Despite it not being one of the most inspired of titles, the premise did sound quite charming. Also saw 'Merry Liddle Christmas' for three other reasons. One was my love of Christmas. Two was that it was part of my Lifetime (and Hallmark) Christmas film completest quest. Also, Kelly Rowland has always struck me as a likeable performer and knows her stuff when it comes to singing, mentoring and performing when she was judging on talent shows.
'Merry Liddle Christmas' is not a great film and it is easy to see why there are and will be those that didn't care for it, but it is charming and inoffensive enough. It is not one of the best 2019 Lifetime Christmas films. Nor is it one of the worst. More a solid middling effort. Was unsure about 'Merry Liddle Christmas' to begin with, have felt this with quite a number of Lifetime's Christmas films, but sticking with it it did get a good deal better and not something to dismiss of the bat.
It's not flawless by any stretch. It did to me start off a little on the slow side and some of the dialogue seemed too cheesy and stilted to begin with.
Thomas Cadrot was rather stiff and just delivers his lines fuctionally but with not enough feeling. Would have liked more spark between him and Kelly Rowland, which was too often lukewarm until having some glow towards the too neat end.
Rowland however is a sheer delight and radiates in charm and sass, never looking ill at ease. She has a supporting cast that give enthusiastic performances, especially Debbi Morgan. The chemistry generally was fun and charming, not disconnected. The direction is fully competent once the story finds its footing. Visually, it looks good in particularly the scenery which is nicely complemented by the photography. The music is pleasant and not intrusive, not always the case with Lifetime (even more Hallmark) films. "We Need a Little Christmas" is a lovely song and is inspiring.
Furthermore, the script is far from perfect, but is sweet and raised a number of smiles while not being too heavy on the sentiment. The story isn't perfect to begin with, but is mostly very charming and warm-hearted with an authentic atmosphere. While the characters are familiar in type, my way of trying and failing to avoid the word cliched, they to me had personality and ones that didn't come over as stale or annoying.
Overall, pleasant if not exceptional. 6/10.
