Review by Megan Dawn
Okay, guys, I’m back. Just in time for two of my favorite seasons – Christmas and NFL. And may the gods bless whichever genius at Hallmark that decided to combine the two. And whichever genius decided to cast Matthew Daddario and Holland Roden for this particular gem.
First, let’s get discussing the ‘Hallmark Stigma’ out of the way. Yes, we know that every Hallmark movie – regular or holiday – follows the same formula.
Boy/Girl meets Boy/Girl while visiting/returning to their hometown. Boys/Girls have some kind of mission to accomplish or mystery to solve. Boys/Girls team up to sort it all out and fall in love, in the process.
It may be standard, but it is a formula that works beautifully, for Hallmark. And I say this as someone that used to be adamantly opposed to Hallmark movies of any season.
But does it really matter what the formula is? Isn’t what matters, more, the journey of how they achieve that formulaic end game? Isn’t a well-told journey, framed by excellent and enjoyable storytellers, what keeps us checking into any genre?
While you ponder on that, I’ll introduce the stars of the film.
The Cast
Matthew Daddario plays Gabe DeLuca, who is the Bills’ VP of Stadium Development and is overseeing the construction of the Bills’ new stadium. Regular followers and readers of mine will recognize Matt’s name, as I talk about him a lot. Matt starred in Shadowhunters as Alec Lightwood and was one half of one of the most iconic Queer couples to ever grace any screen. He has also appeared in shows like Why Women Kill and Blue Bloods, and movies such as The Italians, Cabin Fever, and Delivery Man.
Holland Roden plays Morgan Quinn, who is a pediatric doctor, and just moved back to Buffalo. Again, if you follow me or read me, you know this name. Holland played banshee Lydia Martin on Teen Wolf. Her Instagram is famous for showcasing her ‘van life’, trips with Colton Haynes, and her impeccable style. She has also appeared on shows like Grey’s Anatomy, Mayans M.C., and movies like Five Gold Rings and Mother May I.
Then there are the Buffalo Bills and the real citizens of Buffalo. Yes, Hallmark used actual residents of the city and real players from the Bills to make appearances in the movie. And it was brilliant. For someone that is brand new to the Bills Mafia, this just reassured me that I had made the right decision in choosing the Bills as my new favorite NFL team.
Don’t ask about my old one, because we are NOT talking about it.
The Story
Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story is a story about childhood friends finding love while trying to solve a decades long Christmas mystery. The Quinns and the DeLuca’s have been neighbors since Gabe and Morgan were kids, and they have been best friends ever since. Both families are die hard members of Bills Mafia, celebrating the games together and even doing a joint Christmas display that is heavy on the Bills decorations.
Morgan discovers that her uncle Tommy – played by the legendary Joe Pantoliano - has been receiving anonymous Christmas gifts for 55 years. It first started as help for his family after he was drafted. Even after he returned home and was able to start providing for his mother and siblings, again, the gifts continued to come. Arriving in time for Christmas, every year for over 5 decades.
Morgan, who’s family was taken in by Uncle Tommy when she was young, and after her father died, wants to solve the mystery and give her beloved uncle the ultimate Christmas gift. Gabe, being the true best friend he is – not to mention secretly in love with her – offers his assistance. What follows is an adventure full of laughter, pining, secretive looks, a mystery that takes them all over Buffalo, and an ending that is somewhat surprising.
With that summary, let’s break it down. I will try not to make this too long, but I loved this movie. And, by now, we all know that I always have too much to say about everything. On that note...
Opening Scenes & First Impressions
We open with Morgan on a date. This, in itself, is not a big deal. It is the circumstances around it that are. It’s Sunday night, which means game night during NFL season. As is shown by the Bills game being played on the tv over the bar. Morgan tells us that meeting tonight was the guy's idea. After the Bills score and Morgan shows her very admirable enthusiasm, Mr. Snooty tells her that this isn’t working and he leaves. It’s okay, Morgan. Listen to Andrew the Bartender. You can do better.
