Six stars: Solid. Could be better.
Spoilers ahead
When librarian Whitney, accidently slips into a date with an undercover FBI agent who is trying to stop a jewel heist, she learns that she has more to offer than just fire-safety tips to kids at book readings. This caper flick is entertaining, funny and offers some actual emotions amongst the twisty hijinks.
Rachel Skarsten plays our lead, coupled with Josh (Corey Sevier), playing the exact same tired character he always plays. Sorry, not a fan. Skarsten was the Nanny in The Royal Nanny (2022), which was a dreadful movie where she plays MI5 agent, who has to become a nanny. I guess law enforcement is her typecast? But she’s very likeable in this one and surprisingly grounded. I’ll continue to watch her movies.
I called the bad guy from the minute we saw him, then turned out to be wrong. So, I love that I was fooled. Nice work there.
Goofy notes section
They go to a Christmas store, which might as well be Hallmark’s Christmas set decoration department to meet Mrs. Claus who makes jewelry as her side hustle. She needs “a few hours” to make an intricate replica necklace complete with a tracking device. Christmas magic anyone?
Whitney quotes Die Hard, while crawling through air vents. Then declares it the best Christmas movie ever. A bit on the nose, but I’m here for it.
The game night scene with the parents brings some actual emotion thanks to slow motion looks at our leading man, even if it is Sevier. Museum flag poles are very strong to hold two full grown adults. Bonus issue here—Josh doesn’t wear any hand protection while sliding down a rope for five or more stories from the rooftop.
The jewel thief made a curious choice by asking a stranger to help plan the event where she steals multiple artifacts.
Questions remaining
Was the thief’s hubby in on it, or just a finance guy?
Cast Kudos: The very brief appearance of Jefferson Brown, better known as Colton Landry from The Way Home. He plays an agent of some kind jumping from a roof in a TV movie Whitney watches in the opening of this movie. How is that for foreshadowing?
Alternative Titles: Steal the Heart of Christmas; FBI Blind Date; Stop My Parents are Retired FBI!
Originally aired Oct. 26 on Hallmark; watched Oct. 27.