This review probably sounds like it comes from somebody that loves hating on Lifetime Christmas films. That couldn't be further from the truth, this is coming from somebody who aims to be encouraging with their reviewing and is mostly generous. Have actually said quite a number of times that Lifetime showed a lot of times that they had a good film in them, although there was a lot of average and less output too. This review is not coming from a Scrooge either, my adoration of Christmas is probably well known by now.
2019 was very hit and miss for Lifetime's Christmas output, very like their previous years. 2020 was also hit and miss for them too, Christmas and overall. Some were pleasantly well above average and others were mediocre at best. Very like their output in general as indicated in the above paragraph. To me, 'A Date by Christmas Eve' (alternate title 'The Naughty List') is one of their worst from that year. Not unwatchable but very weak, compensated by the two lead performances but doesn't have much else going for it.
Am going to get the good things out of the way. As said, 'A Date by Christmas Eve' is saved from unwatchability by the above decent and actually quite appealing lead performances of Vanessa Lengies and Evan Williams. Lengies is suitably perky and Williams is a sensitive and charming partner. Their chemistry comes over as very genuine and amiable, looking at ease with each other.
Did think that the scenery is quite nice.
Otherwise, 'A Date by Christmas Eve' has nothing really to recommend it. The rest of the acting is poor, especially from a truly obnoxious Taylor Frey. Morgan Fairchild looks ill at ease too. None of the supporting characters engaged or appealed, especially the obligatory boyfriend stereotype that often in Christmas films comes over as too much of a jerk and very unpleasant. Which is exactly how the character of Rod comes over. Apart from the scenery, the film doesn't look too great. Too drab and like it was made in haste.
Mostly the music is forgettable at best and has no personality. The script is too cheesy and schmaltzy, constantly sounding awkward and the story is excessively dull, due to trying to pad out half an hour's worth of content to feature length, and has an overload of credulity straining moments that makes it ridiculous. The film feels too thin, has very little warm or charm and has an ending that is obvious from the start.
In conclusion, weak. 3/10.
