Am not terribly familiar with either of the two leads, but it is always good once in a while to not have Lifetime regulars/favourites. Lifetime have done many films over the years that have been worth watching, the best of them surprisingly very well done, though they have also done a number of duds. Was a bit ehh overall on their 2021 output, it could have been worse considering the circumstances but few films stood out if this viewer was to be honest.
'Candy Cane Candidate' was another film to not stand out that much. It has its moments and actually did have an intriguing concept, not everyday we have Christmas and politics mixed together on screen, it just could and should have executed it more consistently. It is not one of their worst films from 2021 and Lifetime have certainly done far worse overall, but also not one of the best on both counts. It is certainly tolerable and has good things, but 'Candy Cane Candidate' also struck me as rather average with some real debits.
There are good things here. Jacky Lai has a good deal of charm and perkiness once she settles into her role and the role becomes better written. Better is Jake Epstein, whose character writing is a lot more consistent and likeable and it was easy to endear to his subtle charisma and easy going-ness. They had some nice witty chemistry later on. The supporting cast do a more than competent job with what they are given to work with, which isn't great.
It's a nice looking film. Loved the scenery especially, regardless of any authenticity being called into question there is a festive look to it and it looks picturesque. Personally thought the photography, while never extraordinary, complemented it nicely, not overblown while not basic either. The music is a nice enough fit and is pleasant music on its own, it doesn't make as much of a mistake as other Christmas films of being used too constantly or being too loud.
However, 'Candy Cane Candidate' is not perfect by any stretch. It was not easy to get into at first, with a slow start to the plot and some very awkward dialogue. Also found Lai's character too overly arrogant and confrontational and often not deserved, and it took a while for the hostility in the banter to tone down and the chemistry to generate much spark. Pretty much throughout, the story is very predictable and could have been a lot tighter.
More flawed is the writing, with the banter to begin with being more overly hostile than playful, the schmaltz becoming too sugary sweet and the politics being at times intriguing but also at other times rather heavy handed which creates a bit too much of a disjoint in tone. The ending is too pat and somewhat rushed too.
Overall, watchable but very average. 5/10.
