Lights, Camera, Christmas!

As a long time Hallmark movie fan, I've often wished that they would poke fun at themselves and their movies every now and then as kind of a "wink wink" and nod to the audience. But I can't recall a movie that ever did that before "Lights Camera Christmas", a Christmas movie about Christmas movies. There's multiple references to fake snow and It even stars a character who calls himself the "King of Christmas Movies". At this point, that title probably belongs to Andrew Walker, but a less used John Brotherton is perfectly cast as the pompous fictional movie star Brad Baxter. He is, as Kerry puts it: "a little full of himself" (although Brotherton is effective in making Brad less of a caricature as the movie progresses)

Kimberly Sustad plays Kerry, a clothing store owner and wannabe designer. She's great as always (I loved her in "Christmas by Starlight"). Laura Soltis plays her mom Nancy and she's also delightful. She's one of my favorite "Older Moms" in Hallmark movies along with Barbara Niven. When, at the beginning, Kerry pleads ignorance about who Brad Baxter is, Nancy rattles off some very Hallmarky fake movie names including "There's No Christmas Like Snow Christmas" (that really needs to be the name of a future movie):

Nancy: "How come none of these movies even ring a bell?" Kerry: "Well they all sort of blend together."

So true. I love inside jokes like this. Then, during a panel discussion, there's this:

Audience member: "How did you end up choosing where to shoot?" Caleb: "Two words- tax incentives"

Ever since the U. S. Canada free trade agreement in 1988, and the implementation of generous government subsidies, Vancouver has become known as "Hollywood North", resulting in nearly $5 billion in film production spending there last year alone. A lot of that was spent making Hallmark movies. So yeah, tax incentives.

Although the use of a go between (Jamie) between producers Jill and Caleb was a bit silly, I can attest to what's it's like when the acrimony is so great you need a middle man to communicate with an ex spouse. But there's actually a touching scene about the line "When you have the right person on your side anything's possible" and a nice thaw later on. Matthew Kevin Anderson as Caleb and Leila Harrison as Jill were impressive in fleshing out their characters, as was Veronica Long as Mariah and Kallie Hu as Jamie. The entire cast was strong.

I've always thought of Kimberly Sustad as kinda like the beautiful somewhat dorky girl next door who doesn't realize she's beautiful. There's one scene in which Kimberly Sustad is wearing a loose white blouse, with her hair done up a little different, surrounded by Christmas decorations, where she looks...absolutely gorgeous. Then again, she looks gorgeous throughout the movie, all while exuding a unique quirky charm that sets her apart from other actresses.

There's also one point in the story where I was annoyed that she had done something that I thought was really stupid (and not something a modern woman would do) but then her powerful performance explaining herself to he mother was very effective in convincing me that she, in fact, actually did what she honestly thought was right for her. She's a very talented actress. And she has some serious "dagger eyes".

One of the best moments in the movie came when I thought for sure we were going to get another stupid "almost kiss" (I'm soooo tired of that trope) but then the couple actually kissed. In what was a surprisingly sensual scene. Far from the end of the movie. That was definitely not cookie cutter Hallmark. And I loved it.

I enjoyed the movie, but there were a few things that bothered me. I'm not in the movie business, but I am a lawyer. If my client's costume designer breached their contract to go work on a Matt Damon film, I'd let that designer know she'd be coming back to a big fat lawsuit if she didn't fulfill her contractual obligations. Hallmark writers often sacrifice real world legal and financial considerations in order to make their plots work. But having the original costume designer suddenly drop dead, instead of doing another job, would have achieved the same result without sacrificing realism.

And speaking of real world financial considerations, Kerry may be a great designer, but she's apparently a lousy businesswoman. She owned a store that seemed constantly empty (except when Brad and Mariah showed up) and she was 3 months behind on the rent (a notice that flashed on the screen indicated that she owed $5,500). Her mom offered to help but she candidly acknowledged that if her business is to survive, "it needs to be self sufficient".

But then the movie producer inexplicably offered to buy her entire store stock. First, that's unlikely given that it seems unrealistic for a movie production to show up on location without ANY costumes and why would they need a bunch of random women's clothing? And yet she doesn't negotiate a "no returns" sale, even though her store would be left without anything to sell before the holidays.

Even worse, when offered a job by the desperate producer, she is reluctant to accept. It's one thing to fail to use her superior bargaining position to extract the kind of compensation that would resolve her financial problems, but to initially pass on the opportunity altogether? Thankfully, Nancy's colorful threat to Kerry convinced her to accept the position.

