Christmas Together

This is ION's second original Christmas movie this 2020 season. I am happy to report that it is much better than their first (i.e., better than A Royal Christmas Engagement). However, it was still a disappointment, nowhere near as good as, for example, last year's the Best Christmas Ball Ever, which was a wonderful ION Christmas movie. The plot was ordinary and predictable, though, to be fair, so is much of the TV movie (romance) Christmas genre. That said, the story was sweet and warm. There were a few odd scenes and strange lines here and there (e.g., Mason not knowing where the circuit box was in his own home or his lines in response to Ava when she commented on him taking notes). Indeed, at times, the script and dialogue were quite dull. The acting, overall, was rather mixed. Marc Herrmann's (playing Mason) performance was the weakest link in this one. His performance was often dull and stiff (to be fair, he did smile a lot). More specifically, his performance as a father was unconvincing; it was not believable at all. First, he looked more like an older brother than a father of an 11-year-old. The writer/director/producers were clearly aware of this, as they added some lines/dialogue at the start of the film where Ben (Mason's friend) tells him how young he looks. I laughed, as it was clearly intended to deal with this issue; I suspect it was only added to the script after Herrmann was cast in the role. The other issue was that he simply did not come across as a father. For example, he never touched his daughter; there were no kisses, hugs, acts of affection at all really, other than his lines and a shoulder bump. It was a strange performance in this regard. Anna Marie Dobbins (playing Ava) was much better; she had a pretty good performance overall. Her dialogue with Mia (the daughter) was very strong. I know I am being a bit harsh, but it is a pity that she got stuck opposite Herrmann in this one, as she has talent. The chemistry between the two was rather lacking. This is partly due to the acting and partly due to the script. Regarding the latter, they simply did not have much time on screen together. The supporting cast was decent, though there were some awkward moments here and there. What stood out for me was Rylie Coe (playing Mia) and Vivica Fox (playing Deb). They both had great performances (they kept this one afloat, along with Dobbins). The scenery, props and sets were festive. And I have no complaints about the music; the music and music editing was good. All in all, it is an ordinary Christmas movie with a cute and warm story. Not one ION's best nor is it one of their worse.

Biggest problem is the actor cast as the male lead and father of the young daughter. He looks like he's 24, which is problematic with an 11 year old daughter. Why did they cast him in this role? Ridiculous. As someone else noted, he doesn't act affectionate with his daughter. Zero chemistry. Female lead does a much better job, as does the actress playing the daughter. I'm no head of casting, but I could have done way better in creating a father that the audience would accept. I'm all for other networks doing Christmas movies (Hallmark re-uses the same actors too many times), but if you're gonna dip your toe into the romance genre, get your casting right. Actually, as I think of it, why not write the story with the male lead as her older brother, struggling to raise his younger sister on his own. Easy fix and a compelling backstory that would intrigue the female lead and the audience. Holy cow, I think I just came up with a new career for myself. Head of casting or executive producer? Hmm. I couldn't do worse than whoever did this.

Cute Christmas story but, lame acting, Poor directing with regards to camera shots etc. Not A waste of time

This is a cute and interesting story and really could have been good. Anna Marie Dobbins does a great job here and is entertaining to watch along with the adorable Rylie Coe, as the Daughter, and Vivica Fox, the neighbor. These 3 alone make this at least watchable. The role of the father however was very poorly cast with Marc Herrmann, who seems like a nice enough guy, but certainly no father of an 11yr old, he's not at all believable. Herrmann just seems in over his head in the role, his lines are simply spoken, monotone, without any emotion or feeling. Had a different actor been cast in this role, it would have made the movie much much better.

'Christmas Together' (2020)

Opening thoughts: Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary (though am refraining as much as possible from reiterating too much). Have liked Vivica A Fox in other things, though more in supporting roles than lead, so that was another reason for watching 'Christmas Together'. This was watched with a real attempt to like it.

This reviewer has seen far worse films, Christmas and overall, and the film is more tasteful than the title sounds, but 'Christmas Together' is still not particularly good. Actually thought that in general it was rather weak, with a few good things but they are outweighed by the numerous very badly done things. A waste of a quite cute premise, and while Fox is the main reason for the film not being any worse she has been represented so much better in other work.

Good things: Starting with the good things, Fox gives a very amiable and spirited performance that is better than the film deserves.

Did like the scenery too and there are pleasant moments in the soundtrack.

Bad things: However, the rest of the acting is subpar at best with a lot of over-compensating. The chemistry between the actors is unnatural and never fully connected, the romantic chemistry non existent pretty much. Didn't care for any of the characters, the overwritten character flaws make them impossible to endear to and they are never developed really, too much of one level. This includes Fox's later on, despite her valiant efforts.

Furthermore, the script is very cheesy and awkward, while the story when there is any is excessively predictable (even when expecting it to be), full of corn and completely unrealistic. One of the worst offenders being one of the most contrived endings for any Christmas film in recent memory. Too much of the photography has a disorganised, frenzied look reminiscent of hasty straight to DVD quality.

Concluding thoughts: Overall, weak.

3/10.