Und wieder eine tierische Bescherung

While loving Christmas (a lifelong love too) and having liked/loved many Christmas films, there are plenty of Christmas films that are too sappy and cheese ridden as well as predictable. Have seen quite a few films in the past few years with this type of story, which has been familiar territory for most holidays (all holidays not just Christmas) for a while now, and they have varied in success, some are very charming, sweet and engaging while others are too simplistic, dull and silly.

Mostly this second instalment in the 'A Golden Christmas' film series fits in the former category. While it is a long way from a flawless film (with the story being easy to criticise) and would also hesitate in calling it great, it is an improvement over the previous 'A Golden Christmas' film. One of the biggest improvements that is immediately noted being that the female lead character is a lot more tolerable and actually does not ruin the film unlike before.

It could have been better. It is over-silly in parts, which makes some comedic situations feel forced and over-engineered. The plot does feel thin and sometimes over-stretched, and there could have been more freshness as there is too much of a seen it all before vibe throughout.

The dialogue also isn't always great, especially in the first third where some of it is quite painfully cheesy.

However, a lot is done right. It is pleasant looking, especially the scenery inside and particularly out. The music doesn't sound cheap or over-bearing, and was clearly done by someone that knew what they were writing music for. The direction is generally confident enough and it doesn't get heavy-footed or hectic. The acting is better than average from all, particularly from Julie Gonzalo and Alexandra Peters, and the dogs are absolutely adorable and are worth seeing the film for alone.

Actually did like the characters, they had personality and personalities that endeared and entertained rather than irritated or being ones with overblown flaws. After seeing far too many annoying, unlikeable and overly-negative female lead characters recently, it was a relief to see one that was easy to like and warm to. There are plenty of funny and sweet moments in the dialogue when the writing did start to get better. Most of the film isn't dull and the story is good-natured, light-hearted and charming.

Concluding, not something to be bowled over by but pleasant enough film. 7/10.

I just watched this film for the fourth or fifth time and was reminded why I like to revisit it each Christmas season. It first caught my eye as a movie that my girlfriend's young daughter would enjoy and that might have something for her mom and me as well. But it turned out that this movie isn't about puppies, and I wonder if it might have found a larger audience if it had not been presented as a "family" film. It's more like a Hallmark romantic comedy, but with much better acting. In that regard, Julie Gonzalo is luminous, but she's not just a pretty face. I was impressed with her acting and prompted to check out her other credits. The other acting highlights for me were Alley Mills and Alexandra Peters, the latter being a rarity: a child actor who could really act. These three ladies all made me feel like I was eavesdropping on real people having real conversations. There are a couple of morals to this story, but the one I like best comes from Aunt Pearl, whom we never meet: A gift without a big price tag can be priceless, and rich are the ones who realize it.

This story isn't full of all the usual stuff. But there's really no surprises. It's kind of a mishmash of embarrassing situations often caused by the dogs. Lisa, Kelly and David talk a lot of nonsense that sends the story around in circles with David committed to Kelly but his heart isn't in it. Kelly is pure annoying. Lisa is wimpy. I didn't see any chemistry between Julie Gonzalo and K.C. Clyde. The only thing that makes sense is that Lisa and David really are friends.

The story with the two kids is at least as interesting as Lisa and David. The girl is over the top as far as understanding things. The dogs are the other highlights.

I did not realize this was a sequel of sorts to a Golden Christmas. I have not watched that one yet. The cast is good, the story is sweet. A few things bugged me, like no single women would get three golden retriever puppies and what landlord would allow her that many dogs? That felt like a plot gimmick to me. But really who cares? Cute girl, cute puppies, cute kids, who were pretty good actors too. I used to live in LA, so while I watching it, I thought what beach did they film this on, kinda low rent. Then it said Long Beach in the credits. That explained that. The setting is not lush in any part of the movie. The story is sweet, the acting is good and it is enjoyable. I am not giving a plot synopsis, because other people did that and I avoid spoilers. Holiday movies are their own genre, when I read reviews on those, I just want to know if they are any good, not the plot really. Since there are only about 4 plots that keep getting recycled for Holiday movies! Happy Holidays.

Lisa (Julie Gonzalo) has moved to Florida with three darling golden retriever pups. At once, she makes friends with the nice couple next door and their adult golden. The three become so close, in fact, that Lisa feels comfortable telling them how her love life is not running smoothly. It seems her heart was damaged long ago by a former best-friend-turned-suitor. Unbelievably, Julie is walking the dogs on the beach when she spies her "ex" kneeling near another lady. The canines break lose and knock the man, named David (K.C.Clyde) for a loop. Since it was a proposal that was interrupted and the ring is now "lost", David is upset and so is his blonde fiancé. Lisa apologizes profusely, naturally. However, it is clear that this surprise meeting between old flames has rattled their nerves and, perhaps, their hearts. Since it does appear that David has moved on and seems happy, Lisa is reluctant to see him again. Yet, they meet several times over the next few weeks. Lisa even discovers that one of the dogs has the "lost" ring in his possession. Is there going to be a wedding for David in the future and just who will be the bride? This is a sweet, funny, cute little holiday flick for folks of all ages. The cast, including old pro Bruce Davison, is winning and the dogs are adorable. Also, the setting is lovely, the costumes are terrific and the script has a definite charm. Add on an energetic direction and a holiday theme and another winner has arrived in the vast repertoire of Christmas films. Do take time to find it for you and your loved ones.