Holiday in the Vineyards

I love an upbeat festive film but they can be a wee bit twee so I was pleasantly surprised by something that felt relative to today's world and not just a throwback to old school mills n boon romance. Great chemistry between all cast, rounded characters a female lead you could have a good girls night out with, and a very funny (and ripped!) male co-star. Sure there's some schmaltzy bits but hey, it's a Christmas rom com so that's kinda required, but it's all thoroughly entertaining and the script and acting elevated it above the bog standard formulaic afternoon movies which are fine to pass the time, but this is better :-) raise your glasses and sample some delicious festive fun.

Isn't this basically the same as A California Christmas?

Regardless, I quite enjoyed the film.

I liked the leads, and their personal development was believable and not exaggerated. Also the kids, for once, were not annoying, kudos to the young actors.

There was actually some decent comedy. And there was bit more heart, warmth, diversity, and realistic emotions than usually.

Christmas bonus (points) because it wasn't the woman who has to swap her career for small town living - which the usual annoying trope.

And since I enjoy a good glass of red at Christmas, the wine-making plot worked just fine for me.

All and all, a very pleasant way to pass out the time.

Even if you don't drink wine, this is a solid, fun rom com just in time to take your mind off the dystopian disfunction that is the modern world, and most of what Netflix puts out. Like all rom coms it is predictable but it is also fun along the way. The performances and execution are top notch. The male lead is great. He is funny and convincing. And his eventual love interest has the charm and spark of a young Salma Hayek, (sans juggs). They even a have a real housewife of somewhere. I don't like those shows but I'm happy to see one of them channeling all that drama up onto the big screen where it worked well. And have to admit it, she was good. All in all this is a fun flick worth checking out.

So I did admittedly enjoy the California Christmas series. This just seemed too much like it though except no Manny, no butler, and 2 kids in tow. They kept a mother element and the wine thing even the ringtone. Helps that the leads are attractive but this isn't all that different except he's faking carpenter instead of ranch hand. Even the dad passing away element transferred over. I guess if you're just looking for some mindless Christmas movie fun then I suppose this will fit the bill. If you watched and enjoyed his California Christmas movies then this one should be fine and watchable. If not there are a plethora of other films to pick...Biltmore Christmas was fun.

If you're looking for a fun, feel good rom com to take your mind off reality for a couple hours you've found it. You've got a talented cast (even the kids seemed to be pretty good actors for kids in a movie like this), a fun if familiar storyline and some great dialogue. The two main actors are definitely up and comers and definitely worth checking out. This movie won't change your politics or cause you to question any of your major life decisions, but it's a couple hours of fun that flies by like a Christmas party with old friends. If you are into rom coms you should definitely give this one a watch.