Listen, if you're watching Hallmark Christmas movies expecting them to be Citizen Kane, you need to stop watching. BUT, when they get it right, they are fun, idyllic and take you away from reality for a couple of hours. Of course they're formulaic. The Christmas House is fun, and formulaic. However, finally, Hallmark has shown that all families do not look the same. It is so nice to see the LGBTQ community represented, and not in a funny best friend way. Rather, as it should be, just like everyone else. It made me so happy to see this, and I applaud Hallmark for realizing the importance of representation. Is it my favorite Hallmark Christmas movie? Nope, but, I will remember it nonetheless. Well done.
55 Reviews
Happy little family Christmas movie
film5426 November 2020
The Christmas House
TheLittleSongbird2 December 2021
'The Christmas House' did sound like a lovely film on paper. While 2020 was not a consistent year for Hallmark when it came to their Christmas films, and actually their films in general, there were some real surprise gems that were so much better than expected. Was a bit worried about it being too predictable and that it would be a more of the same Christmas in the family sort of film that has been seen a good deal recently with varied success.
As said, 2020 did see some real surprises in a good way in what was an inconsistent (not unexpected, as all their years are that and also the terrible unforeseen circumstances) year for Hallmark. 'The Christmas House' is towards being one of the best of theirs from the year and was more refreshing and entertaining than most of them too. Am one of those that absolutely welcomed the inclusion of diversity and it was handled in good taste in placement and representation, not thrown in or shoved in the face. Do wish though on a side note that the subplot in question, which was a relatable one, was bigger.
It has a couple of slow-ish stretches early on and the whole mother and father relationship is rushed and resolved too patly. Formula wise, it is predictable.
Did think that there could have been a few less subplots and more time could have been devoted to fleshing out character motivations more, especially the reason for the planned separation which is agreed too vague.
Everything else however is on point. While Robert Buckley appeals in his role and has a lot of likeability, Treat Williams and Sharon Lawrence are even better, emotive and with a real feel for the lighter touch when needed. Lawrence has a very difficult character to like, but she doesn't make a control freak sort of character cartoonish and it's not too unrealistic a representation of this kind of person. The characters aren't too perfect but to me their flaws weren't too heavily exaggerated at the same time. The acting chemistry is sincere and natural.
Personally did think that 'The Christmas House' looked reasonably attractive, the at times tacky decorations aside. Especially the scenery, and the music has a pleasant and nostalgic quality that doesn't become overdone, over-emphasised or too syrupy. The direction was sympathetic but still gave the film momentum when necessary. The dialogue is heartfelt, thoughtful and flows well without being self-indulgent or too flowery. Was surprised at how refreshingly funny some of it was and how smile-worthy delivered it was. The storytelling is far from perfect, but it wasn't dull, was warm hearted, had heart and didn't become too contrived or overly sugary sweet in my view. Some of the situations were not too hard to relate to and were generally fun and heartfelt, even if lack of clarity and ridiculousness creeped in at points.
Concluding, not my definition of great but better than most of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films. 7/10.
As said, 2020 did see some real surprises in a good way in what was an inconsistent (not unexpected, as all their years are that and also the terrible unforeseen circumstances) year for Hallmark. 'The Christmas House' is towards being one of the best of theirs from the year and was more refreshing and entertaining than most of them too. Am one of those that absolutely welcomed the inclusion of diversity and it was handled in good taste in placement and representation, not thrown in or shoved in the face. Do wish though on a side note that the subplot in question, which was a relatable one, was bigger.
It has a couple of slow-ish stretches early on and the whole mother and father relationship is rushed and resolved too patly. Formula wise, it is predictable.
Did think that there could have been a few less subplots and more time could have been devoted to fleshing out character motivations more, especially the reason for the planned separation which is agreed too vague.
