User reviews

Look, I get people that didn't like this film. The story is your basic Christmas Rom Com. No character is very nuanced or anything like that. At the same time, it's a Christmas Rom Com, nobody comes in here looking for the next Schindler's List. So by those measures, that being a Halmark-like Christmas film, it's good.

That being said, there are things that give this some unique qualities to it that make it good, and better than most Halmark style Christmas films. A good portion of that is the Latin culture peppered throughout. It's not throwing it in your face, or saying you should like it because it's a cast of Latinos/Latinas. But it's there naturally and because of that alone, this does make it stand out from your typical Halmark; in a similar way that 'The Photograph' did for Rom Com's in 2020(though I will say that film had a better story and more depth to it). And as a Latino it's just nice to see that it can be a part of a film, without it having to be the identity of the film in entirety. The second is the two leads of our cast. Aimee Garcia is charming, mostly know her from Lucifer and a few other things. While not a deep role or anything like that, she's charming and hope she gets more roles that help her spread her wings a bit more. Though in all fairness, this is much like Emilia Clarke doing 'Me Before You' near the end of Game of Thrones, just proving she can do something different other than the role she's most known for.

Freddie Prinze Jr. , hearthrob of the 90's and in the last decade or two mostly more known for his voice-acting if anything. He does a good job though and has equal amounts of charm as Aimee. The whole cast in general does a good job and even some storylines that could be way more cliche or make certain characters unlikable, they either don't do or breeze past them quickly, so that's another thing I will give this film credit for.

In general, it's a charming, harmless film with likable characters, performances, and some really good scoring of holiday classics in the background. And you know what, sometimes, especially these past two years, we all need something nice and warm with likable characters to pass a perfect runtime of an hour and a half. Not every film has to be deep or have characters that are unlikable to be good. Nor does a film have to be amazing or the best of the best. Sometimes it's okay for a film to just be good, and that's enough sometimes.

Wow, some quality acting with Freddie and the actress from Lucifer who are layer the pop star. Definitely a cut above most of these cheesy Christmas movies. Don't get me wrong-I love them-but this had more authentic relationships and enjoyed the quince dance and Latin traditions. The daughter was adorable and loved the dad/daughter relationship. Catchy music. Good hearted jokes at some of our celebrity culture vs what's real. Still very predictable but who cares. Just a fun and heartwarming and entertaining escape! I hope they make more of these Christmas movies. Some are just so bad, they're not watchable.

Christmas With You is a pretty typical feel-good Christmas drama romance. But it's effectively sweet, romantic, and likable. Freddie Prinze Jr. Is still Freddie Prince Charming (Sorry I couldn't resist). But seriously, he seems like such a likable guy in real life, and his character in this movie is definitely likable. He's a good guy and a good dad. Aimee Garcia and Zenzi Williams make a great team and bring some quality acting skills to this simple little movie. All in all, this movie's target audience should definitely enjoy what they're given. The storyline is interesting and it's written well. As a music guy myself, I liked that writing a song was at the center of the story.

Another christmas feelgood movie that is predictable and cheesy. If you are into that, then the movie is pretty okay, but there were a lot of cringe-worthy moments where it just felt so artificial and self-indulgent that it was pretty rough.

Aimee Garcia really carries the acting as the popstar who's lost her inspiration whilest being pressured to make a new hit in a ridiculously short amount of time. She is nice on the screen and has a knack for making those scriptlines that come straight out of a can feel a little more authentic. The same unfortunately can not be said for Freddie Prinze Jr. And Deja Monique Cruz... They respectively play the parts of a single dad - who conveniently happens to be a music teacher - and his daughter who is about to turn 15 and is also a fan of the popstar Garcia.

You can already guess the rest of the story: Garcia finds inspiration by "hanging out with the normal people" and falls for Prinze. No real reason why this happens, because other than they work together on the song, there is no real character development or anything that strengthens their relationship in any way. I don't really understand why Prinze was cast in the first place. Even though they are quite similar in age in real life, in the movie I feel like Prinze looks way older than Garcia and in a romcom, if your character is so 2D then please give the audience some eyecandy.

Some attempts at being funny were made, but I didn't actually laugh a single time. If you make a romcom, please don't forget the com part. Everything revolves around the popstar part and how amazing she is. Even at Cruz's quinceañera it's hardly about Cruz, instead just maintaining the spotlight forever on Garcia. It feels like someones powertrip fantasy about being so adored and wonderful, instead of anything remotely realistic and relatable.

