This is not your typical Christmas rom/com. It's not really a rom/com since the focus of the story is mostly Grace's journey to and through the contest amidst family downs and ups.. It has nothing to do with Christmas other than a few decorations on the stage of the contest and Dolly singing a quick Jingle Belles.
There's a wonderful few lines between Danny (dad) and Jenny (mom). "So why's Grace staying with Sarah?" "Cause I don't like what she's been doing." "Boys?" Jenny shakes her head no. "Drinking?" "No?" "OK I give up." "Music." Lady did you hear that conversation? Danny should have also added "Drugs?" Jenny further proves her lack of sense as the conversation progresses. Actually this whole sequence is quite realistic. It captures the flavor of the first half of the movie. There are a lot of other messy realistic exchanges in this movie before we get to the contest.
The story kept surprising me. Just when I thought it was going one way, it went another.
The contest was amazing. Each of the other two contestants sounded unbeatable. They sang well and had charisma. Grace's song was different and showcased both her voice and her heart.
The climax and ending are a bit sappy, but that's OK!
