Le voeu de Noël

Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of Lifetime, Hallmark and UPTV. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. 'Holiday Switch' had the sort of premise that had strong potential of being in the former category, with it being quite interesting.

While not exceeding expectations or completely living up to them, 'Holiday Switch' doesn't waste any potential. It is very charming and engages and moves enough, even if the story and pacing are far from flawless what made me see 'Christmas on the Bayou' (primarily the cast) does not disappoint. It is very easy to dismiss outright the film as sentimental, predictable and plot light, understandably, but given a chance without prejudice one may find themselves pleasantly surprised.

'Holiday Switch's' story is very slight and does drag in the sections where the story is fairly uneventful.

The female lead character is not always easy to get behind, with times where she comes over as on the manipulative side. The Christmas theme is underused in my view.

A lot is done right though. T looks attractive enough. The scenery is both rustic and festive and the photography doesn't look rushed or drab, quite beautiful actually. The music doesn't come over as too melodramatic while still having some presence. The direction is suitably sympathetic on the most part while taking a little time to find its feet. The dialogue is not perfect either but the cheese and sentiment don't go overboard and it generally doesn't come over as stilted.

Furthermore, the story, despite its imperfections, is warm hearted and has a lot of well meaning heart, without taking itself too seriously. The characters interest and are worth investing in, not being too perfect or having flaws too exaggerated. The cast are very good and the ending is touching.

In conclusion, nice enough film. 7/10.

Cute movie with a strong message. Money isn't everything if it doesn't make you happy.

I didn't like this movie for the sheer fact that the only reason she wanted her family back was when the rich life she chose blew up in her face. She begged her preferred husband to take her back and only when he rejected her did she start yearning after the other husband. When he rejected her because he was faithful to his vows, she showed up at the man's house to proposition him with his wife and children there. Absolutely no class and morals!

It's not bad. And the message is sincere. So it's a really nice Xmas tale. However, some of you may have seen a movie with Nicolas Cage called "The Family Man", in it, Cage had a choice too...whether or not to drop a life of family for a cold lifestyle of unlimited riches and hedonistic pleasures. This is slightly different in that Eggert's Paula is a ball-buster, shallow materialistic witch. This was BEFORE she goes on this journey. To me, it may be too big of a leap of faith to think that her life would've changed all that much, and the "lesson" learned would cause her to bow.

Both stories answer the question. Only one seems to have been bolted in ambiguity. And therefore, more honest.

What I enjoyed a lot is the performances. Paula could destroy a man's will to live. And it would take a man as sincere and morally tough to sustain this "abuse". The man in question is Gary (Bret Anthony) who is a loving husband and a devoted father to two girls. He's EXACTLY what Lifetime movies dream of when it comes to ideal men. He's brow-beaten but still remains so optimistic. Challenges his wife to dance (what woman wouldn't want this?). So why in the world would Paula want anyone else?

Because the grass is always greener. Strip the riches and see the man...and the filmmaker argues, is your choice. No one is bad in this movie. I like that. Paula seems to be her worst enemy. Even as we start to blame her "dream world" husband we realize it isn't him who developed the toxic relationship...it was Paula...it's always been Paula. So we're left to conclude, Gary is a stronger man than we'd suspected in the beginning.

Yes, it's a contrivance. More appreciated during the holiday season. It has a good core with really nice performances. The pre-requisit shopping spree montage is wrangled in. Eggert goes from frumpy Mom with baggy Mom pants to stunning...easily. And it ends the way you want it to.

I found this a heartwarming and fun movie to enjoy during the holiday season. Nicole Eggert is wonderful as a frustrated housewife who yearns for the magic only a former high school flame can recapture. Can't we imagine how our lives might have been different had we married the other crush? Nicole gets this opportunity to explore that luxurious life she's always wanted. Yet the question remains: does it bring her happiness? The set design is lush and colorful. Brett Anthony and Bret Le Bourveau are great as the two competing love interests. Also, her daughters are cute but also realistically depicted as girls who just want their mom to be happy this Christmas, freed from the burdens of debt and financial woes. Truly magical and touching, this quirky, often moving film will have you reaching for the Kleenex by the end. It has sparkle and charm that will whisk you away on an enjoyable journey that only comes once a year!