood’s comic prowess to shine. She’s very funny and entertaining in the first half of the movie. If the conflict between Harrington and April continued, she could have delighted viewers with more comedy.

Greenwood is delightful throughout the movie, but her most entertaining parts display her type A personality, and when she forces Harrington to shape up.

Obviously, the quick resolve stems from the runtime. It’s understandable there is only so much time to fix everything, but Magic in Mistletoe squanders an opportunity by not allowing April and Harrington’s personalities to conflict more.  

Initially, the romantic switch between Harrington and April also feels a bit too fast. However, by the end, it feels natural. Their romance seems inevitable because of their chemistry.

Overall, Magic in Mistletoe feels like a standard Hallmark romance. However, the canceled author storyline adds some interesting layers. Plus, Greenwood charms and fascinates as a leading lady.

Paul Campbell also creates this entertaining grinchy character who becomes very likable by the end. Campbell and Greenwood’s on-screen pairing is fun but their romantic chemistry doesn’t rank extremely high as some of the other Hallmark movie couples, but you invest in April and Harrington enough to want to see more of their story.

Stray Thoughts

• I loved April’s entire wardrobe. The lady knows how to dress.
• The Christmas fairy costume scene with Harrington and April reminded me of Ever After and that made me warm to their romance.
• One of Magic In Mistletoe‘s best scenes involves Harrington and his two best friends talking. I wish we got more of their famous dynamic, especially if it’s so important to the book series.
• You know you have a special edition book-buying problem when you really want to own the fake edition of the final book in the Magic in Mistletoe series.
• Many authors have become best sellers at young ages. However, I don’t believe Harrington Davis could achieve that level of success at 18.

What did you think of Magic in Mistletoe? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

Magic in Mistletoe will be available on Peacock until December 11. 

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

23 Best Characters from TV Dramas and Limited Series in 2023