I would only recommend this movie if you love the genre and have a taste for teethrotting sweetness. It's a bad movie, but all christmas movies kind of are. A guilty pleasure movie that is guilty of being not so pleasurable.

This was a fun, entertaining Christmas movie. I am not sure what people expected of it. Sure it's predictable, as are most romantic holiday films. It was fun and heartwarming and that's all I'm looking for from these types of movies. The acting was better than many in this movie genre. As a bonus, it's awesome seeing Freddie Prinze Jr. Back! He was a big heart throb from my teen years and it was fun seeing him in this role (although it makes me feel a tad old knowing he's now playing dad characters).

Overall, if you're looking for something fun and heartwarming, this romantic holiday film will fulfill that.

As much as the movie tries to use the 'dead mom' shortcut to make us care about the main character, it doesn't work. Our protagonist is an aging pop star who hasn't made new music and is surprised when her agency is looking to move on. That's her conflict. Rich and beautiful but not as popular as she used to be - feel sorry for her now.

Insert tripe about her rekindling her creativity in a small Christmasy town with an underaged fan she found online, which is somehow meant to be interpreted in a good way.

The main romance between Angelina and the father felt clunky, incredibly forced, and had zero chemistry. It was a chore to watch. At barely 90 minutes of run-time, the movie still felt extremely padded, with many scenes seriously overstaying their welcome.

Give it a miss. There is nothing memorable or charming about the movie in the least.

This is a completely by-the-numbers Christmas RomCom. Except that someone forgot the comedy. You can easily predict every turn in this movie because you have seen this story many times before, just with different characters. The acting for most of the characters is somewhere between passable and good.

BUT, Aimee Garcia brings a real charm to the role and makes the movie worth watching for her performance. I liked her for the role she played in Lucifer and this proves to me that I should start looking for her in other roles. I really would like to see her in another movie as the lead (or co-lead) that has a much better script to see what she can do with that.

I don't think at this point anyone has high expectations for a Christmas movie, so much as 'something with Christmas decorations and an uncomplicated story to put on in the background and half-pay-attention-to while getting in the holiday spirit.' Like that very much feels like the vibe Hallmark goes for with these.

Yet even with that bar on the floor, this movie still managed to annoy.

Aimee Garcia stars in another role as... Aimee Garcia. Freddie Prinze Jr. In his role as 'cardboard cut-out that we're meant to accept as the love interest.'

The characters have all the depth of a cereal bowl. There was nothing that rendered them more than tolerable for the course of the movie. The romance was laughably unbelievable, and the main thrust of the plot was insipid.

If you're looking for background noise, this movie does a fine job of that. If you're looking for something to actually watch, though? This isn't it.

Watched it because haven't seen Freddie Prince Jr much since the 90's so - although this type of movie is totally not my thing - thought why not give it a go for relaxed easy viewing which is what I was looking for and exactly what it served. Although the whole film is all incredibly cute, lovely, happy, Xmas lights everywhere, cheesy music etc - all things that are absolutely not my thing - I just enjoyed it. It's basically just a nice movie and sometimes it's refreshing to just watch something nice. I also felt the actors all had fun with their roles and that really effervesced warmth from the screen. Found myself watching with a smile. Will put on for my niece over Xmas she'll love it.

Some famous names appear in the film, so I decided to watch it. Oh my, what is this... it's actually hard to explain how bad this is, so I'll start with something positive, the acting is actually average if you can call it positive, and that's actually the only positive thing. The script in general, the whole story is such a cheap piece of trash that it's unbelievable. All characters are equally generic and without identity. The film is full of clichéd and sugary scenes, the story in general and the very core of the film is not original at all, something like this has been seen many times in many films and series, here it is just packaged differently and not in a particularly positive way. Um.. this is one of those movies where they get one or two famous names together and they think it's automatically a masterpiece and a money grabber, when in fact it's not. I would say that this is a family film with romantic nature, but it's all kitsch and forced and somehow negatively unnatural, nothing is at the right moment, nothing is harmonious. The living mystery in the reviews and description of this film is that it is also a comedy, so where? How? In which scene? There is literally not a single second in the film that I would describe as comical and that would give even the slightest bit of comedy identity to this film. Basically, this movie will be forgotten very soon!

