Campfire Christmas (2022 TV Movie) User Reviews

CRINGEWORTHY!!

[deapwoods · 4/10 · 21 July 2022]

KK, I get it, Hallmark Rom-Com Christmas movie.

Too much over-acting. Agree with reviewers, bunch of 30 yr olds acting like teenagers. They all must pay a fortune to stay here, cause there are so few campers there. Why does Hallmark insist on a gay characters being so over the top, I'm gay and the Beckett and Chris characters made me cringe! (The Rainbow Santa hats were too precious)

Loved it!

[jpatel-56257 · 5/10 · 24 July 2022]

I'm amazed at the people who put poor reviews! I loved it and it was such a sweet love story. I also love how in the end, the two leads got together and ended up just enjoying the camp together and ended up engaged while the other storylines ended up nicely tied together with one couple getting married too and another one soon having a family. It was very sweet and I loved the whole fun of "Christmas in July", which was so fun!

another Hallmark Christmas in July

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 14 November 2022]

Aspiring writer Peyton (Tori Anderson) works at a publishing company as an assistant. Her boss says that she has no personal connections to her writing. Her parents are retiring and giving up their summer camp. They would like Peyton to take over, but she is desperate to be a writer. The camp is throwing one last Christmas in July for the alumni. Peyton is surprised to see her former flame Thomas (Corbin Bleu) attending. She decides to write about the camp.

It's another Hallmark Christmas in July. Tori Anderson is fine as the leading lady with issues. I don't know what happened to Corbin Bleu. He seems to have lost his mojo after cutting his hair. None of the other side characters really popped. The story is bland. The camp itself is a little too clean. It's well-manicured family cottages. A rustic camp is much more charming cinematically and visually. This is Hallmark at its most average.

Wrong kind of campy

[darthsidious-12854 · 1/10 · 22 July 2022]

There's zero chemistry between the main characters and they get overshadowed by the side characters over-acting.

It's typical 2022 Hallmark with all of the social aspects you'd expect, take that for what it is since if you reference it here you'll get taken down.

Again, all this is par for the course, but you actually have to make a decent story to try and even out all the obvious social aspects, but they didn't hit that point at all.

Compare this to a Christmas movie like Kiss Before Christmas, which was the absolute gem of 2021, or Five Star Christmas in 2020, and you can see how far the writing has gone down just to prove a point.

Premise worked

[Jackbv123 · 7/10 · 17 July 2022]

A summer camp with a week of Christmas in July is clever and it worked. There were some interesting twists on traditional Christmas things and a couple that were closer to the traditional done in July. But that was just setting.

The story boils down to some of the usual suspects. A PA is trying to impress her boss that she is actually a writer and gets an assignment. Mom and Dad are ready to retire the family camp business with one last hurrah. Peyton and Thomas had a bad breakup but the week at camp throws them back together. And there is a big misunderstanding that threatens the rekindled romance. So predictable from there on out.

There is a secondary romance story between two men. A third story is a longtime married couple working through some issues.

Tori Anderson and Corbin Blue have chemistry. The transition from Peyton avoiding Thomas to them being perfectly comfortable was invisible. There was no transition. One minute avoidance, the next it was like no problem. But then they spent some good time together.

For me the clever take on Christmas in July at summer camp was enough to hold me despite the story that was otherwise a repeat of many other Christmas movies.

Dry

[emilykirtz · 2/10 · 17 July 2022]

This is the acting of early Hallmark movies. Very dry and the timing was so off it was hard to watch. Maybe it got better but I couldn't finish it ! I feel like maybe this was more bad directing than bad acting but regardless it wasn't what I normally get from a Hallmark movie.

Just didn't work-

[ts-0000 · 17 July 2022]

Although a fun idea Christmas in July camp,didn't have that vibe a holiday movie needs to have.

Example- 1. Could of had a snow machine,to create falling snow.

2. Designated area for,snowball fights or sliding.

3. Although summer could of had seasonal looking clothes,like short sleeve shirts with Santa or shorts with snowflake prints.

4. The food & drinks,wasn't even that festive.

5. More holiday music,perhaps?

Why did her parents get on her for not having more Christmas home decor? It was July & unrelated to anything,camp wise.

It felt like a cheap way for Hallmark to push out a movie,without much effort into the theme.

For a camp that was around for years & it being their final hurrah,seemed like a rather small turn-out.

The storyline was average & acting,even location was underwhelming but ok cinematography.

Even the fact it wasn't a typical holiday formula or the flash back scenes between their younger & older versions of themselves helped things.

It wasn't a hard plot for comprehending,if anything was insulting to viewers intelligence.

Is it worth a watch if it replays in,December? Not really! I actually felt sweaty watching it,so might work better viewing this during Winter.. lol.

Good Premise and of course Tori...

