Für immer Weihnachten

Pumped in snow, wearing winter clothes in California, and just because the word "Christmas" is said as often as I blink my eyelids does not make this a Christmas themed film. The lead actress and actor show off their chiselled stomachs a few times during the movie which doesn't exactly harken of angels singing, but may be more appropriate with a stripper's rock song.

The romance between the two lead actors looks about as real as anything in the film but what does that have to do with Chritsmas?

I give this Lifetime film a 3 out of 10 rating

If Christopher Russell is paired with the right female lead, and he has a script that takes advantage of his GQ worthy handsomeness and the kindness that you can see behind his eyes, he can be great. Unfortunately that doesn't always happen. It does in this one. The script explores the phoniness behind reality series and how untrustworthy and false they can be. I didn't much care for the heroine, but Christopher made up for that and had charm enough for both. I did like that they had a fairly sizzling love scene as opposed to the usual chaste kiss at the end of the movie.

I read the book and knew what to expect, this movie made it justice, it was just as the book in the adaptation department, we know not all the book can fit on film so the general and the most important parts where there, it's an enjoyable Christmas movie Hallmark alike but a higher rating.

Christopher Russell's character Will Saunder's character is too good to be true as "Mr. Christmas". Sophia Worthy is a reality tv producer who convinces him to do a segment for her show with the promise that she won't make him look bad...enter her boss Paul Rivera who wants to add a little spice (or controversy) to the show.

Like I said Will is too good to be true, so romantics will love him...but the story is really lacking in romance otherwise...and steam. Looks great but comes across as juvenile in an adult arena, if that makes sense. As soft...if not softer than a Hallmark holiday film. Worth seeing once, but probably not worth a repeat.

With Christmas 365 and a cute dog, I thought this would be a regular all-age festive TV movie. However there is too much emphasis on the characters fancying the lead guy, so it is a bit awkward for kids etc. Also there is more intense kissing and even undressing than usual. I understand the context as it is spoofing reality TV etc but I'm not sure it really fits this style of movie. The ending IS typical and there are some nice moments along the way - especially the frank conversations - but we wouldn't watch again and will be cautious when choosing what to watch next from this company / cast. One last surprise - the end credits song is beautiful, but I wasn't expecting the religious element as nothing else in the movie is. I guess maybe it ties in with the charity theme.