It's easy to get tired of the banal almost formulaic hallmark Christmas movies, but this is definitely one of their best IMO. I loved the chemistry between the 2 leads. Hilarie Burton's eyes literally sparkle when she looks at Robert Buckley, another actor with great charisma. The only 2 negatives that I noticed was, one, although the movie is called, "The Christmas Contract", they never read it before signing and there apparently are no conditions (so why the contract?). Secondly, other than Rocky, there are no Louisiana accents. The mayor in fact sounded like a New Yorker.. But these didn't detract enough from what I would call a very romantic movie and good entertainment.

Having recently broken up with her boyfriend back home in Louisiana, a young woman by the name of "Jolie Guidry" (Hilarie Burton) has since moved to New York City to pursue her career as a professional website designer. During this time, she becomes best friends with a female lawyer by the name of "Naomi" (Danneel Ackles) who, as it so happens, has an older brother named "Jack Friedman" (Robert Buckley) that Jolie doesn't much care for since he stood her up on a date several months earlier. Be that as it may, Jolie is looking forward to returning home to Louisiana to stay with her family during Christmas. Her initial excitement fades, however, when she learns that her former boyfriend "Foster Broussard" (Hunter Burke) will be there with a new girlfriend--leaving her as the only person among her family and friends being single and without a date. Naturally, not having anyone else to confide to, she turns to Naomi for advice and is shocked by her suggestion that Jack should accompany her to Louisiana as her new--yet totally fake--boyfriend. Jack, for his part, doesn't particularly like the idea either until Naomi suggests that, in return for his cooperation, Jolie must create a new website which will help his struggling career as a writer. Yet, even then Jack is still reluctant. That changes, however, when his publisher gives him a new assignment to ghost write a romance novel that just happens to take place in Louisiana. So, in order to ensure that both Jack and Jolie fulfill their end of the agreement, Naomi drafts a contract for the two of them to sign. What none of them realize, however, is the emotional commitment necessary for this effort to succeed. Now, rather than reveal any more, I will just say that my initial expectations for this movie weren't that high due to the overall made-for-television format. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised as the film managed to deliver a nice balance of humor and emotional suspense to carry the day. Likewise, I also enjoyed the chemistry between both of the main actors as well. That being said, I recommend this film for all viewers looking for a good "Christmas movie" and I have rated it accordingly.

Throughout my whole Lifetime (Hallmark too) Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year, an interesting quest but very hit and miss, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Lifetime's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with enough of Lifetime's work.

Effort that could be seen with one of their better 2018 Christmas efforts. As far as their Christmas films go overall too 'The Christmas Contract' fares favourably, and is a contract worth signing if not quite a must sign. Anybody wanting originality and award winning dialogue will feel short-changed, but anybody wanting to see a film that doesn't take itself too seriously while seriously enough to stop it from being campy or something, a film that charms and warms the heart should find some worth in 'The Christmas Contract'.

As with much of Lifetime's output, it is pretty formulaic and predictable with the final quarter especially being very easy to figure out what happens next and in somewhat too neat a way.

Some of the dialogue, namely early on, is laughably corny and quite awkward. Count me in as another person that found the music too intrusive and over-bearing.

However, the production values still manage to be pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Some of the soundtrack has a nostalgic feel to it. The dialogue does improve, the flow relaxes and it was sweet. Despite surprises being very few, the story still mostly engages and scores high on the charm and heart-warming factors.

Lifetime generally do better than Hallmark at having characters worth caring for, and 'The Christmas Contract' has characters that may not be three-dimensional but have likeability in their own way and don't have any negative character traits exaggerated. Hilarie Burton brings a lot of charm and energy to her role, as does Robert Buckley. They look very relaxed together and their chemistry came over to me as genuine. The supporting cast also do well, nobody overacts and nobody looks bored.

Overall, didn't blow me away but very pleasant. 7/10