Christmas at the Drive-In

Ah, it's Christmas time which means the occasional watch of the Danica McKellat Christmas movie since I was a fan of hers on the Wonder Years. I've actually found the ones on Hallmark to be a bit entertaining but his one (I know it's a different network) was by far the most boring and predictable of the bunch. Last year's wasn't much better, feels like her Christmas fare is going downhill. Christmas at the Drive In made zero sense for these two people to grow a relationship even with the lazy writing of having them been school mates. The relationship felt a bit forced and hopefully they find better writers for Danica's next Christmas adventure.

"Christmas at the Drive-In" delivers the predictable Hallmarkish (But actually on the Great American Family Channel) charm, complete with a "Big Bad Developer" (who inherited the very drive-in he wants to sell) versus a determined local hero. The stakes? The titular drive-in, recently designated a historical site but facing demolition. Our heroine, a lawyer returning home after a career setback, champions its preservation - a mission that felt somewhat lacking given the drive-in's apparent lack of business and staff.

While the film adheres to the familiar formula, the leads unfortunately lack chemistry, despite their shared history from elementary school and a past romance. Their relationship past and current, just didn't give me the feels. Honestly, I struggled to understand the drive-in's inherent worth; its saving grace seemed more the heroine's vision than any existing community need. That said, the transformation of the drive-in into a festive event space - complete with Christmas trees, blankets, and warm cider - was visually appealing, and I did appreciate the heroine's creative ideas for revitalizing the space. Ultimately, while the film offers a cozy holiday viewing experience, the thin plot and unconvincing romance hold it back from true greatness. It's a perfectly acceptable holiday movie for those who enjoy the genre, but don't expect to be blown away.

One last thing: The tropes always present in these holiday movies include the couple decorating or baking cookies together, and then sharing a dance-usually to a holiday song. Another holiday gem, *A Lot Like Christmas*'s couple's dance to "Jingle Bells," is one of the cutest holiday movie dances ever. This movie's swing dance to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" wasn't bad; I enjoyed it.

I often say that this kind of movie does not deal well with reality. This premise is one of the more ridiculous in that way that I can remember. So let's try to get over it.

Now the premise is that two old high school flames have to work together on a Christmas (sort of) project. That is one of the more common ones. In other words, the story is just a platform to allow a romance to develop.

There is some decent dialogue including some funny lines. The acting is good. Based on the set-up, the lead protagonists should be about as antagonistic as they could be. While there is some residual friction over business matters and personal history, they get awfully friendly awfully fast and soon the friction turns to nostalgia. Danica McKellar and Neal Bledsoe do have very good chemistry.

There are some little mysteries that unveil later in the movie. Early on, both Sadie and Holden tell their side of their breakup in high school, but it's obvious that something is missing. About half way through we learn more about both backstories since high school.

I said let's try to get over it. Unfortunately, the movie keeps bringing the ridiculous premise up, like rubbing it in the viewer's face. It is central to the story all the way through. And the miracle is even more ridiculous. I really wish the premise hadn't been so stupid. I might have been able to see this as a slightly above average movie despite being entrenched in overused tropes and with no real surprises. But as is, the ridiculous story just takes away too much.

We really like Danica McKeller, and we've liked the male lead in a couple of Christmas films too, one of which was also with Danica.

They have great chemistry in the film, both showing personality and charm ... just what you need for a successful romance. Plus, there are plenty of clever lines and a few funny moments.

Normally I'd call this an 8-star Christmas movie. So why did I dock two stars?

The premise is just silly. LOL A "Historic Drive-In"?? And showing that a failing drive-in has more value to the town than a new distribution center that would certainly provide dozens if not hundreds of jobs?

Ridiculous.

It's not that this movie is offensively bad, it just would be fully forgettable, were it not for the improbable premise: fight for saving a "historic drive-in" over jobs for regular folk? Where the supposed antagonist is for no reason made to help his rival?

However, it was refreshing that there were no cartoon bad guys as such. And I liked both of the leads and enjoyed watching them. It just didn't seem believable they would be a couple: one with that bad boy energy and the other one rather wholesome. Sure, sometimes the whole opposites attract situation creates great sizzle, but here the leads felt more like bickering and bantering siblings.

One big issue for me is that I enjoy, nay, demand beautiful visual and set design in Christmas movies - somehow this just wasn't visually very impressive. It was a bit bland a little unwarm, and e.g. The shop with Christmas decors looked more like a Goodwill store.

So: if you're looking for sumptuous Christmas movie with fiery romantic chemistry, keep on driving.