Christmas Tree Lane

Nothing original, which isn't unusual I suppose in these movies, but it was like a greatest hits collection of all the favorite tropes. Almost like it was a competition to see how many they could fit into 90 minutes. Good actors doing good work, but just lacking in anything that pulls you into the story because of how obvious the tropes are, and how little romance there actually is. Is this the new standard that the first and only real romance or kiss is at the very last moment right before the credits roll. I guess that would be ok if there were clearly visible sparks earlier on, that were not acted upon for propriety or other credible reasons. This movie had none of that. Oh well.

As much as I love both leads in this film, they are not two that I would put together and I think the film ends up being a bit middling, because the chemistry is not there, but it is a nice enough story.

How do you save a whole street that is due to be demolished? You put on a Christmas show of course, but what happens when the new hot guy in town turns out to be working for the developers?

Andrew W Walker is lovely here, but Alicia Witt is just a bit wrong in her part.

Andrew Walker and Alicia Witt are two of my favorite "Hallmark" actors, but this story is boring. It's too predictable and smarmy. The whole idea of a street rising up in protest is old-fashioned with few areas for originality. We all know that in the long run, the "little" person never wins and the dynamic should be for people to welcome change and find ways to meet it. Is there such a thing as an old-fashioned Christmas where profit is not the main motivator? We'd like to hope so, but how often do we see it.

Anway, this was a disappointing film for me and the only reason it got a 5 was for the two leads.

It deserves be better. For the effort of actors,for few real good points - especially the music - , for the potential of a nice friendhip story with reflexes of romantic comedy of 1930 - 1950, with good start point to become romance in authenthic way. But it remains a good try, mixing different pieces, a conflict and an initial war in something acceptable with some indulgence, forced change of intention and a beautiful concert.

The best part of Alicia Witt Christmas movies are her songs at the end. I hope the trend continues in the future. This movie covers no new ground, there are no storyline twists and you can see the ending coming after the first 5 minutes. But if you enjoy watching Alicia act, sing and play piano, you will like this movie. Just forward to those parts and enjoy the song at the end.