The Road to Christmas

Let's face facts...the Lifetime Network isn't known for the best drama's on television, but every once in a while they will put out something that is palatable to watch. The Road to Christmas was just such a film. I Tivoed it on a whim and found myself skipping through only the commercials. The rest actually held my interest. The chemistry between the two leads was good, the storyline not too unrealistic, and the comedic elements weren't heavy handed or doled out at the cost of the characters. Claire came off as a city girl but not bitchy (as many of these city girl meets country boy stories tend to do). Her sensitivity and likability as a character had you rooting for her to find a happy ending. And other than one semi-sappy moment which was scripted to state the obvious, I found this film to be a refreshing change from the heavily played melodrama's that seem to plague this channel.

Without stooping to the campy.. this movie was relaxing, funny, touching and leaves you with a warm fuzzy. Sort of like The Goodbye Girl. Though you know where it's headed, and there's no big surprises along the way it's rather nice to watch a couple hours of movie with no killing, crashes, hatred or violence.

What's more it's not a remake of some other Christmas movie like the 400 incarnations of It's a Wonderful life, or A Christmas Carol, so highly recommend it for absolutely anyone who wants to just chill by the fireplace and feel Christmasy... think we'll watch it again tomorrow when my Mom visits...

Professional photographer Claire Jamison (Jennifer Grey) is desperate to get to Aspen for her wedding with her rich Italian boyfriend Lorenzo whom none of her friends like. She is stranded when her plane is grounded. She gets on the wrong bus and grabs a ride from some weird hunters. When she's abandoned at the roadside, she gets a ride from 13 year old Hilly (Megan Park) and her dad Tom Pullman (Clark Gregg). He is still sad a decade after losing his late wife. Hilly immediately connects with Claire. It's a troublesome road trip as the trio bond.

This Lifetime Christmas romance faces a difficulty in chemistry both in personnel and in story. Grey and Gregg don't come across as romantic. Quite frankly, she has more chemistry with the daughter and I would have loved this as a friendship movie. As a Lifetime movie, a romance must be executed. The fact that Claire is getting married makes the relationship hurdle very high to overcome. She doesn't know his cheating during the trip and it makes any connection with Tom rather icky. I really like her and Hilly's relationship more.

The story was subtle and that's what I actually enjoyed. It didn't go for over-the-top or cliché' but instead was just a really enjoyable and nice movie. I liked it. There's something to be said for focusing more on the simple locations and finding the magic in everyday things. Cooking at the holiday's. A small town diner. Those places you find yourself when you didn't expect to be there at all. At one point the main characters find themselves looking for a lost dog in the middle of a field in December. It just so happens this sort of thing exactly happened to me and my wife before we fell for each other. SImple and solid movie. Enjoy.

Although this TV movie had a lighthearted storyline and predictable ending, I thought the characters were highly developed and very believable. After seeing this movie the first time, I actually checked TV listings hoping to see this movie for a second time in December 2007. Happily, it was playing on Lifetime, so I watched it again and enjoyed it again. (I also enjoyed seeing Jennifer Grey act with her real-life husband.) I plan to add this movie to my list of Christmastime favorites. I think if one were to give this movie a chance, it will prove to be a pleasant and entertaining experience. Happy Holidays!