We should’ve known that Hallmark darlings Andrew Walker and Ashley Williams would deliver one of the best Christmas movies of the year, yet nothing could’ve prepared us for Hallmark’s Jingle Bell Run. In truth, I didn’t think I’d love this one based on the premise alone, but I’m so thrilled to have been wrong.
Hallmark’s Jingle Bell Run is an absolute blast from beginning to end, with heart sprinkled into every task and the type of ending that continues to authenticate how the spirit of Christmas is all about giving. When Avery’s sister signs her up for a marathon-esque trivia knowing that she’ll be alone for the holidays, things don’t go as planned when she meets retired hockey star Wes. The two of them literally start off on the wrong foot thanks to a treadmill incident going horribly awry, but when they’re paired together for the race, animosity unsurprisingly turns to instant sparks.
The only part of the movie that doesn’t work is the producers pushing on the fake wooing part. The attraction between Avery and Wes is already there, and the tasks provide an effortless means for the two of them to fall in love. Wes isn’t faking anything for the camera because everything he learns about Avery allows him to find a different purpose in life. The movie could’ve simply shown little moments a bit more to authenticate how we’re getting there because the chemistry alone is striking. Still, that’s a small critique compared to how lovely the rest of the movie is.
Further, Hallmark’s Jingle Bell Run isn’t just a romance but a subtle love letter to education and the importance of funding. In light of everything happening in America today, this is a significant reason why the film works. It’s a hard fact that teachers like Avery could use all the funding to help students better. From the very beginning, it’s clear that her students are a number one priority, and she’ll do anything necessary to protect them. Later, when we meet Shirley and learn about her daughter’s death, education plays an even bigger role in the prize money. Because of this, the choices both Avery and Wes make result in the type of message that the world seems to forget. The holidays are all about giving.
It’s a load of fun to see the characters travel to different places and find a community with one another that they didn’t expect at the start of the film. It’s also always lovely to see LGBTQIA representation along with the primary romance. While subtle, it was incredibly sweet still, especially during the dance scenes.
There’s so much to appreciate about what this movie offers: it’s warm, chaotic, funny, and tenderly romantic at the same time. The performances are each incredible, the screenplay is grounded amid all the running around, the twists feel realistic, and the characters are all fleshed out. If you’re looking for something that’ll easily evoke hope right where you need it most, then look no further. Hallmark’s Jingle Bell Run has it all.
Watch Jingle Bell Run on the Hallmark Channel this Christmas.
First Featured Image Credit: ©Hallmark