Christmas Movie Magic

Have been on a roll watching Hallmark/Lifetime etc Christmas films for a few years now. It has been an interesting and worthwhile endeavour, 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 Movie Magic' 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 Movie Magic' is in that category and very much at the top even. It may not start off great agreed, but it was a lot of fun, immensely charming and very affectionate to the musical and old Hollywood eras. The necessary magic is very much here.

As said it doesn't start off great, with an awkwardly written and mechanically acted opening scene in particular that is enough to make one conflicted as to whether to continue watching.

Luckily it turned out that sticking with 'Christmas Movie Magic' was the right decision and well worth it. Despite a shaky and very robotic start, Holly Deveaux is on the whole very winning in her role with the right amount of perkiness and charm. She has very genuine and effortless chemistry with easy going and charismatic in a subtle way Drew Seeley. Both their characters are easy to like and the supporting cast attack their roles with enthusiasm without going over the top.

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. The music has infectious character and sticks in the head, while not feeling too much, set to spirited choreography. The dialogue has flow and doesn't get too cheesy or too schmaltzy. The homaging and referencing evokes a lot of nostalgia, and the whole film felt like an affectionate love letter to Old Hollywood and musicals. The ending is magical and to me one of Lifetime's most satisfying endings, not just because of its emotion but because it's different and not the pat ending usually gone with.

In summary, really liked it. One of Lifetime's best that year. 8/10.

As of this writing, IMDb page for this movie has a Goof saying Holly Deveaux as Ally delivers her lines in an exaggerated and mechanical way. That statement is totally true in her first scene. Within 2 minutes of her character on the screen, I was ready to turn off the movie. She gets a much better after her first scene.

The story is a cub reporter chasing a big story for a promotion. The story involves an iconic movie star with a secret love affair. They overdo the hero worship a bit. The conflict is similar to all the reporter stories, but also a bit different than some.

The leads had chemistry.

The last scene is an extended song and dance routine reminiscent of old time movies like Singing in the Rain which fans of those movies will enjoy.

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas Movie Magic.

Story: 1.00/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.00/2 - Enjoyment: 1.00/2

Total 5.00/10

Welcome to the atypical Christmas movie. There were so many opportunities to make this a memorable and more potent tale that I was saddened at the route the writers took. Though they have the great idea of a small American town celebrating the anniversary of the Greatest Christmas Flick Ever Made, which was filmed and premiered in their town, the writers try too hard to make it memorable. We see the movie's opening sequence and witness the boy meets girl walking a pig on a leash moment. Yeah, you read that right - walking a pig on a leash! It was the moment I found my thumb hovering over the off button. The performers are in super-cheesy mode, which makes it worse. Upon realising it wasn't the primary tale, I retracted my thumb from the button. And, even though the story smooths out a little, it falls heavily into the quagmire of Christmas movies. There's very little new in this picture. Another element that turned out poorly was the twists. The writers attempt to add some intrigue into the narrative in the shape of a secret love. Regrettably, they make this outcome too obvious. No sooner have our lovers found the clue than we, the audience, have guessed who it is - and how it'll bring our two principal players together. Sadly, the cast doesn't make the picture any better. They're not awful, but they aren't exceptional either. Better acting and direction were required to lift the film. The performers are as unremarkable as the narrative. Luckily, the director is a little more on the ball - but only a little. And they add a subtle sense of heart-warmingness and pepper a few decent scenes throughout, but it needed more mirth and merriment.

Because Christmas Movie Magic is un-magical, I'd only recommend watching it should your other entertainment possibilities run dry. And, in this season of joy, plenty of better Chrimbo Pics are on offer - some can be found on the list below.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.

Once in a while, Lifetime forgoes its mission to indoctrinate the viewers and remembers how to create entertainment. And comes out with a charming production which is original, entertaining, and rich in meaningful motives. New romance is entwined with enduring love and respect for traditions, in a contest of 50ies nostalgia and a pinch of magic. Would I want to see it with a few changes? Sure, like taming the newspaper director, perhaps unnecessarily harsh and villainous, but all quite minimal. The movie is good, as is. And,.... it does bring a little magic to our Christmas.

I really liked this one! I loved that it revolved around a hometown mystery and a 1950/s musical complete Let's with a dance routine at the end. As a fan of old musicals especially "singin in the rain" I loved the homages. As lifetime/hallmark Christmas movies go this was one of my faves so far this year.