Undercover Holiday

I really was looking forward to this movie. But it was pretty bad. Why do so many Hallmark actresses giggle so much? Like, young school girl giggling? Lacey Chabert is an expert at this. So is the lead in this movie. Didn't see any chemistry, that first kiss was SO awkward. No passion. The singing was pretty bad too. The karaoke scene wasn't too bad but when the piano scene came on, I was turned away so didn't see who was singing, I thought it would be another family member, like a kid that was sick with a cold. But it was the lead and her mom! They sounded horrible!!! Also, I've never seen a pregnant woman walk around holding her belly like that. Casting was all wrong. If you want to see a perfectly cast show, watch Ghosts. Perfection.

It was ok. I Kept waiting for this to get better but the "mystery" was disappointing. After it was over I watched the ending of the Kevin Costner /Whitney Huston movie this was stolen from. That was much more satisfying.

I guess it was okay for a Hallmark movie and I appreciated the Latin culture but the story was just really weak. I was looking for a villain and there wasn't one. You would think a movie with a bodyguard would at least have some real threat.

Just save yourself some time and watch "The Bodyguard" - at least that movie has some great songs for you to listen to. And some actual bodyguarding.

I appreciate Hallmark's continuing efforts at being more diverse and inclusive, and the presentation of Mexican American holiday traditions in this movie was pleasant. Noemi Gonzalez was often fun to watch and authentic as Jaylen Rodriguez, the winner of an American Idol-like contest called Pop Star USA. But the premise seemed more forced than normal.

Somehow, Jaylen lives in a gated multi million dollar mansion despite having just won the contest. And then, because someone left flowers and a card that says "Happy Holidays My Love" on her doorstep, "The Label" decided to order up a 24/7 bodyguard.

Why?

Jaylen's not Taylor Swift and what, exactly, was so threatening?

And why was nothing caught on the video security system?

And then, after hearing about the incident on TV, her family expressed great concern for her safety. One would think they would be thrilled that "The Label" had hired her a 24/7 bodyguard. But Jaylen decides, for reasons that are completely unclear, to tell her family an elaborate lie, requiring a week of more lies, that Matt, played a bit stiffly by Stephen Huszar, is her boyfriend and not her bodyguard. Huh?

Ironically, the purported reason is that she didn't want her family to worry (even though the added protection would presumably alleviate their worries) but then she hypocritically gets upset when she learns that information has been withheld from her (so she wouldn't worry).

I realize that Hallmark loves the fake boyfriend trope, but the setup and phony conflict really didn't make any sense (although I did like Abuela Luisa, played by Gabriela Reynoso).

But the biggest problem, quite frankly, was that I just couldn't picture Jaylen with Matt. And that's essential for a Hallmark romance to work.

I like Christmas movies. I just want fun entertainment. I LOVED the portrayal of traditional Hispanic holiday making. The Spanglish, dancing, and dual language songs were great.

Now the singing, however. Most music was fine, but when Jaylen and Abuela were at the piano, wow. Incredibly bad. Better editing would have helped. Wardrobe should have dressed Jaylen for her shape. Some of their choices were not flattering.

And the "soldier" turned private security. #1 if he was in the Navy he was NOT a soldier. #2 if the character had been an actual Navy Seal, he would not have had to mention it so much.

Nothing against either lead, she was very bubbly and fun, and I've seen him in other shows where his character appears to be a better fit. But as far as chemistry, I didn't get it. Didn't see it, either. When they are walking own a sidewalk discussing are we/aren't we, she is holding his flaccid arm. He was not participating, not at all.

The whole Fake Boyfriend trope has been done, and done much better before.

I LOVE hallmark Christmas movies but man this one was a huge flop! I didn't even finish the last 20 min. I just couldn't! I really really tried. Except for the grandma, the acting was terrible. Noemi Gonzalez, who plays the main character, sadly was not a good actress. Beautiful but couldn't sing and wasn't believable to be a famous singer. The chemistry between her and Stephen Huszar was the worst I've ever seen. I know "Christmas chick flicks" can be cringey but this was the cringey of them all. Please don't waste your time with this one. Skip it and go to another less cringey Christmas movie.