A Song for Christmas

A Song For Christmas (2017) -

Some of the leading ladies in this genre of film can be a bit inconsequential opposite some very talented fellas at times, but I actually do like Becca Tobin as an actress and I liked her as Addy in this film.

However, I have always struggled to connect with Kevin McGarry, who played Dylan. He's just a bit pretty and unattainable, there's a distance about him, whereas she was far more natural, despite playing a country star.

The singer hiding in the sticks thing has been done to death though and that was only one of many clichés in the film, including a sleigh ride, wreath making and Christmassy pancakes, although I do like it when there are actual elements of festive fun in these seasonal films, because that was essentially what I tuned in for.

The whole rescuing a tree farm idea has appeared in quite a few of these films too.

So overall, it wasn't the most original story that I've seen, but it still had heart and although everyone was a bit unusually nice, the fact that they were so pleasant was refreshing. With the exception of Russell (James McGowan). I found it hard to believe his change of heart.

Other than that, it was a shame that they obviously didn't use real ferns to make the wreaths, considering the message that they were trying to send, as well as the setting of a Christmas tree farm and once again it was those little details that let things down a bit.

It wasn't really a bad film at all, but it was just a bit too samey. 2022 was a year of some fresh thinking with regards to the stories of the made for TV seasonal films, so watching this one for the first time, five years after it's release, it showed how contrived and formulaic the genre had been.

5.5/10.

Love, love, love Kevin and Becca in this movie. It's about following your dreams, doing what scares you but is what you know you need to do. Love the story line, the characters, the music. Love them singing together. Great movie!

Adelaide Kay is a country music rising star who gets left behind in a small town when her bus leaves without her. Traffic jams and weather problems delay them in returning and even after that she decides to make it difficult for them to find her.

Meanwhile, Addie finds an extremely friendly and giving family, most of whom don't know who she is. Of course the family is about to lose their farm. Most of the movie focuses on Addie falling love with the family, and with Dillon, and trying to help as they fight to hold on. There is no hidden lie between her and Dillon since he figures out who she is early on.

Becca Tobin and Kevin McGarry fall into an easy relationship founded on the characters' mutual love for music. All the actors in the family are real and lovable. Kendra Leigh Timmins is especially so as the teenage sister of Dillon who devises a vision for saving the farm. One acting or possibly directing criticism: the adoring fans with signs (as shown in previews) were lame.

The story is about having courage to follow your dreams and is totally predictable but enjoyable.

I thought this was going to be a real stink bomb. But, you know it wasn't too bad. I don't listen to country music, but as far as I know this is exactly the kind of stuff that passes for quality nowadays. All the Christmas points are dotted and it seemed to work. Although, the lead fellow needs to have his hair messed up a bit. Too much product.

I DVRd this movie when it first aired. I liked it so much, I didn't delete it. I've now watched it several times. The movie is all about following your dreams. It's about family. It's about standing up for yourself. It's about listening and standing with your kids. The chemistry between the two leads is amazing. Nice Holiday movie...