Review

Movie Review: Five More Minutes
Subtitle: “When Christmas Magic Turns Nostalgia Into Romance.”

Five More Minutes is Hallmark’s sweet, slightly teary-eyed take on time travel—or at least wish-powered holiday flashbacks. It’s a movie that asks the big questions, like: “What if you could get five more minutes with someone you loved?” And also: “How many tear-jerking Christmas memories can we pack into one movie?”

The story revolves around Clara (Nikki DeLoach), a woman grieving the recent loss of her grandfather, whose Christmas wish for “five more minutes” seems to trigger a series of magical events. Between revisiting her childhood memories and rekindling feelings with her high school sweetheart Logan (David Haydn-Jones), Clara learns that the past isn’t as far away as it seems—especially when Christmas magic is involved.

Nikki DeLoach’s Clara is relatable and endearing, perfectly balancing grief with a healthy dose of “Can we not?” energy when things get too cheesy. David Haydn-Jones’s Logan is every bit the charming, rugged Hallmark hero, ready to fix her broken heart, bake cookies, and save the town’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony all in one swoop. Their chemistry is warm and nostalgic, making every scene feel like a holiday hug.

The humor in the movie comes from the wildly unpredictable ways Clara’s wish manifests. One moment she’s reminiscing about her childhood, and the next she’s practically reliving her middle school dance. Watching her navigate these moments—often with a mix of confusion and hilarity—is a treat. And Logan’s “I have no idea what’s happening but I’m here for you” attitude adds an extra layer of comedy.

The small-town setting is classic Hallmark: snow-covered streets, twinkling lights, and locals who all seem to have PhDs in Christmas spirit. The supporting cast includes Clara’s well-meaning but hilariously nosy family, a group of meddling neighbors, and at least one wise old man who knows exactly what’s going on but refuses to explain it outright.

The movie also leans heavily on sentimentality, with flashbacks of Clara’s grandfather dispensing life lessons like a holiday-themed Mr. Miyagi. Each memory is designed to tug at your heartstrings, especially when Clara discovers that the “five more minutes” she wished for might be more about living in the present than reliving the past.

The romance between Clara and Logan builds slowly but predictably, with plenty of lingering looks, snowball fights, and awkwardly perfect moments under the mistletoe. By the time they finally confess their feelings (after being metaphorically—and literally—snowed in), it’s so sweet you might need a gingerbread cookie to balance it out.

The grand finale delivers all the Hallmark essentials: a heartfelt speech, a perfectly timed snowfall, and a town-wide celebration that somehow ties everything together in the most convenient way possible. It’s cheesy, it’s heartwarming, and it’s exactly what you came for.

Five More Minutes is a funny, feel-good holiday movie that mixes nostalgia, romance, and just a sprinkle of magic. It’s perfect for anyone who loves small-town charm, second chances, and the idea that sometimes, the best way to honor the past is to embrace the present. Watch it with tissues, cocoa, and maybe five more cookies—you’ll need them. 🎄❤️✨