Occasionally a Hallmark movie hits all the right notes, and Christmas Comes Twice does just that. It may not be the best of the class of 2020, but some combination of its time travel premise, Tamera Mowry-Housley and Michael Xavier’s chemistry, and Sheryl Lee Ralph’s radiance makes it thoroughly enjoyable. Mowry-Housley plays Cheryl Jenkins, an astronomer who finds her research career sidelined after taking a post with the Federal Science Association in Washington, D.C. She laments missed opportunities and wonders why she’s stuck approving grants instead of applying for them. Her return home brings further disappointment as she’s surrounded by memories of a happier past. Little sister Trish (Zarrin Darnell-Martin) adds to her malaise with news that she’s opening a bistro, something the risk-averse scientist does not approve of. As Cheryl unwinds at the winter carnival, she takes a spin on a carousel that upends the rest of her holiday.
The first clue that something is off is when she encounters Terrence (Brendon Zub), her high school crush and the newly elected mayor, except he insists he’s running for city council and then wonders if Cheryl’s still on for dinner. Cheryl knows that their first and only date ended in disaster – five years ago. Her eyes wide with disbelief, she looks around and sees visions of the past. Using all her scientific know-how, she concludes that the most improbable situation is also the most likely and that she’s been transported back in time. It’s a revelation that both frightens and excites her. Cheryl resolves to make some positive changes, starting with that disastrous date, and hopes to steer her sister into a more stable and practical career, like insurance. Higher on that to-do list is spending time with her beloved mentor, Miss Nelson (Ralph), but her main priority is to avoid a job offer from her current boss, Dr. Phillips (Ben Wilkinson). Cheryl hopes that by preventing their fateful meeting, she can redirect her career and stay true to her interests.
Helping her navigate this alternate reality is childhood rival George Campbell (Xavier), now a science teacher at their junior high school. He gingerly goes along with Cheryl’s time-bending claim and seems bemused by her presence more than anything. They find themselves spending a lot of time together when she decides to lend a hand with science club, and suddenly, they are no longer trying to best each other; rather they want to get the best out of each other. It’s lovely to see, and Mowry-Housley and Xavier are a cool, easy fit for their characters. George’s calm demeanor complements Cheryl’s excitability, whether it be it for science or for second chances. I’m a sucker for these slow-burn friendships that mature into something more, and the two look utterly at ease with one another.
I’m not as convinced of Mowry-Housley as an astronomer. I do think Xavier would make a great science teacher though, and I only wish someone as generous and patient as Ralph had taught me physics. What I also like is the movie’s hopeful tone. The story doesn’t unfold as you might expect, but it sticks to a message about appreciating the people and opportunities you have. Even when things don’t go Cheryl’s way, she learns to find the silver linings, and disappointment, however slight, makes this story all the better.
**Spoilers at end of post
Released: 2020
Dir: Michael Scott
Writer: Gregg Rossen, Brian Sawyer
Cast: Tamera Mowry-Housley, Michael Xavier, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Zarrin Darnell-Martin, Brendon Zub, Ben Wilkinson, Lanie McAuley, P. Lynn Johnson, Bobby Stewart, Deborah Finkel
Time: 84 min
Lang: English
Country: United States
Network: Hallmark Channel
Reviewed: 2021
** SPOILERS **
Spoilers: Cheryl realizes that the more she pushes Trish into doing something she doesn’t love, the more Trish pulls away. She eventually gives her sister the encouragement she needs to pursue a career as a chef. As for her own job, Cheryl can’t avoid the meeting with Dr. Phillips. She is about to reject his offer when he makes one last plea, explaining that her love for science is exactly why she is needed in such an important post. He knows that she will consider grant applications on scientific merits unlike other candidates who might be influenced by money or lobbyists. Realizing that she can still make meaningful contributions, she agrees to accept. She and George return to the carnival and spot the carousel. It starts to spin out of control when she gets on, transporting her back to the present. Cheryl eventually finds George, who has been waiting for her to catch up to her own time. He returns the scarf she dropped at the carousel and tells her that he heard her say, “I love you,” before she disappeared five years ago.
Fits of Fury 