A Carol for Two

I caught the last few minutes of this rom-com and was mesmerized by a catchy duet - Who Knew It'd Be You This Christmas? I liked the song so much I played it again a few times, then found the full movie on Peacock.

The two leads have amazing voices, but they haven't been in many movies, in fact, I didn't see any for him. Quick Google search, they've both had leads in Wicked! She's played Galinda and he's the current Fiyero on Broadway. Blew my mind! My favorite musical!

Their stage presence translates really well to this film and they have good chemistry together. Throw in a handful of classic Christmas songs, some great New York street scenes and you've got a great little movie. Time very well spent!

Just this morning, I thought it was too soon to hear Christmas songs on the radio. After this movie, chock-full of Christmas songs, I'm in the holiday spirit. And the movie theme's of singing wait staff prompted me to look and see if that themed Manhattan restaurant with the Broadway singing wait staff, Ellen's Stardust Diner, is still open. Google says yes! Need to go back there soon.

"Who knew, who knew it'd be you this Christmas?"

I was fine with the movies storyline. Both leads can act and sing-would like to see them together with a better script. With a little more chemistry, they might become a very watchable duo. The owner of the restaurant did a great job-the cousin, not so much. He drug it down it by being so over-the-top. Perhaps that was the part he was supposed to play? But he needed a good bit more editing. And he needed to be believable. Movie needed a little more depth(why the lead was never, ever rightly irritated by his crass cousin, more of the bond between dad and daughter, and was Violette promised a part already in the show that never got off the ground). Anyway......it did have some very good moments. Enjoyed the final song too.

I always enjoy the Broadway performers who turn up in Hallmark Christmas movies, and this was no exception. Admittedly I like a musical, so this was right up my alley! Wonderful vocals in all the performances, and the acting was just great too. The cousin was a doofus, but the other characters and the storyline easily kept my interest. Loved Ginna in A Holiday Spectacular but wasn't familiar with Jordan before this. They were very good as leads and I thought had good chemistry. As everyone notes, the final song was fantastic. I'm sure I'll re-watch this movie in years to come, it's a good one!

I liked the music and singing. The 2 Broadway stars have beautiful voices and it was enjoyable to watch them.

Unfortunately, the cousin was in most of the movie and was so annoying I didn't know if I could finish watching. The script really didn't have to make him so unsympathetic. He was very flamboyant, also. Just didn't fit well as a potential date for Violette. His character was immature and he'd be better off with someone younger. Like college age. Just way, way over the top. I guess it was supposed to be funny. It wasn't.

The final song was lovely. These are 2 talented people and it would be nice to see them together in another movie. Without the clown.

I don't like liars but there can be times when characters get caught up in it. No problem. But that guy made me cringe every time he appeared on screen. He actually spoiled the movie for me.

I think the annoying guy was supposed to be funny as well. Epic fail there.

The idea for the movie was great and many of the singers were very good. I imagine the acting world is as cynical as it appeared but that was a bit hard to take too. What was with being mean to the customers in the restaurant? Is that supposed to be a New York thing?

So it was a valiant effort and the two main characters were fantastic. Because of that, I feel a little bad rating it so low. And so I added a star for the great number at the end.