24 recensioni
I like it because it has got originality and a past famous singer 'Marie Osmond' in it. Some of it is corny, but it's a dreamy movie. Enjoy it at least once over the holiday season or whenever. You won't be disappointed.
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 'The Road Home for Christmas' did have the sort of premise where the execution could have gone either way.
Luckily, for me, on the most part, 'The Road Home for Christmas' is in the former category. Having seen a lot of Christmas films that were in the latter category prior to seeing it, that was something of a relief. It is not perfect and not a Christmas classic, with a few common (for Lifetime's festive output) flaws, but as far as 2019 Lifetime films go 'The Road Home for Christmas' is to me one of the better ones and a nice way to spend 90 minutes.
By all means, 'The Road Home for Christmas' isn't flawless. Some of the dialogue in the early portions is a bit too on the corny and gooey side, not unusual for Lifetime.
It is a bit of a slow starter as well with it feeling a bit thin to begin with.
However, 'The Road Home for Christmas' also has some very attractive scenery quite photogenically shot. It is directed sympathetically without being routine and musically it doesn't feel over-scored this time. The film is helped hugely by the very appealing performances of Rob Mayes (in one of his better performances) and in particular perky and radiant Marla Solokoff, both managing to make their characters rootable and interesting. The supporting cast fare well too, with a wonderful looking Marie Osmond bringing a lot of heart and zip to her role. Really liked the chemistry between the two leads, which was very easy-going and charming. Not to mention that it looked genuine and like they cared for each other.
While not starting off on the right foot perhaps, the dialogue does improve drastically and flows better. Also being in general a lot less cheesy and over-sentimental than too many previously seen Christmas films, not to mention being thought-provoking in a sincere way without patronising. The story, even despite its lack of originality, is heart-warming, sincere and has enough of a light heart to avoid things from getting heavy. Really appreciated that the central relationship took its time to develop and did have more depth than most central relationships in the company's festive outings. Also that the ending wasn't abrupt ot too pat, which cannot be said for too many Lifetime festive films.
Concluding, a road really well worth taking. 8/10
Luckily, for me, on the most part, 'The Road Home for Christmas' is in the former category. Having seen a lot of Christmas films that were in the latter category prior to seeing it, that was something of a relief. It is not perfect and not a Christmas classic, with a few common (for Lifetime's festive output) flaws, but as far as 2019 Lifetime films go 'The Road Home for Christmas' is to me one of the better ones and a nice way to spend 90 minutes.
By all means, 'The Road Home for Christmas' isn't flawless. Some of the dialogue in the early portions is a bit too on the corny and gooey side, not unusual for Lifetime.
It is a bit of a slow starter as well with it feeling a bit thin to begin with.
However, 'The Road Home for Christmas' also has some very attractive scenery quite photogenically shot. It is directed sympathetically without being routine and musically it doesn't feel over-scored this time. The film is helped hugely by the very appealing performances of Rob Mayes (in one of his better performances) and in particular perky and radiant Marla Solokoff, both managing to make their characters rootable and interesting. The supporting cast fare well too, with a wonderful looking Marie Osmond bringing a lot of heart and zip to her role. Really liked the chemistry between the two leads, which was very easy-going and charming. Not to mention that it looked genuine and like they cared for each other.
While not starting off on the right foot perhaps, the dialogue does improve drastically and flows better. Also being in general a lot less cheesy and over-sentimental than too many previously seen Christmas films, not to mention being thought-provoking in a sincere way without patronising. The story, even despite its lack of originality, is heart-warming, sincere and has enough of a light heart to avoid things from getting heavy. Really appreciated that the central relationship took its time to develop and did have more depth than most central relationships in the company's festive outings. Also that the ending wasn't abrupt ot too pat, which cannot be said for too many Lifetime festive films.
Concluding, a road really well worth taking. 8/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- 28 dic 2020
- Permalink
This Lifetime movie feels different from Hallmark and in a good way. It's a bit more sparkly and the cast is good. Also it doesn't use the overdone Hallmark formula.
Marla looks quite good- better than on the Practice. Rob Mayes suits the easy going musician. Marie Osmond looks great and her voice is so good. Wish she would act more. The music does keep this one going.
- phd_travel
- 31 ott 2019
- Permalink
Absolutely loved this movie all of the actors and actresses that sang in the movie could actually sing really good
- jeffrapage
- 11 dic 2019
- Permalink
Hey people! This is a Lifetime movie - not Hallmark. It IS in the spirit of Hallmark Christmas movies ... it's called competition!
NOW for the movie ...
It's a cute movie - but been done many times before . "Friends" trying to get home for Christmas - and the story of their trip ... getting to know each other along the way. FALLING IN LOVE. Nice but way over done!
Not a fan of the male lead (Rob Mayes). Marla Sokoloff is, as always, solid - but her makeup is way too much. I've never seen a person "car traveling" with fake eyelashes! Oh well ... it's TV.
NOW for the movie ...
It's a cute movie - but been done many times before . "Friends" trying to get home for Christmas - and the story of their trip ... getting to know each other along the way. FALLING IN LOVE. Nice but way over done!
Not a fan of the male lead (Rob Mayes). Marla Sokoloff is, as always, solid - but her makeup is way too much. I've never seen a person "car traveling" with fake eyelashes! Oh well ... it's TV.