[JazzCat64 · 7/10 · 11 August 2022]

I like the premise, but this could have been much better because the acting was particularly good. I like the male lead but not with Tori so again, Hallmark casting is horrific. I will give them a bonus for the side characters because i thought that worked well but the male lead with Tori seemed unbelievable. Maybe i should have gotten into casting because i think the reason Comedy and Romance can't make a comeback is because we don't have a Tom Hanks currently so to speak. Casting is a lost art especially with Hallmark type movies.

Close this camp

[therusticapothecary · 1/10 · 18 July 2022]

This was a tough one to finish. The immaturity level was cringe-worthy; these are adults in their 30s still acting like teenagers. The storyline was boring, and the chemistry was just off. Plus, it was predictable-every aspect of it. There were a few humorous moments but nothing that would want me to rewatch it. Hallmark really needs to take a step back, quality over quantity. They don't need to churn out 500 movies a year. Last year they did one new Christmas in July movie, which worked. It all feels rushed and sloppy.

ANOTHER AWFUL ONE!

[bkdamon · 1/10 · 18 July 2022]

Absolutely AWFUL! As with so many Hallmark movies the last couple years, I could not even get halfway through it! Anyone who gave this more than a 3 is clearly working for the Hallmark marketing team.(Mark my word, there will be an 8-10 star review shortly after I post this one). At this rate they are gonna run out of fake IMDB accounts! When is Hallmark channel going to wake up and realize who their audience is ...or WAS?!!!

The Flashbacks Drove This Story

[vsteach-11717 · 8/10 · 17 July 2022]

Because the basic storyline was a Summer Camp Reunion, I was hoping for meaningful flashbacks. These were handled skillfully with the main character Peyton rereading her Summer Camp Journals. It provided the perfect vehicle for "where are they now". And made me relate to all of the main characters. The actors cast as the younger campers successfully matched their adult counterparts. Although there was no great mystery to solve it was a story I wanted to watch.

On a smaller side note, I appreciated the fact that Caitlin Cromwell's character was allowed to wear her hair in many genuine styles for an African American Woman.

Should Be The New Worst In A Decade

[prussblue · 1/10 · 17 July 2022]

The main character was not one of the usual ones and she did not do as well as the usual ladies we see in the films. The supporting cast that are Hallmark regulars and can be recognized from other films did not seem to have their hearts in the project. We will not watch this movie again. We also hope that this is not a trend.

Why would you even make this movie?

[gamecocks · 1/10 · 17 July 2022]

The most obscure plot for a movie ever. A camp in July to celebrate Christmas I guess because you want Christmas twice a year. I was kind of embarrassed for the actors going through their parts trying to make something out of this movie. The idea that this would have been a profitable business for several generations is ridiculous. The older couple running this camp, Payton's parents, were the goofiest thing in the movie. The over acting trying to make something out of nothing was off the charts. I really don't mind watching legit Christmas movies any time of the year but this was just way too much. I am actually writing this while I am watching it. It gets worse the further it goes. Don't think I can finish it, but I'll try.

Horrible

[owenthorsen · 1/10 · 17 July 2022]

The worst by far of any of the Christmas movies I have seen.

It reminds me of the plays I had to sit thru watching high school Drama shows. Only Campfire Christmas was worse.

PASS ON THIS ONE

[donschumacher-01201 · 1/10 · 20 July 2022]

OK, let's just state the obvious...it's a Christmas movie and there's no snow.

For a more substantial review, the story's slow & boring, not casted well, the talent over-acted throughout & the director didn't find a problem with the over-animated actors.

Not sure if they're stage actors, untrained for being on camera, but it's just awful in every way.

God save Christmas!

[gfrasmd · 1/10 · 20 July 2022]

The idea is silly, the cast is mismatched, and the movie is boring! Tried to watch it and could not go far into it twice. I used to long for Hallmark new Christmas movies and some I have viewed repeatedly. Last year productions mostly missed the mark. I dread to think of what's coming this Holidays season!

A fun twist to what Hallmark is good at

[gracesiobhanq · 8/10 · 17 July 2022]

I would like to start by saying, two of the reviews clearly didn't actually pay attention to the movie. It has a beautiful back story that is opened up to the viewer throughout the whole film. It is explained why "Christmas in July" and it is a reunion for campers from years past.

That being said, now my opinion: I felt that this movie hit the mark for the "season". I appreciated that unlike most Hallmark movies (which I also love, what can I say), there was no committed relationship in the big city that was abandoned at the reminder of young love. It was fully about the main character and their hopes and dreams. This movie serves as a great reminder to never give up on your dreams, no matter how many people stand in your way.

Doomed by lack of cast chemistry and interesting plot points

[mzmmtdzxd · 3/10 · 29 October 2023]

• It was actually a bit funny, especially parts of the first half. Unlike other reviewers, I actually liked the premise (however well trodden as it may be). But it fell into the Hallmark trap of leaning too much on sentimentality.