Everything else however is on point. While Robert Buckley appeals in his role and has a lot of likeability, Treat Williams and Sharon Lawrence are even better, emotive and with a real feel for the lighter touch when needed. Lawrence has a very difficult character to like, but she doesn't make a control freak sort of character cartoonish and it's not too unrealistic a representation of this kind of person. The characters aren't too perfect but to me their flaws weren't too heavily exaggerated at the same time. The acting chemistry is sincere and natural.
Personally did think that 'The Christmas House' looked reasonably attractive, the at times tacky decorations aside. Especially the scenery, and the music has a pleasant and nostalgic quality that doesn't become overdone, over-emphasised or too syrupy. The direction was sympathetic but still gave the film momentum when necessary. The dialogue is heartfelt, thoughtful and flows well without being self-indulgent or too flowery. Was surprised at how refreshingly funny some of it was and how smile-worthy delivered it was. The storytelling is far from perfect, but it wasn't dull, was warm hearted, had heart and didn't become too contrived or overly sugary sweet in my view. Some of the situations were not too hard to relate to and were generally fun and heartfelt, even if lack of clarity and ridiculousness creeped in at points.
Concluding, not my definition of great but better than most of the 2020 Hallmark Christmas films. 7/10.
beautiful
Kirpianuscus26 December 2021
I love it very much. For freshness and atmosphere, for actors and delicate - precise explore of delicate themes. And for poetic realism, humor,for eulogy of family and crumbs of wisdome. And, not least, for the courage and well manner to use gay relations in a context not comfortable but familiar for this category. A house. Its family, a decision, secrets of family members and charming end. The images from past are just inspired support for this admirable mix of nostalgia, soft bitterness and small joys , significant as demonstration of family spirit. A lovely story, inspired cast , charming Christmas house and good supporting actors . Short, a beautiful film, for its high honesty.
The Christmas House
JoBloTheMovieCritic7 December 2020
Progressive but ultimately generic
rivertam2629 November 2020
Billed as the first LGBT Hallmark Christmas movie "House" is a little bit of a disappointment when stacked against that statement. Still any step in the right direction should be celebrated. The movie tells of a family who decides to ressurect the tradition of opening the Christmas house. In grand, privileged Hallmark tradition, a rich family spends thousands of dollars to move everything out of their house and set up an ultra festive experience. Along the way there are some generic subplots which include a high school sweetheart, a tv show and an adoption. Just to name a few. It's a predictable but entertaining enough watch if you find these tropes entertaining. Sadly the gay couple are side characters although they are given a decent amount of screen time as well as a few lip smacking scenes. I am however impressed in which the material is presented it's just accepted and that my friends is progressive and for that this otherwise generic piece of Christmas fluff should be applauded.
***/5
***/5
If you like Christmas movies, you have to watch this one...
paul_haakonsen14 December 2021
When I sat down to watch the 2020 Hallmark Christmas movie titled "The Christmas House", I figured it was going to be just another archetypical Hallmark movie, you know the type that Hallmark spews out by the dozen each holiday, given the movie's cover. But with it being a movie that I hadn't already seen, of course I opted to sit down and watch it.
And thankfully so, because "The Christmas House" turned out to be one of the more heartfelt and warming Christmas movies I have sat through this year, and believe you me, I have sat through more than my share of Christmas movies already. Actually, I will say that "The Christmas House" definitely transcends the archetypical Hallmark formula, which makes "The Christmas House" well-worth watching.
The storyline told in "The Christmas House", as written by Erin Rodman and Robert Buckley, was quite good, because it was so much more than your stereotypical Christmas cheese. The storyline essentially follows three very different story arches, each interwoven quite well, and each story arch offering something special. So "The Christmas House" was definitely more than your sappy Christmas romance of girl and boy disliking each other, but finding themselves having to work together and ending up falling in love.
Aside from an interesting storyline, well storylines actually, then "The Christmas House" was also made good by the cast ensemble that they had acquired for the movie. The movie had some nice and believable performances from Robert Buckley, Ana Ayora, Treat Williams, Sharon Lawrence, Jonathan Bennett and Brad Harder.
