Fit for Christmas

Apparently, I am in the minority but I did not love this movie. While like many, I am a fan of both Amanda and Paul, I found the swing in Audrey's personality from over-the-top bubbly fitness instructor to hostile Griffin hater just too much, and not realistic - particularly in the opening scenes. I also found some of the fitness segments a bit frantic. Perhaps some of this is over-acting or just the nature of a quickly made film with minimal re-takes. Hoping all the holiday moviemakers will move on soon from the same old save the (fill-in the blank) trope. There must be creativity out there. This one - like many others this season - was formulaic.

Save the fitness center from big time developer. Audrey flees NYC after a boyfriend fight and failed business. The boyfriend won't give up and dangles a good job opportunity back in NY. The lead couple crashes into each other and they exchange unpleasantries. Of course, he is the developer's son. Though the fundraiser project is a bit on the unusual side.

Amanda Kloots brings a lot of energy, maybe a bit too much, to the part of Audrey. She and Paul Greene have good chemistry, but the sparring part of the relationship continues past halfway in the movie. The other acting is good. The script is decent with some funny moments even if most of it is filled with the usual Christmas activities and contests and too much of the checklist "you like him".

Overall, this story is more of the usual stuff with no great highs or lows or surprises. It appeared originally in primetime on a legacy network where it is a little different from their norm, but it would get totally lost amid all the similar movies shown on the 24/7 Christmas movie networks like Hallmark and Lifetime.

It was great! But I'm bias because I'm a huge Amanda Kloots fan. I've been following her forever and she's been a weekly companion in my workout regiments. After watching her on The Talk I was so excited to find out she was doing a Christmas movie. They're not always my go-to holiday flicks but once in a while, on a lazy afternoon, I indulge myself. And I'm glad I did. She was spectacular; especially considering it was her first time. I had seen her co-star Paul Greene on Hallmarks before and I think they really look like they had fun working together.

I have to say though; the actor who played her gorgeous New York fiancée really elevated the film for me. I know that he was never going to end up with her, sadly, but still I found myself rooting for him so much. I think Stephan Miers did an extraordinary job in making me believe every scene he had with Amanda. He didn't have many with Griffin but the ones they did share were really funny! It was such an entertaining rivalry at times. I hope I see Stephan in more of these movies because he brings a fresh authenticity that's often missing.

Also, it was shot really well and the entire town looked beautiful. I wish I could spend Christmas over there to be honest.

Make sure to check out Fit for Christmas this holiday season, it brought me much needed joy and entertainment.

I suggested to my wife we watch this together and share a little holiday romantic time. How bad could it be? Thirty minutes into it she asks "Isn't there a football game on?" Channel changed. We knew it was going to be cheesy and that is what you expect in a Hallmark style holiday movie. But, this was stale even for the tried and true 'finding love at Christmas' formula. Perhaps, the writers should try something a little different? This plot has been tried in so many variations that it is hard to create anything original or fresh. On the bright side, the venue looked great. I find it hard to believe that it wasn't a tourist destination already.

I was so excited for this movie as a Paul Greene fan, he's so charming, talented and always fun to watch. He had such amazing chemistry with the darling Amanda Kloots!! This movie is Amanda's movie debut, she also serves as co writer and producer. She/Her character have such great energy and is beyond gorgeous. Amanda and Paul looked like they were having an absolute blast filming this and it was just as fun to watch as a viewer. I love that fitness was at the forefront and of course a love triangle. There's so much humor, love, festivity and of course all the feels. Loved Paul Greene and Amanda Kloots together on a major network broadcast movie, such a fun film!