Review

Movie Review: In Merry Measure
Subtitle: “When Christmas, Choirs, and Awkwardly Perfect Romance Collide in the Most Hilarious (and Heartwarming) Way.”

“In Merry Measure” is Hallmark’s perfectly cheesy holiday movie that brings together everything you never knew you needed: a choir competition, Christmas cheer, and a protagonist who’s definitely not falling in love with the swoon-worthy, slightly grumpy music director who’s totally too perfect for her—even though she’s trying to avoid love because, well, reasons (which will definitely involve a deeply relatable fear of opening her heart again).

The plot follows Darby (played by Poppy Montgomery), a woman who’s way too busy with her career in the big city to pay any attention to the festive world of Christmas choirs and town traditions. But guess what? She’s pulled back to her hometown to judge the annual choir competition (because why wouldn’t you call in a major city expert to help settle this musical war between the local choirs?). Naturally, this brilliantly organized competition gets thrown off course when she meets the grumpy but incredibly talented music director, Adam (played by James Tupper), who’s convinced that Darby is the last person who can save his choir’s holiday dreams. Enter the inevitable romantic tension, accidental hand brushes, and way too many moments of “Oh, I’m definitely not falling for you, but also...I totally am.”

The humor in this movie is pure Hallmark gold. Watching Darby try to “remain professional” while helping out with the choir and simultaneously battling her feelings for Adam is like watching someone try to juggle Christmas ornaments while walking a tightrope. She’s forced into situations that are way too festive for her taste (like, you know, rehearsing a Christmas carol with way too many people) and accidentally bonding with Adam over a shared love of music, but of course, she tries to stay cold and logical while the Christmas magic keeps pushing her right into his arms. Classic Hallmark.

Then there’s the choir itself—because no Hallmark movie about Christmas can exist without a ragtag group of perfectly pitched yet underdog performers. The choir members range from “I’m here for the cookies” to “I’m secretly in love with Adam” (and totally making it awkward for Darby). There’s the elderly choir member who’s way too invested in the holiday spirit, the shy high school student who accidentally becomes the star of the performance, and of course, the overly enthusiastic town mayor who insists on taking way too many selfies for the social media promo. Watching Darby try to organize this motley crew while simultaneously pretending she doesn’t have way too much fun is so relatable, and it’s impossible not to laugh when they inevitably bomb a Christmas carol rehearsal—before, of course, nailing it in the final performance.

The small-town setting is so Hallmark-perfect you might start thinking about relocating. Snow-covered streets, houses covered in twinkling lights, and a town square that could double as the backdrop of a live-action Christmas card. The townspeople are all just a little too perfect in their own over-the-top holiday enthusiasm, which only makes Darby and Adam’s forced proximity that much more awkward—because nothing says “I’m not falling in love with you” like caroling through the streets while pretending not to eye each other over an ice cream cone.

And the romance? Oh, it’s as classic as they come. Darby’s cold exterior slowly melts as she gets sucked into the magic of Christmas (and Adam’s perfectly composed charm), and the banter between them is pure comedy gold. Every time they share a moment, it’s like watching two people who are definitely not supposed to fall in love—but also can’t help it because this is a Hallmark movie and that’s just what happens. The slow-burn tension between them is deliciously predictable, and the payoff? A perfectly timed kiss, of course, as they share a seriously over-the-top performance at the choir competition. You know it’s coming, but you can’t help but cheer for it anyway.

The grand finale? It’s every Hallmark Christmas movie ending you’ve been waiting for—Darby realizes she’s been avoiding love for the wrong reasons, Adam confesses his love in the most romantic (and slightly cheesy) way, and, of course, they share a kiss under the twinkling lights of the Christmas tree, surrounded by a town that definitely knew this was coming all along. (And, yes, there’s an obligatory snowstorm, because Hallmark rules.)

“In Merry Measure” is a funny, heartwarming, and perfectly Hallmark holiday movie that will make you laugh, cry, and maybe even sign up for a local choir just to experience the magic of a Christmas love story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s the ultimate movie for anyone who believes that Christmas is all about love, laughter, and way too much caroling. Grab your coziest sweater, a cup of cocoa, and get ready to cheer on a love story that’s guaranteed to make you want to join in for a sing-along by the end. 🎶🎄💋