A kindhearted Christmas Review: Though formulaic, the feel-good drama is heartwarming and brings a smile to your face

2.5/5

Story: As the holiday season approaches, Jaime anonymously helps the less fortunate and showers them with gifts. When people in the town wonder who this Secret Santa is, Scott Morris, an anchor of a local channel arrives in town to solve the mystery himself

Review: Who doesn't love a film on Secret Santa? And A Kindhearted Christmas, helmed by Alysse Leite, has Jamie (Jennie Garth) as the Secret Santa of the small town, Cooperville in New York. Jaimie runs a successful sightseeing company in the town. As the holidays approach, she is trying to put on a brave front, and trying to celebrate Christmas with the same enthusiasm and zeal as her late husband Matt did. And giving her apt company is her niece, who is more of her younger sister.

Jamie is a fan of the show Wake Up Upstate and has a crush on the show's handsome TV anchor Scott Morris (Cameron Mathison). On one of the episodes, Jamie learns that a neighbouring high school fundraiser has been chosen to play at the White House in Washington DC but wouldn;t be able to go there due to shortage of funds and that they are planning to hold a curtain raiser. Jamie makes an enormous anonymous donation covering all the expenses of the trip, something which her husband sweared- Christmas is all about providing joy to others. The donation piques the curiosity of Scott and he soon arrives in Cooperville to find out about the identity of the Secret Santa.

And obviously, he bumps into Jaime and there are a few awkward moments in the beginning, which soon blossoms into a romance. The plot of being an anonymous Santa though formulaic is interesting and the chemistry between Jamie and Scott are adorable too. The duo almost fall in love at first sight, ther romance takes time to brew and it manages to grab eyeballs. Mathison is completely at ease in his character and is charming. Jennie, too, is interesting to watch. The only place where Mathison's character seemed a tad out of place is when the conflict arises between the lead characters and he leaves away in a huff. The supporting characters are also adorable to watch.

Once again, just like many other holiday movies, A Kindhearted Christmas is also formulaic, but what works for the film is the endearing performances of the star cast. The plot plays up the art of giving and finding joy in the happiness of others. After all, the true joy is helping the less fortunate and bringing a smile on other's faces. A kindhearted Christmas does have its flaws, but the film nevertheless makes for a touching holiday story that makes you swell with festive cheer.

Verdict: A heartwarming film apt for the holiday season