User reviews

I really enjoyed this Christmas movie. It is, what I call, a classic Hallmark Christmas movie: a warm and engaging romance with a good script; quality acting and performances; and plenty of Christmas spirit and festive cheer. Hands down, one of my favorites thus far this season (though we are only two weeks in). The storyline revolves around Liz (played by Katee Sackhoff). After receiving news that her father, Dennis (played by Terry O'Quinn), injured himself saving a child from a falling Christmas tree, Liz and her daughter Hannah (played by Emma Oliver) head home to Portside for Christmas after many years away. On their arrival at the docks, they are greeted by Liz's old friend Luke (played by Patrick Sabongui), who points out that their family sailboat has not been sold after all. As they clean and decorate the sailboat for Portside's upcoming Christmas Boat Parade, the two pick up where they left off. And so our story (and romance) begins. The story touches on the issue of dealing with loss and grief during the holidays (via the character Dennis, the father), and how dealing with such loss can impact others (how Dennis's grief has impacted Liz, especially during Christmas). The plot, of course, was predictable. That said, the script was well-written. In particular, the dialogue between Liz and her daughter, Liz and her father, and Liz and Luke pulled me in; it engaged me. There were several touching scenes. For example, I shed a few tears during the heart-to-heart between Liz and her father towards the end of the movie. Overall, the writer did a good job in many scenes capturing something that felt authentic, moments that pulled you in as a viewer. This was all made possible, of course, by some quality acting. Fans of sci-fi will be happy (or surprised) to see Sackhoff in this one. She did not disappoint. She had a very convincing performance. In addition to her scenes with her father, she had some great mother-daughter dynamics going on with Oliver. The chemistry between her and Sabongui was excellent, with a very romantic dance scene towards the end, to boot. The supporting cast too had a superb performance. Oliver's performance was adorable. O'Quinn too had some lovely scenes with both Sackoff and Oliver. Finally, there was plenty of Christmas cheer in this one. The scenery and sets in Portside were very festive, along with some beautiful scenery of the harbor. The Christmas Boat Parade at the end was also a nice touch, a very good ending, I felt. All in all, it is an entertaining Christmas movie, providing some holiday warmth, Christmas spirit, and festive cheer this 2021 Christmas season. Fans of Hallmark will no doubt enjoy.

I Thought it to be a very entertaining movie and really enjoyed seeing Katee Sackhoff from the LONGMIRE series again, Yes I will recommend it. James Welch Henderson, Arkansas 11/10/2021.

Expectations were mixed prior to watching 'Christmas Sail'. Have liked the cast in other things, am a huge fan of Terry O'Quinn's acting on 'Lost' (a brilliant show at its best) so the casting was not a problem. Liked the different sounding concept. The mixed to negative critical reception did turn me off a little though, though all films and television are always watched with an open mind by me, with the criticisms being very strong, and the scenario didn't sound anything special.

Watching 'Christmas Sail', my thoughts on it were mostly positive while also having some quite big reservations. Not a great film, but above average and much better than what has been said in my view. Comparing it with the previous 2021 Hallmark Christmas films, it is not as good as 'Christmas in My Heart' for example (that and 'Christmas Promise' also had grief and loss as themes and handled them better and more consistently) but it is a lot better than 'Boyfriends of Christmas Past' and 'Coyote Creek Christmas'.

'Christmas Sail' does a lot right. The best thing about it is the acting. Katee Sackoff was charming and heartfelt in her role though will agree that she overdoes the smile. Patrick Sabongui is a likeable presence too. It is a case though of the supporting cast being even better, Emma Oliver is absolutely adorable and never too cutesy, while also adding a good deal of mature depth, her chemistry with Sackoff is charming and much more convincing than the central romance. The best performance comes from heart wrenching O'Quinn, especially in the beautifully written and acted heart to heart.

Furthermore, there are some effective scenes. There is the aforementioned heart to heart towards the end, which was raw and very honest. The other standout was the ending, which did make me cry. Did have problems with quite a lot of the endings in this year's Christmas offerings but this was one of the few where not only was it not a problem but it was one of the best things. The film looks lovely and the boat setting is believable. The script when the film gets going is well meaning and thoughtful and the story handles the grief and loss themes and the aftermath movingly on the whole.

