While loving Christmas (a lifelong love too) and having liked/loved many Christmas films, there are plenty of Christmas films that are too sappy and cheese ridden as well as predictable. Have seen quite a few films in the past few years with this type of story, which has been familiar territory for most holidays (all holidays not just Christmas) for a while now, and they have varied in success, some are very charming, sweet and engaging while others are too simplistic, dull and silly.
Mostly this second instalment in the 'A Golden Christmas' film series fits in the former category. While it is a long way from a flawless film (with the story being easy to criticise) and would also hesitate in calling it great, it is an improvement over the previous 'A Golden Christmas' film. One of the biggest improvements that is immediately noted being that the female lead character is a lot more tolerable and actually does not ruin the film unlike before.
It could have been better. It is over-silly in parts, which makes some comedic situations feel forced and over-engineered. The plot does feel thin and sometimes over-stretched, and there could have been more freshness as there is too much of a seen it all before vibe throughout.
The dialogue also isn't always great, especially in the first third where some of it is quite painfully cheesy.
However, a lot is done right. It is pleasant looking, especially the scenery inside and particularly out. The music doesn't sound cheap or over-bearing, and was clearly done by someone that knew what they were writing music for. The direction is generally confident enough and it doesn't get heavy-footed or hectic. The acting is better than average from all, particularly from Julie Gonzalo and Alexandra Peters, and the dogs are absolutely adorable and are worth seeing the film for alone.
Actually did like the characters, they had personality and personalities that endeared and entertained rather than irritated or being ones with overblown flaws. After seeing far too many annoying, unlikeable and overly-negative female lead characters recently, it was a relief to see one that was easy to like and warm to. There are plenty of funny and sweet moments in the dialogue when the writing did start to get better. Most of the film isn't dull and the story is good-natured, light-hearted and charming.
Concluding, not something to be bowled over by but pleasant enough film. 7/10.
