The Merry Gentlemen

Ok this was alot better than I thought. The trailer made it seem like it was going to be a bad movie. But I was wrong. And to be honest I kinda tuned in for just Chad Michael Murray. I have not seen him act since the tv show One Tree Hill. And a movie he did a long time ago back in early 2000's called House of Wax and Freaky Friday. I have not seen him much in anything else. But it did feel good to see him act in a Netflix movie. And he got to dance his hotness out. I really did enjoy a PG hotness of a Christmas story. Something new that isn't the same old story but at the same time keeping it PG.

"The Merry Gentlemen" (2024) is a feel-good Christmas movie that delivers exactly what you'd expect: festive cheer, a dash of romance, and a healthy dose of shirtless men dancing. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's a perfectly enjoyable watch for those seeking lighthearted holiday entertainment.

The film follows Ashley, a Broadway dancer who returns home for Christmas after a career setback. Determined to save her parents' struggling nightclub, she comes up with a rather unconventional plan: a male stripper show featuring local talent.

The premise is undeniably cheesy, but the film embraces its silliness with a wink and a smile. The dance sequences are surprisingly well-choreographed, offering a touch of "Magic Mike" magic to the holiday season. The film's humor is lighthearted and occasionally even laugh-out-loud funny.

The romance between Ashley and Luke, the charming carpenter who joins the dance troupe, is predictable but sweet. The chemistry between the leads is decent, and their relationship adds a heartwarming element to the festive storyline.

While the plot is predictable and the characters are somewhat one-dimensional, "The Merry Gentlemen" is a perfectly enjoyable holiday romp. It's a lighthearted and entertaining film that will leave you with a smile on your face and a touch of Christmas cheer.

Look... I love cheesy Christmas movies just as much as the next girl, I really want to like this movie, I mean, come on, Lucas Scott dancing on the stage shirtless. Hello?!! It just missed the mark for me.

There wasn't enough character/ relationship development, and it felt very rushed. I gave it a 5 because of shirtless Chad Michael Murray , though. I would have liked to see her parents and a little more and how they play in to make her want to step in more, the dad didn't say very much the entire movie, the scene where Chad gave her the necklace was a bit cringe and kinda out of left field, felt random.

They writers of this movie missed so many beats and chances that its ridiculous. The plot holes are big enough to drive a Mack truck through. Watch it once for the hit guys and forget about it. Unfortunately this is definitely not worth watching more than once. I wish it were better, but it really required alot more work.

The romance was weak, the basic plot was thin, and the premise that she should leave the three year chance of a lifetime for a one day male stripper gig that will end in a day.

There were so many ways this could have been written to really make this story sing. But they went for the ridiculous ending.

All of you reviewers who criticize this movie as being poorly written and having plot holes need to lighten up! Yes, it's silly. Yes, it's cliched, but so what?!?! If you expected more, that's on you. It's entertaining, the actors are gorgeous, the music and dancing are fun, and, honestly, that's probably all they were going for. Reviewing this as if it was intended to compete for Academy Award nominations does it a great disservice. It's a Hallmark-type movie, and IMO it's better than a lot of those I've watched. If you watch the gag reel at the end, you'll see how seriously the cast took it. They had fun and so should you. Just enjoy it for what it is or stop watching silly, romantic Christmas movies!