Christmas on the Square

If you ask anyone why they wanted to watch this movie, you'll probably be told it was because of Dolly Parton; after all, that's also why I turned it on.

The opening musical scene is generally where most viewers start to have regret for tuning in. I too was a bit overwhelmed with this bright, overly jolly, and way to long of an opening musical number (of that caliber) to start a down-home, feel good Christmas story. Unlike most reviewers here, I stayed tuned-in to see where this was going to go from here. I just wasn't about to give up on Dolly Parton yet.

This movie does have its ups and downs, but I started to realize that this is definitely 'I'm always happy and grateful' Dolly style and quickly dropped my preconceived idea of what this movie was going to be.

From the 30-minute mark going forward I started enjoying the story more and more, but I found myself looking at my phone during many of the following musical numbers, only to find myself watching again when the story returned. Not every musical journey was bad, and they did tie into the story itself, but in Dolly fashion they were very exuberant and busy on the screen.

Christine Baranski was a joy to watch in this film, and I believe they could have made this movie great without the musical numbers and a bit more of the storyline. With Dolly steering the musical direction of the film, she could have had a few beautiful and soon-to-be Holiday classics or even had a great duet with Christine. However, this movie was intended to be an off-Broadway style film with a simple storyline and lots of over-the-top numbers, and they certainly achieved their goal.

It's clear to me Ms. Parton and the entire cast wanted to cheer us all up through the musical numbers and have fun too. After all it's 2020 and why not watch a Holiday musical comedy with a few laughs and snarky quips sprinkled through the movie while adding a touching conclusion and good performance by Christine Baranski.

It tries, I guess.

I can't say I enjoyed 'Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square' at any moment, though it does have (minor) peaks and (major) troughs. Some parts are OK, a couple of the songs fit and there's one nice scene between Christine Baranski (Regina) and Selah Kimbro Jones (Violet). Parton, meanwhile, is fine in her role.

However, the rest is a slog to watch. Far too much emphasis is put on the musical numbers. Yes, it obviously needs them but you must also have more meat on the bones if you're going to make a film out of it. The plot is tedious to watch unfold, as you know what's coming and it doesn't do anything to throw you off the scent.

If you just want a music-filled film then head this way, if not it's probably best to avoid.

Remember this isn't a big budget movie this is based on a stage play and it plays that way on screen too. It's a sweet story with a message. People need to get off their high horse when it comes to reviews. This is meant to be fun and entertaining with a moral. That's the basics. I love the effort and heart put into this story.

I love musicals but this was a little boring one. Story is so familiar, nothing is new actually, musics are so easy and simple almost in every song there were only 2 notes so that makes kind of boring...i couldn't get in the movie.. i didn't feel the christmas sprit.

I honestly couldn't really tell you what this was about. I don't think Dolly could. I don't think the writers could to be honest.

It's such a tragic awful mess and hugely predictable at times, while overwhelmingly confusing at others and they suddenly burst into random awful forgettable songs.

My favourite part is towards the end when they give solo performers fairly sizeable songs and scenes - WHEN THEY HAVE NEVER BEEN IN THE FILM UNTIL THIS POINT. Lolsies

Shame shame shame