Much is made about the gay theme of this movie, but the bottom line is, is it entertaining ? What we came away with is that Hallmark should let its stable of actors continue to do more directing and writing for its movies. Jonathan Bennett, who plays the main character here (Uncle Sam) participated in the writing of this story. Like Paul Campbell and Kimberley Sustad have demonstrated in their writing for Hallmark, the script is fresh, with snappy dialogue, and very natural and true to life. This was directed by Ali Liebert, who, like Sustad, is one of Hallmark's best and most natural actresses, and here she demonstrates a real talent for directing a movie.
That said, the first hour of this movie is very funny, mostly due to Bennett's performance, which doesn't hinge on him being gay or straight. His character is simply funny as a person, and Bennett plays it wonderfully.
The second half of the movie is pretty standard stuff for a Hallmark romcom, but it is still entertaining because of Bennett's sincere and endearing performance and because the supporting cast of players are all quite good, particularly Chelsea Hobbs (who played the wicked Blair in the now beloved "Nine Lives of Christmas") as Sam's sister, Mila Morgan (one of the best of Hallmark's child performers) as Sam's niece, who also has a couple of pretty hilarious scenes in the first hour, and George Krissa as Jason, the neighbor Sam is attracted to.
All in all, this was a fun, sincere, and entertaining two hours that, for us, just demonstrates that Hallmark should encourage its talented performers to continue writing and directing - gay or straight, who cares ? - they bring something different and fresh to the Hallmark Christmas schedule.
