thekarmicnomad

When this started with a monologue about how all Xmas films are about men and mums have an awful time - I thought this sounded like a bit of a drag.

But it is actually quite good.

This follows a family at Christmas and the underappreciated mum who is at the centre of the holiday.

Plotwise this is all over the place with lots of little sub plots and character pieces filling up the gaps between the mum's rage-quit.

But the characters are all interesting and the sub plots are all quite light and have elements of fun.

Some stuff happens then it comes to a head, everyone has a good cry and the film ends.

This had a very different feel and if you are an underappreciated mum then there are a few fist pump moments you will enjoy - but there is enough going on for everyone here.

Makes a nice change.

Anyone who goes into this expecting Citizen Kane or Gone With the Wind gets what they deserve.

This is a cute, fun romance where the girl reluctantly finds the man of her dreams.

The main character is a homely yet gorgeous young woman who provides for her sisters and mum, welds, waitresses, is destined for Art college in Paris and rides horses.

Your typical girl next door then!!!

She bumps into a guy who is kind, funny, confident, dances and has abbs you could smash a coconut on.

But they are parted.

What are the chances these two are going to meet again?

The couple are so wholesome you would instantly vomit if you met them in real life.

But this is pure fantasy and I welcome it wholeheartedly.

It is really nice to see a classic romance with good production, competent actors, a witty script and a story that knows where it is going and gets there in good time.

I watched this with my wife (her pick) and I was happily entertained.

To start of you need to manage your expectations - this is not a big budget movie it is only light entertainment.

This starts off with a bunch of characters returning to their high school reunion.

The place is wall-to-wall cliches with a black guy who says dang! And a crazy cat-lady.

The reunion element goes on for much longer than I expected taking up about two thirds of the movie.

Then there is a murder, some shenanigans ensue that lead to a prompt wrap up.

This isn't a deep or big budget masterpiece it is light entertainment.

In that respect this works very well.

The production, acting and writing is good - I even laughed out loud a few times.

It gets you quickly and efficiently into the story, you have a few laughs and muses, then it exits under ninety minutes.

This is quite harmless and I will forget it in time but if you are going to make this sort of film ,and I think there is a place for it, then this is the way to do it and I think that deserves some credit.