If you enjoy Christmas movies, and especially if you want more than the stereotypical Hallmark Christmas romance, then you should definitely give "The Christmas House" if you have the chance to watch it.
My rating of "The Christmas House" lands on a seven out of ten.
And thankfully so, because "The Christmas House" turned out to be one of the more heartfelt and warming Christmas movies I have sat through this year, and believe you me, I have sat through more than my share of Christmas movies already. Actually, I will say that "The Christmas House" definitely transcends the archetypical Hallmark formula, which makes "The Christmas House" well-worth watching.
The storyline told in "The Christmas House", as written by Erin Rodman and Robert Buckley, was quite good, because it was so much more than your stereotypical Christmas cheese. The storyline essentially follows three very different story arches, each interwoven quite well, and each story arch offering something special. So "The Christmas House" was definitely more than your sappy Christmas romance of girl and boy disliking each other, but finding themselves having to work together and ending up falling in love.
Aside from an interesting storyline, well storylines actually, then "The Christmas House" was also made good by the cast ensemble that they had acquired for the movie. The movie had some nice and believable performances from Robert Buckley, Ana Ayora, Treat Williams, Sharon Lawrence, Jonathan Bennett and Brad Harder.
If you enjoy Christmas movies, and especially if you want more than the stereotypical Hallmark Christmas romance, then you should definitely give "The Christmas House" if you have the chance to watch it.
My rating of "The Christmas House" lands on a seven out of ten.
Wow. What a great Christmas movie...
toddsgraham24 November 2020
Wow. This is a wonderful Hallmark Christmas movie. I am impressed. I mean, I like Hallmark films, but this is above and beyond what I have seen thus far during the 2020 Christmas movie season. It is a fun, warm and heartfelt story. The script is great. It is tough developing a story in 80 minutes. But the writers here have done an excellent job. The sub-plots were all engaging: Mike and Andi's romance, the development of Mike and Noah's relationship (teaching magic), the mother and father's marriage troubles, and Brandon and Jake's adoption. The writers do a good job too with the dialogue and interaction between the characters, the family members. Sure, it is a predictable plot, but it is a made-for-television Christmas movie (in a very predictable genre of film to boot). The more important element here for me is: did it pull me in, did it engage me? It did, from the start. Moreover, I found myself laughing out loud a little thru-out the film, which is a different experience for me when watching Hallmark movies; from the 'Handsom Justice' opening clip, father jokes, the competition between the sons, the advertisement Mike and Noah made, to the closing scene of the deodorant commercial, it was a rather funny/fun Christmas movie. The acting, overall, was excellent for this genre of film. Robert Buckley (as Mike) had an impressive performance. It is nice seeing him on screen again, as I liked his character in One Tree Hill. Treat Williams (as Bill), Sharon Lawrence (as Phylis), and Jonathan Bennett (as Brandon) all had strong performances. The remaining supporting cast was great, especially Noah and the magician. Finally, there was plenty of Christmas cheer; the scenery, props and sets were all very festive. Overall, a very good Christmas movie by Hallmark this year. It is well worth a watch.
Almost passable, but not quite
r96sk7 December 2022
Almost passable, but not quite.
'The Christmas House' is cheesy and the actual plot is lame, I do appreciate the additional bit of depth to the story though - admittedly that's relatively-speaking as it's still a Hallmark movie, but there's slightly more to it than is usual for a festive flick of this sort. There is some same-sex couple representation, which is definitely something you don't usually get with these films, so minor (belated, after all) props for that.
As for the cast, they bring what's required. I watched Treat Williams in 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' last year and found him to be the standout, he's solid again - helped by a better cast around him here. Robert Buckley and Ana Ayora are decent, as are Sharon Lawrence and Jonathan Bennett.
I'm always intrigued when these television films get a sequel, so I'm up for checking out 'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls' - even if I'm not expecting much from it, naturally.
