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Romantic film

Same Time, Next Christmas (2019): Cast & Ratings

Same Time, Next Christmas (2019) movie poster

Same Time, Next Christmas is a 2019 romantic film directed by Stephen Herek, starring Nia Vardalos as Faye Anderson, Bryan Greenberg and Candace Smith. It runs 1 hour 30 minutes. Its Echo Score is 60/100.

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Same Time, Next Christmas (2019) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 30m (90 min)
Director
Stephen Herek
Genre
Romance
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Same Time, Next Christmas About?

The premise of Same Time, Next Christmas without spoilers.

A successful young woman returns to Hawaii for her family’s annual Christmas visit, where she unexpectedly reunites with her childhood sweetheart. Years after being separated, the old chemistry between them sparks once more. However, unforeseen circumstances threaten to keep them apart, testing their connection and challenging their chance at a future together amidst the festive island setting.

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Cast & crew

Same Time, Next Christmas Cast & Characters

Nia Vardalos leads the cast as Faye Anderson, with Bryan Greenberg as Gregg Harris and Candace Smith as Heidi Williams. Directed by Stephen Herek; 7 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Same Time, Next Christmas

· 3 more
From the director

More from Stephen Herek

More films directed by Stephen Herek, best-rated first: Afterlife of the Party, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Mr. Holland's Opus and Rock Star.

Full filmography
Ratings

Same Time, Next Christmas Reviews & Ratings

Our Echo Score gives it 60/100, strongest in rewatch factor (70) and weakest in story & flow (50).

60 /100

Same Time, Next Christmas Echo Score Breakdown

Same Time, Next Christmas offers a pleasant holiday atmosphere supported by an appealing cast and some appealing scenic visuals, which many viewers find suitable for seasonal rewatching. At the same time, criticisms target uneven cinematography, predictable storytelling, and limited character chemistry, producing a mixed reception overall. The film balances its strengths and weaknesses, resulting in an average but serviceable rating for a TV‑rom‑com Christmas offering.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    In terms of cinematography and production design, the film receives conflicting feedback. Several viewers praise the natural scenery and visual charm, describing it as beautiful and fitting for the holiday season. Conversely, other comments label the camera work and production value as subpar, with one reviewer calling the cinematography horrendous. The mixed observations place the artistic execution in a moderate range.

  • Character & Emotion 60

    When evaluating acting and character dynamics, the performances are generally well‑received, especially Lea Michele and Charles Michael Davis, who are noted as appealing and competent. However, multiple reviewers point out weak chemistry between leads and shallow character writing, particularly for supporting roles. The blend of solid individual performances and limited relational depth yields a moderately positive character assessment.

  • Story & Flow 50

    The narrative blends an original premise of staggered Christmas meetings with familiar rom‑com conventions. Some viewers appreciate the realistic love‑story elements and fresh twists, while others criticize the plot as predictable, cheesy, and poorly paced. The writing and editing are described as uneven, resulting in a story that divides opinion and lands near the midpoint of the scoring scale.

  • Sensory Experience 55

    Sensory experience draws from both positive and negative remarks. Visuals are highlighted for their appealing natural settings and seasonal ambiance, yet complaints about camera work and lack of notable soundtrack or sound design persist. The overall sensory impact is therefore mixed, offering moments of visual pleasure tempered by technical shortcomings.

  • Rewatch Factor 70

    Rewatch potential is bolstered by the film's feel‑good tone and suitability for holiday viewing, with many users recommending it as a seasonal repeat. While formulaic elements and uneven execution may deter some, the light‑hearted spirit and appealing cast encourage viewers to return for another viewing, especially during the festive period.

Cars

Cars in Same Time, Next Christmas

4 cars on screen, including the 2017 Toyota Sienna and the 2006 BMW Z4 E85.

  • 2017 Toyota Sienna in Same Time, Next Christmas 2017 Toyota Sienna Minor role
  • 2006 BMW Z4 E85 in Same Time, Next Christmas 2006 BMW Z4 E85 Background role
  • 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe in Same Time, Next Christmas 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe Background role
  • 2014 Nissan Rogue in Same Time, Next Christmas 2014 Nissan Rogue Background role
Details

Same Time, Next Christmas Also Known As

12 alternative titles, including “В то же время на следующее Рождество” and “Gelecek Noel”.

Also known as
  • В то же время на следующее Рождество
  • Gelecek Noel
  • Bu Vakitler
  • D'un Noël à l'autre
  • Natale alle Hawaii
  • O tej samej porze, w następne święta
  • מחכה לך בחג
  • Mesma Hora
  • No Próximo Natal
  • A la misma hora, la próxima Navidad
  • У той же час наступного Різдва
  • Alle Jahre wieder du

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FAQ

Same Time, Next Christmas FAQ: Cast & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Same Time, Next Christmas, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Same Time, Next Christmas?

Same Time, Next Christmas runs 1 hour 30 minutes (90 minutes).

When was Same Time, Next Christmas released?

Same Time, Next Christmas was released on December 5, 2019.

Who directed Same Time, Next Christmas?

Same Time, Next Christmas was directed by Stephen Herek.

More films by Stephen Herek

Who is in the cast of Same Time, Next Christmas?

Same Time, Next Christmas stars Nia Vardalos as Faye Anderson, Bryan Greenberg as Gregg Harris and Candace Smith as Heidi Williams, among 7 credited actors.

Does Same Time, Next Christmas have a post-credit scene?

No. Same Time, Next Christmas has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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