Spotlight on Christmas

This is a pretty common plot in general. Jilted Hollywood starlet flees the paparazzi and doesn't quite succeed. Meanwhile she builds a new relationship which is threatened by public exposure. The conflict is just as over overused. Likewise the ending.

What appealed to me was the sweet woman, Olivia, whose first impulse is to give of herself to others. This generous heart shines through even after the conflict is introduced. I didn't think one big thing she did was consistent with her character, but what that is gives away a spoiler.

Tori Anderson and Victor Zinck Jr. are fair to average actors. This was also reflected in that they had little chemistry. They just weren't quite natural in their roles.

There isn't anything special, no real highs or lows, but it's OK and will appeal more to anyone who hasn't inundated themselves with dozens of Christmas movies already this season.

I was looking forward to this Lifetime Christmas movie as it stars Tori Anderson, who I enjoyed watching on Blindspot. I have not seen her since. She was pretty good. But the story was rather dull. Don't get me wrong, there were some nice Christmas messages in the movie, but I often found myself disengaging with the movie, the story. It just did not have that X factor that some of the other Christmas movies I have seen have had, unfortunately. It's not bad, but it is not great either. It is a family friendly movie.

The story of film star returned to home after not the most happy period in sentimental and professional life. And, a new purpose , relations with mother, a handsome mate, students and growing up of a Christmas play. Nothing surprising but charming. And , in many senses, just charming.

Good movie- simple story quite well done even if it is somewhat predictable.

interesting choice of Janet Kidder as the mother of Tori Anderson as she is only 16 years older.

This started off strongly with the great casting of Tori Anderson as a believable A-list movie star. I also liked the actress that played her little half sister, though I was at first confused about the family dynamics. I found Victor Zinck just OK as the hometown love interest and was underwhelmed by the chemistry. I am apparently in the minority on this issue.

Unfortunately, It got slower and more boring as the movie went on. Interestingly I noted a small cameo by one of my favorite hallmark actresses at the beginning of the movie, Kimberly Sustad. Had she continued contribution in the role of the conflicted paparazzo, it might have added a needed spark to one of the dull subplots. Also noted that it was directed by another favorite, Ali Liebert. Good for her and better luck next time. I would like to see more of Tori Anderson in these Hallmark-type movies.