"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.