It is a film that takes a little too much time to get going and is very slight to begin with. There could have been a lot more chemistry in the central romance, it does engage when there is finally some development but it is far too subdued and very awkward to begin with (that first dance scene agreed was yuck worthy). It is also underdeveloped, with the family relationships being a lot more convincing.

Some of the dialogue, particularly early on, is very cornball and stilted and while Sabongui does well in his role the role felt underwritten.

Overall, above average though didn't blow me away. Starts off pretty questionably but gets a lot better. 6/10.

Cute movie but I've seen better from Hallmark clearly the other boats in the parade were prettier and the movie had wrong lead actors. I agree Hallmark has lost it's Christmas stuff.

Christmas On The Lake (2021) -

I really liked the leading man Luke, played by Patrick Sabongui. I felt he was a nice character that I wanted to succeed in love, which made this film easy to watch.

But Terry O'Quinn was outstanding in his role of the disillusioned widower, Dennis. I liked how he slowly melted and came around because of his interactions with his Granddaughter and I liked his vulnerability, because I could really feel his sadness. The whole thing actually got me quite emotional if I'm honest and mostly thanks to Terry.

I really bought the relationship between the two leads and I wanted them to get together.

And I was glad that they didn't make up some crap argument for them to fall out over and just played it simple, with practicalities getting in the way of things instead of some ridiculous misunderstanding or overheard comment.

It had lots of seasonal fun and a different take on the usual themes, with a pleasant romance and heart that has sometimes been missing.

6/10.

What's up with Hallmark Christmas movies this year? Just nothing really worth watching. This one was especially bad. Katee Sackhoff was totally miscast. Her toothy grin throughout the movie was annoying. She might be good in many roles - but this one ... no thanks. Terry O'Quinn does a decent job as the "dad."

Just VERY underwhelmed by this year's offerings so far. They aren't quite at the low-level of Lifetime/UpTV movies yet -- but we are quickly approaching that level. I've been spending most of the time enjoying the good movies of years past...probably won't rewatch mist of this years' movies. Just BLAH. Get with the picture Hallmark ... quantity doesn't make up for quality.

This felt like a Christmas movie not just a Hallmark Christmas movie. Real good. Terry O'Quinn unreal as usual. Feel good movie. Make sure to catch this one in 2021 holiday season. 8/10 from me. Loved the atmosphere too!

The other reviewer was right. No chemistry. Lots of actress laughing awkwardly until the viewer starts feeling uncomfortable with her. The rest of the cast was fine. The story had potential but the scenes were slightly tired and too quiet and there should have been more active scenes about her mother and their life in the city. The script needed dynamic and some honest drama, and perhaps a better lead. The best scenes were O'Quinn's, especially when he talked to her about selling the boat. He did such a good job and she was grinning, wincing and sniffing her way through the most emotional scene in the movie. I don't know if it was bad directing, bad casting, or a weak actress who couldn't find the heart of her character. Better scenes between the two male leads.

I was 20 minutes into this movie when it occurred to me that the probable love interest had not put forth an appearance yet. Um. Could it possibly be the dumpy ethnic guy?! I continued to watch in mild disbelief when that remote possibility proved to be the case. And I loved it!

Katee Sackhoff receives word that her estranged and closed off father has hurt his arm saving a little kid from a killer Christmas Tree. She decides to spend Christmas helping him out with perhaps a dim hope that she can repair her relationship with her adorable little daughter's grandfather in the "house where Christmas goes to die." I liked all of the actors in this. Katee won me over with her gummy smile and actually even became more and more appealing as the movie progressed. Terry Quinn was great of course. He was affecting in conveying his grief over his wife's death which happened at Christmas time (of course), his scroogey behavior, and his touching opening up with his daughter by way of his delightful granddaughter. The young actress, Emma Oliver, was so natural in her portrayal. What a talent! And so pretty.

They compete in the parade of Christmas decorated boats in order to win the $25,000 prize needed to save financially challenged grandpa 's home ("My wife took care of all of that" but apparently he managed to pay the electricity bill?) But what ever. Also "whatever" to how a 25,000 prize is more that a drop in the bucket to a house that is worth more than a half million dollars.

