A Holiday in Harlem

There are so many versions of a Christmas Jamboree in these movies. And the leading lady was dealing with a promotion for her job. But neither was quite the usual we expect.

The Jamboree had some different festivities than the typical. I loved the basketball thing with Santa. There were other things.

And instead of the usual idea of a promotion or else, this time, the lead was ready to pass on a promotion with no contigencies.

It was a very nice story showing some customs we don't usually see on Hallmark and a budding but rekindled romance. I wish I could say there was more chemistry between Olivia Washington and Will Adams. It was building, but there were so many other things and relationships going on that the romance didn't get as much screen time as I'd like.

I didn't get Jazmin at first, but as we see her backstory it makes more sense. What didn't make sense is that this big time "fixer" seemed to accomplish things more through luck and generosity of others than her own skill. I don't see how a good "fixer" can do well without starting out with better team dynamics. Jazmin took a long time to adapt to her team.

What a sweet Christmas show! I can see this will be a new classic!

The acting is all good and with the usual relaxed Christmas pacing with an above average relatability with the characters.

It was different for me seeing the usually dominant and elegant Tina Lifford portraying the grandmother matriarch. She did get to bring her assertive presence to the role though!

The romantic couple were cute and I guess it's better that they seemed to have no chemistry at the start. I thought oh no! This is a miss! But they grew on me as they seemed to grow on each other. I liked Jaz's dismissiveness! He guy I love with her was a real PITA and she handled it appropriately as a woman should Imo. Good back bone! No spoiler here!

I would imagine everyone will enjoy this new Christmas show!

A Holiday In Harlem (2021) -

It was a simple film, but not overly exciting and the romance wasn't really at the forefront, with the focus on the jamboree instead.

Will Adams in the lead male role was cute and I felt that he was too good for the lead female, Olivia Washington's character, who still had a lot to learn even at the end, but nobody gave a bad performance.

As Christmas films go, it was pleasant and it definitely tried to incorporate something new, with Basketball and Poetry elements that had a seasonal twist, but it was all quite simplified.

I would probably say that this was a middle of the road effort. There wasn't a magic sparkle, but there was also no sickly sweet child or daft elf to spoil it either.

5/10.

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas In New York AKA A Holiday In Harlem.

Story: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.25/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.25/2

Total 6.00/10

This seasonal love story is your basic awakening tale. Jazmin has a stable job and hasn't returned home in years because of her memories and the feelings they stoke. However, this year she's forced back by her Grandma and a little guilt trip (ain't Granny's masters of that psychological art). Because of an accident Jazmin causes, Granny's laid up and can't arrange the annual Christmas Jamboree, so guilt-ridden Jaz steps up to the plate. Little does she know that this Christmastime, her gift, will be the opening of her eyes, soul, and heart. The writer does a fair job of intertwining a few storylines. However, there are a couple of missed opportunities to add extra depth to this tale. The main one is the recoupling of Jaz's parents. After years of suffering through their separation, where Granny's house was the drop-off and pickup point for Jazmin during the annual Chrimbo kiddie shuffle, they have now gotten back together, once again forgetting there's a third member of their family. This plot line would've been marvellous to show the trials and tribulations that kids go through. Sadly, the writer glosses over it, and everything is Christmas Magicked away into Happily Ever After Land. They still could've had the same outcome but with more potency embedded into the matter, making for a more powerful story - something outstanding. But that's the sad thing about this picture: Everything is average and rehashed, and oftentimes feels that way. Even the direction, while decent, isn't outstanding, and the film, as it stands, could've benefited from more light-heartedness and heartwarming Christmasness.

I enjoyed Holiday In Harlem, but it's not a movie I'd revisit soon. As such, I'd only recommend it for viewing whenever your Christmas Movie watchlist is exhausted.

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.

The editing ruined it. Just terrible.

Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.

The editing ruined it. Just terrible.

Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.

Great performances ruined by sloppy qork in the edit room.