• Speaking of which, in order to feel sentimental you have to feel something towards the characters. This didn't work in this movie for two reasons: 1) not enough time getting to know and care about them and 2) there was little chemistry between them. The two leads were miscast.

• I couldn't figure out why the female lead would be so torn up over the male lead. And it isn't just because of looks; his personality was pretty wooden too.

-Other reviewers have commented on the overacting, but I honestly could have used more theatrics from the cast.

Sacharine sweet

[trinaboice · 5/10 · 29 July 2022]

IN A NUTSHELL: If you want Christmas cheer in July with a family-friendly story, this one is for you. If you can't handle the over-the-top saccharine of Hallmark movies and how everything is always tied up with a pretty bow at the end, you definitely won't like this.

THINGS I LIKED: The cast includes Tori Anderson, Corbin Bleu, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman, Caitlin Stryker, Matt Hamilton, Alec Santos, Iris Quinn, Fred Henderson, and a young cast that plays their characters when they were teens.

There are a lot of flashbacks, utilizing both casts of characters fully.

As an author of 31 books, I always enjoy movies that feature writers and publishers. I love seeing how other authors go through their process and what inspires them.

Dance number! Ha ha The movie is clean and appropriate for family viewing.

I was hoping the dialogue and scenario would be more realistic, but it's not a terrible thing to say this movie is too happy and perfect.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: The dialogue is very cheesy.

There are some cringe-worthy acting moments. Most of the characters are just too smiley all the time.

The humor is just silly, nothing laugh-out-loud funny.

There's not very much romantic chemistry among any of the couples.

The adults act a lot like giggly teens. Example dialogue: "You KISSED?" - woman 1 "And it was a good one!" - woman 2 It felt very old-fashioned. This movie would have been a big hit in the 1950s.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: A gay couple hugs and almost kisses Other couples kiss No profanity Jealousy is portrayed Friendly competitive games and behavior Nothing dangerous

THEMES: Family Traditions Friendship Romance Memories Community Retirement Rivalry First love Second chances Reunion

Not really bad, but we've seen it done better

[VetteRanger · 4/10 · 18 January 2023]

We started this movie for the idea of a Christmas in July, which was evidently filmed last year to go with the Christmas in July deal Hallmark has done the last couple of years (at least).

We have a young women frustrated by the continual rejection of books (or book ideas) she floats to her boss. Okay, I could get interested in her finding one that works, and her boss tells her the pitches need a 'personal approach'.

So there's two things that could have made this movie a go for me.

The problem is nothing else did. The boss was just flat, with no personality and no upside, and for us, that pretty much applied to everyone in the film, and the otherwise tired romance cliches. We've seen all of them done with more inspired acting and better crafted stories. We gave up a half hour in.

camp cringe

[ablondmoment · 1/10 · 2 July 2023]

This sounded so cute. But it was 30 plus year olds acting like they are in junior high. There is no Chemistry between anyone of the couples. No connection at all that would make you think they were ever a couple. Peyton and her ex have 0 Chemistry between them.

As soon as they get to the camp they are running around acting like they are in junior high instead of adults.

This could have been a great setting for a cute movie.

The idea of a cute camp like this was fun sounding this movie makes this so cringy I wasted my time watching this.

This one dident even have a cute dog to save the day.

One of the Best in Awhile

[castlegirl09 · 9/10 · 17 July 2022]

Listen, I know Hallmark movies (especially Christmas movies) are utterly predictable... BUT...

There is no big city business boyfriend nor uptight exec trying to buy the camp, Peyton's job doesn't leave her too stressed to enjoy the week, and the side characters actually have decent storylines. As an added bonus, the younger actors in the flashbacks do a great job at mirroring their older counterparts.

Hallmark movies are typically my background noise while I clean and I hardly ever sit down to rewatch ones I've seen before, but this is one that has made the rewatch list.

Loved it!

[pgibbons-83953 · 10/10 · 17 July 2022]

Tori Anderson and Corbin Bleu are always such joyful, warm actors and this movie was no different. This was a really fun, cheery, heartfelt, and authentically "Christmas in July" movie. I would love to see Corbin and Tori in a lot more Hallmark movies!

10 Stars!

Fun movie

[suzanne-iovaldi · 9/10 · 17 July 2022]

I actually wasn't that interested in this one from the previews, but wound up watching it since i liked the cast and was really surprised. The acting came together well, the storyline was not a cheesy as I thought, and I genuinely laughed throughout. It was fun while not coming across as too much.

I welcome LGBTQ+ themes

[bneale-79809 · 8/10 · 23 July 2022]

I enjoyed this movie more as it went on. I was delighted with the relationship between Beckett and Chris. Glad to see Hallmark being more inclusive. I hope that transfers over to IMDB reviewers, too.