Undercover Holiday

It was ok. I Kept waiting for this to get better but the "mystery" was disappointing. After it was over I watched the ending of the Kevin Costner /Whitney Huston movie this was stolen from. That was much more satisfying.

I guess it was okay for a Hallmark movie and I appreciated the Latin culture but the story was just really weak. I was looking for a villain and there wasn't one. You would think a movie with a bodyguard would at least have some real threat.

Just save yourself some time and watch "The Bodyguard" - at least that movie has some great songs for you to listen to. And some actual bodyguarding.

There were things I like about this movie, and a few cute scenes, but it seems like they have to do one of these "fake mystery boyfriend" movies every year now. We've seen a ton of them of them, and a few of them have been really fun. Those few came years ago when the concept hadn't been run into the ground.

This one had nothing new to offer for that trope, and certainly wasn't as imaginative as some. Our favorite is "A Boyfriend for Christmas", and that one was ALL THE WAY BACK from 2004 ... so you can see how old and tired that standard plot has become.

Not to judge, but this also seems to be the year of the overweight female romantic lead. I'm not against overweight people. I've got PLENTY of overweight friends, my wife could stand to lose a few pounds, and I just lost 30 pounds myself in the last year and a half. This lead actress needs to do what I did and lose 30 pounds herself. These romances are all a fantasy, and somehow that loses the fantasy. LOL.

I really was looking forward to this movie. But it was pretty bad. Why do so many Hallmark actresses giggle so much? Like, young school girl giggling? Lacey Chabert is an expert at this. So is the lead in this movie. Didn't see any chemistry, that first kiss was SO awkward. No passion. The singing was pretty bad too. The karaoke scene wasn't too bad but when the piano scene came on, I was turned away so didn't see who was singing, I thought it would be another family member, like a kid that was sick with a cold. But it was the lead and her mom! They sounded horrible!!! Also, I've never seen a pregnant woman walk around holding her belly like that. Casting was all wrong. If you want to see a perfectly cast show, watch Ghosts. Perfection.

I like Christmas movies. I just want fun entertainment. I LOVED the portrayal of traditional Hispanic holiday making. The Spanglish, dancing, and dual language songs were great.

Now the singing, however. Most music was fine, but when Jaylen and Abuela were at the piano, wow. Incredibly bad. Better editing would have helped. Wardrobe should have dressed Jaylen for her shape. Some of their choices were not flattering.

And the "soldier" turned private security. #1 if he was in the Navy he was NOT a soldier. #2 if the character had been an actual Navy Seal, he would not have had to mention it so much.

Nothing against either lead, she was very bubbly and fun, and I've seen him in other shows where his character appears to be a better fit. But as far as chemistry, I didn't get it. Didn't see it, either. When they are walking own a sidewalk discussing are we/aren't we, she is holding his flaccid arm. He was not participating, not at all.

The whole Fake Boyfriend trope has been done, and done much better before.

I normally like Stephen Huszar on Hallmark. NOT THIS ONE. He is totally miscast. Noemi Gonzalez is unbelievable in this role. No chemistry at all. I am sitting here struggling to get through the movie. There was just a scene where she's sitting at the piano with her grandmother - and she's singing. Totally flat and unpleasant to listen to. She's pleasant enough to watch - and I am sure paired with the correct male lead - she'd be much better.

The supporting cast is just OK. Her "sister-in-law" is about to give birth - but just stands there rubbing her belly and smiling. Clue for the writers/director - most pregnant woman don't stand there rubbing their swollen bellies CONSTANTLY.

Overall - this movie was not good at all.