'The Christmas House' is cheesy and the actual plot is lame, I do appreciate the additional bit of depth to the story though - admittedly that's relatively-speaking as it's still a Hallmark movie, but there's slightly more to it than is usual for a festive flick of this sort. There is some same-sex couple representation, which is definitely something you don't usually get with these films, so minor (belated, after all) props for that.
As for the cast, they bring what's required. I watched Treat Williams in 'Rocky Mountain Christmas' last year and found him to be the standout, he's solid again - helped by a better cast around him here. Robert Buckley and Ana Ayora are decent, as are Sharon Lawrence and Jonathan Bennett.
I'm always intrigued when these television films get a sequel, so I'm up for checking out 'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls' - even if I'm not expecting much from it, naturally.
It's about family.
MIssM1924 November 2020
Mike is heading home for the holidays. His parents are doing a long tradition in their family, "The Christmas House" in which they set up the whole house with Christmas decorations, both inside and outside. While there we found out that Mike's parents are going through a rough patch in the marriage and that Brandon, Mike's brother, and his husband Jake are trying to adopt. Meanwhile, Mike is reconnecting with his childhood friend and neighbour, Andi.
It was such a nice film. I thought this was quite different of what Hallmark usually offers. Still predictable, still very Christmassy, but it followed a different structure. (you know, leads knowing each other, problem, happily ever after, done). In fact, Mike and Andi's relationship is a sub-plot of the movie. The focus is on the whole family and them figuring out their problems and relationship. The cast had great chemistry all together. I particulary liked the flashbacks scenes, they were such a emotional touch. Also, I laughed more than once, specially with Brandon and Mike who actually behaved like siblings.
I like that Hallmark is being more inclusive, and the scene of Brandon and Jake kissing and the final scene must have made so many people mad that makes me so happy. Hallmark, keep it going! I literally don't have anything to complain, it is such a heartfelt movie. I'm adding it to my favorites for sure. Kudos to Robert for being so involved in the story.
It was such a nice film. I thought this was quite different of what Hallmark usually offers. Still predictable, still very Christmassy, but it followed a different structure. (you know, leads knowing each other, problem, happily ever after, done). In fact, Mike and Andi's relationship is a sub-plot of the movie. The focus is on the whole family and them figuring out their problems and relationship. The cast had great chemistry all together. I particulary liked the flashbacks scenes, they were such a emotional touch. Also, I laughed more than once, specially with Brandon and Mike who actually behaved like siblings.
I like that Hallmark is being more inclusive, and the scene of Brandon and Jake kissing and the final scene must have made so many people mad that makes me so happy. Hallmark, keep it going! I literally don't have anything to complain, it is such a heartfelt movie. I'm adding it to my favorites for sure. Kudos to Robert for being so involved in the story.
A Pleasant watch.
paulclaassen12 December 2023
Most Christmas movies are feel-good films with a cheesy moment or two. 'The Christmas House' is no different, but I must confess to really enjoying it.
The Mitchell family is about to transform their home for Christmas. (As we learn later in the movie, there is a reason why they decided to do it again after a few years.) The family consist of Bill (Treat Williams) and Phylis (Sharon Lawrence), and their sons Mike (Robert Buckley) and Brandon (Jonathan Bennett). Brandon is gay and married to Jake (Brad Harder), and they are in the process of adopting a child. Mike is an actor, whose show risks being cancelled. And then there's the family friend Andi (Ana Ayora), who is an estate agent, and Mike's subtle love interest.
We soon realize there are certain issues lurking underneath the façade of happiness, and that all might not be as well as it appears to be. I enjoyed the characters, and thought the casting was well done. 'A Christmas House' is a film about rekindled feelings, and the Christmas spirit! This was a nice watch.
The Mitchell family is about to transform their home for Christmas. (As we learn later in the movie, there is a reason why they decided to do it again after a few years.) The family consist of Bill (Treat Williams) and Phylis (Sharon Lawrence), and their sons Mike (Robert Buckley) and Brandon (Jonathan Bennett). Brandon is gay and married to Jake (Brad Harder), and they are in the process of adopting a child. Mike is an actor, whose show risks being cancelled. And then there's the family friend Andi (Ana Ayora), who is an estate agent, and Mike's subtle love interest.