Katie and her childhood friend who went from dumpy to cuddly, in my mind, as the movie progressed, confess their love which commenced for both of them in high school to each others mutual shock. It was very romantic in my opinion. She says she has to go home to her regular life and he has to stay with his mother. Both reasons are totally bogus, by the way. But they don't get all tragic about it, which is refreshing.

The boat parade occurs and the special surprise piece de resistance for our boat wows everyone, including me-I teared up. They win. Happy ending. I would have liked more closure to the romance with the steps forward mapped out for the lovable couple, but hope is strong. All in all, this was well worth watching, I liked it, and it was well done.

I have to disagree with the low star ratings from other reviews.... I found the story a delightful change from the "traditional" winter wonderland holiday romance movies. Thank you Hallmark for going a different direction with this movie! I did not find that there were any real issues with the lead, it is more a case of you either like Katee or you don't...so thinking the lower reviews simply don't care for the lead. I like to think I am a bit more open minded and can actually rate a movie on the entire film and cast and not on one actor! I am neither a fan or not of Katee but I enjoyed her in this movie. There should be nervous laughter, the two characters that are rekindling their childhood romance are nervous and unsure, it should be expected, it certainly would be in real life... Was the result expected, of course... it's a Hallmark and that is the way we want our Hallmark movies to end. But, the unexpected part, and you all know who watched this know what I am talking about, well that did make me cry and it was beautiful.... so after the horrible year the world has been through in 2020 and now 2021 it is an absolutely joy to be seeing a NEW Hallmark Christmas movie and I for one found it a delight!

There is absolutely nothing that stands out to draw me in for this movie. It's another win-a-contest-to-save-the-family-home movie. There is a sentimental moment near the end, but there is an awful lot of boring to sit through to get there. Bad story with no highs or lows and plenty of the same old stuff all the other movies have. Totally predictable outcomes. Acting is fair to poor. Dialogue is fair to poor. The only mildly redeeming thing is Hannah, the kid, and she doesn't add nearly enough.

As to chemistry between Katee Sackhoff and Patrick Sabongui, check out the kiss while dancing at the ball. That is the saddest excuse for a romantic kiss I've ever scene in one of these movies (and I've seen and reviewed literally hundreds). I had to watch it again to make sure it wasn't supposed to be one of those kisses between characters who realize they shouldn't be together.

Sackhoff's patented smile shows up way too much and looks way too insincere. I question casting her in this no matter how much I liked Starbuck way back when.

This movie has one slightly unusual feature and that's the sailboat aspect, but Lifetime and UpTV both had movies with similar settings.

I really don't like reviews that say "worst movie ever" and I'm sure that I've seen a few, but this was painful.

I thought this was one of the better Countdown to Christmas movies in recent years. The acting all around is good, including the scene-stealing kid. The plot was okay (not sure they really needed the sailing prize aspect of it; in fact story would have been better without it). One of these days Hallmark will let its characters do a full kiss instead of one of those where they plaster their lips together and try not to move. But an entertaining watch with a real emotional scene at the end. Well worth the effort.

Emma Oliver and Terry O'Quinn. They are the pillars of this real nice film about lost, old love story becoming a new one, a boat and Christmas. And, sure, a contest.

Not remarkable but charming crafted, explaining the loneliness after deuil period, the motherhood in energetic style, the friendship and the kicks to risk for help the loved one.

So, a sort of different Hallmark. And the same destination with few ways little different.

The good point - gentle, maybe superficial but not in bad sense, of delicate realities from every day, from many lives. And this recipes , sensitive, touching, with few drops of wisdom just works. This is the virtue of this clever portrait of a grandfather and his grandaughter colaboration.

Very dull and predictable movie Same old story of saving a family and holidays boat parade thrown in!

Not impressed hallmark this year! What's going this year!!

I'm guessing you were trying to change your tough image from "Battlestar Galactica," but you sure picked the wrong project. You were probably inspired by your co-star Tricia Helfer's two Christmas movies but hers were oh so much better. This one has a very weak story, terribly predictable, cornball dialog and very little chemistry between the two love interests. Especially uncomfortable scenes come toward the end when Katee laughs hysterically for no reason. Is she thinking about how silly the movie is? And OMG, the kid's dialog! Makes you want to send her away to boarding school. The only bright spot is Terry O'Quinn, who always does a great job with his roles.

