A Husband for Christmas (2016 TV Movie) User Reviews

This is a whacky holiday movie that while completely unrealistic and out there is still worth a watch

[kevin_robbins · 4/10 · 29 December 2021]

A Husband for Christmas (2016) is a holiday movie I watched on Tubi. The storyline follows a graphic designer that is part of a merger with another rising graphic designer that happens to need a Visa. To both stay employed by the merged companies the boss asks them to get married just for the sake of the company and the Visa. When the government starts investigating their relationship the couple will need to pretend their relationship is real. Could they really fall in love in the process?

This movie is directed by David DeCoteau (Puppet Master III) and stars Vivica A. Fox (Kill Bill), Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight), Ricco Ross (Aliens), Dominique Swain (Face/Off), Jackée Harry (Sister Sister) and Hilary Shepard (The 40 Year Virgin).

The scenarios were crazy, completely unbelievable and also hilarious. Fox is still an A+ beauty. Eric Roberts was very good and very funny. The Christmas Cruise references to Fox's other holiday movie was a smart add. The family elements were nice touches and the ending was a solid wrap up on several plot points.

Overall this is a whacky holiday movie that while completely unrealistic and out there is still worth a watch. I would say this is below average, and would score this a 4/10, but it is worth watching once.

Yes it's corny, some poor acting but enjoyable

[taylorjan-63962 · 5/10 · 5 November 2017]

I quite enjoyed this. I actually think the actor playing Roger did well with an English accent; he fooled me. Usually when an actor is trying an English accent it really affects their performance. I thought he'd been in the US a while and picked up a bit of an accent and their terms ('mad' for 'annoyed'), and thought he WAS English!

The lead lady with the odd name (viva a fox) did a great job, although her clothes were a tad small, the makeup too much (she didn't need it) and the way she carried her handbag (which must have been glued to her arm) was distracting and comical. Mum, dad and sister gave poor performances, as did the Warhol look alike boss. Obviously not actors.

Good story, silly but enjoyable.

The ending is the worst I've ever seen. Seemed they made something up quickly. It has to be seen to be believed.

A nice Christmas film (despite the script, some poor performances and a dreadful ending.

I gave it a 6 because I love holiday movies...

[wildeatheart · 6/10 · 1 December 2020]

I'm a sucker for holiday movies. As others have said, the acting at times was truly awful and I thought Vivica Fox was better than this. However, when the acting wasn't subpar the movie was moderately entertaining.

Marriage of inconvenience

[TheLittleSongbird · 3/10 · 16 August 2022]

Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary (though am refraining as much as possible from reiterating too much). Have liked Vivica A Fox in other things, though more in supporting roles than lead, so that was another reason for watching 'A Husband for Christmas'. This was watched with a real attempt to like it.

This reviewer has seen far worse films, Christmas and overall, and the film is more tasteful than the title sounds, but 'A Husband for Christmas' is still not particularly good. Actually thought that in general it was rather weak, with a few good things but they are outweighed by the numerous very badly done things. A waste of a quite cute premise, and while Fox is the main reason for the film not being any worse she has been represented so much better in other work.

Starting with the good things, Fox gives a very amiable and spirited performance that is better than the film deserves.

Did like the scenery too and there are pleasant moments in the soundtrack.

However, the rest of the acting is subpar at best with a lot of over-compensating. The chemistry between the actors is unnatural and never fully connected, the romantic chemistry non existent pretty much. Didn't care for any of the characters, the overwritten character flaws make them impossible to endear to and they are never developed really, too much of one level. This includes Fox's later on, despite her valiant efforts.

Furthermore, the script is very cheesy and awkward, while the story when there is any is excessively predictable (even when expecting it to be), full of corn and completely unrealistic. One of the worst offenders being one of the most contrived endings for any Christmas film in recent memory. Too much of the photography has a disorganised, frenzied look reminiscent of hasty straight to DVD quality.

Concluding, weak. 3/10.

So bad it's ... just bad but at least there's a story-line!

[bethkow · 3/10 · 25 December 2019]

Buzzed driving, excessive spending, terrible fashion, ugly decor, bad acting, promotes impossible magical outcomes to illegal marriage and corporate climbing, limited vocabulary, a quick lackluster relationship develops in only weeks, incredible pathological lying, all of which turns into a legitimate story-line with an unlikely real world application, blossoming love (finally between two black main cast members who also regretfully happen to be the villains), and a happy ending where everyone appears (surprise!) though there was no way they had knowledge of the situation they arrived to support or time to get there or plane tickets to get past security all the way to boarding (except maybe pre 9/11 but this movie was made in 2016)... It was a giant mess.

FOOLED AGAIN!

[BandSAboutMovies · 2/10 · 25 December 2019]

Brooke and Roger, two graphic designers in a soon-to-be-merged company, help one another by agreeing to a loveless marriage of convenience. In the process, Brooke gets to upstage her sister who just announced her engagement to her ex-boyfriend.

Now, you may say, "Sam why are you watching this?"

