Christmas on 5th Avenue

It's been a long time since I've been moved enough to write a review, but wow. The trope of a grump/grinch/beast being tamed by a sweet Belle character is not new. Usually, there is growth along to way to make it believable, a softening of the edges or a wearing down of a tough exterior.

At first, it seemed like we were going to get that, but it's as if it all fell away towards the end. I don't want to give too much away, but I haven't felt this let down by a movie in years.

Adding to that, he gives authors (especially ones of crime fiction) a bad name. They do not all see only the negative. He was just wholly unlikeable up until breaking her heart, which made him hate-able.

This movie is carried by Kathryn Davis as Eva. "Eva loves life, darling, and she's not afraid to live it." And it's fund to watch her live it. Why she sets her sights on Lucas baffles me, but the world definitely needs people like her. There is an exchange where Lucas accuses Eva of "doing it for money" and she responds that she has to eat and pay the rent and he doubles down on the accusation. By that point in the movie, it's clear money isn't what motivates her, and Lucas should be able to see that.

Olivier Renaud, as Lucas, is a cold fish in this movie. He never really shakes that even as Eva supposedly reforms him. There really isn't chemistry between the leads. And Lucas' response to all Eva does makes no sense. Whatever response he makes seems to be mostly internal. While Davis carries the move, Renaud holds it back.

Still, it's indicative how appealing Eva's personality is such that the movie is still enjoyable.

The story premise is a slight twist on the trope where a cabin is double booked for two strangers. In this case, it's Lucas' condo.

A sunny, kindhearted girl thaws the heart of an embittered, grieving Scrooge. What could be more suitable for a Christmas story? That she may be a little too forceful in her affection or he a little too reluctant and harsh, it could be overlooked. Unfortunately, while Kathryn Davis is charming and convincing in her role, the acting of Olivier Renaud is amateurish, at best. In many scenes, especially when expected to express strong unpleasant emotions or real affection, he looks uncomfortable and quite off-mark. He seems better suited for the job of a fashion model, than a real actor. The uneasiness of those scenes destroy the little magic this movie could have delivered.

7.3 stars.

The story begins with a woman named Eva who helps people improve their lives. She takes on a challenge to spruce up a very rich author's Manhattan apartment for the holidays. She discovers there is more depth to this man than at first, and he's not the scrooge that he appears to be. The rest of the story is about how she helps Lucas find happiness, and he fills the hole she's had in her hopelessly romantic heart. The theme is about finding happiness with the people in our lives no matter who they seem to be or what station they currently hold. We bring our genuine self to the table and that's how true love is revealed to us.

The film has a lot of slow moments and takes its time delivering the goods. I stuck with it in the hopes that I'd be blessed by something and I wasn't disappointed, however you must be patient with 'Christmas on 5th Avenue' because the gems don't show up until the last 30 minutes.

Eva runs a concierge business and is very busy during Christmas. When one of her most important customers offers her her son's penthouse to live in while he is in Vermont in exchange for decorating and filling his freezer with home-cooked food, she jumps at the chance. But surprise surprise, the grieving reclusive best-selling author shows up unexpectedly. Romance and reclamation insue.

I'm in the minority in thinking Olivier Renaud's performance as Lucas was right on the money. He was supposed to be a cold fish, harsh, and stiff. Eva was so perky and sunny that it made a nice contrast and upped the chemistry between them. When he finally did warm up, it made it all the more affecting.