Holiday in the Vineyards

I love an upbeat festive film but they can be a wee bit twee so I was pleasantly surprised by something that felt relative to today's world and not just a throwback to old school mills n boon romance. Great chemistry between all cast, rounded characters a female lead you could have a good girls night out with, and a very funny (and ripped!) male co-star. Sure there's some schmaltzy bits but hey, it's a Christmas rom com so that's kinda required, but it's all thoroughly entertaining and the script and acting elevated it above the bog standard formulaic afternoon movies which are fine to pass the time, but this is better :-) raise your glasses and sample some delicious festive fun.

This was much better than expected. Privileged son of a wine family is tasked with a job by his mom -- they are looking to buy a vineyard and "Carter" (Josh Swickard) is to go find out what the bids are going to be. But Carter needs to blend in to get information so he can't stay in luxury. Carter while out scoping runs into the real estate agent with the vineyard listing who also happens to offer him lodging in her guest house, if he will help her fix it up. Long story short she thinks he is a handyman. Of course.... sparks fly.

This was absolutely better than regular Hallmark fare. Josh Swickard, in addition to actually being good looking, has mad charisma (and looks like Colin from Bridgerton). The supporting cast is solid. The only quibble is that the lead actress Sol Rodriguez is not that great and is the deadwood of the story. But still enjoyable.

Even if you don't drink wine, this is a solid, fun rom com just in time to take your mind off the dystopian disfunction that is the modern world, and most of what Netflix puts out. Like all rom coms it is predictable but it is also fun along the way. The performances and execution are top notch. The male lead is great. He is funny and convincing. And his eventual love interest has the charm and spark of a young Salma Hayek, (sans juggs). They even a have a real housewife of somewhere. I don't like those shows but I'm happy to see one of them channeling all that drama up onto the big screen where it worked well. And have to admit it, she was good. All in all this is a fun flick worth checking out.

So I did admittedly enjoy the California Christmas series. This just seemed too much like it though except no Manny, no butler, and 2 kids in tow. They kept a mother element and the wine thing even the ringtone. Helps that the leads are attractive but this isn't all that different except he's faking carpenter instead of ranch hand. Even the dad passing away element transferred over. I guess if you're just looking for some mindless Christmas movie fun then I suppose this will fit the bill. If you watched and enjoyed his California Christmas movies then this one should be fine and watchable. If not there are a plethora of other films to pick...Biltmore Christmas was fun.

I came across this little gem on a Sunday evening, when the thought of Monday morning could be made worse by watching a heavy foreign film, or a badly scripted movie or series. From the beginning I was taken by the leading man, the rich spoilt kid who doesn't take responsibility for his life and is forever being berated by his hard-core business oriented mother. Of course, the plot is predictable. When his mother wants to buy a vineyard using underhanded methods, she sends her wayward to son to spy on the vineyard, under the guise of a lowly normal person. Of course he meets a girl, of course he changes, buts that's what we want from our rom=coms - what elevates this one is the witty, sincere script and the lovely performances. Omar Gooding, was a joy to watch as was the rest of the cast.

I thoroughly enjoyed. Good Sunday evening fun!!!!