I'm probably the last person in the world you'd expect to love Christmas Bounty and watch it every year. I've never seen a wrestling match in my life, and I'm not really a fan of action movies unless they're really, really good. I have no desire to ever ride a motorcycle, and I've never watched Jersey Shore. Miraculously, I do love this movie and watch it every year. It's just so much fun!
Produced by WWE (and ABC Family), this movie is full of awesome action scenes surrounding a hilarious plot and all set during Christmas. Really, this isn't really a Christmas movie, but when you think about it, neither is It's a Wonderful Life. Anyway, the hero of the story is a beautiful, young elementary school teacher with a secret past. Her boyfriend thinks she's uncomplicated and classy, but she's actually part of a family of bounty hunters from New Jersey! When a criminal threatens her family, she has to return to her hometown and team up with her hilarious parents and hunky ex-boyfriend to catch him.
I love how simple and silly this movie is. The love triangle is suspenseful because neither guy does anything terrible. They both care for her, and they're both nice, good guys. A friend she left behind may come across as a bimbo, but she's not jealous or spiteful, and she supports her friend no matter what. Basically, there are no bad guys besides the actual bad guys, and sometimes that's exactly what I need when I want to relax in front of a movie. Christmas Bounty has so many hilarious moments, and everything you'd expect to be included in a Jersey movie: big hair, leopard print everything, gold pants, motorcycles, thick accents, and funny nicknames. Where else will you find characters named Lizzy Legs and Mikey Muscles? Where else will a spray tan be an integral plot point, or a dance-off cover the closing credits? Be bold this holiday season and try out a movie that's not your typical fare. If I, the absolute opposite of the target audience, liked it, you might, too.
