Saw 'Christmas Town' namely because Christmas is my favourite time of year, always has been and always will be without fail, with so many fond memories associated with it. It was also one of many Christmas films seen for the first time this year, and most released this year, to have a change from the usual traditions (while still continuing those of course) and to distract myself from all the health difficulties suffered this year.
This Christmas film quest (and my next batch of reviews are going to be for the films in question, so a Christmas film review project) has been a mixed bag, some have been surprisingly good, some watchable if average and some mediocre or less. 'Christmas Town' turned out to be one of the better films in this quest. Not a masterpiece in any shape or form and won't be a personal favourite, but it did well with what it set out to do, didn't try to do more than needed and at least seemed to know what to do with itself. This is coming from somebody who loves film, television of all genres and decades, so somebody that aims to have as varied a film taste as possible.
'Christmas Town' is not for those that dislike cliche overload, with most of the characters and situations as cliched as they come it does make things very predictable.
Others have picked up too on the lack of realism understandably, some sloppy attention to detail here regarding the cat, the permanent address situation. Tim Rozon is also a bit bland and his performance could have done with more emotion.
Anybody that wants their hearts warmed and wants to be charmed for a couple of hours, while seeing something inoffensive and something different on the television are likely though to find much to like about 'Christmas Town'. The odd parts of sloppy editing aside, the film looks quite good with a quite picturesque setting that makes one want to be there. The soundtrack creates nostalgia and puts a smile on the face.
While the dialogue is not what one would call amazing, it is not as cheesy or as forced as a lot of festive films or films with similar story types. The story is formulaic, but is also immensely charming and heart-warming. There is nothing mean-spirited about it and it is genuinely moving without going overboard on the sentimentality, the letters and angel symbolism were poignantly integrated into the story. Some nice romantic chemistry can be seen and the character interaction is natural. Candace Cameron Bure is a big reason as to why 'Christmas Town' works, she has a likeable character worth identifying with and Bure is just beguiling.
Summing up, not great but a very pleasant watch and one of the better recent Christmas film viewings. 7/10