I liked the panel discussion format, but that may have left them short on time at the end which seemed a bit rushed and poorly set up. And that final green screen shot looked way too fake.

But I enjoyed the movie, in large part because of the cast, especially Kimberly Sustad.

'Lights Cameras Christmas' (2022)

Opening thoughts: Absolutely loved the concept for 'Lights Cameras Christmas', it may not be a unique one overall in film etc but is very different for Hallmark, a lot less formulaic sounding than usual. It is also a very fun and clever one. Am familiar with Kimberly Sustad in lead and supporting roles and have found her consistently good regardless of the overall quality of the film itself.

Hallmark's 2022 Christmas output was very variable, especially early on in both the Countdown to Christmas and Miracles of Christmas blocks. 'Lights Cameras Christmas' is one of the best, as well as one of the freshest and most fun. A fun and clever concept is given equally fun and clever execution, in a way that feels fresh. Anybody who likes Sustad won't be disappointed either.

Bad things: Criticisms are very few. Did feel that the ending was a little rushed.

Did also think that some of the legal stuff in regard to the legal side of the profession seemed unrealistic, especially with the breaching of the contract.

Good things: Sustad however absolutely sparkles in her role, she was clearly enjoying herself with the lighter sides of her role while also being very emotive when more serious. John Brotherton is sympathetic, down to earth and has an endearing easy-going charm. He and Sustad work beautifully together, whether in the playful back and forth or in the heart melting romantic chemistry. The supporting cast are solid. Really cared for the characters and found them realistic, any negative character traits are not over-written (something that was a common problem with Hallmark's 2022 output) and the positive ones are endearing without being too perfect.

It looks lovely, very slickly shot with vibrant scenery. The music fits well and the direction is professional and no frills. Loved the cheeky wit in the script, the affectionate references and the witty, knowing self-awareness, it is not every day where you see a Hallmark film seeming to acknowledge and make fun of the things their films are often criticised for. Thr story is charming and light hearted, the Christmas cheer nostalgic and uplifting, and does not take itself too seriously or become too much of a joke. The pacing is bright and breezy, not letting up with only the ending being rushed. Very energetic and relaxed.

Closing thoughts: Very well done and lots of fun.

8/10.

I am picky about my comedies. I laughed at this one. It wasn't overly silly, but had some silly moments.

The story is about a big time movie in a small town where a local gets pulled in. In this case, the production company's costumer never showed and they couldn't find a replacement, so they hired a local designer, Kerry.

Kimberley Sustad is perfect for this part. She is a good fit for this style of comedy. Her timing and demeanor work here. She also has decent chemistry with John Brotherton, who plays the overbearing, self-absorbed star of the show, Brad.

The best gags are early, as Kerry is trying to fit into a world she knows nothing about. I think the writers stretched her fitting in a little too well as more than once she saves the day in ways unrelated to costuming. After the novelty of her assimilation winds down, the tenor of the film switches to the developing romance. There is also a secondary romance which also has funny and sweet moments.

The conflict, climax and ending were a surprise to me, but also a little convoluted.

This is probably one I will watch again.

This movie stands by itself as one of a kind among the forever cheesy, irrelevant plots, terribly written and equally terribly delivered lines and poor acting so characteristic of Hallmark movies.

For once, we face an original plot with, all in all, very good acting. Leading and supporting cast all contribute to an entertaining, good quality flow. The lead actor is superb in the comedy passes, great facial expressions!

Believable, fun, multi-sided characters who can deliver lines and make good use of humor. Great settings, unobtrusive music appropriately used and good costumes.

I could have rated it 10 but for a couple of very cheesy scenes (one of them being the final scene).

After watching one and abandoning another disappointing Christmas movie today, we began watching Lights, Camera, Christmas! With a bit of trepidation. Could it be a three strikes day?

LCC took a big swing at the next pitch and hit a home run. I think it's a bit brave, as this movie is very self-aware of making Hallmark Christmas movies and is an utter satire of the process.

Since it's comedy satire, the characters are allowed to go over the top ... and they do ... but they don't abuse it. We found many chuckle moments and an occasional surprised laugh out loud.

The stealth romance is the producer and director, a successful filmmaking couple who split up and talk through an intermediary, even though they're standing right beside each other. Will agreements in making this movie bring them back together? Watch and find out!