Christmas Reservations

While not an award winner, this was pretty enjoyable. I thought all of the matches were pretty obvious, but handled very well. As a typical Hart-break production (Melissa Joan and her mom) it is family friendly and fairly relaxed. The young people tend to get in trouble, but their elders show the wisdom of experience. Trying to avoid spoilers, I'll just that it does ramble a bit, and the running gags are pretty tame. Romance and happiness are slow to form, but are unavoidable in the end. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours on a last afternoon or evening.

I must have a hundred or so hallmark, lifetime etc. Romance films on my drive but the leaden, stilted performances of the leads here and the sledgehammer multi race/culture/everything ism killed it for me in the scene setting. I'd like to throw the diversity and musical directors in a pit and leave them there.

Melissa Joan Hart and Michael Gross were the main reasons to see 'Christmas Reservations', being someone who has liked both of them in other things. Love Christmas too, probably a well known fact by now, and have no bias whatsoever against Lifetime Christmas films (although some of my previous reviews for them may indicate in a way otherwise). So there was no prejucial hate towards 'Christmas Reservations' before, actually wanted it to work.

That it didn't work or come off that well actually disappointed me. Lifetime have certainly done a lot worse with their Christmas films, they have also done a lot better. 'Christmas Reservations' is in no way a terrible film, but to me it was disappointing as it was not one of those films that was doomed from the get go (not many films in existence can be classed as that in my view). There was a halfway decent film somewhere in 'Christmas Reservations' that never materialised.

'Christmas Reservations' by all means did have good things. The best assets are the performances of Hart and Gross, both very likeable in their roles. Hart provides the what little there is of warmth and heart, while Gross is right in keeping with the film's tone (no overplaying or over-seriousness) Markie Post is also fun and fully engages.

It's nicely filmed and the locations are also easy on the eyes and appropriately festive. Some of the music has a pleasing nostalgic quality.

Ricardo Chavira however doesn't always look comfortable and is a rather bland presence. His chemistry with Hart doesn't really take off either and they don't really connect with each other, which makes it very difficult to root for. A big problem for a relationship that plays a major role in the film and the relationship itself is not very well developed, lacking in any conflict or charm. The direction seldom rises above routine and the pace is erratic, at times rushed from being over-stuffed and also dull because the execution is so bland and because there is too much padding.

Furthermore, 'Christmas Reservations' feels rather over-stuffed from having too many characters and too many subplots. And sadly, it doesn't do anywhere near enough with any of them. All the characters pretty much are underwritten, with no real depth and Lifetime stereotypes that are not much distinct from their other films. All the subplots are excessively predictable, can be contrived and none of them are delved into enough. That all makes 'Christmas Reservations' very bland emotionally. The script is very stilted and the corn and sentimentality go into overdrive, especially early on and when things get unrealistically sappy at the end.

Overall, very lacklustre. 4/10

I really like Melissa Joan Hart but this one did not flow. They tried to throw in too many characters and subplots that just felt rushed or like they didn't belong. I tried to like this one! Also, Carlos from Desperate Housewives kind of bugs me.

Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for A Reservation For Christmas.

Story: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.50/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.25/2

Total 6.25/10

Though A Reservation for Christmas has a predictable storyline, the character construction and direction keep you watching. I was surprised to find myself blissfully entertained from the opening credits to its foreseeable climax. The writers throw in every typical Christmas twist and plot you can imagine - and every one of these could have had a bleak conclusion, but, being Chrimbo, all enjoy a happy ending - no surprise there. But the combination of pleasant, engaging, and stimulating characters handed out to skilled performers worked well to keep me from disengaging, and before I knew it, the hour and a half had passed, and the film was over. Another element which helped maintain my attention was the constant, though subtle, heart-warming mood both the story and the movie exuded. The picture possesses the feeling of being wrapped up in a duvet - you're warm, comfortable, and content.

It's always a pleasure to watch Melissa Joan Hart, though this movie isn't as good as A Very Nutty Christmas - which I adore. You can rely on Hart's acting skills to entertain, and they have a surprising secondary effect of instantly soothing you. I was also pleased to see Michael Gross, who I liked in Family Ties and loved in Tremors. He's another thespian you know will always do a great job. And here's a coincidence of Christmas: I saw an article on Christina Applegate that got me reminiscing over the awesome Married With Children, and I wondered what the cast was doing now. Then Ted McGinley (Jefferson D'Arcy in MWC) appears on screen a few days later in this picture as ex-professional skier Duffy "Silver-Boy" Johnson. And, though I knew these actors and actresses, and they did superbly well with their portrayals, it was a newbie that I found I enjoyed the most: Moonie Fishburn (gotta love that name) as Grandmother and "Woman of the World" Dadi Patel. Fishburn nails the character and gives her warmth while being highly disagreeable. By the end of the film, you may wish you had a granny like her.

Though the story has many commonalities with similar Christmas Films, and I would've personally enjoyed some unhappy and more realistic endings to the sub-stories, it's still worthy of your time this Joyful Season of Goodwill. Get yourself a nice warm drink - preferably a hot chocolate with marshmallows, or a cinnamon latte with a sprinkling of ginger and chocolate, at the very least - sit back, relax, and enjoy.

Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.

Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.