Christmas in the Smokies

"Christmas in the Smokies" has a different enough twist on the usual romantic holiday season films. The plot idea was a good one, and it has the scenery to make a very good film. But there are too many shortcomings with this one. The most obvious is the weak screenplay. It really needed to flesh out the background much more and better, especially of Mason Wyatt's lifestyle and change when he achieved the spotlight as a country Western singing star.

Here's a story about a late teenage couple who had a sudden split, and now they come back together about 15 years later. The portrayal in the film of Mason is all a good guy, a little sorry for his past, and with a sense of humor, but having grown up. In contrast, Shelby Haygood still carries her hurt all these years later. And all the film shows of this is a very brief shot of a young girl looking forlorn as the movie opens. There was real drama and hurt in that relationship, which the script just passes over except for Shelby's dour portrayal.

And to the very end, there is really no sign of chemistry between these two characters. So, the acting doesn't really fit the circumstances of a real life situation.

The best thing about this film is the portrayal of Shelby's parents. Rebecca Koon play's Annie Haygood and Barry Corbin plays Wade Haygood. Corbin's character adds some nice humor to the story, and a bit of senior wisdom in places. He plays the role very at ease and comfortably. But, even with the good scenery on top of that, the loose, hole-filed script and poor screenplay relegate this to just another so-so holiday film. Without Corbin and the scenery, it would be quite boring and probably not hold the attention of many viewers.

Here are the best lines in this film, both by Corbin's "pop."

Wade Haygood, to Mason Wyatt on his return, "Those first years - burnin' all those photographs sure did keep the house warm."

Wade Haygood, to Shelby, "You know, it ain't baggage if you don't carry it around."

Give them credit to have a Christmas movie somewhere other than New York City. Loved the home in the Smokies. Sarah Lancaster and Barry Corbin fit right in as Tennessee folks- very convincing and very well done. Barry Corbin was perfect as the boisterous dad- loved the tender mom as well. Alan Powell was great as the country music star. His dance was the most memorable part of the movie.

The film lacked any real drama or surprise and lagged in many spots. I watched it on DVD and dozed about half way. A very forceful Brett Rice was present in the film in a small part as a villain of sorts. It was on the verge of being a good film but only made it as an OK film with lots of good talent.

Yes, the story line of a farm about to close is one we have all heard before, but I love this one. I like the chemistry between the leads. Shelby is angry because she's been burned by him before, when he put his music career first, but you can't help but pull for them the whole time. Their squabbles keep you engaged and their smiles at each other are so great. I also love the side characters, which is often not the case. They are funny, they are not overacting, they are entertaining, etc...

My girls and I watch this one almost every year and I couldn't say that about most romantic Christmas movies.

An American television drama film; A story set in Tennessee about a woman in danger of losing her family farm to developers, yet the return of her childhood sweetheart may give her new hope. This is a predictable faith-based romance with a well-trodden plot but it has an attractive and competent cast guide the inoffensive, uninspiring mediocre storyline. The music is nice too. It lacks scale in parts where clearly the producers didn't even have the budget for a few hundred extras. The story is swiftly brought to an end with an appalling plot device, but overall it is a warm-hearted, good natured flick.

I can't be the only one waiting for a kiss happen. I guess this was one of an inspirational type of film rather than a romance. I was just waiting for more to happen.