I mean, any person that doesn’t want a girl to be outspoken, enthusiastic, sweet, funny, and so obviously caring is not worth the time.
Then comes the opening montage. Having this done by Bills announcers Chris Brown and Steve Tasker was nothing short of genius. It started the movie right where we wanted it, feeling like football season.
After the montage, Morgan arrives at her family’s home, and we are introduced to most of the Quinns and the DeLuca’s. And oh my god, how fun are these families. I would totally hang out with them. When Morgan and Gabe enter the market for new besties, I volunteer to be the Gay Bestie to both of them. Amongst all the chaos, we hear Joanne - Morgan and Cathy’s mom, played by the stunning Tracy Pollan – and Ricki – Gabe's mom, played by the extraordinary Caroline Aaron – plan the joint holiday decorating.
Cathy – Morgan's older, very pregnant sister, played by the incredible Patti Murin – fretting over having the baby before the holiday game is funny. And quite prophetic, so remember it.
Enter the elegantness (yes, I made that word up just for Matt) that is Matt... I mean Gabe. Being the only son, and gracefully tall, makes Gabe the key to Joanne and Ricki’s plans for the tree. Thank the gods for Morgan coming to his rescue. And how much do I love the silent communication between Gabe and Morgan.
Moments That Build the Magic
The Christmas tree farm scene is lovely. We get a deeper understanding of the friendship between Gabe and Morgan. It is clearly a special connection. While they are walking, make sure to keep an eye out for the casual duck as Gabe walks under an arch that is just slightly shorter than he is. Hey, I’m a double Virgo. I’m all about the details.
And there’s the first sign that Gabe feels more than friendship for the captivating Morgan – that wilting smile and the ‘I really do’ at the end of the discussion about Morgan’s date is telling. And really, can you blame him? I mean, just look at her! Morgan, making Gabe close his eyes and spin to find the perfect tree, was absolutely adorable.
After finding the perfect tree, they run into Gabe’s friends. And these three give us a deeper look into Gabe. Through them, we learn that Gabe is the Bills VP of Stadium Development, that he does not like to draw attention to himself; he keeps his head down and doesn’t like to put himself out there, preferring to play it safe. It’s also the beginning of the running joke that everyone can see his feelings for Morgan. Except Morgan.
The Mystery Begins
The Tale of Uncle Tommy is told, and our adventure is off and running. While discussing the mystery sender at a coffee shop, Morgan questions why they would want to remain hidden. Gabe’s explanation is so coded in tell-me-you're-in-love-without-telling-me-you're-in-love. Prefacing it by saying it is not based on personal experience just makes it more obvious, Gabe. But he’s so adorable that you have to let it slide.
Unless you’re Scott Norwood, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed, who are right behind our star-crossed best friends. Morgan’s reaction to them is so real. We all have a celebrity, or twenty, that we would react to like this. Hell, I am100% sure I would do exactly this if I ever ran into Matt or Holland somewhere.
Collecting their off the menu milkshakes, our NFL legends take a seat at a table. Our BFF’s sit at the counter just in front of them and continue to talk about the mystery. Until Morgan gets a text that a regular patient is refusing a needle because she is afraid. Even though it is her day off, Morgan opts to go in and try to put the little one at ease. Gabe offers to take her, but not before tripping over his words after declaring that Morgan is amazing. Gabe, darling, you suck at backpedaling. Even Scott, Thurman, and Andre can see it. Watching the three of them giggle as Gabe, adorably, tries to backtrack and Morgan, loyally, just thinks it’s Gabe being Gabe is definitely one of my favorite scenes.
Sweetness, Comedy & Bills Cameos
At the hospital, Morgan succeeds in calming little Ava’s nerves, and the shot is administered without incident. Gabe’s face, as he watches, is so sweet. And you guys!! Morgan is, literally, Dr. Quinn! How did I miss that on my first watch?!
