Coming Home for Christmas

9 November 2014. This movie is a predictable, holiday movie that doesn't turn into a classic or add much in the way of originality. However, the acting, the storyline, the holiday ambiance are all in evidence. What is nice about this movie is that its about family, sisters, reconciliation, and the holiday spirit meaning its not hard to watch, it doesn't push tragedy into your face.

This is light comedic romantic movie about breakup and a simple, but convoluted plan to bring a family back together again. What this movie offers is a nice movie experience that's entertaining that doesn't require a lot of thought. This is one of those date movies during the Christmas holidays.

Coming Home For Christmas (2013) -

This film was just too depressing! Too dreary! Too badly acted! I could not put up with the misery and the grainy filming on the off chance that when Benjamin Hollingsworth eventually turned up he would be as cute as he had been in his other films, because quite frankly, which ever sister it was that was the narrator Kate/Melanie (? McKillip) was a whiney cow and the parents Wendy (Amy Jo Johnson) and neanderthal Al (George Canyon) were terrible.

All I can say is that if you're in a great mood and don't think that a film can bring you down then you might be able to get through this one, but I wasn't prepared to be depressed by a film genre that is essentially meant to be uplifting and bring joy. I got the impression that it was going to be all about the family's relationships and not actually about the festive season or even much of the romance.

Unscored as Unfinished.

In a changing landscape of major motion pictures slowly getting longer, major blockbusters getting more self-indulgent, major streaming services ignoring older movies, and major studios losing control of the industry, it's nice to know that some things never change. Holiday movies can largely claim a reliable formula, and are consistently filled with warmhearted kitsch, wholesomeness that's sometimes awkward, and some discrete beat of drama to propel the narrative. The drama here is perhaps extra harsh (estranged sisters, separating parents), but the pleasantness is proportionately cheerful as it all eventually perfectly aligns Just So for a happy ending. I can understand how all the congeniality can be overbearing, but for those who are receptive to the ham-handedness, 'Coming home for Christmas' is a refreshing little burst of hokeyness.

I can't say I'm a fan of the country western portion of the soundtrack; I simply wasn't aware of what I was getting into in that regard - in the same measure that some people can't stand Christmas movies, this is one genre of music I can't abide. But a non-zero number cast members have a connection in that way, so here we are. In fairness, there are more recognizable names and faces here than I first supposed: not just Amy Jo Johnson, but I've seen Ben Hollingsworth around, and while I've not seen Britt McKillip since 'Dead like me,' it's a minor joy to see her again, too. Arguably forced as no small part of the story is here, writers Kyle McGlohon and Bruce Spiegelman nonetheless have put together a delightfully cheesy charm-fest of love, family, and kindness. Such good humor fills every word of the dialogue, characters, scene writing, and the overall plot - and director Vanessa Parise and the cast unreservedly lean into the hopelessly sweet gaucheness.

All the crew behind the scenes put in good work to help realize the picture, and such as it is, the music at least isn't the worst example of its very niche genre. The ending is especially excruciating in its saccharine tone, but such is the Christmas Movie as we know it. There aren't any real surprises here, for such fare is built strictly for mild, affable cordiality, and storytelling that ensures its audiences Feels Good. Not unlike "Christmas music" it's fair to criticize such movies as artificial and contrived - but anyone who sits for something of this nature should already know full well what to anticipate. For anyone who enjoys the genre this is duly enjoyable, and it's most recommendable for fans of the cast. Others maybe need not spend any time with this, but if you're already on board with its brethren, 'Coming home for Christmas' is a passably satisfying bit of lighthearted fluff.

Excellent for this genre!

It is so nice to see a movie that has very little sensationalism. They have their struggles and deal with them. I did not feel my stomach going into knots or my adrenaline spiking! Thank you! It was sweet and touched me and I cried a little. I also guessed the girls had to be rl sisters, and they are.

I'll probably watch this one every year. I think it is good and a warm Christmas story even though Christmas is not really the Focus of the movie, but more the context.

I hope everyone enjoys it. The house is gorgeous and reminds me of my family home. I don't want movies pushing my buttons. I am happy to just sit back and relax and enjoy a good story.

Merry Christmas!

I thought it was very warm and sweet. The characters were interesting. I liked that I could watch it with my children. The plot could definitely use some work but overall it is one that i'd watch again. I think it was the house and snow and music that made it so enjoyable for me. The sisters in real life did a wonderful job. I'd like to see them together in more movies. I'd have liked to have seen the other sister with a bit of a happier ending but I understand how that would complicate the plot. I'd have also liked it better if the parents got their house back in the end.