We soon realize there are certain issues lurking underneath the façade of happiness, and that all might not be as well as it appears to be. I enjoyed the characters, and thought the casting was well done. 'A Christmas House' is a film about rekindled feelings, and the Christmas spirit! This was a nice watch.
Another Belly-Flop for Hallmark Movies in 2020
jodw-9015226 November 2020
I was excited to see quality actors such as Treat William's & Sharon Lawrence in the cast, but yet again the story line seems to be written from a High School drama class. Overall the cast presented a less than believable effort.
Is Hallmark losing their magic touch?
Is Hallmark losing their magic touch?
Somewhat entertaining
MickyG3335 December 2023
6.8 stars.
This has a lot of reviews which usually indicates mass interest. If I had to sum it up in a sentence I would say it's a slow moving film about two parents who aren't happy, a TV star who is searching for the love of his life from his past, and his brother who is trying to adopt a child with his husband (yes, he's gay).
It's a slow moving production about the TV star coming home to decorate their family home for Christmas. But they don't just decorate as most families, they go all out with ornaments, lights and animatronics inside and outside all around like a Christmas decorators museum. People come from near and far to see it.
We also get to see flashbacks from when the TV star was a child and he loved to do magic and his #1 girl (whom he never ended up with) was his magician sidekick. Now he's teaching her son how to do magic and she might be the helper again, and maybe they will get the second chance at a first chance (that's sort of a quote from the movie, not exactly word for word) at love. Mom and Dad are unhappy and this is explained (but I won't tell you because it's a spoiler).
It's a so-so story, but not executed for maximum enjoyment.
This has a lot of reviews which usually indicates mass interest. If I had to sum it up in a sentence I would say it's a slow moving film about two parents who aren't happy, a TV star who is searching for the love of his life from his past, and his brother who is trying to adopt a child with his husband (yes, he's gay).
It's a slow moving production about the TV star coming home to decorate their family home for Christmas. But they don't just decorate as most families, they go all out with ornaments, lights and animatronics inside and outside all around like a Christmas decorators museum. People come from near and far to see it.
We also get to see flashbacks from when the TV star was a child and he loved to do magic and his #1 girl (whom he never ended up with) was his magician sidekick. Now he's teaching her son how to do magic and she might be the helper again, and maybe they will get the second chance at a first chance (that's sort of a quote from the movie, not exactly word for word) at love. Mom and Dad are unhappy and this is explained (but I won't tell you because it's a spoiler).
It's a so-so story, but not executed for maximum enjoyment.
A lovely Family story
jnh-123-74678626 November 2020
I am sad for those who refuse to watch this movie because of the so called 'Not Family Friendly' content. You missed a real beauty, a Christmas story of family, love and working through problems along the way. I was taught that is what Christian values are all about. The cast were well chosen and the acting was excellent. I throughly enjoyed this movie and I will certainly be looking out for more NFF movies in the future. Well done Hallmark and keep up the great work. Thank you.
Horrible movie
LovesMyGarden10 December 2020
Not the usual Hallmark: Funny but a real family story.
Avidviewer-0284725 November 2020
Not the usual Hallmark movie, it's refreshing. Kudos to the writing and teleplay teams and the great casting. The usual Hallmark is a formulaic focus on a single woman who finds romance, it's soapy and can be sickly sweet. This is about a family, actually three families, a house and cultures and real life. Kudos to Hallmark.
NOT FOR ME
linda-plant228 November 2020
If I was around a woman who blew a d...mn whistle when issuing orders I would feel inclined to do something unmentionable with that whistle !!!
I think the established actors clearly did this film for the money, it was far toooo sweet and "aw shucks mum" - these are GROWN MEN ! , and if Hallmark are going down the woke /pc/diversity route, then lets have a bit of realism and have real men baulk at being offered a hot chocolate instead of a beer !
