The Flight Before Christmas

Delightful romantic Christmas movie with Mayim Bialik and Ryan McPartlin making the most of a formulaic plot. The story here has Mayim's character dumped by her boyfriend right before she's supposed to move in with him, while Ryan is about to propose to his girlfriend for all the wrong reasons. Fate (in the form of a vaguely Santa-esque Brian Doyle Murray) brings the two together as they try to make it to their respective destinations for Christmas. Familiar TV movie tropes follow: winter weather grounds all flights, couple is forced to share a room, couple gets advice from older married couple that has been together for centuries, and so on. As I said, it's pretty formulaic in most respects but what makes it work so well is the chemistry and likability of the leads. Yes, that's right, Blossom and Captain Awesome actually have great chemistry. Who knew?

Major points for whoever cast Mayim Bialik in the lead. She doesn't look or act like the female leads in these things usually look and act. I'm not someone who typically cries foul about diversity in TV and movies but I will admit it's nice to see a leading lady who isn't your standard size four perky WASP. Ryan, yes, is a little more of the norm for these things (though he does an exceptionally good job being more than just the 'hunky prize'). The highlight of the movie for many will be the reunion of Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Payton, the loving parents from Family Matters. They play the older couple that I mentioned before and steal every scene they're in. If there's no other reason you might check this out, you should for them. Children of the '90s get their nostalgia's worth in this one, with Blossom and the Winslows representing well.

If you enjoy made-for-TV Christmas movies, I see no reason you won't like this one. It's got heart and humor and (surprisingly) well-written characters. That it was made for Lifetime and not the king of Christmas movies, Hallmark, is all the more impressive. Glad to see Lifetime can make more than misandric thrillers and cheesy soaps.

I am not fan of Christmas romance films. But this movie could be a reasonable exception. For the story who tries to be little more complex than many other pink Hallmark products from the same genre. For charming couple created by Jo Marie Payton and Reginald VelJohnson. And, sure for the contrast, very smart, between Mayim Malik in the clothes of Ugly Duck and Ryan McPartlin in the shield of a mix of Clark Kent and sophisticated Prince Charming. The result is nice , the story is seductive for the risk of director to propose a not ordinary story , not so different but nuanced. Short, a good cocktail of romance, humor and the right choice.

I've seen lots of people complain about this movie, about Mayim Bialik being too rude, sarcastic, ugly or prickly or whatever, but I love it. Women don't have to be blonde, optimistic and bubbly. This movie has a snarky and sarcastic female lead, and it really works. Sure, if you want the stereotypical christmas romance, this movie might not be for you. And if you can't deal with a woman being strong and sarcastic and maybe slightly awkward, feel free to skip this one. If a woman has to look a certain way to be a female lead, well I'm just sorry for you. Go and choose another movie. And maybe reexamine your life choices. Or go out and meet some real women. Merry Christmas, y'all. Merry Christmas.

Two people meet on a flight from LA back East. She has recently been dumped and he is an a long distance relationship. But of course romance ensues.

The dialog is a bit more interesting than the usual Christmas TV movie. There seems to be a subtle message about compatibility of personality over looks. " This is Mayim Bialik's movie. For fans of "Big Bang Theory" where she plays Amy Farrah Fowler - it's a treat to see her. Usually Lifetime or Hallmark Christmas movies don't feature lead romantic actresses who look like or are shaped like her. It's nice to see someone like her leading this type of movie. Ryan McPartlin of "Chuck" is a good enough comedic actor to make his role believable.

If you are going to watch one Xmas movie this year this is a good choice.

I watch a lot of these with my wife. We know the formula and this one follows it also.

But, Mayim is not the typical female lead and that's a good thing.