Don't believe the negative reviews! This was a lovely movie by Hallmark! A struggling father, mature daughter. The dynamics were actually relatable and of adult matter. Still, kept on the lighter side as to be an enjoyable Hallmark movie! Cute kid; acting not overly done! The two leads were fantastic together! Will be watching this again!

The movie is really not about Christmas. The plot is cliche', the story artificial, with no soul and little chemistry between the characters. Emma Glover, the little girl, is by far the best actor and the only endearing one. Wish it showed more of the surrounding nature, seemingly beautiful, rather than so many aerial views of the boats. At least, one would have enjoyed the cinematography and forget how boring the action was.

I laugh when people write that as a Hallmark movie this was predictable like all other Hallmark movie. Well, duh. There's a formula they follow and they don't stray too far from that ever. So can the "predictable" argument...that's a stupid argument. This all being said, what makes this stand out are the performances. Terry O'Quinn to begin with was fantastic and Katee Sackoff did well as her character settled in. And if anyone says they saw the ending coming they are lying. It's the first time I have been surprised by. Hallmark movie in awhile.

Katee Sackoff is great in Longmire, but Badly miscast here. Her incessant laughing and smiling as they demand all actresses do is very irritating!! . She looks Absurd laughing and non stop toothy grins. Oh my. She is a serious actress and is horribly miscast as the non stop giggly bimbo here. Wow. Bad and over acting abounds in this movie. I like Terry O'Quinn but that's it. They made Sackoff the executive producer. That's funny. It's a fake title they give to all stars as a way to give them a second salary. She does no producer work. I simply could not stand her fake smiling and laughing. Torture!!

Mediocre leads. Same old scripts. Yawn. My review is too short. OK. Hallmark's transitioned to cranking out a movie every two weeks, usually catering to the Politically Korrect crowd and abandoning the more wholesome family oriented films that we always looked forward to. Of course, they're making millions. Hooray. The older movies are great. One out of five of the new ones are worth watching. Even my wife has occasionally said "turn it off, this is horrible". I guess the word I've been seeking is shallow. Hallmark has become shallow.

Is this long enough? Bet they won't publish it.

7.6 stars.

I'm gonna say it, nothing beats Sackhoff from Battlestar Galactica. She will forever be emblazoned in my mind, placed in the top echelons of leading ladies. That being said, this movie is only a bit above average.

The script was fantastic, one of the better ones of any Hallmark I've seen. Very clever puns and dialogue, not to mention the subtle humor. This movie's finest points are in the nuances between the cast, the intelligent repartee, the body language, the depth of character shown in almost the whole ensemble, spare one or two who aren't fully developed. The little girl is tremendous, they must have done a lot of work honing her skills. Terry O'Quinn has been one of the most talented yet fringe actors of my generation, a dark horse of sorts.

The negatives are a lack of pacing, and absence of satisfying romance. I feel the direction was off at times, and it stole some of the potential thunder. It is intermittently slow and aimless, if only they spent a bit more time in the editing room...

There is some semblance of a romance, but it's not the main emphasis, which is family, community, and teamwork. Again, I go back to the depth of characters, the personalities are what carry this story.

Of course they saved the best for last. The boat lighting contest was a nice touch. Quite an amazing ending to a decent film.

The over the top dramatic musical score was quite simply, irritating. As was the constant heavy discussion between daughter Liz Darling (Katee Sackhoff), and father Dennis (Terry O'Quinn) who have some emotional issues to overcome since their respective mom/wife passed away.

Ahhh, but when Lara returns home with her own daughter Hannah (Emma Oliver) to take care of their recently acclaimed hero father/grandfather they find quite a bit has changed in the past four (4) years since their absence from their old hometown.

Lara reconnects with her old boyfriend Luke Fletcher (Patrick Sabongui) and they once again become a team to win a local boat parade contest in an effort to save Lara's family home from a bank foreclosure.

I found the film too heavily laden with too much bad news and bad karma before the skies open up and a winter wonderland saves their day. I give this TV Christmas themed film a pass and a 5 out of 10 IMDb rating. Not a fail, but not a WOW moment for me either.