Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-fabled-holiday
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was in a funk when I started watching this movie and didn’t give it a fair chance. I’m really glad I gave it a second chance! I re-watched it before writing this, because I had a feeling my original low rating was a me issue. I was right.
The first 15 minutes of this movie are very important, so make sure you pay close attention to the story or you’ll have to do what I did. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉
Quick Recap
As a child, Talia and Anderson use to read a story about a town called Wunderbrook. It was magical town where people would go who lost their way and forgot who they were. When Talia was 10 her father passed away. Talia and her mom moved away to be closer to other family, and Talia gave her copy of Wunderbrook to Anderson as a reminder of their time together.
As an adult Talia moved back into her childhood home and opened a bookstore while trying to be a writer. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to find a publishing company interested in her work. Feeling down about where her life is going, she’s looking forward to some time away from her store.
At the same time, Anderson is going through some issues at work and decides to take a break from work. They both wind up on a journey in the mythical Wunderbrook.
My Two Cents
I really enjoyed the fairy tale feeling of this movie. From the narrator to the hand drawn looking book pages and chapter introductions, this movie took it’s name to heart. Which I found endearing during my second viewing!
I can’t continue reviewing this before squealing like a little girl over this being the FIRST RYAN PAEVEY movie of the season!! EEEK!!! Elf Ryan was the highlight of my evening!!
Sadly, I think it’s his only movie this Christmas season. But I’m glad it’s a good one. I know I scored it the same as Coyote Creek Christmas from last year, but I enjoyed this one more! It’s more on par with A Timeless Christmas.
I also really enjoyed Ryan’s pairing with Brooke. If this isn’t the first time they’ve been paired together, then you need to tell me which other movies I need to add to my watch list! I hope we see them together again in the future!
Okay, enough about my guy and girl crushes. Lets get to the actual movie!
In some ways, this movie reminded me of the old ABC series Once Upon a Time. All these people are in a mythical town. Some of them know what’s really going on, while others are there for another purpose.
Mildred was like the Evil Queen, Judy was like Snow White, and Talia was like Henry, the believer/writer. I suppose all fairy tales are similar with the good, bad, and people who need to learn something or overcome an obstacle to move forward in their life. At least these people aren’t cursed to never be able to leave Wunderbrook 😉
Anyhow, I liked that this movie had the other couple and Charles who also had issues to overcome instead of the movie solely focusing on Talia and Anderson. It added substance instead of taking away from the main characters.
It feels like Hallmark is branching out a little more from their usual plots this year. I enjoyed this movie and would like to see more like this in the future. If you aren’t a fairy tale lover, then this definitely isn’t the right movie for you. If you love fair tales, fate, and general magic, then give this movie a try.
Did you watch this movie? Let me know what you thought! Leave a comment!
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Hello
Ryan payvee & Brooke Dorsay
Great together.
I like movies like this.
Please, we need a sequel! Annually, perhaps? Need to return to Wunderbrook!
Loved the movie. It’s inching closer to the “soulful” feel I so much enjoy.
I like characters that are born with old souls living in contemporary times.
Like me, incorporating the old, yet still finding joy in the every day.
AWESOME!! Great Story. I hope there are Sequels and Merchandise available.