Hallmark knows how to make the best Christmas movies. This is no exception. Apparently directed by Mariah Carey, I expected this to be disastrous but was very pleasantly surprised! Carey even had a role in the film, which was entertaining as I'm about 98 percent sure she intentionally tries to act as badly as she possibly can. No one can be that bad. No one. Also FOLGER'S CLASSIC ROAST.
Lacey Chabert plays Kristin, a single mother whose dreams of being a famous designer went up in smoke in Los Angeles. Admitting failure, she packs up herself and her daughter Emily and they drive back to Silver Falls, Ohio where she grew up. Although both struggled to adjust at the very beginning, they obviously overcome that thanks to the help of her Aunt Sarah and Danny, the cute music teacher who helps Emily break out of her shell.
Highlights:
- Hallmark has a knack of finding the best child actors to portray these kids and this one did not disappoint. Fina Strazza is a tremendous little actress and if she should choose to continue, will make a big name for herself someday.
- Brennan Elliott. I love him so much. I love any movie he is in.
- Always love Kathy Najimy! She plays the same offbeat kooky character she does in every film, but she does it well.
- FOLGER'S CLASSIC ROAST (kind of awesome how they didn't even attempt to make their product placement a tiny bit subtle)
- The Santa dancing scene. Who can't not smile while watching him?
As long as you aren't expecting an award-winning flick and just watch it for what it is, a heartwarming cheerful holiday movie, I think you'd be happy you watched it. Definitely recommend!
