Un volo a Natale

Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of Lifetime and Hallmark. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. And Lifetime's 'The Flight Before Christmas' did have the sort of premise where the execution could have gone either way.

'The Flight Before Christmas' for me unfortunately was in the latter category, and this is being said with regret. Have been pleasantly surprised by a lot of Christmas films overtime as part of my Hallmark/Lifetime Christmas film completest quest but 'The Flight Before Christmas' was not one of those films. Of the recently seen ones, it's one of the weaker ones. Is it terrible? No it isn't as it does have its good things. Unfortunately it was a flight that potentially could have charmed and soared but in reality sadly in my view never did take off.

Its best aspect is Ryan McPartlin, who is a very likeable male lead and brings a lot of ease and charm to his character. Jo Marie Payton and Reginald VelJohnson are fun in supporting roles, the latter's character is pretty preposterous but he gives his absolute all and makes the performance just about work.

Some of the music is quite pleasant.

However, 'The Flight Before Christmas' has a lot working against it. Mayim Bialik came over as miscast, her performance comes over as wooden and unenthusiastic and she lacks warmth. Also found Stephanie as a character very irritating and her flaws over the top in the first third particularly. There is no chemistry or spark between Bialik and McPartlin, too distant, too stiff and the relationship doesn't really go anywhere. The rest of the supporting cast don't stand out. The direction was mediocre at best and often pretty plodding and not very organised.

Other Lifetime Christmas films look a lot better than 'The Flight Before Christmas', which has a rather drab look and even the locations are quite limited. Some pleasant moments aside, the music could have been used less and been more subtle. The script is heavy in cheese and awkwardness and is also very cloying, while the story tends to be uneventful and is lacking in charm and heart. So pretty dull and bland.

Concluding, very weak and doesn't get off the ground. 3/10.

The writers came up with a different and believable plot, good actors who sell their characters, and a story that unfold with growth by both would-be lovers. Snow usbreal and decoration believable. We'll done.

Starring Amy/Blossom (Big Bang Theory & Blossom) Mr. Awesome (Chuck), Carl Otis Winslow, Harriette Winslow (Family Matters), and Lou Loomis (Caddyshack). I mean... Starring Mayim Bialik, Ryan McPartlin, and even Reginald VelJohnson (Family Matters), Jo Marie Payton, and Brian Doyle-Murray.

Short Synopsis: Two strangers share a room at a bed-and-breakfast when an unexpected snowstorm delays their flight on Christmas Eve.

My Thoughts: First, props for showing this shot at the beginning. It's not just Staples Center here, home of the Kings and Lakers (and the Globetrotters), but it also has an Outdoor Ice Skating Rink (my favorites)!

Second, props to the casting involved. A lot of actors from shows (and movies) that I really loved.

"Of course I can book a cross-country flight the day before Christmas Eve, with less than a day's notice. It's called "power of positive thinking."

And low and behold, the "Last Minute Flights" prices is more than her rent! No surprise there. And Mayim was able to make that whole situation a little funny too.

But enough of all that nonsense with the flights, because it's Mr. Awesome time. My Grandpa and I are fans of the show Chuck, so we know Michael (McPartlin) as Mr. Captain Awesome. He played the dream-guy in that show, and once again plays a dream-guy in this movie too. I don't think he'll ever escape being Mr. Awesome (although Zachary Levi is doing pretty good).

His role as Michael Nolan is a pretty likable on IMO. And he has a really nice smile too.

And from there, everything gets wrapped up into a Christmas Detour, only a lot better!!! I really didn't like Hallmark's Christmas Detour. Lifetime was able to use a somewhat similar story-line and make it 10 times better in my opinion (IMO).

Plus, I really wouldn't mind sharing a hotel with Mr. Awesome too.

Now I won't go on and compare the Hallmark movie to this Lifetime movie. If you're curious about the comparison, this Yahoo TV, Mandi Bierly (Deputy Editor) did it perfectly I thought. And they even agree with Mr. Awesome being better Eye-Candy than Paul Greene in a robe in a Christmas Detour.

I really think The Flight Before Christmas was better because of the actors, and a better script. And I liked really liked this movie (my grandpa liked it too).

The lead actors are both my favorites. And I know Paul McPartlin is his name, but my grandpa and I just know him as Mr. Captain Awesome from our favorite show, Chuck. I grew up watching Blossom (and Family Matters), and love Mayim as Amy in the Big Bang Theory!

And as for the ending... there was a Happily Ever After. But at least it wasn't one of those insta-love things where they say that they love each other after a couple days (Christmas Detour). Nope. It took them a little more realistic time to declare their love.

Two people meet on a flight from LA back East. She has recently been dumped and he is an a long distance relationship. But of course romance ensues.

The dialog is a bit more interesting than the usual Christmas TV movie. There seems to be a subtle message about compatibility of personality over looks. " This is Mayim Bialik's movie. For fans of "Big Bang Theory" where she plays Amy Farrah Fowler - it's a treat to see her. Usually Lifetime or Hallmark Christmas movies don't feature lead romantic actresses who look like or are shaped like her. It's nice to see someone like her leading this type of movie. Ryan McPartlin of "Chuck" is a good enough comedic actor to make his role believable.

If you are going to watch one Xmas movie this year this is a good choice.

I am not fan of Christmas romance films. But this movie could be a reasonable exception. For the story who tries to be little more complex than many other pink Hallmark products from the same genre. For charming couple created by Jo Marie Payton and Reginald VelJohnson. And, sure for the contrast, very smart, between Mayim Malik in the clothes of Ugly Duck and Ryan McPartlin in the shield of a mix of Clark Kent and sophisticated Prince Charming. The result is nice , the story is seductive for the risk of director to propose a not ordinary story , not so different but nuanced. Short, a good cocktail of romance, humor and the right choice.