Happy Howlidays (2024)
Mr. Christmas winner gets… the dog movie.
2024 saw the launch of Hallmark’s on-air contest to find their next leading man and, well, a co-starring role in this was his prize. Ezra Moreland was crowned the first “Mr. Christmas” in 2024 and must have done something right, because he came back with a supporting role in a 2025 entry in the Countdown (has not aired yet at the time of writing).
Mia, former doctor turned Seattle tourism webpage editor is a hot mess express when a stray dog, Russell, shows up at her door. Her attempt to turn him over to Max’s rescue org fails, but wouldn’t you know it, she snags a guy and a new career path - veterinary science - in the process. There’s a dog love story to mirror that of the human protagonists, and dog puns abound in this movie in this “foes to friends to loves while saving something (in this case, the rescue org)” standard Hallmark fare.
Is it Christmassy? Not particularly.
Did they squander opportunities to turn this into a real ad for Seattle? At every opportunity. Like she works for the Seattle tourism board! Was filming in Vancouver just that much cheaper? I guess the bright spot is that because it was already set in the Pacific Northwest, they didn’t try to mask the locale with dump trucks full of fake snow.
Also - a Jonathan Bennett cameo! A highpoint for me.
Mia (Lowndes), a meticulous webpage editor for the Seattle Tourism Board, finds herself unexpectedly navigating the holidays alone. As the only one working, she's drawn into an unusual encounter when she encounters a stray dog. Unsure how to handle the situation, she crosses paths with Max, a dog shelter owner. Mia agrees to let Max's ailing dog find solace with her newfound companion, in exchange for Max showing her the hidden gems of Seattle. Through their journey together, they both step out of their comfort zones, discovering new perspectives and forming a meaningful connection. Starring Jessica Lowndes and Ezra Moreland, the winner of “Finding Mr. Christmas," now streaming on Hallmark+!
You’ll like this if…
You were really into the Finding Mr Christmas reality show, but as a Christmas movie this one fell kinda flat. Better luck next time.
(And I will totally be watching Season 2 in 2025!)
