Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas

I love the way this movie starts off, with the main characters as kids, and brings us up to speed, so that we are watching present events unfold when the opening credits end. The female lead (Aeon Cruz) is fun and quirky, and although she does seem to over-act a bit at times, she does a good job portraying a typical conflicted Christmas movie heroin. This is definitely not an award-winning type of film, but it is certainly on par with most of the Christmas movies we are used to seeing throughout the holiday season. Kari White, who plays the main character's boss, is hilarious, and it looks like she clearly had fun playing her role. If you are in the mood for a feel-good rom-com to put you in the Christmas spirit, I would definitely say that "Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" is worth a watch.

This film had a clever plot as reflected in the title. It was sweet and funny, and was the perfect blend of a traditional Christmas movie and a 90's rom-com. It seems that lately most Christmas movies are heavy on the romance but pretty light on the comedy, so when I find one that delivers on both, I tend to enjoy it more. Merry Birthday Happy Christmas definitely checked both boxes for me.

There aren't any a-list movie stars here, although it looks like the lead actress, Aeon Cruz, Has appeared in several other Christmas movies. The cast does a good job of delivering the comedy, and the tension when needed. There are some pretty funny supporting performances. And, fun fact but not a spoiler: Kevin Maginnis who plays the dad, is the guy who went viral for losing more than 50 pounds after eating nothing but McDonald's for 100 days.

I liked the story as it has good values and good for children to watch and discuss the choices of the characters. However, the actors and actresses seem nervous throughout. Felt like their nervousness was coming through the character they protrayed. Only one that was authentic was "Dad", who seemed to take on his character well. Feel like if the actors and actresses were not so "nervous", I would have been submerged into the story. I will watch it again and recommend it to others because it is clean and in the sticky situatations, the characters overcome smut well and quickly, meaning gets rid of evil quickly to not ruin the story.

I tried. 14 mins and 12 seconds. I tried. The story line sounded fun and I enjoyed the beginning. Then, the man nervous giggled. And he never stopped. I really couldn't get past it. Until I saw the cubicles in the office. The set was terrible, the acting was so forced, the awkward silence.... I was waiting for a "cut". I'm out and I'm bummed - I love Christmas shows.

You know what is even worse? I tried to submit my review - see above - but IMBD said I needed to add 231 more words. I didn't watch enough of the move for 600 words. I'm not sure which is worse, the movie or me having to write this last paragraph to warn you that the movie is bad!

Bad script, worse acting and the weird interviews from random people were painful and a waste of time. Did they just need to fill the time because there is no actual plot or conflict in the film? There was no comedy in this "Rom-com" movie and even less romance. The leads had no chemistry and were not bekievable as friends or a couple. The lead actor does this annoying giggle after everything he says and everything any other character says. The supporting cast were worse then most high school students at line delivery. The father was the only one not over acting the entire movie...just parts.

Minor complaint but it drove me crazy that the female lead slept on top of her made bed with a throw blanket multiple time...why?

Also one of the most poorly decorated christmas trees i have ever seen on screen.