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.
