Every Other Holiday

A Holiday Wish Come True/Every Other Holiday (2018) -

For a priest's wife, Dee Wallace as Mimi and most of the rest of her family needed to re-read the bit in the Bible about forgiveness and the one without sin casting the first stone. I've probably misquoted, because I've never read it, but then I've never used a book to defend my own actions either.

And Ed played by Glenn Morshower wasn't exactly the best Preacher for impromptu prayers, as he stumbled over the simplest of sentiments. He also wasn't the strongest man of the house, ceding to his wife's honorary attitude, which had kept his daughter and her family away, without stepping in, but at least his heart was in the right place, unlike his Wife and he did what was right in the end.

And let's not forget that Dee wasn't very hospitable towards 'E. T.' (1982) either.

Despite the fact it was the season of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, the whole household was actually lacking in love AND what would traditionally be classed as a Christian attitude.

Mimi was really quite unbearable for me and wound me up inside. If I had been her visiting daughter Tracie (Schuyler Fisk) I would have taken my kids and my ex back to the city after five minutes with her, Mother or not. The whole atmosphere of the house was toxic for all involved.

Mimi's character alone would usually be enough to make me switch off a film like this, because I can't stand hypocrisy, which she was drenched in and I tend to steer clear of the religious, Bible bashing films too, regardless of what preference the producers seem to be erring towards, but there was something about this one that kept me watching. It might have been the leading man David Clayton Rogers, playing Rick, who was quite pleasant to look at, but I thought that there was something else too.

I did stick with it, despite the religion in it, because it had lulled me in with the first half an hour of regular story and then Bam! It hit hard with the Bible quotes and a very unchristian way of treating guests, but it wasn't in the standard preachy way that always aggravates me.

And right from the start I also found myself drawn to and liking the character of Rick. I could easily sympathise with him, which was tougher to do with Tracie, who was a bit hard faced and seemed to feel sorry for herself a bit too much.

He reminded me of Paul Rudd and I liked his rough, but kindhearted nature and his sense of fun, but also his sweet face.

She was obviously the problem, as a result of her issues with her Mum. Perhaps she was praying that she would never turn out like her and that's why she couldn't let herself love Rick?

I always seem to like a film that rekindles an old love, as much as I enjoy the new romances. Perhaps it gives me hope that love can still be found even after it's lost, not that I would want any of my exes back, except maybe one. It's just nice to know that it might be possible and that love can be found later in life too.

Overall it definitely wasn't a cheery film, there was minimal comedy in it and a lot of misery and upset. However it did contain a lot of heart and good intentions to warm the soul for the season, as well as a bit more depth than some of the usual Hallmark offerings.

If you can put up with Mimi, the story was worthwhile.

6.50/10.

I am one of those who records and watches hundreds of hallmark movies and Christmas movies. I had not really watched Lifetime in a really long time but stumbled across their holiday line up. The plot read a little different from most so I recorded it. To my surprise they hit the mark with this movie. It has just the right amount of everything you look for and the acting was good. Just the right amount of laughter, drama, romance, God, teachable moments and music. Very genuine believable characters. Love this movie!

I really didn't have any expectations for Every Other Holiday...... but surprisingly my family and I really enjoyed this one. Acting was pretty good between the leads, I would give this movie a watch!

This is not a Christmas movie like all the others, especially not like the Hallmark ones.

If you don't stick it out til the end, or at least through most of it, you might be tempted to think this movie is about bashing Christians for their hate and hypocrisy. There is certainly plenty of hypocritical hate where there should be love. But about half way through we start to see that not everyone is hatefully judgemental. The movie is a story about how difficult family can be and working through that. It doesn't have all the pie-eyed optimism. It also doesn't have a lot of the traditional tropes like Santa, sleigh rides, caroling, and so forth. It has a few, but mostly incidental.

The acting is real and therefore some of the characters are rough at times rather than ideal. The chemistry between Tracie and Rick is real also - both good moments and bad. The couple has two young daughters that add a little of that element, but they aren't as central as they would be in a Hallmark movie.

The movie is pretty good, but it is not my cup of tea. I like my Christmas movies a little kinder and gentler.

This movie was very well done. We have four main characters. The divorced parents Tracie and Rick and her parents Ed the pastor and Mimi. Dee Wallace who played Mimi was fantastic. She had just the right amount of nasty. I do not think it would have worked if we had the traditional nice mom like Susan Hogan playing the part. Dee Wallace was the mom on ET many years ago. The pastor was also excellent with some great practical dialogue with Rick which really promoted the story. He was excellent and played the part just like Gerald McRaney would have. Well written dialogue with some bible verses well done like when Rick said "I recall the Lord turned water into wine" when Mimi criticized his former drinking and a comeback "the bible says not to be drunk" by Mimi. I thought it was very well done. Great story- enjoy.