David DeCoteau got me again.

Yes, the maker of the "Wrong" series of movies (The Wrong Cheerleader, The Wrong Tutor, The Wrong Mommy, The Wrong Friend, The Wrong Crush, The Wrong Man, The Wrong Child, The Wrong Roommate, The Wrong Boy Next Door and The Wrong Stepmother), the 1313 softcore for guys series, not to mention A Talking Cat!?! and its sequel A Talking Pony!?!, plus movies stretching the whole way back to Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama and Dr. Alien, David DeCoteau has started a cottage industry of made for streaming and small network Christmas movies, sort of like Fred Olen Ray.

This movie strangely places Vivica A. Fox (yep, the very same one who was in Kill Bill) and Ricco Ross (yes, Private Frost from Aliens and Lt. Nathanson in Wishmaster) together as the North Star crossed lovers, as well as Eric Roberts (forever in my heart the voice of Duffy) and Jackee from Saturday night NBC sitcom fave 227.

This being a DeCoteau joint - is that a thing? - you also get Dominque Swain showing up as the friend to our protagonist, Hilary Shepherd (Divatox from the Power Rangers Turbo series), Helene Udy (who was on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman as Myra Bing; if you ever want me to judge you, have that series on when I visit your house), Michael Bergin (J.D. Darius from Baywatch), David McKnight (Uncle Ray from Hollywood Shuffle), Johnny Whitaker (yes, sure, he was Tom Sawyer and on Sigmund and the Sea Monster, but he is also a DeCoteau A Talking Cat!?! alumnus), Galyn Gorg (Angie from RoboCop 2 and Margarita from Point Break) and Laurene Landon (Theresa Mallory from Maniac Cop).

But there's one big reason why I watched this movie.

It unites Robert Brian Wilson (Billy Caldwell from Silent Night, Deadly Night) with Eric Freeman (Ricky Caldwell from Silent Night, Deadly Night part 2) in one movie. Such is the magic of a Christmas DeCoteau film. They play two office workers who are wrapping gifts and this was Freeman's first movie role in nearly two decades.

Just a dumb question: Is DeCoteau pranking me? Is this an elaborate ruse to get me to see his movies? Is George Eastman going to play the owner of a lovable dog in his next film? Honestly: What is going on?

Cute (but Admittedly Cheesy) Christmas Movie

[AshleyReviews · 7/10 · 30 November 2019]

This movie is admittedly cheesy, (think Hallmark or Lifetime holiday movie). However, if you're open-minded and are looking for a light-hearted movie to get you in the Christmas spirit, this will work. I enjoyed it while putting up Christmas decor.

Worst film ever!!!

[steve-mcclenney · 1/10 · 28 November 2020]

It's bad when I don't like a movie. The only thing that was worse than the cinematography, was the acting!!!! The budget on this film must have been well over $100.00 I gave it a one, because it wouldn't let me give it a zero!!!

In a low budget category still really enjoyable

[sherilcarey · 7/10 · 18 September 2021]

The two leads were really well cast, imo. Both gave good performances and had good presence. They were great together on the screen. I also noticed the father of the bride part. With a script with some flaws and all that, I was impressed with these at least. And in general, as someone who likes the category, I definitely recommend this to others who are looking for this kind of good fun.

This feeble "Green Card" comedy doesn't cut it

[phd_travel · 3/10 · 1 November 2017]

This "Green Card" themed Christmas comedy doesn't strike the comedy note either. The so called British guy seems to struggle with his accent throughout. Surely it can't be that hard to find a black British actor to play the role.

A woman executive, Vivica Fox is pressured by her boss played by Eric Roberts to marry a guy to give his a green card so he can work as a designer for their business. They travel back to her family for the holidays. Doesn't quite gel and the ending is forced.

Don't bother.

Love the Cast

[loisbeers · 8/10 · 15 February 2018]

"This is a television version of Green Card". In that film a woman marries a man so he can have a green card. In this film a man forces a woman to marry her co-worker so he can stay in this country.

Now she doesn't have a boyfriend but he does have a fiance. Things get "real" between the now faux married couple. What do you think is going to happen?

This is easy film to watch. The cast brings their "A-Game" but the story lets them all down however I love the cast so much in this that I still enjoy this film more than most.

Not nearly as good as Green Card or The Proposal

[Jackbv123 · 3/10 · 6 December 2018]

There was little to no chemistry between Vivicia A Fox and Ricco Ross. There's no basis for budding romance here.

As for acting, I'd expect much better from Fox who was almost hysterical sounding at times, which was much more than what was needed for the part.

Even given that you'd expect the premise to be a stretch, why would the boss offer a higher position to Brooke when the asset he wanted was Roger?

The thing on short supply that The Proposal certainly had was comedy. This movie barely raised a smile for me. The other thing in the other two movies was that the couple realized they needed to occupy the same apartment and the comedic tension created by that. If Brooke is so frightened by the legal threat, living together should be a no-brainer. And she continually resists doing things that are just as necessary for their situation. She seems to avoid time together which would assist in getting to know one another. If this is cramming, then expect an F.

