Christmas on the Range

While loving Christmas (a lifelong love too) and having liked/loved many Christmas films, there are plenty of Christmas films that are too sappy and cheese ridden as well as predictable. Have seen quite a few films in the past few years using Christmas on a ranch setting (always an intriguing setting for this particular holiday) and they have varied in success, some are very charming, sweet and engaging while others are too simplistic, dull and silly.

'Christmas on the Range' is among the better ones and generally in the former category, though there are some not unexpected glimpses of the latter adjectives. Was not expecting a classic and didn't get that, but did expect in a way an at least average film that didn't have me wrenching my hair and teeth out. Luckily that was the case here with 'Christmas on the Range'. Not an essential, but there is nothing offensive about it either at the same time.

Shall get the not so good things out of the way. The story is rather basic and too slight, a fair share of familiar elements with not much new done to them (including the obligatory too easily telegraphed and too neat ending). There are moments of dullness early on and some of the dialogue is on the awkward and too sappy side.

Most of the acting is fine, but there are signs of overacting in the supporting cast.

On the other hand, 'Christmas on the Range' looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. Erin Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez are very likeable leads, their chemistry has a lot of charm and their relationship develops realistically, easy to connect with emotionally and is not underused. A Martinez and Lindsay Wagner are fun in support, with Wagner especially bringing a lot of heart to the film.

The dialogue generally gets better as the film progresses, it becomes more natural in the flow and it didn't make me cringe as much. The story on the most part, providing that one doesn't mind that it is predictable and slight, is heart-warming and easy going. And while there is more of a serious edge here than most recently seen Christmas films, it doesn't come over as too serious or heavy-handed.

In conclusion, worth watching. 6/10