Sometime later, it’s back to the hospital as it’s time to help the kids create cards for Santa. Gabe, stepping out of his comfort zone, pulled some strings at work. Stepping up to help the kids out are Santa and real-life Buffalo Bills players Damar Hamlin, Dion Dawkins, and DeWayne Carter. Not only did he make the dreams of a room full of ill children come true, he, unintentionally, made himself a hero in Morgan’s eyes.
Just when we are about to get too emotional at the beauty of this: we have Santa, Damar, Dion, and DeWayne coming in to confirm that they can all see Gabe’s feelings for Morgan.
Slow-Burn Romance & Perfect Comedy Timing
Morgan meets Cathy at the bar. They talk about what Gabe did, and in an interesting move, Cathy is the first to call out Morgan on her true feelings for Gabe. Turns out it’s not one sided at all. And just the information we need to make the next scene hilariously awkward. Gabe and Morgan sitting at Vidler’s, going through the receipts and taking turns looking at each other is funny.
Finally, Gabe suggests stopping for the night. And Morgan asks Gabe what he is doing when they leave. And do we think this evening of ice biking and sleigh rides through the park is a date? Because I think it’s a date. Even if Morgan is not ready to admit that, yet.
The next day, we get a look at Gabe at work. And we all deserve a boss like Gabe! His speech about the new stadium was beautiful. The fact that there was so much reality mixed in makes it even more beautiful. Afterward, we get our cameo from Coach McDermott as he walks down the hall talking to Gabe. The conversation is so much fun. And when it ends with Coach saying ‘The guys were right. He is really into her.’ I almost fell out of my chair laughing.
Game Day Emotions & Family Love
It’s game day again and the two families are all gathered to watch together. This is what family should look like. I love Gabe and Morgan scheming their next steps in finding the gift giver. And, stepping into reality for a second, I love Matt’s hair in this scene. I mean, it always looks good, but here it is un-gelled, flowing natural and free. It is simple and elegant, just like Matt.
That night we are out on the streets of Buffalo. How fun does Carolcade look?? I love the easy banter between Gabe and Morgan, the ease with which they tease and laugh. How sweet of Gabe to offer Morgan his coat. And why do Gabe’s friends have THE WORST TIMING EVER?!?!
The next day, Morgan and Cathy are meal prepping for the family holiday dinner. Talking about Gabe and Morgan’s reluctance to acknowledge her feelings for him. Cathy is very cunning and I love it! Also, those anti-labor yells that she learned from the ‘influencers’ are hilarious.
Backstory Magic & Emotional Turns
You know, one of the beautiful things about a story about people who have known each other for so long is the backstories that allows to be created. Of course, you get the stories within each family unit. Like the conversation between Morgan and Tommy about him giving up so much to take care of Morgan and her family.
You also get the back story of the two families together. Like the story of when Gabe first moved in, next door, and the families first Bills game together. It just adds so many new layers to the story.
While we are getting these wonderful stories, Gabe and Morgan find a picture of Tommy and someone named Mia. Gabe asks ‘Who’s Mia?’ And all I can think is, you ask interesting questions, my friend. After a few internet searches, a Godfather style interrogation and some light internet stalking by Trish, and a clue from Santa - Gabe and Morgan finally hit pay dirt and find Mia.
In a very unlike Hallmark twist, it turns out Mia is the mystery sender. The minute Morgan started telling her about the mystery, Mia’s face told Gabe – and us – that it is her. The way Gabe knows why she doesn’t want Tommy to know – before she says a word – is heartbreaking in its parallel to his own story with Morgan.
And the way it is the catalyst for Gabe to finally say everything he has been keeping inside is so hauntingly, achingly beautiful. The passion with which Matt utters these words, the look in his eyes, is just phenomenal! And just one of the many times Matt shows why I have such a love and respect for him and his art.
How the hell Morgan was able to walk away from that beautiful face, after that confession, I will never understand. Even I, an aromantic autistic, with the inability to fall in love, was screaming ‘what the hell’ at my television. The look on Gabe’s face would have made Hades himself curl up in a ball in tears.