Such a sweet movie! So surprised at the low rating! Freddie and Aimee couldn't have been better in their roles, so believable together that I suspect they might have had something going off the set as well. The grandma, the daughter, everyone was at the top of their form. Yes, it's a Christmas romcom, but the fact that it's an ethnic romcom makes it different and so interesting, seeing all the different family and holiday customs, the quinceanera....

And it delves into the life of an aging pop star who continues to set aside love, family and a normal life in order to maintain the trappings of stardom. Her competition gets younger every year and she fears that she won't be able to keep herself as well as her music relevant in a more youthful market.

This movie kept me glued to the screen. I laughed, I cried, and I was very happy with the ending. Definitely better than your average Christmas movie. Better than your average romcom.

Starting with the most generic title, I didn't have many expectations watching this movie. No plot developments, no unexpected turns, but many conversations that make you cringe. I felt like I have watched this movie before, as its story is very similar to other movies e.g. Marry me. It does not have any aspects that sets it apart from these other movies, besides a little bit of "holiday spirit". It just feels like the 1000th addition to a NETFLIXfied rom-com Christmas movie collection. I would only recommend watching this movie if you have rewatched every other classic Christmas movie or want to see Freddie Prinze Jr. In a lead again.

Solid holiday fun but also a little serious at times. FPJR was fun although he seems like a husk of the actor he once was, maybe give the guy a monologue or something? Also I kept thinking the lead actress's character was his daughter not his love interest. Solid ok Christmastime rom com but left a viewer feeling like it was kind of an empty holiday. The little girl was great, we'll be seeing her in more I bet. Very infectious charm and energy. All in all worth a look see. Doesn't have the same energy as a lot of other Christmas time rom come but still is solid holiday fun. Just don't look for any deep meaning in it.

IN A NUTSHELL: The story follows a pop star who's got career burnout and escapes to a small town where she finds not only inspiration but a shot at love.

THINGS I LIKED: Aimee Garcia made her stage debut at the young age of 7! She played in Paul Mejia's "Cinderella." At the age of 12, she was dancing in the Nutcracker as Clara. Not only is she talented and beautiful, but she's also smart, earning degrees in Economics, Journalism, and French at Northwestern University! We get to see her sing and dance several times in the movie.

Perhaps, more well-known is Freddy Prinze Jr. Who plays a single dad and high school music teacher.

The young star in the movie is played by the adorable Deja Monique Cruz.

The comic relief comes often from Gabriel Sloyer.

Those unfamiliar with the Mexican tradition of a quinceanera will get to enjoy one! We also get to spend time with Latina ladies who love telenovelas and Angelina, their favorite pop star.

Keep watching during the rolling credits at the end of the movie for some more party dancing.

The entire movie is super cheesy, yet filled with Christmas cheer that will get you in the mood to decorate your house and enjoy the season.

THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: The scenarios are absolutely ridiculous.

That last kiss. Ugh.

Not all of the humor lands.

It's extremely predictable Some viewers will be upset by the comment about the pop star going on the "lettuce" diet in order to compete with a younger star.

There are some cringe-acting moments.

TIPS FOR PARENTS: Alcohol is consumed by adults Some kissing Forgiveness So much Christmas cleavage.

!

2 out of 5 stars.

Christmas With You is a bad holiday romantic comedy film that has cheesy acting. Horrible script. And a predictable plot. The film feels more like a hallmark film and a predictable rom com which offers nothing new. Freddie Prince Jr. And Aimee Garcia are horrible with there flat performances. The script and direction is predictable and boring. It has been done so many times with this rom com concept. From the moments the movie starts. You can tell where every direction is going to go with the story. Sure there will be more following just like this film. Rom com with bad performances.

This is another typical romantic Christmas movie, but at least all other movies has good looking male lead actor, I'm sorry I know that the actor Freddie Prinze Jr probably a big movie star, but in my opinion he just doesn't fit in. He doesn't have the look to match with the artist, the fact that he demanded love from Angelina at the end "Are you sure you're not just looking for a pianist?" the scene was so cringe. The female lead role Aimee Garcia in the other hand performing very well, she was natural, pretty and fit with the role. The daughter her acting was over the top, her reaction was exaggerating but at least she's good in dancing. Overall it is an average movie to be enjoy with family .

Felt more like a bad and forced Disney Channel flick. The lead characters were fine choices, but I just didn't feel the chemistry nor could I connect with them. The music, let's just say wasn't my style, but storyline of them creating a song was nice. Overall the execution fell flat and I kept losing interest but left it playing just to see how it would end even though it was predictable. Perhaps I was expecting a twist. This is more of a play a movie in the background while you have friends or guest over getting drunk and taking shots of tequila. I'd say pass on the film unless you've watch every other Christmas Netflix movie.

