There were three main reasons for wanting to see 'Twinkle all the Way'. One was my love of Christmas. Two was that it was part of my Lifetime (and Hallmark) Christmas film completest quest, despite their 2019 output being such a mixed batch and generally unimpressive. Third and last of all was for the lovely Lesley Ann Warren, have liked her ever since one of the best versions of 'Cinderella' and one of my favourite comedies 'Clue'.
She doesn't disappoint in 'Twinkle all the Way' and the film itself to me was pretty good. Not quite great and with not much new, but it has a lot of charm and has its heart completely in the right place. Of Lifetime's 2019 Christmas output, 'Twinkle all the Way' to me struck me as one of the best watching it some months back (have been a bit behind on my film viewing though having for a while decided to slow down and because of music committments and health troubles).
As said, 'Twinkle all the Way' didn't strike me as great. It has a premise that has been well worn for goodness knows how long with a familiar setting, and it doesn't do an awful lot fresh with it. For example one can figure out the (too convenient and on the schmaltzy side) ending from miles off. The pace could have done with a little more energy.
One doesn't ever expect Oscar-worthy dialogue when watching a Lifetime film, that's setting expectations too high and it's not that kind of film. Some parts can be rather cheesy and doesn't always flow.
However, 'Twinkle all the Way' still has a lot to like. Sarah Drew and Ryan McPartlin are very likeable leads, neither try too hard yet both engage fully to their material. Personally actually thought that their chemistry was natural and genuine, not to mention sweet. It was appreciated that the relationship didn't feel rushed and that it developed realistically enough. A major asset to the film is Warren, still looking amazing and looking much younger than her 74 years, who has a warm charismatic presence. 'Twinkle all the Way' also had to me characters worth caring for, they are interesting and any negative character traits are not exaggerated. Really don't know why there are a few people that have a problem with the presence of the gay couple, diversity in a film to me is always welcome and they do not harm the film at all or come over as stereotypical.
Moreover, it looks good in particularly the scenery. The music is pleasant and not intrusive, not always the case with Lifetime (even more Hallmark) films. The script is far from perfect, but is sweet and raised a number of smiles. The story is likewise flawed, but is very charming and warm-hearted with an authentic atmosphere.
In summary, pretty good. 7/10
