Christmas on Wheels

Well, it is original, in the sense that I have not seen many Christmas movies about a magical car bringing people together. The story is a warm one, but it did take me a while to be drawn into it. As another reviewer pointed out, it is, at times, a bit...how should I say this...slow. And some of the scenes felt rushed and underdeveloped. For example, the scene towards the end, where they stopped in the street and started randomly handing out gifts, seemed a bit off to me. That said, the acting was fairly good overall. Tiya Sircar (as Ashely) is a decent actor. Her performance here was solid. Michael Xavier too had a good performance. I am not sure I saw any believable chemistry between the two. At times, it felt like they were becoming good friends as opposed to getting romantically involved. If there was chemistry, then it was very low key. I was surprised to see no kissing scene at the end, which is the typical ending in this genre of film. Hmmm...maybe this is a bit refreshing. The supporting cast was decent too. Kristen Kurnik (as Hannah) had a good performance. At first, I thought there was something a bit off with Randy Thomas's (as Tony, the uncle) performance, but by the end, I warmed up to him. The scenery, props and sets were not bad, but not as polished as, e.g., Hallmark films. It was a bit funny at times when Ashely referred to 100-year-old antiques that looked like they were recently purchased in Kmart (nothing against Kmart). Overall, it is a good enough, middle of the road Christmas movie with an original story and some solid acting.

This is my 2nd time watching this film and I just realized that the protagonists mother was talking to her as an angel through the car because it would not start until the old boyfriend came in for a ride too.

The movie itself has a pleasant score that's appropriate for the most part. The directing and camera angles are pretty good and I find the dad's quirky behavior refreshing.

Such a cute and unique Christmas story! Breath of fresh air amongst the others that you've heard over and over again...loved every minute of it!!

Mrs. Shullivan fell asleep through the middle of another of the bland Christmas themed films that rely on a persons childhood memories and the continued use of a Xylophone hitting the same sequence of chords throughout to help us reminisce about our own childhood memories.

Of course there is a budding romance that evolves although we never see the happy couple kiss once, not even at the end of the film. The one bright spot was the classic red Cadillac convertible driving through the wintry streets of the small town with a trunk load of Christmas wish gifts for the unfortunate kiddies.

I liked that the film stars didn't wear out the word "Christmas" and they used it appropriately, and the auction of some old Christmas antiques reminded me of Christmas's past. But just like many of our memories that we do not consider epic, they are forgotten after time just like Christmas On Wheels will fade into the sunset by Boxing Day never to be heard from again.

I give it a passable 5 out of 10 IMDB rating

This movie is a bit like a secret Santa plot and a bit like a hometown-girl-comes-home-to-throw-a pageant. Maybe add a little pay it forward or random acts of Christmas. Really this story is mostly unique.

The story is heartwarming as major characters join together to bring back a tradition of giving to the needy. Several sentimental stories are remembered in the process. Still, the story is pretty simple with no great highs or low, or surprises. Likewise there is almost no tension other than the pull on Ashley back to the big city.

Michael Xavier and Tiya Sircar has modest chemistry. It's there, but it isn't overwhelming. Likewise, most of the acting is good.

Don't start on plot holes because there are a lot, but they really don't matter. For example, Ashley gives away dozens of her the items she was saving to sell, but she is supposed to be seriously considering a lease on her first store. Not the mention the value of what both she and Duncan donate to the auction. And my experience with car parts is that there are volumes of listings with lines of specific items by year for them and that would be magnified going back to the sixties and Ashley never even takes not of a part number. Like I said - the plot holes don't matter.

It's a sweet romantic story with warm feelings of a generous Christmas spirit.