Everything in the story having to do with Gwen is just stupid. Her sudden uninvited appearance when he just started a new job, leaving her on her own in a strange place, visiting his workplace.

Traditional dad? And you allow what Brooke's ex does?

On top of everything else, Brooke is annoying.

All this goes back again to the question - where's the fun, where's the comedy, especially in a Christmas rom-com? I know that a story needs some tension and conflict to make the story interesting, but this movie is all tension and very little fun.

The ending was not any better than the rest.

Yule Think It's Crap

[gregtheproduct · 23 December 2018]

Whether you like your movies so bad they're good, or you have no cognitive skills whatsoever, you'll love this piece of tinsel trash. Somebody please riff this one for the Christmas ages

Very strange accents

[pauline_evans · 3/10 · 16 September 2022]

I gathered from what they said that the main character and his girlfriend were supposed to be from Burnley, which is in Lancashire, so why did they both have such flaming posh accents 🤔 I don't suppose that everybody from Lancashire sounds like a character from Coronation Street, but honestly, this pairs accents sounded so ridiculously upper class it was laughable. It's obvious that movie makers in America believe that everybody from England has to be related to royalty, which would be as daft as suggesting that everybody in the USA speaks like one of the characters from The Beverly Hillbillies.

Has to be one of the worst

[Christmasmoviewatcher · 1/10 · 5 October 2022]

I love Christmas films but this is so contrived, badly acted and just a rubbish storyline.

Leading lady is beautiful and does her absolute best to hold the whole thing together, but the "husband" , whilst very easy on the eye is not the best actor and his fake accent is gratingly bad, be it Birmingham or Burnley and his girlfriend is awful. Their supposed British accents are just like nails down a blackboard to my ear.

I'm actually struggling to find something good to say about it, and still have too many characters left. Ohhhh and her boss is dreadful too - a real creep. I shall definately skip this one if it comes on again. Much much better out there!

Never a Stronger Opinion

[katehowe-16860 · 1/10 · 5 December 2023]

I just had this on as a kitschy, cozy background Christmas film and was so completely floored by how bad it is that I had to 1. Change the channel, then 2. Immediately come online to see if others feel as strongly about it. And let me just state that my standards for kitschy, cozy background Christmas films could not be lower (or so I thought). Even if I wasn't an individual with firsthand knowledge about marriage and immigration, it's easy to see the plot flaws in pretty much every scene, and the way the marriage and visa plays out is the least realistic thing I have ever seen portrayed on film. And who talks like any of these people? And the accents?! This experience will be haunt me the entire festive season. God help us, every one.

A Film Hallmark Should Have Made

[Thetruthhurtsss · 8/10 · 27 January 2018]

I do not want to get very political here but this is a film with a primary African American Cast. I have never seen this approach on "The Hallmark Channel".

Now this story is far fetched but it is a "Christmas" movie so I expect a little bit of a "Fairy Tale" and this film delivers on what it does promise. "A Love Story".

In this film a woman gets roped into marrying a co-worker who needs a work visa. The Immigration officers however are out to prove that this marriage is a farce. If that happens she is off to prison.

Lovely and easy to watch. Vivica Fox does however save this film.

I love these Vivica A Fox TV movies! Except...

[missraze · 9/10 · 22 April 2021]

The British husband's character is from Birmingham, England...um.... I wonder what made them choose this location. Birmingham is known in UK, and everywhere to be honest, for its very unique and difficult accent. Not only did this guy have a watered down 1970s central London BBC news accent, he didn't have even a hint of a Birmingham accent, which is like a refined Scottish accent if I can describe it as basically as possible. The vowels are VERY pronounced while the consonants are almost silenced. Not even like a caricature. It can be quite endearing. "I look out the window" in Birmingham accent is dang near "oi lewk ow the weenduh" or weendao if you're in Black Country in north classically very working class Birmingham. Queen Victoria was so put off by the bleak grim town that while driving passed she shut her own windows and the drapes that came with it. The actor even states Birmingham is working class, so even outside of Birmingham the working class UK accent is mocked or imitated for its colorful sound. He sounds like a very educated long expatriated Londoner, rather than a straight from Birmingham working class gent. So negative one star for the short sighted preparation.

UPDATE: The actor's long term girlfriend is the one from Birmingham, and his character is from London. Her accent was even worse. It was a Victorian aristocratic accent straight from a Jane Austen play.

Other than that, this film is so charming and entertaining. Like all of Vivica's recent TV films on lifetime and similar networks! I'm bingeing and marathoning and so happy I've come across this side of the internet! I don't get the hatred for these films?! They are wholesome and humbly budgeted and uplifting. Love love love. These films are also sexy, in mature, grown, classy ways.

Silent night deadly night reunion !!

[punisher-42628 · 10/10 · 26 December 2019]

This film gets a 10 just for casting both Billy and Ricky from Silent Night Deadly Night 1 and 2 respectively 😎👌