There were three main reasons for wanting to see 'Holidaze'. Am a big fan of Christmas and have been watching many Christmas films from Hallmark and Lifetime as a quest for the past three or four years. Second was for the concept, which is not a novel one (the alternate universe 'Sliding Doors'-like concept having been done before and since) but is fascinating and lends itself well to Christmas films. Third was for the always watchable Cameron Mathison.
'Holidaze' though could have gone either way in execution and was a little worried about how it would execute a concept as good as this. It could either be charming, light hearted and undemanding fun, or too predictable, contrived and far fetched. Luckily, 'Holidaze' is in the former category and is a lot better than its current rating suggests. The execution is not great or perfect, but to me this was fun and charming with a good deal to like.
Am going to start with what didn't quite work. Will agree that the corporate stuff wasn't particularly compelling and slowed the film down sometimes, as well as being a bit too serious.
It takes a bit of time to find its footing pace-wise, where the story is not so eventful or energetic. The ending is a bit too predictable and neat.
On the other hand, 'Holidaze' does do a lot right. It looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab, quite beautiful actually. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. The dialogue doesn't go overboard on the cheese and sugar and is suitably light hearted without being silly, sparkling with the two leads when together.
While the story is uneven, with it being at its weakest with the corporate elements, it does come to life when the leads are together and in the more personal scenes. With there being a lot of heart-warming charm and cuteness, without there being too much of the latter. The characters interest and are worth investing in, not being too perfect or having flaws too exaggerated, which was refreshing after seeing a few films with distastefully over the top unpleasant characters that you are meant to root for. Garth and Matthison are both well cast and engaging, particularly Garth. Support is solid.
Concluding, nice film as long as a classic is not expected. 7/10.
'Holidaze' though could have gone either way in execution and was a little worried about how it would execute a concept as good as this. It could either be charming, light hearted and undemanding fun, or too predictable, contrived and far fetched. Luckily, 'Holidaze' is in the former category and is a lot better than its current rating suggests. The execution is not great or perfect, but to me this was fun and charming with a good deal to like.
Am going to start with what didn't quite work. Will agree that the corporate stuff wasn't particularly compelling and slowed the film down sometimes, as well as being a bit too serious.
It takes a bit of time to find its footing pace-wise, where the story is not so eventful or energetic. The ending is a bit too predictable and neat.
On the other hand, 'Holidaze' does do a lot right. It looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab, quite beautiful actually. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. The dialogue doesn't go overboard on the cheese and sugar and is suitably light hearted without being silly, sparkling with the two leads when together.
While the story is uneven, with it being at its weakest with the corporate elements, it does come to life when the leads are together and in the more personal scenes. With there being a lot of heart-warming charm and cuteness, without there being too much of the latter. The characters interest and are worth investing in, not being too perfect or having flaws too exaggerated, which was refreshing after seeing a few films with distastefully over the top unpleasant characters that you are meant to root for. Garth and Matthison are both well cast and engaging, particularly Garth. Support is solid.
Concluding, nice film as long as a classic is not expected. 7/10.