The Final Act
It’s the next day and we have reached the long talked about last holiday game at Highmark. The way Gabe and Morgan avoid each other, yet throw looks at each other, is exquisite torture. And are we sure that Uncle Tommy is not psychic? Because that pep talk he gave Gabe is oddly specific and spot on. Watch Matt’s face because the man is excellent with expression acting. If silent movies were still a thing, Matt could star in all of them. He doesn’t need to say a word. It’s all there, on his face.
At the game, Gabe orchestrates a halftime surprise that brings Tommy and his Mia together. And reminds Morgan, as if she needed it, just how special Gabe is. Right after, Cathy goes into labor. And sums up the state of social media with her ‘The breathing doesn’t work. The influencers were wrong.’ growl. Patti was both hilarious and absolutely on point.
But what about that family photo Cathy has been so worried about all movie? Gabe to the rescue, again. Using his status at work, he arranges the ultimate family photo on the Highmark field. As well as a game of flag football with some members of the Bills. The man is truly magical. And that’s a little inside joke for my fellow Shadowhunters.
Ending Thoughts & Final Praise
The ending is exactly what we want from a Hallmark movie. As you can see, I just loved this movie. It was fun, it was funny, it was well scripted and well-acted. Not once was I bored or looked away from the screen. And that is high praise for a romance movie, coming from someone like me.
Final Thoughts…
I first saw Matt Daddario on Shadowhunters. That show was very serious and dark. Matt played Alec, a very serious boy who rarely got a chance to smile. So I loved getting to see him smile so much in this. The man is impossibly beautiful and that smile is like lightning lighting up an entire sky. I am also happy to see so many of the Daddario mannerisms that longtime fans know and love. Matt has some moves that are very distinctively him – such as the use of his hands to emphasize his words (as a fellow hand gesturer, I really appreciate this one), the inflection of certain vowel and consonant sounds, standing with his arms folded behind his back or across his chest, and the expressive facial expressions that I talked about above. Then there is his acting. The man is so ridiculously talented and I am at a loss as to why he doesn’t have more credits to his name. Hopefully, Hallmark will change that.
Holland Roden is so captivating. She is not your typical Hollywood actress. There is nothing fake or forced about Holland. Watching her in a scene, it always feels like she is talking to a best friend. She has a way of pulling people in with her eyes and the tone of her voice. She is expressive and sincere.
And then there is Patti Murin. As a diehard theatre geek, I have been a fan of Patti for a very long time. Patti has a natural ability to combine funny and sweet. She pours both of those qualities into Cathy and shines like the golden goddess that Patti is.
The last thing I want to mention is the clothing. I was so impressed with the choices that were made in this movie. Keith is a genius. He nailed it with the costumes he chose for Holland and Matt and the others.
I always thought that Daddario would look fabulous in a flannel. Thanks to Keith, I got to see that I was 100% correct. Putting Matt in that dark yellow jacket was a bold and brilliant move. That’s a hard color to pull off, but it looks fire on Daddario as, no doubt, Keith knew it would. And then there is the red coat. By his own admission, this is Matt’s favorite. The second we see Gabe in it, it’s clear why. This coat was made for Daddario. It is exquisite on him.
As for Holland, the pink turtleneck sweater is stunning on her. And that pink and green and red scarf is gorgeous. It pairs with Holland’s hair and skin tone perfectly. Also, I need that scarf in my life. Then there is the jean jacket with the fur collar. This jacket is amazing and looks gorgeous on Holland. I swear, if any of my books or scripts ever make it to screen, I want Keith there!
I know this is longer than normal. If you stayed with me through the whole thing, thank you. I hope I inspired you to watch Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story. Even if you’re not a Hallmark person. Or an NFL person. And after that, go check out the other works of the stars. And don’t forget to go visit the rest of this website and check out all of Elias’ amazing interviews and videos.