Finding Santa

This is a cute film. It is borderline silly and unbelievable in places, but the romance is sweet enough to let that pass. It also helps that Eric Winter is very easy on the eye.

It's full of seasonal cheer and one day I will go to one of these fantastically festive little towns in America! I have got to experience these traditions and all the fun they have.

If I'm honest, I'm running out of things to say about made for TV Christmas films. They all follow a pattern and it's generally sweet. This is a prime example of that.

7.2 stars.

There are a lot of things in 'Finding Santa' that stand out as a bit different, but just that. They are ever so slightly different. The lead actor is not in so many Hallmark films, so he's a nice change. Sweetin does fine, but she's the same in everything. I wish she could change her personality for different parts, but alas most of these child actors seem to have the same problems. They grew up being the same in a TV show that lasted for decades, it's difficult for them to change any quirks, expressions, body language, etc. Take all of her movies and she is literally the same person.

This is a standard Christmas romance across the board. But I have to comment on it only so I can make a note for myself that it's an average film, not to be viewed again for at least another 5 years.

The music spoilt everything. It is too loud and irritating,

This Hallmark holiday romance features Jodie Sweetin ("Full House") as Grace, the person in charge of a small town's Christmas celebration, including the parade. Everything is on schedule until the town's Santa breaks his arm. Grace auditions many possible replacement Santas, but she deems them "unsuitable." There seems to be only one solid choice to don the whiskers this ho-ho-holiday, but he may be unwilling. What will she do?

Sweetin is adorable in this role. She is cast opposite Eric Winter, who plays Ben-the son of the sidelined Santa. If you are familiar with Winter's character on "The Rookie", this role shows an entirely different personality. The two of them work well together.

Though much of the story is formulaic---including the subplot about finding one's passion--- it is nevertheless a heart-warming seasonal offering.

Almost everything in this movie seemed forced, or put differently too much by the formula. The concept itself was a stretch. Who cares who sits in the sleigh in a town parade? Certainly there would be a few reasonable candidates as long as it's not Clint. I think Clint was a combination of an attempt at humor, and justification for needing Ben so badly. Neither of these totally succeeded.

Other things were forced as well. The theme seemed to be Follow Your Heart, which is so well-worn in Christmas stories. It was a little overplayed. I venture that most people have occupations that are not their dream in life, but then the purpose of these movies is to distract us from reality.

Even the climax, just before the ending was forced. I won't say what it was.

Jodie Sweetin was OK. Eric Winter was a little better, but the romance wasn't fireworks worthy. Jay Brazeau was also good as the mentor for aspiring Santas.

Just a totally side comment that applies to almost all of these Christmas movies. The directors just don't seem to understand winter conditions, especially sunlight. It's 5:30 in the morning in Massachusetts and its' broad daylight - no not in late December. People walk around in winter climates with snow on the ground or falling from the sky, but coats wide open and scarves that don't cover anything. People leave their front doors wide open for extended periods during a snowstorm. Anyone who lives there wouldn't do these things. (But then so many of these movies are shot in warm weather and the actors are sweating.)

There were some tender moments, even the ending to a certain extent. There was a great deal of Christmas spirit and a passable romance. If you like the usual fair of Hallmark Christmas, you may enjoy this.