Lights, Camera, Christmas!

This is really unique for a Hallmark holiday movie. It does not follow the typical formula and it even has Hallmark poking some playful fun at itself and the making of their Christmas films. The story is told in flashback, as the makers of a Santa movie participate in a "question and answer" at the premier of their latest film. The first hour is very funny as you get to know these characters and their circumstances. Sometimes, the humor is very cheeky and quick so you have to play close attention, but it can be hilarious. The second hour is more sentimental and dramatic, but it is still very engaging as these likable characters come to grips with their personal conflicts.

There is a lot of credit to be given all around here. Gary Goldstein has written a script that is fresh with crisp and realistic dialogue, the direction by Dennis Weaver is smart, attractive, and different, the production values, costumes, and sets are very well done, and casting director Jackie Lind has assembled an excellent cast, with some of the best Hallmark has in its stable, all of whom give it their all.

Kimberley Sustad and John Brotherton are just terrific as the big star, Brad, and his rather reluctant costumer, Kerry. The always excellent Sustad is the heart and soul of the story, and Brotherton is wonderful as the conflicted big time movie star. Still, they can be very funny and casting these two together makes the whole thing work. Their performances just shine here. Plus, there is Laura Soltis as Kerry's mother, a gushing fan of Brad's, who is very good, as is the rest of the cast : particularly Matthew Kevin Anderson as the director of the Santa movie, Leila Harrison as its screenwriter, and Veronica Long as Brad's co-star.

All in all, this is really different, really engaging, and really well done, thanks particularly to Sustad, Brotherton, director Weaver, and writer Goldstein. The best of the new 2022 Hallmark holiday season so far.

After watching one and abandoning another disappointing Christmas movie today, we began watching Lights, Camera, Christmas! With a bit of trepidation. Could it be a three strikes day?

LCC took a big swing at the next pitch and hit a home run. I think it's a bit brave, as this movie is very self-aware of making Hallmark Christmas movies and is an utter satire of the process.

Since it's comedy satire, the characters are allowed to go over the top ... and they do ... but they don't abuse it. We found many chuckle moments and an occasional surprised laugh out loud.

The stealth romance is the producer and director, a successful filmmaking couple who split up and talk through an intermediary, even though they're standing right beside each other. Will agreements in making this movie bring them back together? Watch and find out!

This movie stands by itself as one of a kind among the forever cheesy, irrelevant plots, terribly written and equally terribly delivered lines and poor acting so characteristic of Hallmark movies.

For once, we face an original plot with, all in all, very good acting. Leading and supporting cast all contribute to an entertaining, good quality flow. The lead actor is superb in the comedy passes, great facial expressions!

Believable, fun, multi-sided characters who can deliver lines and make good use of humor. Great settings, unobtrusive music appropriately used and good costumes.

I could have rated it 10 but for a couple of very cheesy scenes (one of them being the final scene).

This's a cute story and all but everytime I watch a movie with Kimberley Sustad, I know I will not enjoy it because I'll be distracted by her gloomy face. I have yet to see one scene where her face shows joy. She is always frowning, surprised, or,serious. To me, her face is insatiable. If you want a better rating, next time, choose an actress that can express joy..The other actors expressed their feeling correctly. The actress who plays Kimberly Sustad's mom is the opposite. Her botoxed face is all smiling, all the time. ?The couple who play the couple who used to me married play their parts perfectly.

The.

I am picky about my comedies. I laughed at this one. It wasn't overly silly, but had some silly moments.

The story is about a big time movie in a small town where a local gets pulled in. In this case, the production company's costumer never showed and they couldn't find a replacement, so they hired a local designer, Kerry.

Kimberley Sustad is perfect for this part. She is a good fit for this style of comedy. Her timing and demeanor work here. She also has decent chemistry with John Brotherton, who plays the overbearing, self-absorbed star of the show, Brad.

The best gags are early, as Kerry is trying to fit into a world she knows nothing about. I think the writers stretched her fitting in a little too well as more than once she saves the day in ways unrelated to costuming. After the novelty of her assimilation winds down, the tenor of the film switches to the developing romance. There is also a secondary romance which also has funny and sweet moments.

The conflict, climax and ending were a surprise to me, but also a little convoluted.

This is probably one I will watch again.