Throughout my whole Lifetime (Hallmark too) Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late last year, an interesting quest but very hit and miss, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Lifetime's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with enough of Lifetime's work.
While it is not perfect, 'Christmas on the Bayou' is one of their in general better early 2010s films and a lot better than most of their Christmas output now, which has been very hit and miss for some time now. It is very charming and engages and moves enough, even if the story and pacing are far from flawless what made me see 'Christmas on the Bayou' (primarily the cast) does not disappoint. It is very easy to dismiss outright the film as sentimental, predictable and plot light, understandably, but given a chance without prejudice one may find themselves pleasantly surprised.
'Christmas on the Bayou's' story is very slight and does drag in the sections where the story is fairly uneventful. It is also very little different from similar themed films, and there are a good number out there. The final quarter is easy to figure out, which is not unusual for Lifetime.
Some of the dialogue early on is rather too corny and mawkish.
However, 'Christmas on the Bayou' has a lot that is done right. It looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab, quite beautiful actually. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. The dialogue is not perfect either but the cheese and sentiment don't go overboard and it generally doesn't come over as stilted.
Furthermore, the story, despite its imperfections, is warm hearted and has a lot of well meaning heart, without taking itself too seriously. The characters interest and are worth investing in, not being too perfect or having flaws too exaggerated. Hilarie Burton is an alluring and touching female lead and the child actor is neither sickly sweet or bratty. The best performance comes from Edward Asner, one of the best when it comes to portraying crusty curmudgeonly charm yet with a twinkle in the eye.
Overall, very nicely done. 7/10.
