In a changing landscape of major motion pictures slowly getting longer, major blockbusters getting more self-indulgent, major streaming services ignoring older movies, and major studios losing control of the industry, it's nice to know that some things never change. Holiday movies can largely claim a reliable formula, and are consistently filled with warmhearted kitsch, wholesomeness that's sometimes awkward, and some discrete beat of drama to propel the narrative. The drama here is perhaps extra harsh (estranged sisters, separating parents), but the pleasantness is proportionately cheerful as it all eventually perfectly aligns Just So for a happy ending. I can understand how all the congeniality can be overbearing, but for those who are receptive to the ham-handedness, 'Coming home for Christmas' is a refreshing little burst of hokeyness.
I can't say I'm a fan of the country western portion of the soundtrack; I simply wasn't aware of what I was getting into in that regard - in the same measure that some people can't stand Christmas movies, this is one genre of music I can't abide. But a non-zero number cast members have a connection in that way, so here we are. In fairness, there are more recognizable names and faces here than I first supposed: not just Amy Jo Johnson, but I've seen Ben Hollingsworth around, and while I've not seen Britt McKillip since 'Dead like me,' it's a minor joy to see her again, too. Arguably forced as no small part of the story is here, writers Kyle McGlohon and Bruce Spiegelman nonetheless have put together a delightfully cheesy charm-fest of love, family, and kindness. Such good humor fills every word of the dialogue, characters, scene writing, and the overall plot - and director Vanessa Parise and the cast unreservedly lean into the hopelessly sweet gaucheness.
All the crew behind the scenes put in good work to help realize the picture, and such as it is, the music at least isn't the worst example of its very niche genre. The ending is especially excruciating in its saccharine tone, but such is the Christmas Movie as we know it. There aren't any real surprises here, for such fare is built strictly for mild, affable cordiality, and storytelling that ensures its audiences Feels Good. Not unlike "Christmas music" it's fair to criticize such movies as artificial and contrived - but anyone who sits for something of this nature should already know full well what to anticipate. For anyone who enjoys the genre this is duly enjoyable, and it's most recommendable for fans of the cast. Others maybe need not spend any time with this, but if you're already on board with its brethren, 'Coming home for Christmas' is a passably satisfying bit of lighthearted fluff.
