My Christmas Guide (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

Well acted, education & heartwarming movie

[chshopping · 7/10 · 3 November 2023]

Ben Mehl as Trevor plays a visually impaired father to Ava Weiss (Annie). They are wonderful together and very believable as father and daughter.

Ava is quite charming in her role and the father daughter bond feels real.

Since Ben Mehl is visually impaired in real life, he's obviously acquainted with many, if not all, of the issues brought up in the movie. The sincerity of the characters helped me really identify with the topic of dealing with a perceived limitation and how people can react negatively or positively.

I wanted to watch a movie with a dog (Max). I soon became so engaged in the movie that really didn't think about Max's part being somewhat on the dow low. He is adorable and seemed well suited to the movie. For this review I did try to find out about Max but couldn't find anything. I was curious if he's really a guide dog.

Amber Marshall (Peyton - guide dog trainer and love interest) is an animal lover in real life and it shows on screen.

Definitely a great family movie that would also be good backdrop for having healthy discussions about issues covered by movie. Especially bullying at school.

Interesting

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 4 November 2023]

The premise of a romance between a guide dog trainer and the client hasn't been overused yet. There was one not too long ago but it focused more on the dog while this movie is focused on the trainer and client. Trevor is resistant at first, but Peyton spends a lot of time with him and he comes around. And not just to the dog. I was surprised at how much personal time the trainer put in. The viewer learns along with Trevor about this process.

Amber Marshall is appealing as Peyton. Ben Mehl is crabby and put offish at least at first. They have decent chemistry together but quiet instead of sizzling.

Christmas movies always seem to benefit from a cute kid, and Trevor's daughter fills the bill. As is often the case, Ava Weiss as Annie has great chemistry with Marshall.

Romantic and from the heart

[MickyG333 · 8/10 · 25 November 2023]

8.2 stars.

Few movies elicit so such varied emotions as 'My Christmas Guide'. This is a story about a guide dog trainer named Peyton who falls for a visually impaired university professor named Trevor. She notices that he is having some minor struggles getting around and thinks that he needs a guide dog, but he is reluctant to acquire one. Eventually he agrees to give it a try with a little prodding from his pre-teen daughter Annie.

Peyton is a very kind and somewhat lonely woman, lonely because her current boyfriend is an inconsiderate buffoon. As she is helping Trevor learn how to manage the dog, he cannot ignore the fact that she is a very special kind of woman, both genuine and compassionate. Eventually Trevor and Peyton fall in love, but not without their share of struggles.

The journey to love in this film is a most precious emotional voyage, where we witness father and daughter learning to navigate tumultuous waters full of bullies and naysayers. It's an uphill battle for both, but luckily, they have Peyton and a wonderful guide dog to hold their hands through the struggles. What a beautiful story with a good balance of heart and romance.

Okay Film with a Cute Premise

[sdowen-59793 · 6/10 · 20 November 2023]

I don't normally watch Hallmark films. I am a fan of Heartland and I wanted to watch Amber Marshall's performance.

It's an okay film. It's not going to win any Emmys. Nothing Hallmark mass-produced will win. The love story isn't entirely believable. The two leads don't have enough chemistry.

Amber Marshall's character isn't too much different from Any Fleming. She goes from horse whisper to dog whisper in this film.

The character of Chad is one-dimensional and poorly written. You can't believe Amber Marshall's character would ever date him.

This is a film people for Heartland fans to enjoy. It's a Hallmark film with a mass produced script punched out during a two week shooting timeframe. You have to tether your expectations.

