Making Spirits Bright

I've seen Taylor in so many movies, I've always liked her with shorter hair. The long hair seemed off to me. Decent acting, storyline was so so. Not my favorite but at least the 3 regulars weren't on (Lacey, Danica and Candice) and Barbara Niven wasn't the mom again.

I almost didn't watch this based on the negative reviews but it was pleasant enough to watch. I liked the seemingly easy compatibility of the leads and the other family members seems genuine, The tech lighting guy was annoying as he was meant to be - I'm glad I don't have lights like that in my neighborhood. I don't really pay any attention to the snow situation that seems to bother others. I would agree that the subplot with the business partner seemed unnecessary.

"Anybody can string a bunch of lights and enter a computer code. Where is the soul in that?"-Frank I feel exactly the same way about those computerized light displays with their mega trees and pixels...boring! Give me displays with meaning, interest, history, personality any day.

"That spark of joy in their eyes. All because of something we've created."-Frank

"They were a great partnership."-Arlene "We brought out the best in each other."-Bill

Two families are brought together to compete in a town Christmas light competition and this year the stakes are higher, a $50,000 cash prize. The patriarchs, Bill and Frank, of two families used to run a business together until Frank accused Bill of putting quantity over quality. Bill was so offended he dissolved the partnership immediately and the two started their own businesses. Their kids, including Grace and Tony, used to be friends but have become strangers. With there families pitted against each other, their initial amicable reunion turns contentious.

Bill expanded his business and may have bitten off more than he can chew, making this year's competition monetary reward even more important. The competition is important for Frank as he hasn't competed for the last seven years and feels like he has a lot to prove.

Meanwhile, Grace and Tony keep being drawn together...and discover their moms have secretly maintained their friendship this whole time...meeting clandestinely and taking an annual trip together. Inspired by their moms' secret relationship, Tony volunteers to put his MBA to work reviewing Bill's financials secretly.

Frank confesses to Tony how much he gets into his head and how that prevents him from being able to execute his plans.

"A real partner will value all of your opinions. Even if sometimes it may be wrong."-Bill

"Mutual embarrassment kind of tears down the walls."-Tony.

OK, there are no real sparks in this movie. The family feud and the lights competition ring recent and distant bells. Which should be discounted, as expected. Considering the myriad of Christmas and romantic movies continuously produced, fresh, new ideas are near-impossible, especially when one refuses to resort to sensationalism, depravity, vulgarity or violence. Thanks Heaven Hallmark has resisted temptation to walk that path. Within the self-imposed constraints, Hallmark comfortably presents us with light fare entertainment that ranges from boring to heartwarming, never objectionable. Sometimes we get the little magic that we would always want to find. Given the other alternatives available on the market, this is an accomplishment that should be recognized. Here we are with this film, which, still, delivers some kind or moving moments and, though formulaic, conform to Christmas spirit in reminding us of the values of family and friendship.

This was a very sweet story with a lot of charm. Even though this was pretty low-key, it kept my interest throughout. Taylor Cole and Carlo Marks were excellent together. I've not always liked Taylor Cole, but she really came through as a small town family oriented girl, which is not a part one would usually associate with her. I don't think I've seen a Christmas movie based on the business of decorating houses before. So although the Romeo and Juliet outline was pretty standard stuff, the background it is set against is unusual.

Grace and Tony are the offspring of two fathers who have been feuding for years. They were once close friends and partners in a Christmas decorating business but their differing work styles drove them apart. Tony's father is a perfectionist which has caused him to miss deadlines and not get the job done. He puts art above money. Grace's father is into efficiency and making a profit. They both enter the town's Christmas decorating contest as competitors. However in an effort to defeat a mutual enemy who emphasizes technology over heart and tradition, they end up trying to work together.

There are some genuinely touching moments in this and romance is sweet, thanks to the chemistry between the two leads. The Romeo and Juliet romance is appealing as they go from uncertainty to friendship and then love. I loved the relationship of the two mothers, who have remained secret friends throughout their husbands' feud. Also adding an interesting dynamic was the fraught relationship between Grace and her partner in their home-staging business.