‘Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story’ was my first Hallmark movie. The verdict? | Opinion
Have you watched Hallmark Channel’s “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” yet? If not, you should. The film, shot mostly in Independence and Kansas City, is one of those feel-good love stories we all should enjoy around the holiday season.
Starring Hunter King and Tyler Hynes as love interests, the film was, by cheesy romantic comedy standards, done quite well.
Side note: “Holiday Touchdown” was the first Hallmark movie I’ve watched. In fact, I viewed the film twice this week. Because I am sure I missed a cameo appearance or two from some of our local celebrities or overlooked a familiar place, I plan to tap in once more soon.
The first time, I tuned in to see if I would enjoy the flick — and I did. The obligatory boy-meets-girl storyline was centered around a die-hard Chiefs fan played by King and the team’s new director of fan engagement, portrayed by Hynes.
Because the film was shot in part on the historic Independence Square near where I live, I tuned in the second time to catch a glimpse of some of my favorite restaurants and retail shops there. When the outside of Dave’s Bakery & Deli flashed across the screen, I got a warm and fuzzy feeling of familiarity. The inside of the Wild About Harry retail shop played a major role in this Christmas-themed film, as did other local favorites.
Biased affection from Independence aside, I rated “Holiday Touchdown” four out of five stars. I’m no film critic like the legendary tag team of Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, but I recognize a quality-made movie that’s well-produced and features amazing acting. King, Hynes, Ed Begley Jr. and others were beyond believable in their roles.
I wanted to share five thoughts after watching “Holiday Touchdown”:
Independence Square takes star turn
Last summer, I wrote a column about this movie being filmed on the Independence Square. Because of security concerns, those connected with bringing the film to town weren’t able to disclose which businesses would be featured. Well, the cat is now out of the bag. In addition to the two businesses I already mentioned, filming took place at Square Pizza on Maple Avenue as well. And I noticed the Independence Uptown Market and the lawn of the Historic Truman Courthouse on film, too.
According to Jeff Rogers, executive director of the Independence Square Business Association, filming occurred at several nearby homes and on streetscapes a few blocks from the square.
Overall, the city of Independence should be proud.
“The aerial views of the Square were stunning,” Rogers said. Yes, they were.
Kansas City Mayor Lucas makes cameo
Love him or not, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas isn’t one to run from television cameras or a well-timed photo-op. But who knew he had acting chops? Of the notable cameos in the movie — and there were plenty with local connections — I did not have Lucas on the bingo card. He only had one line in his brief on-screen appearance opposite King and Tynes, but Lucas did his thing. Big props to Kansas City’s mayor.
Other memorable cameo appearances
According to Rogers, other notable appearances included Jenna Bush Hager, KC rapper Tech N9ne, Diedrich Bader, Megyn Price, Richard Riehle, Christine Ebersole, Richard Christy and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. Mother Kelce — Travis and Jason Kelce’s mother, Donna — performed admirably in the few scenes she appeared in.
King’s character went all fangirl over Chiefs offensive lineman Trey Smith. Other players who made cameos include wide receiver Mecole Hardman, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire and defensive end George Karlaftis. For those who have seen “Holiday Touchdown,” which current or former Chiefs players did I miss? Drop me a line at tporter@kcstar.com and let me know so that I can keep my eye out the next time I watch the movie.
Ex-Chiefs QB Trent Green’s surprise role
Trent Green, the pride of St. John Vianney High School in my hometown of St. Louis, has a small role in the film. Of all the former and current Chiefs who appeared on screen, Green was my favorite. Why? I’m partial to a quarterback I grew up reading about in the local papers. When he played for the former St. Louis Rams franchise, I was a fan and as many Chiefs fans may recall, Green lit it up in Kansas City during his time playing here.
Local actress makes good
Jamie Addison of Kansas City has a sizable, if not memorable role in “Holiday Touchdown” as Beth, an executive with the Chiefs’ fan engagement department. Addison shows off some really good acting skills in the film. Her character’s boss lady vibe gives the film added elements of style, grace and charm. Hooray for this local actress and the rest of the cast who made my first Hallmark movie experience an unforgettable one.
This story was originally published December 5, 2024 at 5:08 AM.