It's a B+ effort for a Hallmark factory film.

nicely done all around

[montgomerysue · 9/10 · 3 November 2023]

Last year, director Max McGuire and writer Keith Hemstreet teamed up for the excellent movie "Noel Next Door". This year, they work their magic again with this film, another story featuring a man (Trevor) in crisis, who is assisted by a sympathetic woman (Peyton), an unusual plot theme for a Hallmark Christmas story that was also the main theme of "Noel Next Door". I don't know if the guide dog training aspects here are accurate, but they sure are interesting. But, more importantly, the movie also delves into the emotional aspects that a person suffers after a life altering physical change. The writing is smart and realistic, delivered by two performers who are very engaging. Ben Mehl and Amber Marshall are quite wonderful, playing their roles with intelligence and sincerity. And young Ava Weiss is very good as Trevor's daughter, who refuses to let her father's crisis bring him down. McGuire's direction is top notch and the music by Russ Howard III and Erik Schroder is notably different, but quite good, from the usual Hallmark scores.

Whether it's Christmas or not, this story stands on its own as an interesting and enjoyable study of human interactions and emotions, played with natural charm by a really good cast and written and directed with warmth and skill. Well done all.

Enjoyable. Realistic and a bit Educational

[cincy-47983 · 9/10 · 4 November 2023]

From the start to end this was an enjoyable film which was well produced, great acting and good story. Scenery, in St. Johns Newfoundland is also a nice addition.

Yes there are some typical Hallmark components in the movie as the folks at Hallmark just can't help themselves but it is well worth watching. I can only assume that what we saw regarding the guide dogs and how they are trained is realistic as, to me, it was educational. The lead actor and actress were both great, especially given that the lead actor is legally blind for real. The lead actress is charming and added a lot to the show. Nicely done.

Amber rocks!

[suzannehurleysue · 10/10 · 3 November 2023]

It was so fantastic seeing Amber in a Hallmark movie. I am a huge fan of hers and Heartland is my favorite show ever. She is so real, so kind, and just lovely, and did a terrific job in this movie. What a great role for Amber who is a huge animal lover. I also loved seeing Ben and Ava who also did a terrific job. Great movie highlighting Max and the major role he plays in helping people to navigate the many obstacles in their lives. I liked that you also highlighted abuse that people often face with seeing impairments. So sad but it was handled well. I'd love to see Amber in more Hallmark movies. She's a joy to watch.

Romance..

[mkosti-12938 · 10/10 · 5 November 2023]

This year Hallmark introduced a bunch of new movies and characters, but I had trouble connecting. I am missing Danica McKellar, Candece Cameron, and others and for the most part I am missing true romance. "My Christmas Guide" opening was just normal, nothing special or different than any other Hallmark movie. Dialogues quickly become more catching, acting more real... it was magic, I was in!!! Yes, it is one line story, nothing exaggerated, all given in the right amount: acting, dialogues, places, scenes still a masterpiece (for this year at least..). Beautiful movie, (got a couple of tears at the end...)

Loved the VIP portrayal

[fabiorezzonico · 1/10 · 26 November 2023]

As a blind dog owner I loved how this movie well represented the daily life, doubts and struggles that we visually impaired persons (VIPs) go through in our journey. No superpowers, but just normal people trying to live a normal life. Personally, the option to go for a guide dog was a no-brainer. I'm with my guide dog since four months now and he improved my life so much compared to the white cane. As correctly stated in the movie, the white cane is an obstacle detector, the guide dog is an obstacle avoider. Not to mention the fact that you can move around with a pack of love and fluffiness that will strongly increase your popularity!

Wonderful movie!

[hallmarkmov · 10/10 · 5 November 2023]

Similar to guiding Emily, this movie was much better than I thought, and it had a purposeful use of Christmas! I've watched it twice and it really made me think of the assumptions we make and how rather than changing the problem (like horrible every changing lazy construction) institutions will easy blame the employees instead and get them to go on unpaid leave to make the problem go away! It was so horrible how the main character was treated and yet so realistic. The actress was wonderful! Hope to see her in more hallmark movies. Very cute dogs, and the daughter is a bigger person than I am to help her bully. The jerk boyfriend wasn't really needed especially since they dated less than a year instead of a long term relationship. Very heartfelt movie that's a great addition to the Christmas line up!

