TheSTORY-1.25
What does a Christmas Story require to be rated as worth watching?
It needs to be heartwarming and light with a side order of sentimentalism. This is usually carried out via a love story... or in this case, two. And the best has a touch of magic thrown into the mix.
Justine Cogan and Andrea Janakas tick each of those boxes. They also do a great job of weaving all the elements together to give the viewer an enjoyable and watchable film. The love triangle is a great hook and works well. Holly has to choose between the ultra-perfect Bo who helps her when she's fallen, literally or the all-too-human Milo, with whom she has unmistakable chemistry.
What makes this story so good is the characterisations and the way they work off each other.
theDIRECTION-1.25
Jim Fall is great at creating a soft and warm atmosphere with lighting and soft bloom focuses. This works perfectly with the story and its intention.
There are times when better composition and differing camera angles would have helped the film and made it a little more interesting as there are times when it becomes a little too average.
theTEMPO-1.25
Though there is only one speed to this film the steady trot works well in helping to tell the story. Since there are no exciting or thrilling elements there's little need to change the pace. Truth be told, only when we get to the photography shoot could Fall have upped the speed a tad, though it would've added very little.
theACTING-1.25
I have to say that even though everybody is good in their roles it's Bo, played by Ryan McPartlin who made the film for me. The character is well written to begin with and McPartlin is perfect in his portrayal of a strong, self-confident (to the point of annoying) and knowledgable (to the point of being more annoying) good looking male. This guy is perfect... but perfect is not always perfect for you.
Claire Coffee and Jeff Ward are very good in their depictions of Holly and Milo. It's a believable romance and you can feel their chemistry together, just like you can tell Holly and Bo are not suited to stay together.
theGRATIFICATION-1.25
If you like Christmas, if you like romance, if you like lighthearted drama, and you like to get sentimental at this time of year then this film is definitely for you.
This is the second time I've watched this film and I find I've enjoyed it more the second time around.
So if you want to get into the Christmas Film thing then this is a good movie to start with. Especially if you have all your Chrimbo lights on and a fire in the hearth and a hot cocoa to hand.
theSCORE-6.25
Come on over and share the Christmas Spirit with my Ho! Ho! Ho! Christmas Belles list and see where this film ranks. And you may find your next Xmas favourite... Ho! Ho! Ho!
