Christmas in Tune

As I sat down to watch the 2021 Christmas movie "Christmas in Tune" from writers Juliet Giglio and Keith Giglio, I have to admit that I wasn't really expecting it to be more than just your average overly sappy sentimental Christmas cheese. Especially so with the cast that was billed for the movie.

But still, in the spirit of the season, I sat down to watch "Christmas in Tune" and give it a chance, as it was a movie that I hadn't already seen. And luckily so, because "Christmas in Tune" actually turned out to be a wholesome Christmas movie. Sure, there was the usual archetypical sappy sentimental stuff that you see in the majority of Christmas movies of this kind, but "Christmas in Tune" actually offered a bit more.

The acting performances in "Christmas in Tune" were good, and I will say that Rebe McEntire and John Schneider actually had a great on-screen chemistry and they complimented each other quite well on the screen, and they were nicely casted for the movie.

"Christmas in Tune" turned out to be a nice surprise, but while it is not going to be a Christmas classic, then it is certainly a movie that I can warmly recommend you sit down to watch if you are into Christmas movies.

My rating of director Emily Moss Wilson's 2021 "Christmas in Tune" lands on a six out of ten stars.

The story has echoes of some other movies, but it's not that overused. A separated couple, Reba and Schneider, are reunited for a military benefit Christmas concert as a boost to their daughter's career. As you might expect, the couple must spend time together rehearsing which gives a chance for some good verbal sparring back and forth which eventually becomes less bitter. Meanwhile, their daughter (whose actor isn't even credited on this website as of this writing) is developing a relationship of her own with the military liaison, Troy, also a childhood friend. I think it's fair to say that the story is secondary to the movie and verbal banter.

There are several opportunities for song performances by both Reba and Schneider, together and separately, including a few in the concert at the end.

If you like Reba, and or Schneider, you will love this. If you don't like them, especially Reba, then don't bother (and then criticize here what you knew you weren't going to like).

'Christmas in Tune' (2021)

Opening thoughts: It has been an interesting and worthwhile endeavour watching Hallmark/Lifetime etc Christmas films over the past four or five years, though a very inconsistent one. There was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with pretty much all the films seen. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. The former being obvious in most luckily.

'Christmas in Tune' is one of the Christmas films in the former category. 2021 was very hit and miss for Christmas films and for Lifetime, but there were some that were good and more and 'Christmas in Tune' is in that category and very much at the top even. It is not flawless certainly (no Lifetime film is), but it was very nicely done and immensely charming, one of the better faring 2021 Lifetime films and an example of a music-themed Lifetime film done right (it and Hallmark have varied with this type of story).

Bad things: Starting with the not so good things, for me the daughter and love interest subplot could have been a lot more interesting, as it did feel bland and also a bit awkward at times.

Also thought that some of the pacing could have been tighter as some scenes drag on a little too much, and that the arguing was a bit overdone in the script.

Good things: On the other hand, a lot is good. Reba McEntire and John Schneider are engaging and likeable leads, especially McEntire. The supporting cast all perform with enthusiasm, especially Candice King. McEntire and Schneider have characters worth caring for and ones that are more than Lifetime cipher cliches, ones that go on a journey. Their chemistry is natural and genuine, with lots of charm, and is not underused or forced.

Production values are pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. Along with the two leads, the best aspect is the very catchy music that is often very beautiful and has energy whether subtle or bubbly. It's performed beautifully too. The dialogue has flow and doesn't get too cheesy or too schmaltzy and the story is charming and heart-warming on the whole with an ending that left me upbeat and welling up at the same time.

Concluding thoughts: Overall, nice film.

7/10.

Reba and John are likeable people, but just barely tolerable actors. Not very good. The script was predictable and the interaction between them is irritating with petty arguments. My wife loved it, but I didn't. Basically, if you like Reba you will like the movie.

Going back to your first love, whether through pictures, music, or places, has the amazing power to heal relationships. This movie takes you through that process with good music woven through the story. We loved the story and the music, and ended up in tears at the end.