I think the established actors clearly did this film for the money, it was far toooo sweet and "aw shucks mum" - these are GROWN MEN ! , and if Hallmark are going down the woke /pc/diversity route, then lets have a bit of realism and have real men baulk at being offered a hot chocolate instead of a beer !
Seriously ?
montgomerysue19 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the silliest plots Hallmark has ever come up with. The dialogue is incredibly unrealistic. The actors seem to ham it up in order to give this any type of realism. Don't the parents realize that their sons are grown men - not adolescents?The gay couple subplot is stereotypical. The adopt a baby bit has been done many times but much better and with more charismatic performers. But, most of all, the reason for the parents separating is absolutely bizarre. And If my mother kept blowing a whistle like that, I might have strangled her with it. And why did Treat Williams allow the producers to put him in such unattractive clothes? Yeah, he needs to get back in shape, but there's a scene when he's walking down the street with his son and it looks like his stomach is about to explode ! Maybe the parents should have been separating because the mother was tired of her husband looking like a slob. In any event, skip this one - Hallmark has some other new productions with talented actors that are worth your time - like Christmas by Starlight and Five Star Christmas. They will put you in a merry mood.
Feel good family movie with nice diversity
jensenholmesPA1 December 2020
I was excited to watch the first Hallmark Christmas movie with gay couple (though I recall a lesbian couple in a recent one...). This is a feel good family movie with various subplots. The newly retired parents have grown apart, the actor son has career issues, and the younger, gay son and his husband are trying to adopt a baby. They all converge to put on a crazy, over-decorated house that's open to the public like they did years ago. Nice, feel good movie. I really enjoyed the inclusion of an LGBT storyline and that the couple was just a normal part of the family. Well done, Hallmark!
Bland
starfishb1 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I vaguely enjoyed The Christmas House despite the issues I have with it. To start with, for a drama there's very little actual drama. The acting and dialogue is okay, but the story itself is banal and not particularly well thought out.
Mom and Dad are having problems and planning to sell the house and live separately after Christmas, which gradually becomes known to their adult sons who have come home for Christmas. But the reason for the planned separation is vague until near the end of the story, and when it's finally revealed what the issue is, it's not only anti-climactic but makes Mom seem petty and childish. Her problem? Dad had retired before she did, and instead of moping around the house, he found things to do that didn't include her BECAUSE SHE WAS STILL WORKING. She felt excluded, therefore marriage over. Then suddenly, out of the blue, they announce they're not going to separate after all and instead will move into a fixer-upper and will renovate it together, thus resolving Mom's feelings of exclusion.
The second plot line make more sense, but lacks drama as well. The gay couple are waiting to find out if their latest attempt to adopt a child will succeed after their previous attempts fell through. It's a foregone conclusion that they find out, on Christmas even no less, that they were approved.
The third plot line was the most interesting, but it was obvious how it would be resolved as well. The older brother, an actor who's tv series may be cancelled, gets a second chance with the woman who was his best friend growing up. She's now divorced and has moved back to her childhood home, conveniently next door to his. They reconnect and the question is: will he go back to LA if his tv series is continued, or will he stay with her and her son, who shares his childhood love of magic?
Finally, the way this family transforms their home, both inside and out, into a "Christmas House" is so over the top it's not remotely believable. It reminded me of the department store Christmas wonderland that Will Ferrel creates overnight in "Elf". Mom supervises her husband and her two sons in setting up the decorations by blowing a loud whistle, startling them in quiet moments. I think it's meant to be humorous, but it just makes her look like an annoying control freak. What's more, she's already designed the entire layout with a detailed 3D animation showing where everything should be placed. The animation looks as if it has taken weeks to produce, which makes you wonder why she didn't just put up the decorations herself if she had all that spare time.
