Christmas at the Drive-In

Danica McKellar has done better work. Her second outing with GAC Family is not a strong one, despite the presence of Neal Bledsoe, whom she has worked with before, over at Hallmark.

If I were asked to describe 'Christmas at the Drive-In" in one word it would be 'formulaic'.

You can tick the boxes on this: small town. Teenage sweethearts. Important town location in danger of being destroyed. Said location (a drive-in, as you probably gathered from the title) being saved by the two protagonists and sparks fly along the way. Devious entity tries to stop it. Said entity is defeated. Protagonists fall in love.

This sort of movie has been done before and done better. Didn't seem to be all that much chemistry between the leads and the storyline was pretty weak.

We really like Danica McKeller, and we've liked the male lead in a couple of Christmas films too, one of which was also with Danica.

They have great chemistry in the film, both showing personality and charm ... just what you need for a successful romance. Plus, there are plenty of clever lines and a few funny moments.

Normally I'd call this an 8-star Christmas movie. So why did I dock two stars?

The premise is just silly. LOL A "Historic Drive-In"?? And showing that a failing drive-in has more value to the town than a new distribution center that would certainly provide dozens if not hundreds of jobs?

Ridiculous.

Ah, it's Christmas time which means the occasional watch of the Danica McKellat Christmas movie since I was a fan of hers on the Wonder Years. I've actually found the ones on Hallmark to be a bit entertaining but his one (I know it's a different network) was by far the most boring and predictable of the bunch. Last year's wasn't much better, feels like her Christmas fare is going downhill. Christmas at the Drive In made zero sense for these two people to grow a relationship even with the lazy writing of having them been school mates. The relationship felt a bit forced and hopefully they find better writers for Danica's next Christmas adventure.

This was a light hearted and fun little movie that I really enjoyed.

Danica and Neal Bledsoe have a great on screen chemistry. They were both very good in this movie as well as the rest of the cast.

The premise may seem far fetched and maybe it is, but everything they did to try and save the drive-inn from making cake pops to putting up all kinds of beautiful festive decorations, I found lovely and charming.

I did take off a few points because something kept sticking in my craw, did she not say she came home to help his dad get historical status for the Drive-in? If that were the case than he could not sell it nor could they demolish it! Also the ever handsome Neal Bledsoe's hair annoyed me they dyed his gorgeous dark/salt and pepper hair some kind of yellowish brown and it appeared he didn't comb his hair through the entire filming of the movie. This may sound superficial to some but it was very distracting to me and it detracted from his very good looks.

This was a fun little movie if you don't take it too seriously, a great way to relax and wallow away a few hours. I would definitely watch again!!

You get exactly what is expected - run of the mill formula, story, and production that's comfortable and bland - a good feeling filler of time that will make most any Lifetime or Hallmark watcher very happy. The actors had a fair amount of personality and chemistry. I personally tuned in because I've seen a number of other Danica McKellar Christmas projects over the years - so it's kind of tradition! Everyone did a decent job except with the graphics people and continuity - at one point the drive-in screen displays -

"Come Join Our Caralers Tonight!"

No - seriously. Uh Oh. Someone can't spell carolers!!!!!

It was quite a distraction from the movie.

Back to which - they wrote a mind numbing "twist" resolution to wrap up every loose end in one shot during the last few fleeting minutes of the run. BAM - it was over! That's how these things always go though. Would it be so hard to leave the formula behind and be a little more creative? Unfortunately the execs have to rubber stamp projects - and if it doesn't fit their mold, it becomes too frightening to green light. This one's worth a watch for an easy going holiday film.