Have been on a roll watching Hallmark/Lifetime etc Christmas films for a few years now. It has been an interesting and worthwhile endeavour, though a very inconsistent one. There was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with pretty much all the films seen. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. The former being obvious in most luckily.
'Christmas Movie Magic' is one of the Christmas films in the former category. 2021 was very hit and miss for Christmas films and for Lifetime, but there were some that were good and more and 'Christmas Movie Magic' is in that category and very much at the top even. It may not start off great agreed, but it was a lot of fun, immensely charming and very affectionate to the musical and old Hollywood eras. The necessary magic is very much here.
As said it doesn't start off great, with an awkwardly written and mechanically acted opening scene in particular that is enough to make one conflicted as to whether to continue watching.
Luckily it turned out that sticking with 'Christmas Movie Magic' was the right decision and well worth it. Despite a shaky and very robotic start, Holly Deveaux is on the whole very winning in her role with the right amount of perkiness and charm. She has very genuine and effortless chemistry with easy going and charismatic in a subtle way Drew Seeley. Both their characters are easy to like and the supporting cast attack their roles with enthusiasm without going over the top.
Production values are pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. The music has infectious character and sticks in the head, while not feeling too much, set to spirited choreography. The dialogue has flow and doesn't get too cheesy or too schmaltzy. The homaging and referencing evokes a lot of nostalgia, and the whole film felt like an affectionate love letter to Old Hollywood and musicals. The ending is magical and to me one of Lifetime's most satisfying endings, not just because of its emotion but because it's different and not the pat ending usually gone with.
In summary, really liked it. One of Lifetime's best that year. 8/10.
