Le père Noël prend sa retraite

I would of given this more stars, but I'm deducting for the sheer and blatant lack of diversity. Do better next time. Shameful.

The last quarter of 2019 saw me starting to watch and review many relatively recent Christmas films. As part of a quest to see as many as possible that had not already been seen and still favourites. A quest that still is being undertaken nearly two years on. It did turn out to an interesting experience, took me time to get through it though and am still watching and reviewing, but like all completest quests it proved to be a very variable one with a mix good, bad and in between films.

'My Santa' is one of the in between ones. It is not a great film, and at times not even particularly good, but it was watchable, well intended and sweet. A pleasant enough diversion as long as one doesn't expect too much, that does a fair share of things right. Even if the traps that festive films can fall into, and frequently have done, are not completely avoided. Other festive films have fared far worse in what 'My Santa' has wrong with it though, which is actually quite a lot.

Am going to start off mentioning the flaws. The story is formulaic and doesn't really have anything new or special to it to make it stand out, also not always being completely focused. Many Christmas films end too tidily and that is the case with 'My Santa', as well as it being resolved too quick. The dialogue doesn't always sound natural and could have done with more flow and less cheese and sugar, some scenes do contain howlers for lines.

Do agree that the family in need and explanation for not liking Christmas scenes are embarrassing. With one exception, the supporting cast is pretty terrible. Especially in the family in need scene.

Luckily the two leads are a lot better. Samaire Armstrong is an immensely engaging lead and really charms the viewer. Matthew Lawrence isn't as consistent, he could have toned down the smile in use and how it came across, but he also has a lot of appeal. The chemistry between them is easy-going and genuine, developing at a realistic rate. Julie Brown is a joy in the best friend role and the only good supporting cast member.

The production values are pleasing on the eye, the scenery has an authentic Christmassy feel and the photography doesn't try to do too much while not being claustrophobic. The soundtrack is also suitably festive without being overpowering in volume or over-utilised. Enough parts are amusingly light-hearted and there are some heart-warming and charming moments without being too saccharine.

Overall, watchable but not great. 5/10.

I enjoyed this movie and watched it a couple of times last year. This year it was the only Hallmark type of Christmas movie I was looking for on Netflix. Honestly it's not a great movie. Some scenes seem unrehearsed, some conversations start with an awkward pause like everyone is waiting for the director to yell Action. But there is so much potential in the story, and the two leads have the chemistry the movie needs. With a few tweaks, a remake could be amazing.

one of many films about Christmas. same atmosphere, same pledge, same clichés, same air of love. and a difference. because it is not only charming or remind of family values but it represents a delicate explanation of the meaning of purposes, hopes and chances. and maybe not the script does it real seductive but the actors. Matthew Lawrence as profound different Santa, Samaire Armstrong as the single mother looking the best partner and, sure, Julie Brown as the great Suzie. sure, it is not unfair to see it as a film for the Christmas movies fans. but it is not enough. something does it not only nice but almost charming. something real important. maybe the social theme, maybe the air of events and problems from the every day life. so, humor, gifts, problems and cinnamon air.

I loved Samaire Armstrong in Heavenly Match in which she played an Episcopal Priest and she did not disappoint in this one. She was adorable and a nice match with Mathew Lawrence, who was also well cast in this movie. I usually do not like Santa's offspring themed movies, but this one was the exception to the rule. I loved Mathew's sweet innocence as Santa's son who has to find a wife by Christmas. Yes, it's pretty formulaic as all these are, but the slow burn romance was sweet, and the scene where Jen, our single mother heroine was finally convinced he was on the level was touching.

I don't know what fuse this movie lit under Christmas "I Have no agenda" Reviewer, but to call this the worst Christmas movie this year?? To nitpick address numbers and the expensive homes the characters live in? I've never seen a Hallmarkesque movie that the homes weren't way too much for the probable income of the occupants. I challenge anyone to offer an example where the home matched their income level. To say that cute Samaire Armstrong looks 10 years older than Mathew Lawrence when she is almost a year younger in real life? Come on. Since Lawrence looks about 18 in this movie there are very few adult actresses who wouldn't look older .Except this actress doesn't in my opinion. To call the little kid actor, who was perfectly competent "creepy" and like "Chucky? " Steady the machete. Pick on someone your own size, lady.