Mom and Dad are having problems and planning to sell the house and live separately after Christmas, which gradually becomes known to their adult sons who have come home for Christmas. But the reason for the planned separation is vague until near the end of the story, and when it's finally revealed what the issue is, it's not only anti-climactic but makes Mom seem petty and childish. Her problem? Dad had retired before she did, and instead of moping around the house, he found things to do that didn't include her BECAUSE SHE WAS STILL WORKING. She felt excluded, therefore marriage over. Then suddenly, out of the blue, they announce they're not going to separate after all and instead will move into a fixer-upper and will renovate it together, thus resolving Mom's feelings of exclusion.
The second plot line make more sense, but lacks drama as well. The gay couple are waiting to find out if their latest attempt to adopt a child will succeed after their previous attempts fell through. It's a foregone conclusion that they find out, on Christmas even no less, that they were approved.
The third plot line was the most interesting, but it was obvious how it would be resolved as well. The older brother, an actor who's tv series may be cancelled, gets a second chance with the woman who was his best friend growing up. She's now divorced and has moved back to her childhood home, conveniently next door to his. They reconnect and the question is: will he go back to LA if his tv series is continued, or will he stay with her and her son, who shares his childhood love of magic?
Finally, the way this family transforms their home, both inside and out, into a "Christmas House" is so over the top it's not remotely believable. It reminded me of the department store Christmas wonderland that Will Ferrel creates overnight in "Elf". Mom supervises her husband and her two sons in setting up the decorations by blowing a loud whistle, startling them in quiet moments. I think it's meant to be humorous, but it just makes her look like an annoying control freak. What's more, she's already designed the entire layout with a detailed 3D animation showing where everything should be placed. The animation looks as if it has taken weeks to produce, which makes you wonder why she didn't just put up the decorations herself if she had all that spare time.
I refuse to believe that Robert Buckley could ever be single for any long period of time.
adamjohns-4257525 December 2020
Wow! I must have built this one up in my mind too much, because, boy, was I disappointed.
There were too many stories going on at once and not enough focus given to each one to understand how the feelings and situations developed.
I could see that perhaps, after a while, Andi might be a nice enough person, but based on the information I had, I didn't think that she was worth Michael's (Robert Buckley the hottie) attention and her kid was not endearing at all, he was a complete dweeb. Whoever wrote this obviously thought that doing Magic was cool, but I don't think it is.
It was also a shame that the gay couples adoption of a child was hardly mentioned as that could have been a perfect plot for one of these films all by itself and they were a cute couple. I liked the fact that no fuss was made about them being gay though.
The Mother and Father's relationship was far too quickly "solved" and I actually couldn't see what the hell Treat Williams saw in the bitter and twisted witch.
Also the house decorating thing was just weird, surely that's way too much, even for my cousins across the Atlantic?
I believe that if they had explored even just two of these stories, instead of three or four, that they could have been a lot more successful. I suppose that I was spoiled when I watched 'The Christmas Setup (to 2020)' which actually gave a decent representation of an LGBT Christmas romance for the first time and hoped to see something else with more depth to the characters that represent me.
There were too many stories going on at once and not enough focus given to each one to understand how the feelings and situations developed.
I could see that perhaps, after a while, Andi might be a nice enough person, but based on the information I had, I didn't think that she was worth Michael's (Robert Buckley the hottie) attention and her kid was not endearing at all, he was a complete dweeb. Whoever wrote this obviously thought that doing Magic was cool, but I don't think it is.
It was also a shame that the gay couples adoption of a child was hardly mentioned as that could have been a perfect plot for one of these films all by itself and they were a cute couple. I liked the fact that no fuss was made about them being gay though.
The Mother and Father's relationship was far too quickly "solved" and I actually couldn't see what the hell Treat Williams saw in the bitter and twisted witch.
Also the house decorating thing was just weird, surely that's way too much, even for my cousins across the Atlantic?
I believe that if they had explored even just two of these stories, instead of three or four, that they could have been a lot more successful. I suppose that I was spoiled when I watched 'The Christmas Setup (to 2020)' which actually gave a decent representation of an LGBT Christmas romance for the first time and hoped to see something else with more depth to the characters that represent me.
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