Christmas Reservations

I'll show up to watch Melissa Joan Hart read the phone book. She won my heart and eternal loyalty with two of her early Hallmark movies: My Fake Fiance and Holiday in Handcuffs. This one isn't close to ranking with those, but it had enough positives to keep me interested in a film that was mostly by the book as far as the principal romance was concerned. Her love interest was very attractive, but the chemistry just wasn't there. That is deadly for a TV Christmas movie. However, the cast had some good secondary stars. Markie Post was reliable as usual. it's hard to believe she is almost 70 years old. Happy Birthday, Markie, by the way. The actress who played her sister fascinated with her bordering on insane grin and perkiness. They were named Tay and Kay. That was odd. Ted McGinley did a great job as a scruffy has-been silver medalist skier. Loved the Americanized Indian daughter and traditional grandmother story. But I thought her love interest was miscast. I love nerds, but... well, let's just say she could do much much better. Michael Gross was unexceptional. He was OK. There were some nice touches that added value: The back story of the Inn, the placards that introduced each "chapter," and the wrap up of all the stories was nicely done, with a bit of humor. Of course, as always, the sets looked like a Christmas bomb went off, but that's OK. I love to laugh at those crazy decorations.

I must have a hundred or so hallmark, lifetime etc. Romance films on my drive but the leaden, stilted performances of the leads here and the sledgehammer multi race/culture/everything ism killed it for me in the scene setting. I'd like to throw the diversity and musical directors in a pit and leave them there.

This movie is pretty much just a conglomeration of a bunch of characters in a ski lodge that has seen better days. The movie follows these 11 characters. Some kindle a romance. The two kids run around doing harmless hijinks while trying to convince dad they need a dog. That's pretty much it for the story. Basically no plot. No highs, no lows, no surprises, and no tension. (OK Dadi gives us a little surprise, but no major impact.)

MJH and Ricardo Chavira, as Keven, have a modest chemistry, but not much spark. The two college kids have a sweet and shy relationship. There's other romances also. Basically, things were spread to thin. It was hard to get invested in any of them.

There was some mildly funny things, but nothing great.

Basically this is a totally mundane movie with some things that might appeal to some.

While not an award winner, this was pretty enjoyable. I thought all of the matches were pretty obvious, but handled very well. As a typical Hart-break production (Melissa Joan and her mom) it is family friendly and fairly relaxed. The young people tend to get in trouble, but their elders show the wisdom of experience. Trying to avoid spoilers, I'll just that it does ramble a bit, and the running gags are pretty tame. Romance and happiness are slow to form, but are unavoidable in the end. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours on a last afternoon or evening.

I really like Melissa Joan Hart but this one did not flow. They tried to throw in too many characters and subplots that just felt rushed or like they didn't belong. I tried to like this one! Also, Carlos from Desperate Housewives kind of bugs me.