The Merry Gentlemen

"The Merry Gentlemen" (2024) is a feel-good Christmas movie that delivers exactly what you'd expect: festive cheer, a dash of romance, and a healthy dose of shirtless men dancing. While it may not be a cinematic masterpiece, it's a perfectly enjoyable watch for those seeking lighthearted holiday entertainment.

The film follows Ashley, a Broadway dancer who returns home for Christmas after a career setback. Determined to save her parents' struggling nightclub, she comes up with a rather unconventional plan: a male stripper show featuring local talent.

The premise is undeniably cheesy, but the film embraces its silliness with a wink and a smile. The dance sequences are surprisingly well-choreographed, offering a touch of "Magic Mike" magic to the holiday season. The film's humor is lighthearted and occasionally even laugh-out-loud funny.

The romance between Ashley and Luke, the charming carpenter who joins the dance troupe, is predictable but sweet. The chemistry between the leads is decent, and their relationship adds a heartwarming element to the festive storyline.

While the plot is predictable and the characters are somewhat one-dimensional, "The Merry Gentlemen" is a perfectly enjoyable holiday romp. It's a lighthearted and entertaining film that will leave you with a smile on your face and a touch of Christmas cheer.

Ok this was alot better than I thought. The trailer made it seem like it was going to be a bad movie. But I was wrong. And to be honest I kinda tuned in for just Chad Michael Murray. I have not seen him act since the tv show One Tree Hill. And a movie he did a long time ago back in early 2000's called House of Wax and Freaky Friday. I have not seen him much in anything else. But it did feel good to see him act in a Netflix movie. And he got to dance his hotness out. I really did enjoy a PG hotness of a Christmas story. Something new that isn't the same old story but at the same time keeping it PG.

The Merry Gentlemen struggles to deliver a cohesive experience. The love story feels both forced and underdeveloped, lacking the emotional depth needed to make it believable. The part where the guys are dancing in the pub, intended to raise money, feels poorly executed-unconvincing in both its outcome and presentation. The movie's attempt at capturing a Christmas atmosphere also falls flat, missing the warmth and festive spirit expected from such a setting. Despite some potential, it ultimately feels disconnected and underwhelming. Giving it a 5 is kind of generous, i was honestly expecting a more fun and convincing movie.

Look... I love cheesy Christmas movies just as much as the next girl, I really want to like this movie, I mean, come on, Lucas Scott dancing on the stage shirtless. Hello?!! It just missed the mark for me.

There wasn't enough character/ relationship development, and it felt very rushed. I gave it a 5 because of shirtless Chad Michael Murray , though. I would have liked to see her parents and a little more and how they play in to make her want to step in more, the dad didn't say very much the entire movie, the scene where Chad gave her the necklace was a bit cringe and kinda out of left field, felt random.

Watched this purely because Chad Michael Murray was in it but he provides the only believable performance out of everyone involved. I like Britt but this was a terrible performance by her, wooden, she looked like someone had dragged her to the set and forced her to do this movie. There was zero chemistry between the leads which was disappointing as I love a cheesy Christmas movie with a happy ending but I couldn't enjoy the happy ending because the chemistry was not there! This missed the mark alot! Basically abs, abs and more abs, are one of the few good parts of the movie! Think my hopes were too high for this one.