Christmas in July is in full swing on Hallmark Channel. Christmas Under Construction premiered on Saturday night and is now streaming on Hallmark+. Jessica Lowndes and Daniel Lissing star as Chelsea and Cooper in this new Hallmark Channel Christmas romance.
Christmas Under Construction is the story of Chelsea and Jake, America’s sweethearts and the stars of a hit reality show, Renovation Romance, where they help couples transform their homes and relationships. For a live Christmas special, they’re tasked with renovating a cozy New Hampshire cabin alongside a new duo, Cooper and Janice. But behind the festive cheer, Chelsea and Jake’s relationship is fading. As their latest project progresses, it becomes clear to Chelsea that she and Jake have different priorities in life. They must decide if their relationship can be salvaged or if it’s time for a fresh start.
When you team Hallmark holiday movie veterans Jessica Lowndes and Daniel Lissing up again, you get magic. Expectations were high for the chemistry since they were previously paired in the Hallmark Christmas classic movie, December Bride. Fans love them together. They delivered in Christmas Under Construction. The same chemistry and charm were present between the two leads.
The movie really shined when we got to see Chelsea and Cooper get to know each other, from the demo of the cabin to the blindfolding at the Christmas market. Jessica and Daniel have great chemistry together.
The movie delivers on the Christmas aesthetic and cozy vibes but leans on the clash of vision trope between Chelsea and Jake and Cooper and Janice. The story seems clunky in some areas and hits all the Christmas cheer in other areas. While I love any of the time that Chelsea and Cooper spend together renovating the Cabin and getting to build a friendship and more, the rest of the story just doesn’t land.
There was no chemistry for Chelsea and Jake or for Cooper and Janice, which is what it was supposed to be. We wouldn’t want there to be chemistry then see them break up. The reality show was the huge miss for me, but I’m not a big reality show fan.
Many fans have seen this movie previously under its original name, Renovation Romance. The title was changed for its premiere on Hallmark Channel. The movie is directed by Hallmark Channel alum Robin Dunne. Robin has starred in and directed many Hallmark Channel movies. He joined Hallmark veteran Julia Benson and Peter Benson as writers of the movie. Julia and her husband Peter have starred in many Hallmark movies, and Peter Benson has directed a lot of Hallmark movies.
During the movie’s airing on the Hallmark Channel, a sneak peek at the upcoming Countdown to Christmas movie, Holiday Ever After: A Disney World Wish Come True, premiered.
Christmas in July will continue next week with the Stephen Huszar and Katherine Barrell movie, O Little Christmas Market. O Little Christmas Market will feature a sneak peek at the Countdown To Christmas movie, A Grand Biltmore Christmas.
Love Meets Renovation in Hallmark Channel’s Christmas Under Construction – Review
