The Search For Secret Santa (2022) -
It was a shame that this wasn't a better film, because Alex Trumble in his role of Jackson was cute and I felt that he deserved more. Although he was a tad overexcitable at times and very goofy at others. Skye Coyne was fine in her role of Sofia too, although the character was a big annoying, but not as frustrating as Perry the Newspaper Editor. Why do these films keep hiring Jackée Harry? In this role and every other character I've seen her play, she was absolutely farcical. She's so ridiculous.
The lesbian best friend Nancy (Grace Dillon) was not a good actor and Ernie (Eamon Hunt) wasn't that brilliant either. His character was so obviously dodging Sofia's questions about the Secret Santa gift too.
However, nobody was as awful as the criminals, who were like something from the Adam West 'Batman' (1966-8) TV series. They were so corny. The Boss even had an eye patch for Christ's sake! And the story really didn't need the crooks at all, so many other of these films have done it without that farce.
As for the actual gift in the Secret Santa box, there was NO WAY that it was an antique and those were definitely NOT real jewels decorating it.
Also, I assume that 'The Nutcracker' music is available in the public domain, because so many of these films use the tunes. It would be nice if they could be a bit more original sometimes. It's set at Christmas already, use a different, ordinary item for a change.
Overall, it was a bit too much 'Aurora Teagarden Mysteries' (2019-) and a bit less charming Christmas film.
The end was pure cheese too!!!! I won't be watching this one again.
4.24/10.
