Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas

This film had a clever plot as reflected in the title. It was sweet and funny, and was the perfect blend of a traditional Christmas movie and a 90's rom-com. It seems that lately most Christmas movies are heavy on the romance but pretty light on the comedy, so when I find one that delivers on both, I tend to enjoy it more. Merry Birthday Happy Christmas definitely checked both boxes for me.

There aren't any a-list movie stars here, although it looks like the lead actress, Aeon Cruz, Has appeared in several other Christmas movies. The cast does a good job of delivering the comedy, and the tension when needed. There are some pretty funny supporting performances. And, fun fact but not a spoiler: Kevin Maginnis who plays the dad, is the guy who went viral for losing more than 50 pounds after eating nothing but McDonald's for 100 days.

"Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" was another Christmas movie that I had never even heard of prior to sitting down to watch it.

I am sure that the storyline in the movie was written with the best of intentions, but it was so brutally slaughtered in execution from script to screen that it was just an unwatchable movie. Everything just fell to the floor and utterly failed to entertain me. So I can't claim that I was the least bit entertained by what writers Elgin Cahill and Kate Mobley delivered.

The acting performances in the movie were a bit strained, wooden if you will. Leading actor Scott Mitchell and leading actress Aeon Cruz weren't exactly delivering fully convincing performances in carrying the movie. It was very forced and staged, and didn't really come off as being natural or particularly believable. But many of the actors and actresses on the cast list weren't exactly delivering top notch performances, and it was holding the movie back.

I sat through a staggering 16 minutes of absolute pure boredom here before I tossed the towel in the ring. The movie was fully and wholly devoid of an interesting storyline, interesting characters, proper acting, and most importantly devoid of a Christmas spirit. I will never return to attempt finish watching the movie, because I was almost bored to tears the first time around.

Of all the Christmas movies I've sat through so far this December, "Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" takes second place in terms of being a heap of rubbish, only surpassed by the 2024 movie "A Holiday for Harmony".

My rating of director Elgin Cahill's 2024 movie "Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" lands on a two out of ten stars.

I love the way this movie starts off, with the main characters as kids, and brings us up to speed, so that we are watching present events unfold when the opening credits end. The female lead (Aeon Cruz) is fun and quirky, and although she does seem to over-act a bit at times, she does a good job portraying a typical conflicted Christmas movie heroin. This is definitely not an award-winning type of film, but it is certainly on par with most of the Christmas movies we are used to seeing throughout the holiday season. Kari White, who plays the main character's boss, is hilarious, and it looks like she clearly had fun playing her role. If you are in the mood for a feel-good rom-com to put you in the Christmas spirit, I would definitely say that "Merry Birthday, Happy Christmas" is worth a watch.

I tried. 14 mins and 12 seconds. I tried. The story line sounded fun and I enjoyed the beginning. Then, the man nervous giggled. And he never stopped. I really couldn't get past it. Until I saw the cubicles in the office. The set was terrible, the acting was so forced, the awkward silence.... I was waiting for a "cut". I'm out and I'm bummed - I love Christmas shows.

You know what is even worse? I tried to submit my review - see above - but IMBD said I needed to add 231 more words. I didn't watch enough of the move for 600 words. I'm not sure which is worse, the movie or me having to write this last paragraph to warn you that the movie is bad!

I like to give Christmas movies every opportunity to get better. Not with this one though. I couldn't even get halfway through it. I can't believe I wasted 20 minutes of my life on this piece of trash!

It IS beyond a SNOOZER!

Where do I start???? Well.....the acting is deplorable, with the lead actor being the worst I've Ever seen. He can't act his way out of a paper bag!

I can only assume he's giggling like a 3rd grade school girl to cover up his failure to act!

Where did they find this guy anyway?

Honestly, the lead actress isn't much better. I do enjoy watching old movies from the 30's & 40's, but at least when they over-act its expected. Not so in today's movies. She should audition for a soap opera.

The only really good thing I can say about her is she isn't constantly giggling.

What is with all that Fake giggling anyhow? Between the so called vet who can barely get a word out of his mouth correctly through all his giggling and the bosses giggling I just might throw up!

What about how the boss is throwing herself at the guy. I cant believe she is not drooling on him and taking off her clothes! He's supposedly too stupid to even notice? Really? Is anyone that gullible?

It is SOOOOO iritating it's not even funny.

The Absolute Best actors of this movie are the Animals!!! I mean, thank goodness they had the lead actor be a veterinarian, at least then there Would be animals to pick up the slack from some of the poorest acting I've ever seen!!!

Who chose these people anyway? Were they on drugs? I have no idea because I can't sit through this entire movie to read the credits!

I can NOT believe they are making a movie this BAD in 2024. This movie is awful, Awful, AWFUL!!!!

Don't buy this movie, but if you did....... Don't walk, RUN to the nearest trash bin and toss it in!