The Christmas Contest

Another story about a televised contest between old flames. Actually, some of the challenges in the contest were mildly interesting, but the last one was a little convoluted.

My main complaint with this movie is how annoying the two lead characters were in the beginning, and then there is 180 degree personality shift which turns them into saints. Ben was especially annoying as a stereotypical narcissistic jock. Meanwhile Candace frequently can start a movie as arrogant and overly competitive and this movie is no different. This made it difficult for me to enjoy any chemistry the two had.

There were some comedic gags based on physical comedy and overzealousness reminiscent of Fuller House style comedy.

Overall, the movie is about what you'd expect, but I should have known better.

Well, as I sat down to watch the 2021 Hallmark Christmas movie titled "The Christmas Contest", I have to admit that I wasn't really harboring much of any high expectations. Why? Well, Hallmark tends to just spew these movies out by the dozens and usually following the same blueprint for each and every single movie.

But "The Christmas Contest" might be different, so I gave it a chance.

And while "The Christmas Contest" is watchable, it was just another run-of-the-mill Christmas movie with that archetypical Hallmark feel to it. So if you enjoy these overly sappy Christmas movies that are based around a hate-turns-to-love feel between the two lead performers type of movies, then you will certainly enjoy "The Christmas Contest". And if you are into the archetypical Hallmark Christmas movies, then "The Christmas Contest" is definitely going to be right up your alley.

The acting performances in the movie were good, taking into consideration the limitations of the script and the premise of the whole thing. Candace Cameron Bure and John Brotherton actually does have good on-screen chemistry together. The movie also had the likes of Barbara Niven and Jennifer Higgin on the cast list.

"The Christmas Contest" is an archetypical Hallmark Christmas movie in every meaning of that thing. So writer Joie Botkin didn't really bring much of anything new to the table with this 2021 movie. The movie was as predictable as it was sappy.

My rating of "The Christmas Contest" from director Paule Elle lands on a mediocre five out of ten stars.

I was looking forward to this movie because Candace is one of my favorite actresses and I like Barbara Niven.

The storyline was boring and the comedy ended up being stupid rather than funny.

Hallmark is so NOT hitting the mark on Christmas movies this year. Thank goodness for Lifetime and GAC.

I never understood Candace's character. The male lead went from egotistical to caring in just a matter of a few scenes. It didn't develop naturally. I never felt chemistry between the leads. The mother daughter relationship was hard to define. I usually love Candace Cameron Bure's movies. I like Barbara Nevin. But this could have been better.

If you love these movies, you'll love it. If you're wanting earth shatteringly new content, try something else.

Was cute. Not too cute. If you know what i mean. Thoughtful and decently done. I'd rewatch it.