Haul Out the Holly

Lacey and Wes did a really good job with the script they were given but there was just no way to save this monstrosity. The writer, Andy Sandberg, created a mess that never should've seen the light of day and yet someone produced it anyway.

To think that this movie is supposed to be family friendly only makes it so much worse. People with children are watching this disaster!

The whole movie is based on super intense peer pressure and a total disregard for the leading character's boundaries. The lead is constantly pressured, to the point where I'd call it harassment, to participate in over-the-top Christmas events which are blatantly labelled as obligations. I'm normally not so bothered about movies skirting the lines of moral but this one is just too appaling.

The very obviously fake snow and perfectly round fake snowpeople fit perfectly with the supporting characters who are all in desperate need of a psychiatrist. And let's not forget the immature love interest. The movie starts out with "Emily" dumping her manchild jerk boyfriend, only to meet another annoying grown baby who has absolutely no regards for her boundaries.

The very worst part is that none of these trainwreck characters ever change, they all stay just as obnoxious, tacky, and invasive to the very end. But hey, it's Christmas so let's just cheer for the message this movies sends...

This was a disaster. They tried to do Christmas comedy with romance but failed. This is a story about a woman played by Lacey Chabert hallmark house name who isn't the most Christmas cheerleader going back home to a place that is all Christmas joy. This was supposed to be a movie about finding the joy and happiness of Christmas. But instead it became unbearable to watch. All the characters were over the top cliche that were too annoying. It wasn't funny or magical . They tried to do romance story but it didn't work. I love the actor another hallmark actor but the character was as annoying as everyone else in this movie.

This could have worked better but when most of the characters including the awful parents are annoying there is nothing to make you enjoy the movie.

There is a little thing that I noticed. I think I saw Lisa Chabert Wearing the same white sweater in a Christmas movie before. Look in "Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas" from last year. It's the same.

Thankfully not another sickly sweet Christmas movie. A refreshingly different Hallmark holiday film, that was funny and quirky. The plot and script worked and the dialog was good, plenty of repartee. Lacey Chabert is always reliable, it was obvious that West Brown was enjoying himself acting it up as Jared and he was funny. The standouts were Stephen Tobolowsky as Ned and Melissa Peterman as Pamela, they were very funny. A character actors' dream and there were plenty of character actors who gave very good performances. The pace was perfect from the encounter between Lacey Chabert and Jake Stormoen (Dan) to the very end. Good script, good acting and enjoyable to watch.

Good to see Kristoffer Polaha and Eric Mabius.

With Candace Cameron Brure dumping Hallmark, Lacey Chabert apparently takes over the title of Queen of the Hallmark Christmas movies, and if this is any indication, then let her reign carry on for awhile. Chabert has never seemed more relaxed playing a Christmas character and is really quite funny and good here. She is ably assisted by a fine supporting cast, particularly Wes Brown and the wonderful Melissa Peterman, both of whom are also very funny. The witty, sometimes hilarious, script is a benefit, too, but it only works because Chabert and the others are just so good in playing their parts. Nicely done and one film that will make you feel good during the holidays.

I think some low reviews are from viewers who took this movie way too seriously. It's supposed to be over-the-top and almost satire. Hallmark movies need to be approached with the proper attitude, especially the Holiday offerings. Don't expect award winning plots or acting. Sit back and just enjoy.

Wes Brown is funny, who knew? He is adorable in this movie. Lacey is charming as always. And Melissa Peterman, whom I usually loath, was also funny and made me almost like her.

So no, it's not Oscar worthy. But it is a fun romp. If all the little details aren't picked to shreds, examined, and found lacking by the plot police.