Holiday in the Vineyards

So I did admittedly enjoy the California Christmas series. This just seemed too much like it though except no Manny, no butler, and 2 kids in tow. They kept a mother element and the wine thing even the ringtone. Helps that the leads are attractive but this isn't all that different except he's faking carpenter instead of ranch hand. Even the dad passing away element transferred over. I guess if you're just looking for some mindless Christmas movie fun then I suppose this will fit the bill. If you watched and enjoyed his California Christmas movies then this one should be fine and watchable. If not there are a plethora of other films to pick...Biltmore Christmas was fun.

This was much better than expected. Privileged son of a wine family is tasked with a job by his mom -- they are looking to buy a vineyard and "Carter" (Josh Swickard) is to go find out what the bids are going to be. But Carter needs to blend in to get information so he can't stay in luxury. Carter while out scoping runs into the real estate agent with the vineyard listing who also happens to offer him lodging in her guest house, if he will help her fix it up. Long story short she thinks he is a handyman. Of course.... sparks fly.

This was absolutely better than regular Hallmark fare. Josh Swickard, in addition to actually being good looking, has mad charisma (and looks like Colin from Bridgerton). The supporting cast is solid. The only quibble is that the lead actress Sol Rodriguez is not that great and is the deadwood of the story. But still enjoyable.

If you're looking for a fun, feel good rom com to take your mind off reality for a couple hours you've found it. You've got a talented cast (even the kids seemed to be pretty good actors for kids in a movie like this), a fun if familiar storyline and some great dialogue. The two main actors are definitely up and comers and definitely worth checking out. This movie won't change your politics or cause you to question any of your major life decisions, but it's a couple hours of fun that flies by like a Christmas party with old friends. If you are into rom coms you should definitely give this one a watch.

I love an upbeat festive film but they can be a wee bit twee so I was pleasantly surprised by something that felt relative to today's world and not just a throwback to old school mills n boon romance. Great chemistry between all cast, rounded characters a female lead you could have a good girls night out with, and a very funny (and ripped!) male co-star. Sure there's some schmaltzy bits but hey, it's a Christmas rom com so that's kinda required, but it's all thoroughly entertaining and the script and acting elevated it above the bog standard formulaic afternoon movies which are fine to pass the time, but this is better :-) raise your glasses and sample some delicious festive fun.

This plot is what you expect. But, the writing is truly adult conversations with grown up relationship witticisms. Not the tripe of Hallmark. We both enjoyed it and it was nice to hear clever dialogue. There's a talented cast (even the kids seemed to appeared as you'd expect). The two main actors are definitely winners and worth checking out. And the secondary actors are strong in their own right. They provide the comical aspect. The story kept the banker way in the background so you don't see any ludicrous across the desk back and forth or whining. A couple hours of fun and easy enjoyment. If you are into romantic comedies you should definitely give this one a look.