8 stars. Really good. Would recommend.
Hallmark bet big on Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, and it paid off.
There’s something about being a diehard sports fan that doesn’t always make sense to outsiders. Why do we care so much about that team? In the same way that those who adore Hallmark Christmas movies expect eye-rolls when they talk about their favorite cheesy holiday movies. Why do you care so much about the movies?
In this story, those worlds intersect in a way that no previous Hallmark movie has dared. Obviously the largest budgeted movie of the year, we get an inside look at the Chiefs non-sports staff and a few players, filmed on location in Kansas City. (No, not Canada for once.)
Derrick (Tyler Hynes) works for the Chiefs and he’s new to town and surprisingly not engaged with the community despite the title of Director of Fan Engagement. Poor hiring choice? Hunter King plays Alana Higman, whose family (or her alone) is a contender for Fan of the Year.
You see, the Higman family has this magical vintage Chiefs hat that if worn on the right day, by the right people, is a boost to their favorite team. Some may call this superstition–Derrick–but not in front of the Higman clan! They definitely don’t appreciate the side-eye.
Derrick and Alana get to know each other very quickly. In fact, their handhold, then first kiss has to be a Hallmark speed record. The majority of the movie takes place with them as a couple while we learn of the magic hat.
Hunter King was great in Santa Summit last year, and proves her value again in Touchdown. Is she the new Queen of Christmas?
The real MVP of this film is the ensemble cast: Ed Bagley, Jr., Megyn Price and Diedrich Bader, who aren’t just side-pieces to push the story along, but have depth to offer themselves. Bagley in particular is wonderful. The man is in his late 70s and has never been so likeable and relatable as a grandfather.
There are several times (I counted three) in this movie that I got a lump in my throat and a little water in my eyes. Sure, I’m a sucker for emotion on screen, but there are multiple heartfelt stories, memories and gestures that warrant a genuine response. Most of these moments come from Bagley, not our leads in love.
Spoiler notes
Gotta be a top contender for best movie of the year.
Kudos to Hallmark and the NFL for making this happen.
Donna Kelce and her one-liners were fun. Get me Travis and Taylor next time though.
We get it, KC BBQ is all that!
Dodge the loaf. Clever.
People don’t usually get loaded on eggnog in these movies, but I guess if you’re a Chiefs fan it’s familiar tailgate territory.
Stop singing in movies. This doesn’t happen in real life.
Sponsoring a gingerbread building contest in a BBQ joint is odd.
When Alana offers to let grandpa attend the fan event in her place I felt things.
It really felt like the Chiefs wanted to make this movie great and it showed.
When the hat is missing, there is a considerable amount of not looking happening.
Stadium chairs . . . you’ll know when you see it. Love it. Tears.
Santa (Abraham Benrubi, from ER) was creepy. And did some suspicious things. Did he steal the hat, only to give it back?!
Cast Kudos: Ed Bagley, Jr. by a 100 yard touchdown score.
Measuring Christmas magic: The hat was magic. Santa was real. Drinking nog on your lawn was nice, but the rest of the holiday cheer felt a little corporate. I’m surprised they didn’t visit the Hallmark HQ.
Alternative movie titles: Touchdown in KC; The Christmas Fan of the Year; Corporate Christmas and Sports, too; A Travis and Taylor Adjacent Christmas.