Melissa Joan Hart and Michael Gross were the main reasons to see 'Christmas Reservations', being someone who has liked both of them in other things. Love Christmas too, probably a well known fact by now, and have no bias whatsoever against Lifetime Christmas films (although some of my previous reviews for them may indicate in a way otherwise). So there was no prejucial hate towards 'Christmas Reservations' before, actually wanted it to work.
That it didn't work or come off that well actually disappointed me. Lifetime have certainly done a lot worse with their Christmas films, they have also done a lot better. 'Christmas Reservations' is in no way a terrible film, but to me it was disappointing as it was not one of those films that was doomed from the get go (not many films in existence can be classed as that in my view). There was a halfway decent film somewhere in 'Christmas Reservations' that never materialised.
'Christmas Reservations' by all means did have good things. The best assets are the performances of Hart and Gross, both very likeable in their roles. Hart provides the what little there is of warmth and heart, while Gross is right in keeping with the film's tone (no overplaying or over-seriousness) Markie Post is also fun and fully engages.
It's nicely filmed and the locations are also easy on the eyes and appropriately festive. Some of the music has a pleasing nostalgic quality.
Ricardo Chavira however doesn't always look comfortable and is a rather bland presence. His chemistry with Hart doesn't really take off either and they don't really connect with each other, which makes it very difficult to root for. A big problem for a relationship that plays a major role in the film and the relationship itself is not very well developed, lacking in any conflict or charm. The direction seldom rises above routine and the pace is erratic, at times rushed from being over-stuffed and also dull because the execution is so bland and because there is too much padding.
Furthermore, 'Christmas Reservations' feels rather over-stuffed from having too many characters and too many subplots. And sadly, it doesn't do anywhere near enough with any of them. All the characters pretty much are underwritten, with no real depth and Lifetime stereotypes that are not much distinct from their other films. All the subplots are excessively predictable, can be contrived and none of them are delved into enough. That all makes 'Christmas Reservations' very bland emotionally. The script is very stilted and the corn and sentimentality go into overdrive, especially early on and when things get unrealistically sappy at the end.
Overall, very lacklustre. 4/10
