Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Christmas on Call’

11/25/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say that first responders are presented in popular media in a supremely unique light. For a fair number of shows and a fair number of movies, show them as grizzled and bold heroes. Who are fearless in nature and will stop at nothing to bust criminals or fight fires or save lives in a hospital and well, it makes sense as to why this is the case. Because they are heroes, and they are people that make a powerful choice to stand before trouble and help others, so it stands to reason that we see them as individuals that are fearless and hungry for justice. But while that is lovely to see on screen, constantly seeing first responders in that light can be problematic in nature.

Because it means we put them on a pedestal, and we translate that view of them to real life and that can put undue pressure upon them and can put them in a tough spot when someone is disappointed with them for not being able to catch the bad guy or prevent something bad from happening. As though they’ve failed us when they have not. For they are in fact, human beings, who are fallible and have limitations like anyone else in this life and the sooner we see that, the more we can respect their chosen career field in a far more powerful manner. Since they are willing to deal with failures and mistakes that we cannot, and thankfully, we are starting to see a shift in how these individuals are perceived. Courtesy of shows and films that are starting to showcase the human side of the equation, such as the recent release on the Hallmark Channel, Christmas on Call.

Which is a story that introduces us to a bevy of first responders during the holiday season in Philadelphia. In fact, we meet first responders from all the major agencies, with a focus on two particular characters, Wes and Hannah, who work as an EMT and Emergency Room Doctor, respectively, and well, Hannah is new in town and looking for a guide and Wes is happy to help since they have chemistry. But alas, there is no quick love affair that takes shape here, instead… we spend a lot of time seeing how Hannah and Wes struggle to make time for one another because of how busy they are since their day jobs demand much of them. Which leads to a story… that is supremely realistic in nature and unlike anything else that Hallmark has ever done.

Because the romance is merely the secondary focus, and we truly spend a great deal of time just seeing how first responders live and the surprises they run into in their day to day lives and how they navigate the ups and downs of it. Making this less a traditional Hallmark holiday movie and more a slice of life tale. One that truly showcases the various first responder jobs out there in a surprisingly human way. Since we see doubt creep in for some, and worry that they can make miracles happen, and in between when they are not caring for others, they are trying to care for themselves and navigate life and their careers and their dreams… and that’s just lovely to see play out.

For in many ways, it just makes this feature a tribute story to the people that risk so much for one another and this is definitely a welcome change of pace film, one that doesn’t lose sight though, of what we love about Hallmark Holiday Movies. Because there is romance to be found here, and we do enjoy seeing that play out in these stories, and in between the heavier stuff, there are some beautiful moments of unity to be found. The kind where we see people that care about others, go the extra mile for the co-workers they love and adore and want to see succeed. Which all hammers home the ‘peace on earth’ and unity concepts that permeate the season and it all works here and gives life to an outright refreshing holiday feature.

Since it is just nice to learn/be reminded of the fact that our first responders do sacrifice a lot to keep others safe and breathing, and that they go through some tough times in doing so, and we really do need more of that on television and in popular media period. So that we do hold them in a different light, one that is less about expectation and involves far more empathy. For people who have made a stunning choice and carry quite the burden, and Hallmark deserves a round of applause for giving this story life. Because this is a brave choice for the network, one that pays off in spades since we are treated to something new and something original, that also informs us… that this network is about to enter a bold new chapter in its storytelling. One filled to the brim with bold new ideas that add new depth to the holiday season.

Watch ‘Christmas on Call’

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