Holiday in Santa Fe

A Gift Shop Christmas/ Holiday In Santa Fe (2021) -

As much as I loved Mario Lopez in 'Breaking The Surface' (1997) and before that he was always my favourite in 'Saved By The Bell' (1989-92), I have not been impressed by any of the made for TV Christmas films that he has done so far and this one was not an exception. He was also looking very plasticky, almost as if he was wearing a mask.

I did like the fact that Emeraude Toubia as Belinda wasn't a b!tch to start with. So often the execs are horrible and completely clueless at the beginning and have to go on a journey to realise the importance of the business they're trying to take over, but she was a nice character from the beginning, while Mario as Tony was the more conceited one.

Her assistant, Kevin, was so annoying though and overall the film was incredibly cheesey and none of them were the best actors.

I liked the Santa Fe "Mexican" element though and it was very cheerful. It certainly didn't have that gloomy filter that some of them have had and it was bright and colourful.

Early on, I had considered turning it off, because it did seem quite cheap, but I was glad that I stuck with it, because it was so cheery.

The final unveiling of the art by his Sister Magdalena however was embarrassing, because it was absolutely hideous. It's poor quality attention to details like that and poor props that are the difference between a good film and an okay one.

I wouldn't rush to watch it again, but the Santa Fe take on things did make it interesting and I would never say that I would turn it off in the future.

4.75/1000.

There's nothing like a paint by numbers Christmas romcom Cliche after cliche of cute Christmas warmth with a double side of cheese Will the young hot couple get together? Will the big evil Chicago company swallow up the cute little family business of casa di Milagros?

Will the hot chick win the ham tossing contest?

Will the cute little niece finish her Christmas video of life in cute Santa Fe?

All of these conundrums are eventually resolved in clockwork fashion with extra warmth smiles and hugs It's a great and guilty pleasure watching these actors going through their paces so cheerfully And mostly keeping a straight face as well Winterfest never looked so good!

The film did not them capture the true culture and traditions of Christmas in New Mexico. Not one reference to posole, red or green chile, biscochitos, or farolitos. The lowest point suggesting that tossing hams is traditional in Santa Fe. Give me a break!

True New Mexico food, art, and culture was represented with Mexican traditions, which are not prevalent in New Mexico. The movie only added confusion and assumptions to those outside New Mexico. Obviously, the writers and producers applied stereotypes that caused the audiences not to learn about the true New Mexican culture.

Gia, Mario's daughter steals the show. Nice to see family emphasized. My son-in-law is Salvadorian and has 5 sisters. They took care of him during the Salvadorian civil war. I loved this movie and recommend it to anyone with family. I originally watched it to see Mario Lopez. I'm glad I did.

Too much forced dialogue that was not needed. The niece was annoying, too much attention paid to her as she added nothing to the story. Other than that it was watchable.