Christmas at the Drive-In

We really like Danica McKeller, and we've liked the male lead in a couple of Christmas films too, one of which was also with Danica.

They have great chemistry in the film, both showing personality and charm ... just what you need for a successful romance. Plus, there are plenty of clever lines and a few funny moments.

Normally I'd call this an 8-star Christmas movie. So why did I dock two stars?

The premise is just silly. LOL A "Historic Drive-In"?? And showing that a failing drive-in has more value to the town than a new distribution center that would certainly provide dozens if not hundreds of jobs?

Ridiculous.

You get exactly what is expected - run of the mill formula, story, and production that's comfortable and bland - a good feeling filler of time that will make most any Lifetime or Hallmark watcher very happy. The actors had a fair amount of personality and chemistry. I personally tuned in because I've seen a number of other Danica McKellar Christmas projects over the years - so it's kind of tradition! Everyone did a decent job except with the graphics people and continuity - at one point the drive-in screen displays -

"Come Join Our Caralers Tonight!"

No - seriously. Uh Oh. Someone can't spell carolers!!!!!

It was quite a distraction from the movie.

Back to which - they wrote a mind numbing "twist" resolution to wrap up every loose end in one shot during the last few fleeting minutes of the run. BAM - it was over! That's how these things always go though. Would it be so hard to leave the formula behind and be a little more creative? Unfortunately the execs have to rubber stamp projects - and if it doesn't fit their mold, it becomes too frightening to green light. This one's worth a watch for an easy going holiday film.

Danica McKellar has done better work. Her second outing with GAC Family is not a strong one, despite the presence of Neal Bledsoe, whom she has worked with before, over at Hallmark.

If I were asked to describe 'Christmas at the Drive-In" in one word it would be 'formulaic'.

You can tick the boxes on this: small town. Teenage sweethearts. Important town location in danger of being destroyed. Said location (a drive-in, as you probably gathered from the title) being saved by the two protagonists and sparks fly along the way. Devious entity tries to stop it. Said entity is defeated. Protagonists fall in love.

This sort of movie has been done before and done better. Didn't seem to be all that much chemistry between the leads and the storyline was pretty weak.

Together again.

I'm reading the reviews here (including the one for the Candace movie :-) ), and I'm struck by how seriously everybody takes these movies. I've learned over the years what to expect, so I'm not going to complain about it.

Right up front, this movie is not as good as Coming Home for Christmas.

For those who haven't seen that or don't care, this is a story about a businessman who inherits a drive-in and intends to sell it for development. Danica plays an attorney who has lots of memories there, and therefore decides she needs to save it.

She and Neal are tasked with putting forth a good-faith effort to make a go of the drive-in... in Winter in the snowbelt.

What's not realistic about that (sarc)?

Danica and Neal did not have the supporting cast they had in Coming Home, and they certainly didn't have the script, but I remain hopeful that GAC will resolve these things in time.

Six.

Apparently since I wrote this, Neal Bledsoe has stated he will no longer make movies for Great American because of what Candace Cameron Bure said about only portraying traditional marriage in their movies.

Docking a point for Neal and his politics.

Five.

I often say that this kind of movie does not deal well with reality. This premise is one of the more ridiculous in that way that I can remember. So let's try to get over it.

Now the premise is that two old high school flames have to work together on a Christmas (sort of) project. That is one of the more common ones. In other words, the story is just a platform to allow a romance to develop.

There is some decent dialogue including some funny lines. The acting is good. Based on the set-up, the lead protagonists should be about as antagonistic as they could be. While there is some residual friction over business matters and personal history, they get awfully friendly awfully fast and soon the friction turns to nostalgia. Danica McKellar and Neal Bledsoe do have very good chemistry.

There are some little mysteries that unveil later in the movie. Early on, both Sadie and Holden tell their side of their breakup in high school, but it's obvious that something is missing. About half way through we learn more about both backstories since high school.

I said let's try to get over it. Unfortunately, the movie keeps bringing the ridiculous premise up, like rubbing it in the viewer's face. It is central to the story all the way through. And the miracle is even more ridiculous. I really wish the premise hadn't been so stupid. I might have been able to see this as a slightly above average movie despite being entrenched in overused tropes and with no real surprises. But as is, the ridiculous story just takes away too much.