Starring Freddie Prinze, Jr. And Aimee Garcia (from television's Lucifer), this lovely Christmas rom-com does not break any new ground but it has a screen presence for its solid script, consistent plot and pacing and smooth delivery. Aimee Garcia plays a famous singer who has settled on replaying her past hits but is in need of a new song. She decides to respond to a young girl's fan who wishes to meet her. Based on the movie's opening credits, Aimee Garcia wrote and sang the opening song "Sweet and Spicy." It is everything audiences expect from a fun Christmas holiday movie. A perfect complement to a plethora of Christmas movies.

Famous but aging pop star Angelina must come up with a new Christmas song for her record label, unfortunately she is uninspired since her mom passed away and the holidays especially are not the same. Then she sees the post of a young girl named Christina from the suburbs who posts a video about how much Angelina sang meant to her especially since her mom passed away. When Angelina gets bumped off a fashion shoot by a young up and coming star, she heads to the suburbs to meet Christina and ends up meeting her father the high school music teacher, Miguel. One thing leads to another and Miguel and Angelina co-write a song for Angelina. Maybe they make more than music this Christmas.

Great Latin flare in this film and it was wonderful to see Freddie Prinze Jr. In a current project. This was a fun feel good Christmas romance that romantics will appreciate. Probably not going to be a seasonal favorite, but a beautiful song holds down this feel good holiday romance that may be worth at least one watch.

Angelina (Aimee Garcia) had those damn leather pants on all movie long and didn't take, but one shower the entire film.

I know I sound a little bitter, but that's because I am 😤; in the wise words of Michael Blackson, "I can't get jiggy with this."

Christmas With You displays a mediocre love story with limited resources, filled with plenty of wholesome moments while showcasing some Latin culture.

I enjoyed the attempt to mix Latin culture in the movie with song lyrics, characters speaking in Espanol, and a scene making tamales around Christmas. I questioned the dancing in the quinceanera rehearsal because it was not tradition.

They spent a whole movie creating the perfect Christmas song to rejuvenate Angelina's career, and it was mid.

"What good is surviving if you're not really living "

Verdict: although this won't serve as a staple of Christmas movies to watch annually, it is a decent film to watch for the first time to get you warmed up for the holidays.

Horrible script with a horrible director who clearly can't help navigate to make the script seem fluid. Choppy and dull I feel bad for Aimee Garcia who is a great actress that she had nothing to work with. This flop falls 100% on the director who made each scene look so forced. I'm just going to avoid everything Gabriela Tagliavini directs. I wonder if after putting a bad movie together if a director notices before it gets released or if it's the comments later that open their eyes. Either way I hope this is either a massive learning opportunity to create growth or at least a huge pivot into something else. I have never written a review on a tv show or movie and this one was so bad I created this account just for this!!!

It was cute! BUT. Oh my. I was kind of excited to see Freddie Prince Jnr act again since it has been a while, but now I am very much ready for it to be a while again. For the rest of my life, lol. His facial expressions are just plain awful! They are all so exaggerated, and some of them, quite frankly, are really creepy! She did an amazing job acting like she was interested in him, but there was no chemistry. I sure did love all the Christmas decorations in their house though! The little girl did fantastic and boy was I jealous of that giant dress of hers! So aside from the cringy moments due to Freddie, it was pleasant, cute, and easy to watch. It's going to take a while to shake those horrible facial expressions out of my mind! It was awesome to hear a Christmas Latin song!

Cute little movie, with a predictable ending. My biggest problem with this movie was that the Amiee Garcia's Eye were red and bloodshot the whole Movie! Everytime the camera would do a close up on her for an emotional moment and I looked at her I kept thinking, can't somebody get this woman some eye drops! Seriously!

Acting was good, Loved all the Hispanic culture references, You could have tossed out the exboyfriend character and his incessant narcissism. Daughter was sweet and cute, Grandmother could have been written funnier. Also the two additional Female family members .... Who the hell were they?

Loved the house with the holiday decor. Thought the outside in the backyard scenes could have been moved indoors , found it funny no one was cold outside in the snow?

If you are wanting a holiday movie to watch while you make cookies, decorate or any other holiday hobby .. this it a good movie to watch.