I watch a lot of Christmas movies and with four networks now cranking them out full time, I had to pick and choose more. Now I pick films that vary from the traditional formula or have stars that I really enjoy.
This one got my attention because it had a slight twist on an old theme and both leads were engaging. However, it felt very low budget, like super low. Odd camera angles, shots and close-ups, awkward pauses, and some not great acting and dialogue.
However, the biggest disservice to the script was the obviously low budget they had to produce it. Part of the premise was that the hotel was supposed to be a luxury hotel lavishly decked out for Christmas! In fact, that was the reason it was chosen for the "Gala". However, the bulk of the decoration was tinsel garland and strings of lights. And the same tinsel showed up everywhere, on every set (the red and silver). I even think I saw one small, unfluffed wreath with two present bows stuck to it being hung on a wall!
Another big plot element was the "Royal Gala" which felt more like a daytime junior high assembly. Minimal set decoration, tiny crowd, no lighting or orchestra. The headline entertainment was an acapella version of Silent Night?!? Cindy is a decent singer, but certainly not the prodigy that built up the entire movie. Heck, even the most accomplished singer wouldn't drive the crowd into that frenzy in that scenario. And that single song appeared to be the entire content of the gala. So odd.
I could overlook a lot of plot absurdities and predictability when it is visually beautiful and filled with Christmas imagery and magic. This unfortunately lacked and even the charming stars couldn't save it.
This one got my attention because it had a slight twist on an old theme and both leads were engaging. However, it felt very low budget, like super low. Odd camera angles, shots and close-ups, awkward pauses, and some not great acting and dialogue.
However, the biggest disservice to the script was the obviously low budget they had to produce it. Part of the premise was that the hotel was supposed to be a luxury hotel lavishly decked out for Christmas! In fact, that was the reason it was chosen for the "Gala". However, the bulk of the decoration was tinsel garland and strings of lights. And the same tinsel showed up everywhere, on every set (the red and silver). I even think I saw one small, unfluffed wreath with two present bows stuck to it being hung on a wall!
Another big plot element was the "Royal Gala" which felt more like a daytime junior high assembly. Minimal set decoration, tiny crowd, no lighting or orchestra. The headline entertainment was an acapella version of Silent Night?!? Cindy is a decent singer, but certainly not the prodigy that built up the entire movie. Heck, even the most accomplished singer wouldn't drive the crowd into that frenzy in that scenario. And that single song appeared to be the entire content of the gala. So odd.
I could overlook a lot of plot absurdities and predictability when it is visually beautiful and filled with Christmas imagery and magic. This unfortunately lacked and even the charming stars couldn't save it.