Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays

It has few virtues - the name of director, Adrian Grenier, the kids and the presence of madame Presley. And nothing more. The theme of single daddy and lovely nanny is generous but full of cliches in this case. The story - not in the fair balance. And the details - not for save it. But, like many Hallmark films, it remains a nice try.

The people at Hallmark/Lifetime/Whoever got permission to use Graceland, so they're going to make the most of it. I'm not sure why they're trying to make it seem like a sequel to the Wes Brown film though, as the only connection is the location.

Some might call this 'The Sound Of Music Christmas At Graceland' as all it needs is some Nazi's and it might as well be the same script, with an overly organised father and regimented kids who hire a Nanny that changes all of that. This includes getting them all to sing around the piano in clothes made from curtains. Ok so the bit about the clothes isn't true, but these kids have sung together and learned the harmonies way before this woman ever turned up. They're just a bit too good. Eventually they have to escape over the border, that's not true either, but the leads have to decide what's really important to them both and work together to make the best Christmas for the kids and see what might happen between them.

The lead guy is just not right for me. I loved him in 'The Devil Wears Prada' and I've heard good things about him in 'Entourage'. Maybe it was his incredibly off putting haircut that made him seem off, but he was out of place in my eyes.

Overall, we've seen this story done before and better, but it's definitely not the worst of these films that I've seen.

This sequel isn't because it jumps to completely different people with a completely different story.

For a movie that relies on so many themes that have been used way too often, it has some moments that aren't derivative but a lot of what is unique has to do with Graceland. I was especially irritated with how much the controlling father-vs-the-spontaneous-nanny theme was exactly like several other movies, including some not around Christmas.

Adrian Grenier doesn't seem like he is good at warm romantic. It sure didn't seem like there was much chemistry between Grenier and Kaitlin Doubleday. I think Doubleday did her part and certainly did well as a high energy and engaging person.

The story lacks any serious conflict and the only tension is Harper's job search and Owen's business deal (which I never really understood), neither conflict being earth shaking. In general terms the outcome is predictable and there aren't any surprises along the way.

Then there's music and soundtrack. The soundtrack has several Elvis songs and the movie ends with a couple of musical performances. One was Doubleday singing Home for the Holidays with some backup from the kids. Her performance is enjoyable enough, but not really concert worthy. Chase Bryant does a short and not particularly Elvis-like Blue Christmas and then provides background to conversations that advance the movie.

Unfortunately, those conversations just don't seem authentic. Likewise the outcomes don't seem reasonable. In at least one case, it involves what would be a total personality change which I just don't buy.

Overall, I like musical performances in movies if the actors have some talent. The Elvis background will be a plus for some and not for others. The story is without sparkle as is the acting. For a romance, this was one in which I really didn't care that much because it wasn't that great. 6 stars may be generous, but then I didn't find anything that was an overwhelming turn off and good music always raises my ratings.

Feel good movie....flows well....likable characters.....makes Memphis look like a Winter wonderland which it is not but overall enjoyable.

5/10 - unlikable male lead and an average plot made this one a one-watch-and-done