A Bluegrass Christmas

WHY I SAY DEPENDING ON HOW YOU WATCH IT. I couldn't finish watching it with the messed up soundtrack that on Up Faith and Family. I liked the movie enough to search for another way to watch it and see if the soundtrack was messed up on I'll copies. I found it on *Hoopla. The movie there the soundtrack is the way it should be. Happy I was able to finish it.

Most of my focus in my original review was trying to enjoy the movie and ignore the sound problems. That problem fixed, I watched a good deal of the movie again. So here's a REVIEW OF MOVIE.

This is not an over-the-top Christmas movie; it's more of a family-based movie with a winter/Christmas backdrop. There is good down home Christmas bluegrass music hence the title. The major theme is about saving a horse sanctuary and helping her grandfather, who has emotionally shut down, after the loss of his wife.

Most of the script and acting is pretty decent with only a few scenes I thought could be better. Overall it was very believable. I was impressed with Shaun Johnston (Ben Johnson/Grandpa/Big hickory). Since I'm not familiar with anything else he's in maybe his acting is just who he is but he was really good at the part he played and I enjoyed his music. If you watch Heartland (I don't) you might be familiar with him.

I am a Christian and like faith-based movies. Good ones are not always easy to find. I consider this a good one; especially If you're looking for a family oriented movie. I would also not consider it over the top if you're not a Christian but enjoy a good family movie.

*HOOPLA is a part of the library system. You can load it on your phone or any streaming device. I have it loaded on ROKU.

1st review watching via Up Faith & Family subscription: I like the movie; it seems to have great potential. I'm just not sure I'm going to be able to watch the whole movie. The problem is a messed up soundtrack. There's this frequent clicky type noise in the background that's very distracting. Now at 40ish minutes in it sounds like some of the soundtrack is warbly and also has the popping sound. I'm 55 minutes in & unable to finish the movie it's so annoying.

Although this is a tried and true theme of daugter rescuing the parents investment be it a store, tree farm or in this case a horse sanctuary. This one is not over done. The two leads are relateable, work together well and the femaie does not become unbearably hysterical when things go wrong.. I have always enjoyed movies with David Pinard. He is a fine actor and the movies he is in, in most cases, display his excellent guitar and singing talent. This movie allows him to showcase that. He is often cast as the background second up guy, but he is a fine actor, soft spoken and well suited for lead roles. Hope that he is cast in more movies as lead. Enjoy this one.

One of the most common premises is save the family _______. In this case it is a horse sanctuary. It needs saving because the female lead, Katie ticks off their biggest supporter by refusing to let the man's horse run in a race because the horse hasn't healed enough. She loses the argument and his money. (This guy turns out to be a cardboard villain popping up a few times. Mike Shara is one of the movie's poorest actors in this role.) So the solution to save the sanctuary is to form a band of unknowns and put on a benefit concert to raise thousands of dollars. So this means Katie and Grant are thrown together on this quest giving them a chance to form a relationship.

Granddaddy is a jerk. He won't help the benefit by playing himself despite being famous. He won't let Katie use his band.

There's a semi-traumatic scene where an heirloom tree topper breaks. It happens because the tree is in the horse stable and a horse spooks and knocks it over. Seems like asking for trouble.

Later they add a famous performer to the concert who is played by Chelsea Green, a professional wrestler. That doesn't work well, but not the way you expect.

The acting is bad. The premise is stupid. The story develops clumsily! Very clumsy. The dialogue is bland. There is some good music sprinkled throughout. Amanda Jordan is better known as a singer/songwriter and we hear from her a lot including (I think) some background songs. There is a concert towards the end with some good performances mostly by Jordan.

Really enjoyed watching this movie! If you love Heartland or Anne of Green Gables, I think you will love this. It has charming lead characters, beautiful scenic shots, a pleasant story, beautiful horses, and all around cozy vibes.

The lead female is truly stunning on screen and really draws you in from the start. The lead opposite to her was also equally as charming and they make for a great on screen duo.

I also enjoyed the music in the film. The grandfather was once in a successful band, so the story unfolds around this and we quickly know that there will be music in the film. The main girl has a beautiful voice. If you like Christmas movies that feature singers, you will also enjoy this one.

All in all, a lovely Christmas MOW.