“A Chiefs Love Story” was a typical brand film, but I still really enjoyed it | John Simmons

Some of my favorite films are Memento, Good Will Hunting andThe Lord of the Rings“Trilogy. I say this to emphasize how far off track I got when I watched “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” on the Hallmark Channel.

Look, I don’t need applause. It’s a first-world problem: watching a movie is one of your work obligations (I’ll stop rambling now). But I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting much from this Hallmark production. Don’t all of these films have the same general plot? A man or woman finds love in their hometown over the holidays, with the least amount of romantic tension along the way?

It turns out that “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” ended up being just that. But I still enjoyed it for what it’s worth.

Notable cast: Hunter King as Alana Higman, Tyler Hynes as Derrick Taylor

THE BASICS

Without going into too much detail (you’ll have to watch the film for yourself, after all), the story follows the life of Alana Higman.

She is a young adult, a Kansas City Chiefs superfan, and works in her family’s gift shop. The same family is really trying – and I mean, Really – It’s hard to pair her with Derrick Taylor, a charismatic stranger in charge of fan interaction for the Chiefs. Derrick is looking for a family to name “Fan of the Year” when he happens to cross paths with Alana.

This budding romance sparks fairly quickly, although Alana’s superfandom causes a few moments of awkwardness between her and Derrick.

Beyond the two main characters, the extended family brings the whole thing to life. Sure, they are a dominant presence at the beginning of the relationship, but they are still a great time. Think of all the stereotypical quirks and idiosyncrasies your extended family probably has, and you have the Higmans – awkward, embarrassing, and hilarious all at the same time.

After Alana overcomes her reservations about love (and after the family takes a step back from their marriage commitments and lets them both breathe a sigh of relief), she and Derrick begin a charming romance that, of course, revolves around the Chiefs. It’s cheesy, but who doesn’t need a dose of cheesy, underdeveloped and quick romance?

But love with romantic tension is not love at all. Alana and Derrick get into a brutal argument that nearly tears apart the seemingly unbreakable bond they’ve built in less than ten days. But is that the end? Will Alana and Derrick reach the end zone of their dating and enjoy a period of marital bliss longer than this chief’s dynasty? I guess you’ll have to watch for yourself (note: remember this is a Hallmark movie).

POSITIVE

This film combines the two things I enjoy: sports and a Christmas story. Is the plot much different than any other Hallmark movie ever made? Not really. But the sports element was enough to keep me hooked from start to finish, and they made the movie seem like a sports movie without feeling like it only like a sports film. The themes – romance, fate, devotion, love – were also great. You can’t go wrong with any combination of these four things.

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA – JULY 11: (LR) Tyler Hynes and Hunter King attend Hallmark Media’s “Countdown to Christmas 15th Anniversary/Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” panel during the Television Critics Association Summer 2024 Press Tour at the Langham Huntington in Pasadena, California on July 11, 2024. (Photo by Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images for Hallmark Media)

I also found the initial awkwardness caused by Alana’s fandom very relatable. Subconsciously, I’m always afraid that my passion for Boston sports might scare off potential buyers. (But it won’t drive away the right guy, amirite?) While the banter between Alana and Derrick wasn’t the cleverest comedy ever written, it was still pretty realistic and had its own charm.

A greeting to Paul, the grandfather. The guy was such a vibe. He had such a wonderful old man’s sense of humor (the kind that is cheesy yet always funny) and was such a gentle soul that I would definitely want as a relative in every way.

Plus, perhaps the best moment of his coaching career was when Andy Reid asked Derrick and Alana to stop making out in the middle of Arrowhead Stadium.

NEGATIVE

Normally I can tell that there is something deeply wrong with a film – but I can’t. That’s not to say it was perfect (no film is ever perfect, not even The Lord of the Rings), but when a film does a good job of not messing up the main elements of a story – plot, characters, a satisfying ending , then you are the I must give credit where credit is due.

The only minor thing I couldn’t address is that on many occasions the dialogue was quite cheesy, about a step above that of the Star Wars prequel films (sorry, George Lucas. Those three films were a conversation nightmare). The plot isn’t particularly complex either, but then again, this is a Hallmark movie.

DIPLOMA

You can’t go into a Hallmark movie and expect to be overwhelmed by a deeply insightful thematic message. I didn’t do that when I saw this film, so I wasn’t setting myself up for disappointment. But despite these expectations being met, I still left the film feeling satisfied.

Of course, it doesn’t fit in with the cinematic masterpieces I usually like. But I’m glad I saw Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story, and I think you would be too if you gave it a chance.

Score: 7/10.

What do you think about the film? Was it cheesy or well done? Let me know: [email protected].