Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas

This film had a clever plot as reflected in the title. It was sweet and funny, and was the perfect blend of a traditional Christmas movie and a 90's rom-com. It seems that lately most Christmas movies are heavy on the romance but pretty light on the comedy, so when I find one that delivers on both, I tend to enjoy it more. Merry Birthday Happy Christmas definitely checked both boxes for me.

There aren't any a-list movie stars here, although it looks like the lead actress, Aeon Cruz, Has appeared in several other Christmas movies. The cast does a good job of delivering the comedy, and the tension when needed. There are some pretty funny supporting performances. And, fun fact but not a spoiler: Kevin Maginnis who plays the dad, is the guy who went viral for losing more than 50 pounds after eating nothing but McDonald's for 100 days.

Bad script, worse acting and the weird interviews from random people were painful and a waste of time. Did they just need to fill the time because there is no actual plot or conflict in the film? There was no comedy in this "Rom-com" movie and even less romance. The leads had no chemistry and were not bekievable as friends or a couple. The lead actor does this annoying giggle after everything he says and everything any other character says. The supporting cast were worse then most high school students at line delivery. The father was the only one not over acting the entire movie...just parts.

Minor complaint but it drove me crazy that the female lead slept on top of her made bed with a throw blanket multiple time...why?

Also one of the most poorly decorated christmas trees i have ever seen on screen.

"Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" is a delightful film that beautifully blends themes of holiday cheer, personal growth, and emotional connection. With a gentle pace, it explores the complexity of relationships and the significance of celebrating life's milestones. The performances are sincere and engaging, drawing viewers into the characters' world, while the cinematography creates a cozy, festive atmosphere. The film's subtle yet powerful storytelling resonates long after the credits roll. A perfect choice for those seeking a feel-good, thought-provoking movie that captures the true spirit of the season.

"Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" was another Christmas movie that I had never even heard of prior to sitting down to watch it.

I am sure that the storyline in the movie was written with the best of intentions, but it was so brutally slaughtered in execution from script to screen that it was just an unwatchable movie. Everything just fell to the floor and utterly failed to entertain me. So I can't claim that I was the least bit entertained by what writers Elgin Cahill and Kate Mobley delivered.

The acting performances in the movie were a bit strained, wooden if you will. Leading actor Scott Mitchell and leading actress Aeon Cruz weren't exactly delivering fully convincing performances in carrying the movie. It was very forced and staged, and didn't really come off as being natural or particularly believable. But many of the actors and actresses on the cast list weren't exactly delivering top notch performances, and it was holding the movie back.

I sat through a staggering 16 minutes of absolute pure boredom here before I tossed the towel in the ring. The movie was fully and wholly devoid of an interesting storyline, interesting characters, proper acting, and most importantly devoid of a Christmas spirit. I will never return to attempt finish watching the movie, because I was almost bored to tears the first time around.

Of all the Christmas movies I've sat through so far this December, "Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" takes second place in terms of being a heap of rubbish, only surpassed by the 2024 movie "A Holiday for Harmony".

My rating of director Elgin Cahill's 2024 movie "Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" lands on a two out of ten stars.

I tried. 14 mins and 12 seconds. I tried. The story line sounded fun and I enjoyed the beginning. Then, the man nervous giggled. And he never stopped. I really couldn't get past it. Until I saw the cubicles in the office. The set was terrible, the acting was so forced, the awkward silence.... I was waiting for a "cut". I'm out and I'm bummed - I love Christmas shows.

You know what is even worse? I tried to submit my review - see above - but IMBD said I needed to add 231 more words. I didn't watch enough of the move for 600 words. I'm not sure which is worse, the movie or me having to write this last paragraph to warn you that the movie is bad!