Better than average Hallmark Christmas Movie

[victek-16141 · 9/10 · 7 November 2023]

This movie deviates somewhat from the usual Hallmark formula, and portrays the relationship between a sight impaired professor and his guide dog trainer realistically. Ben Mehl actually is sight impaired, and so his acting is natural and credible. Amber Marshall is excellent in the supporting role of guide dog trainer and love interest, and Ava Weiss is very likable as the professor's daughter. The process of them getting together and ultimately becoming a family never feels forced. On the other hand, the "Mr wrong" boyfriend is just a snake and doesn't provide any reason for the female lead to care about him. Also, the portrayal of bullying in school, and access for people with disabilities is just wrong. Blatant bullying is not tolerated, and the ADA guarantees safe access. The administrator would not have tried to force the professor to leave his position because of construction around the school. I guess the writers couldn't figure out a better way to provide some additional dramatic tension? Fortunately, the relationship between the primary characters carries the movie to a heart-warming conclusion.

Heartwarming and Dog Lover's Delight

[videonutz · 9/10 · 8 November 2023]

This Movie is Definitely a Dog Lovers Delight, and Probably a. Candidate for the Most Sentimental and Heartwarming Film of the Year.

Dog Lovers will Truly Enjoy watching the Canine Star of the Film, as they observe the Amazing and Extensive Training that is Required of a True Service Dog.

Heartland Fans will also Definitely Enjoy the Acting Capabilities of One of Hallmark's Finest Female Stars, as Amber Marshal Demonstrates an Immense Talent in her very First, but certainty not Last, opportunity as a Lead Actress in a Hallmark Film.

Finally, Everyone will Enjoy this Heartwarming and Sentimental Story of a Sight Impaired Individual, who is Blessed with a Remarkable Service Dog, and its Caring and Compassionate Trainer.

This Film is Guaranteed to Touch Your Heart, Bring a Tear to Your Eye, and Smile to Your Face, as You Enjoy nearly Two Hours of Beautiful and Touching Entertainment.

Great story and acting

[margaretyong-94541 · 9/10 · 7 November 2023]

Lovely story, very touching and the acting was great by all 3 actors - amber, Ben and girl who plays the daughter.

Story is realistic too sbout the blind and the issues faced and the need for guide dogs Amber js great actor even at a young age in her role as Elizabeth who got kidnapped and love her in Heartlanf and nice to see her in a movie instead of Heartland where she is also great with animals

Thoroughly enjoyed the movie and na watched it twice.

Ben was a great actor too, hardly saw his other movies One of the few hallmark movies worth watching As some of the others are so painful to watch in 2023.

It's Amy from Heartland!

[Racingphan2 · 8/10 · 7 November 2023]

It's about time that Amber Marshall and Hallmark hooked up for a Christmas movie! And of course, she plays an animal trainer! This time instead of training horses, she is training guide dogs for the blind.

And apparently the male lead playing a professor who has recently lost his sight, is not actually blind, but does suffer from low vision.

I also love that the dog is named Max, a nod to the scrappy dog in the Grinch!

Other than that, this movie is remarkably similar to one that was on Hallmark about a month ago. Luckily, this movie stands out thanks to Amber Marshall.

BTW, the new season of Heartland is streaming on a different network.

Excellent

[theoctobercountry · 9/10 · 7 January 2024]

I haven't been too impressed with the Hallmark holiday slate this season; not too many of the films really "grabbed" me. While some were pleasing time-passers, there weren't many that I'd be willing to watch again. However, for this film---yep, I'm impressed. I'm going to rate this as one of the five best Hallmark Christmas films for the 2023 season. Good plot, excellent casting, with a really appealing lead in Ben Mehl, who I hadn't seen before. I hope Hallmark uses him again. And another plus---authentic winter location shooting: none of that sad-fake-snow-shot-in-the-middle-of-summer this time around. Recommended.