How to Make Gravy

I love the song from which this film materialised but the sentiment is far too heavy handed.

The cast is great however there's not much here for them to work with and many a scene feels well overplayed and cheesy.

The prison scenes are unrealistic to the point that it would appear the writers and director didn't bother to consult with anyone or research that particular environment and the message around redemption and love are ham-fisted with actual reference to literally making gravy in the prison kitchen so the audience can more so lean into the significance of his role at Christmas time rather than the idea that he's missing being there and that inclusion.

I know the writers understand the basis of the song but they've failed to portray it and have tried to oversimplify it for the audience.

It's not an awful film, it's just pretty average and something you would expect to see programmed into the lunchtime/afternoon tv movie slot on a weekday.