Christmas in the Spotlight

As a sports enthusiast and closet rom-com lover, I will always gravitate to a movie that includes both (see Christmas in Nottingham Hill). This one is also hilariously influenced by the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce relationship, with copious subtle/not-so-subtle nods to each of them. I feared this would be really cheesy, but was actually endearing and funny. At the end of the day, it is hard to escape the classic and predictable rom-com plotline, and although a fun and appealing idea, the writing was lazy at times and would have benefitted a little more to have better small sport specific details. It would have been just another average holiday TV rom-com, but I think the casting director really saved the day. I don't know where they found the leads, but they really shined! Surprisingly enjoyable execution and believable chemistry. It seemed life they were actually enjoying themselves- sounds silly to say, but there are plenty of these movies where it seems like the leads don't like each other and can't hide it. As a lifetime movie, it allows for a little more PDA than Hallmark/GAFam, but was still very clean and appropriate for all audiences. I hope to see these actors in more films in this genre in the future. The supporting cast was also good. Highly recommend- Swifties around the world will enjoy this pseudo-homage. 9/10 within the Holiday Rom-Com genre specifically.

There's been a fair bit of Christmas buzz about this movie that tells the story of a pop star and a football player's unlikely romance. No idea where Lifetime got that idea from...!!

Jokes aside, the film that is oh-so-loosely based on the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce romance features plenty of nods to the famous couple along the way and when you set that aside, it's still a very good Christmas romance movie, one of the better Lifetime efforts in recent years. Sure, parts of the movie are contrived and you can see the conflict coming a mile away, not to mention the ending. Not that any other Christmas movie isn't similarly formulaic.

Jessica Lord (who is absolutely gorgeous, and has a chance to look radiant in some of her costumes) as Bowyn and Laith Wallschleger as Drew Gonville bring their characters to life. I've never seen either actor before, but they play their parts well. Their scorching chemistry is evident right from their first scene together and it's what makes this film so successful. Very-well cast. Sometimes you wonder what the casting people see in a couple who are terrible on screen. Indeed, a lesser coupling than Lord and Wallschleger would have sent this movie down the crapper. Instead, their presence elevates "Christmas in the Spotlight" above the rest of the pack.

Not an Oscar-winner, but great entertainment nonetheless. Depending on certain real-life developments, I wonder if we'll get a sequel?

Overall, this was a watchable movie, that describes a somewhat steamy affair between two attractive stars, which, apparently, leads to real love. Considering the personalities, how durable? At least three aspects of the production make me question it. For one, and this is becoming common in movies, it confers excessive emphasis on the role of a child getting involved in adults love relations. Maybe, I am willing to consider it, children are not the same I remember in my generation. Second, the dramas are overplayed. The need to keep the relationship between the leads a secret, and the way they go about it, seems unnecessary, and ridiculously enacted.

The family strains are also too harsh and feel forced in the contest. Third, why is this a "Christmas movie"? Either than the events occurring at year's end, the story has no real connection with this holiday and its values. It could have happened at Easter, during Ramadan, or any other time of the year, without changing an iota of its spirit.

Lifetime, in the past two years, has markedly pulled out of the frenzy of Christmas movies competition. I believe it has been a wise decision.

I won't lie I am usually not the biggest fan of Lifetimes Christmas movies..but this one was 100% a hit for me!! I love the story line and the actors had the best chemistry!

I understand it was about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce and I feel like they did a really good job at portraying how life/dating is when you're famous.

This movie definitely isn't a comedy, it has funny moments but personally I loved that there was drama, and seriousness! Usually Christmas movies are serious with the cheesiness (which I do love!!!) but this was a nice change and breath of fresh air. I would LOVE a sequel to this next year!

A lot of times I watch the Christmas movies, That my favorite actors/ actresses are in!🤔 I didnt know these, But i saw the commercial and wanted to see it, Because i thought she was an Ice Skater, & he a well known ball Football player!🙂 That would be a different Christmas movie, Than the other typical others🙂👍 .

But then i found out, She is a popiular & famous Singer!🤔 Stil didnt compare to another movie!🤔 But then unfortunately, Everyone started camparing it, To Taylor & Kelce relationship & That almost ruined it!☹ I came very close to changing my mind!🙄😁😁😁😁

Im sure Taylor is NOTHING like Jessica n this show!

🙄😁😁😁😁😁