Dashing in December

I really enjoyed 'Dashing in December'. It is a warm, heartfelt, and engaging Christmas movie, one of the better movies this season. It also gives same-sex male relationships some representation in this genre of film, which is a plus. At the heart of the story is Wyatt Burwall (played by Peter Porte), who works for a Manhattan investment firm. After many years, he has decided to go home for Christmas to the family ranch in Colorado, where he hopes to convince his mother Deb (played by Andie MacDowell) to sell the ranch to one of his investors. While home he meets Heath (our other protagonist in this story played by Juan Pablo Di Pace), the ranch hand who has been helping his mother run the place for the past several years. An unexpected relationship between Wyatt and Heath emerges. From friction to romance, we watch their relationship blossom thru some warm and intimate dialogue on this beautiful and picturesque ranch in Harmony Springs, Colorado. Indeed, one of the strengths of the story/script is the dialogue and exchanges between Heath and Wyatt, discussing their past, their hopes, and their love for the ranch (and the friction at the beginning, of course). There were some weak elements to the story; for example, the fight between the two (that takes place at the dinner table) late in the film seemed forced. That said, the story pulled me in from the start. Moreover, I thought the writer did a pretty good job developing the characters, as I found myself connecting with Wyatt, Heath, and Deb. This is also a reflection of the quality of acting in the film, which was, overall, brilliant. Porte had an impressive, convincing performance on screen. You could see his character develop as the film progressed from a 'Mr. Know It All' at the beginning to a warmer and more caring person towards the end. Di Pace too had a strong performance. It felt authentic, very real on screen. The chemistry between the two was great (believable). Again, the dialogue and exchanges between the two in several scenes made this chemistry work, I thought. The supporting cast was excellent. MacDowell had a very good performance as Deb (the mother). The movie also had quite a festive side as well with some dancing and great country music (some good songs in this film). There were also some beautiful landscapes of the ranch, of the mountains in winter, which added to the Christmas vibe of the film. All in all, it is a refreshing Christmas romance movie, with some very strong acting, a nice new edition to the 2020 season lineup.

After some Halmark Christmas who I saw, I admitt, I expected little more - becoming, scene by scene, too much- about this film. Honestly, it is not bad and works just well. But the recipe remains the same, the gay story is not very different by a heterosexual one and the end reminds than the kick to see it was the presence in cast of Andie MacDowell and so familiar from Hallmark universe Peter Porte.

The only reproch is about the heavy cliches - the son returning home to sell the farm, the young , hard working and handsome worker and his mom opposition, the steps of romance, the conflict and the expected final .

Sure, some suggestions about homophobia, beautiful cinematography and the admirable contribution of Andie MacDowell.

But , without dessapointing, I suppose it could be better , having a nice potential of story.

It is a romantic comedy with a welcomed difference. It is sweet and touching at the same time. I like it.

I am all about having the first gay Xmas rom-com. I first watched Lifetime's The Christmas Setup and it was lovely so I had high expectations for this one but turns out Dashing in December isn't all that. The plot actually isn't half bad and the Colorado ranch really adds a different setting to the other Christmas films. But, for me the main lead Wyatt Burwall (Peter Porte) is really annoying and not charming. at. all. The good ole' Andie MacDowell also acts... strange? Like her heart isn't in here. The only saving grace is the handsome rancher Heath (Juan Pablo) who actually captivates me till the end. The film could do better with better lead and cast - it's a little forced for me.

A good old-fashioned feel-good Christmas movie with an obvious twist. It is nice, easy to watch, not a second overlong or overdramatic, and just... perfect for a lazy afternoon or evening that you wanna spend indoors either alone or with company.

Yes, it is not 'It's A Wonderful Life' or 'The Christmas Story', but watching it it would make your heart warm. Maybe, in the same way that when you were little you were enjoying the festive season for more than the days off school, the sweets and the gifts: for that special type of magic that almost disappears once you reach puberty.

In any case, if you want to enjoy an evening without over-analyzing. Overthinking and over...something, this is your find. Enjoy!