Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Open For Christmas.
Story: 1.50/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.75/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.50/2
Total 7/10
What would you do if you returned home one Christmas to find a Christmas Card from somebody in high school professing their feelings of love? For me, how this plotline developed slowly sold me on the movie. Nicky's return home for thanksgiving is turned from enjoyment to shock when she learns of her parent's decision to downsize and sell their family home. Deciding to extend her stay until after Christmas, she helps them parcel up. While she's packing up her belongings, she discovers the card. But the writers don't immediately jump us into the search for her unknown love, no life goes on, and we see the friendship between old friends Nicky and Simone rekindle. Simone has her own life, which is in the process of a significant change. But as we progress and the mystery builds in prominence, we learn the card may affect Nicky's forthcoming new life.
The writers do a superb job of slowly building the mystery and the reveal. This intentional inertia allows the writers to develop their characters better, allowing the viewers more opportunities to relate to them. Then, as the mystery unfolds, the twists become a prime driving force, which works wonderfully. However, the movie is too short. The writers could've added more intrigue in a few scenes, as once one critical part gets revealed, the rest simply and swiftly falls into place. This section felt rushed and not as effective. However, the worst comes not from the story but from the casting. Stereotypical casting signposts the letter sender way before the reveal. No sooner have they walked on screen than you know it's them. And that is a waste of a good mystery and a shame for the viewers. But, even so, the story is enjoyable.
The director does a great job with the cinematography and the pacing of the picture, even though, as I said, the reveal feels rushed. He has a good eye for framing and using natural light to enhance the heart-warming atmosphere and light-heartedness of the narrative. And even though he likes soft focus and glow occasionally, it's not too prominent nor too dominant. He uses them sparingly and subtly.
The performers are excellent. How could they not be when you have Alison Sweeney and Erica Durance in the cast(?) And the supporting cast is as skilled as the leads. In fact, I enjoyed a couple of scenes starring Michael Karl Winters as Jeremy better than others. He has some brilliant lines, and his persona as a husband-and-dad-to-be is brilliantly portrayed, especially in the scenes with his stepson-to-be.
I would highly recommend Open By Christmas to all Christmas Romance fans. It's well worth your time. Get your loved one in a cuddle, sup your hot chocolate, and enjoy.
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.
