Christmas in the Spotlight

There's been a fair bit of Christmas buzz about this movie that tells the story of a pop star and a football player's unlikely romance. No idea where Lifetime got that idea from...!!

Jokes aside, the film that is oh-so-loosely based on the Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce romance features plenty of nods to the famous couple along the way and when you set that aside, it's still a very good Christmas romance movie, one of the better Lifetime efforts in recent years. Sure, parts of the movie are contrived and you can see the conflict coming a mile away, not to mention the ending. Not that any other Christmas movie isn't similarly formulaic.

Jessica Lord (who is absolutely gorgeous, and has a chance to look radiant in some of her costumes) as Bowyn and Laith Wallschleger as Drew Gonville bring their characters to life. I've never seen either actor before, but they play their parts well. Their scorching chemistry is evident right from their first scene together and it's what makes this film so successful. Very-well cast. Sometimes you wonder what the casting people see in a couple who are terrible on screen. Indeed, a lesser coupling than Lord and Wallschleger would have sent this movie down the crapper. Instead, their presence elevates "Christmas in the Spotlight" above the rest of the pack.

Not an Oscar-winner, but great entertainment nonetheless. Depending on certain real-life developments, I wonder if we'll get a sequel?

Such a cute movie with just the right amount of cringe. Decent script with some taylor and travis references sprinkled in. The acting was really good and the plot and storyline made sense. Was able to predict the next scene sometimes but it wasn't too obvious. The cast were really attractive so that made up for the parts that were a bit cringy. Wasn't expecting to like this movie so much but i'm glad I watched it. Just sent a message in my friend group chat telling them it's a must watch.

This is definitely a light watch with friends and was just the right amount of christmas!!! Would be great to put on during a girls holiday gathering. Loved it !!!!

Match a very popular and beautiful singer-songwriter with a hot football player, it's fiction imitating life. The writers were no doubt inspired by the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce relationship that's all over the media. The script is good, the plot and dialog are much better than most holiday movies. Jessica Lord and Laith Wallschleger have chemistry together Laith Wallschleger showed more of a range in his acting and came across as more original. I assume it was filmed around Toronto which competes with Vancouver as the movie capitals of Canada.

I liked the supporting cast specifically Madeleine Cox, Stacey Bernstein, Dennis Andres and Carlisle Williams. Holiday films are either hit or miss, this film is very much a HIT.

I watched this in a bad mood and wanted to hate it, but I have this obsession that I have to watch every Christmas movie, so here I was. That changed almost immediately. It's funny. The niece is perfect setting up Bowyn and Drew to click. Bowyn is almost immediately likeable. She's not some stuck-up star and she does a few good musical numbers. Drew is a dumb jock, but kind of likeable too.

We start getting to know these two characters pretty quickly. Their first date has some sharing. And the chemistry between Jessica Lord and Laith Wallschleger is apparent right away. They are playful. A little steamy too. This movie is plain fun to watch. The story is about two celebrities trying to stay under the radar. It's hard not to compare it to Taylor and Kelcie.

There's almost no tension for a little more than half the movie. Very upbeat. But a good story needs it and it comes, in a couple of ways that makes it a good story. The ending may not be a surprise but it was so good.

I didn't know these actors, but I was pulled in by their performances. It's not Masterpiece Theatre, but it worked.

6.2/10 (Recommend)

The only thing that drew me to this movie is the whole mock recreation of Taylor Swift's relationship with Travis Kelce, but in all honesty it turned out way better than I expected. It's definitely a cheesy romance film, but it actually has heart and passion. The chemistry amongst all the actors is superb. The family feels like a family, the players feel like a team, and the relationship feels like a genuine relationship. The story is good and kind of sort of lines up with a T-Swift story. Most people don't care about a famous persons love life, but trying to see the sense of having a normal life while balancing the craziness of the profession one chose can be kind of sweet. Honestly, I would recommend adding it to your Christmas watchlist this year. Yeah, it's a cheesy romance, but it's one that you'll be cheering for every yard of the way until the touchdown finally hits.

That's it for now. Thanks for taking time to read my review. Happy watching and enjoy the show!