Christmas on the Bayou

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.

I love this movie it brought the magic of the Christmas with no cliche romances. The downfall was the kid was a brat and Santa serieouly. But overall great movie

The best part of this movie is Ed Asher. He is an amazing actor!

This was one if the best TV movies I've seen in a LONG time. The production value was much higher than the usual standards, the story was well told, and the performances were genuine and heartfelt...not over-the-top and corny like so many other movies in this category.

I especially liked the young boy playing Zach. His storyline was precious and I expect we will see him in many more movies.

It was fun to see Ed Asner take on a Santa-like role again, too. Hilarie Burton gives a grand performance in a role that could have easily become melodramatic and she had great chemistry with the boy (Zach) and Tyler Burton and Markie Post. I've always been a fan of Markie's! She looks great and she, too, gives a very heartfelt performance.

I highly recommend this holiday movie.

At the first sigh, another Christmas film , like so many others. In fact, a beautiful film. For few reasons. The first - Edward Asner and his talks with the young Brody Rose , reminding few slices of childhood dialogues with grand father, and the dream to meet Santa. Second- the South atmosphere, realistic, delicate, precise crafted. Not the last -Randy Travis portrait of a contemporary saint. And, sure,Hilarie Burton defining, in inspired manner, a carrer woman, preocupead by her child, returning to her home and rediscovering the true love. Short, a seductive romantic film, giving more than expected romance.