Christmas on Duty

CHRISTMAS ON DUTY I Lazy, uninspired and predictable holiday rom-com, Christmas On Duty struggles to be cute or romantic, and everything just flows way too easy for our uninteresting couple. Jake Van Wagoner could have had his eyes closed directing the film. Parker Young who at least has some decent gigs to his credit gives it a little life but Janel Parrish is rather yawn inducing as the lead. V.

The story of two marines with history who get thrust into a reluctant "santa" role in the base and, obviously, end up falling for one another. Plenty of antics and awkward situations push them to the expected conclusion.

Newcomer to Hallmark Parker Young does a good job and is entertaining while also showing a sensitive and family side but even his good effort can't compensate for the disastrous Janel Parrish.

She is just not credible or even entertaining.

I suspect we will not be seeing a lot of play of this one.

I liked that Blair was so strong and Josh was adorable. I thought their banter was cute and the story line was fun. I loved the toy store scene and when he slyly went for her hand to dance in the street scene. Coming from a military family I appreciated that the military jargon was accurate - and just the right amount. I think this movie will put a smile on most faces.

7.3 stars.

This is not a bad movie, not sure why the low overall rating. A lot of reviewers really liked it.

The atmosphere is a Christmasy road-trip romance between two army captains. They are on a mission to buy a bunch of toys and deliver them to children in their hometown for Christmas. All roads are snowed-in and deliveries are delayed and the only way to get the toys to the town is to requisition a large military truck, able to drive through thick snow, and load it with toys from toy stores that still have them in stock.

The captains end up driving all Christmas Eve through the night and into Christmas morning to accomplish the task, and in the meantime they spark a romance (this is Hallmark after all).

The backstory is that their fathers did not get along and it was looking like the apples didn't fall far from the trees for these two either; but the love birds rewrite their family story (after a few initial hiccups) and the romance is on.

I really like the setting as most of it takes place on the road in the cab of this five ton army truck. She drives and he navigates as they share good conversations. Along the way they attend a parade and a party, and the truck breaks down...all familiar tropes for Hallmark fare. On the other hand, something about the mood captures the essence of Christmas.

This is a feel-good film, not spectacular, but sufficiently enjoyable for a once-over.

I found this movie to be so cute and entertaining. I really liked the military angle, I thought it was super unique and the writer had some really creative takes on how to make this cute and fun for the holiday season. Also the leads were great together! Definitely recommend for a sweet, feel good holiday film!