Christmas at the Drive-In

You get exactly what is expected - run of the mill formula, story, and production that's comfortable and bland - a good feeling filler of time that will make most any Lifetime or Hallmark watcher very happy. The actors had a fair amount of personality and chemistry. I personally tuned in because I've seen a number of other Danica McKellar Christmas projects over the years - so it's kind of tradition! Everyone did a decent job except with the graphics people and continuity - at one point the drive-in screen displays -

"Come Join Our Caralers Tonight!"

No - seriously. Uh Oh. Someone can't spell carolers!!!!!

It was quite a distraction from the movie.

Back to which - they wrote a mind numbing "twist" resolution to wrap up every loose end in one shot during the last few fleeting minutes of the run. BAM - it was over! That's how these things always go though. Would it be so hard to leave the formula behind and be a little more creative? Unfortunately the execs have to rubber stamp projects - and if it doesn't fit their mold, it becomes too frightening to green light. This one's worth a watch for an easy going holiday film.

Danica McKellar has done better work. Her second outing with GAC Family is not a strong one, despite the presence of Neal Bledsoe, whom she has worked with before, over at Hallmark.

If I were asked to describe 'Christmas at the Drive-In" in one word it would be 'formulaic'.

You can tick the boxes on this: small town. Teenage sweethearts. Important town location in danger of being destroyed. Said location (a drive-in, as you probably gathered from the title) being saved by the two protagonists and sparks fly along the way. Devious entity tries to stop it. Said entity is defeated. Protagonists fall in love.

This sort of movie has been done before and done better. Didn't seem to be all that much chemistry between the leads and the storyline was pretty weak.

It's not that this movie is offensively bad, it just would be fully forgettable, were it not for the improbable premise: fight for saving a "historic drive-in" over jobs for regular folk? Where the supposed antagonist is for no reason made to help his rival?

However, it was refreshing that there were no cartoon bad guys as such. And I liked both of the leads and enjoyed watching them. It just didn't seem believable they would be a couple: one with that bad boy energy and the other one rather wholesome. Sure, sometimes the whole opposites attract situation creates great sizzle, but here the leads felt more like bickering and bantering siblings.

One big issue for me is that I enjoy, nay, demand beautiful visual and set design in Christmas movies - somehow this just wasn't visually very impressive. It was a bit bland a little unwarm, and e.g. The shop with Christmas decors looked more like a Goodwill store.

So: if you're looking for sumptuous Christmas movie with fiery romantic chemistry, keep on driving.

We really like Danica McKeller, and we've liked the male lead in a couple of Christmas films too, one of which was also with Danica.

They have great chemistry in the film, both showing personality and charm ... just what you need for a successful romance. Plus, there are plenty of clever lines and a few funny moments.

Normally I'd call this an 8-star Christmas movie. So why did I dock two stars?

The premise is just silly. LOL A "Historic Drive-In"?? And showing that a failing drive-in has more value to the town than a new distribution center that would certainly provide dozens if not hundreds of jobs?

Ridiculous.

"Christmas at the Drive-In" delivers the predictable Hallmarkish (But actually on the Great American Family Channel) charm, complete with a "Big Bad Developer" (who inherited the very drive-in he wants to sell) versus a determined local hero. The stakes? The titular drive-in, recently designated a historical site but facing demolition. Our heroine, a lawyer returning home after a career setback, champions its preservation - a mission that felt somewhat lacking given the drive-in's apparent lack of business and staff.

While the film adheres to the familiar formula, the leads unfortunately lack chemistry, despite their shared history from elementary school and a past romance. Their relationship past and current, just didn't give me the feels. Honestly, I struggled to understand the drive-in's inherent worth; its saving grace seemed more the heroine's vision than any existing community need. That said, the transformation of the drive-in into a festive event space - complete with Christmas trees, blankets, and warm cider - was visually appealing, and I did appreciate the heroine's creative ideas for revitalizing the space. Ultimately, while the film offers a cozy holiday viewing experience, the thin plot and unconvincing romance hold it back from true greatness. It's a perfectly acceptable holiday movie for those who enjoy the genre, but don't expect to be blown away.

One last thing: The tropes always present in these holiday movies include the couple decorating or baking cookies together, and then sharing a dance-usually to a holiday song. Another holiday gem, *A Lot Like Christmas*'s couple's dance to "Jingle Bells," is one of the cutest holiday movie dances ever. This movie's swing dance to "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" wasn't bad; I enjoyed it.