- doctorsmoothlove
- 16 gen 2020
- Permalink
This is the first time in years a Christmas movie has truly moved me to tearing up and tightness in my chest. I went in thinking, ah well, time for yet another holiday road trip and was pleasantly surprised.
Absolutely worth a watch. The male lead did a really great job. Gonna save this one on the DVR to watch with my daughter at Christmas.
Absolutely worth a watch. The male lead did a really great job. Gonna save this one on the DVR to watch with my daughter at Christmas.
Being a pianist, this was a joy to me! A slightly different slant on the usual movie, but most enjoyable to spend a couple of hours just lazing and watching. Marie Osmond is a lovely cameo - always loved her voice.
- Christmasmoviewatcher
- 30 nov 2021
- Permalink
This movie was a surprising delight. For starters, this is one of the more unusual stories. The leads are great together.. The movie is cute and funny and lively but has touching moments as well.
This movie also has a lot of music, mostly Christmas songs, even in different styles, but mostly upbeat. Marie Osmond performs a couple great songs and the leads do some great renditions also.
There is a beautiful montage toward the end that, intentionally or not, is a sort of tribute to the true meaning of Christmas.
Even Lifetime has optimistic heartwarming endings.
I have watched and reviewed literally several hundred Christmas movies and this is a definite must watch that will be watched over and over in years to come.
This movie also has a lot of music, mostly Christmas songs, even in different styles, but mostly upbeat. Marie Osmond performs a couple great songs and the leads do some great renditions also.
There is a beautiful montage toward the end that, intentionally or not, is a sort of tribute to the true meaning of Christmas.
Even Lifetime has optimistic heartwarming endings.
I have watched and reviewed literally several hundred Christmas movies and this is a definite must watch that will be watched over and over in years to come.
- mammamia701
- 27 ott 2019
- Permalink
I rate movies based on what I expect from them. For me, this was a 9 but I've given a number of Hallmark and Lifetime Xmas movies , even though it's far behind "White Christmas." There are a limited number of storylines for any inexpensive tv movie romance, that takes place at Xmas - so the rater who complained about the basic plot being overused. It is what it is.
I liked this one, in particular, because of its plethora of great music, especially the jazz Xmas stuff. The leads were appealing, the story sweet but not schmaltzy. It didn't get a 10 from me because I didn't tear up, and Marla Sokoloff, whom I usually enjoy, was a little uneven.
I'd buy the music if it were available.
I liked this one, in particular, because of its plethora of great music, especially the jazz Xmas stuff. The leads were appealing, the story sweet but not schmaltzy. It didn't get a 10 from me because I didn't tear up, and Marla Sokoloff, whom I usually enjoy, was a little uneven.
I'd buy the music if it were available.
This is one of the better movies that I have seen in a while. I have been changing the channel from hallmark to life because the movies are better. Rob Mayes is a great actor. Rob and Marla have great chemistry together and I would like to see more of both of them. Would be nice to see a sequel to this movie. It touched my heart, inspirating. Thanks, Karen
- krichter-24724
- 8 nov 2019
- Permalink
Its basic virtue - it is more than the expected Halmark Christmas film. For music and acting. For a story escaping, în smart, nice manner, from the cage of cliches. And for the freedom of performances, source of fresh air . A trip, few places, two musicians, few great scenes. Not the last, the fair dialogue. So, more than nice. Especially for smart plea for family, vocation, love and (self)acceptance, for the carolers and for energy. And, not the least, for great job of Anna Daines.
- Kirpianuscus
- 30 dic 2020
- Permalink
I surprisingly liked this one. The manager was very annoying but the story was different and I love a Christmas road trip.
- sfranks-24486
- 27 dic 2019
- Permalink
- chiltonsjillfreeport
- 12 dic 2019
- Permalink
Having seen my share of Christmas movies on Hallmark and Lifetime, I have only three shows that I keep on DVR and 'The Road Home for Christmas" is one of the three. I keep it to show friends and family who haven't seen it and sometimes just to watch again because Rob Mayes excludes more sex appeal than anyone in Hollywood.
The film has a very good storyline and both main actors are excellent together. I highly recommend this film.The trip from Bourbon Street through Nashville heading home is terrific as well to someone who has traveled that road often and appreciates good movie-making.
- chuckangell-47508
- 22 dic 2020
- Permalink
There is something about Rob Mayes, although he isn't the traditional handsome, he has a great character about him and I like the musical persona he has in this film. I also thought that Marla Sokoloff was appropriate in her role too, she just doesn't tick my boxes like Rob.
It was a surprise to see that Marie Osmond can actually act, unlike some of these other films where they get real singers/musicians to appear that are so obviously uncomfortable in their roles and have no idea how to behave.
The film is a slightly different take on the "Driving Home For Christmas" format incorporating a musical element as two struggling musicians, who don't really get along, find that actually they could learn to like each other on a drive back to the same area. As they go, various things happen and it's not too festive to start, but by the end it feels a lot more like a seasonal film rather than an ordinary travelling film with Christmas clumsily added to the title as some of the others can be. It's always difficult to add festive fun elements to a car journey, they can't exactly put up a tree or bake cookies, but they do manage to do some bits to give it some heart and emotion.
I actually liked this one and would recommend it, especially to some of my more thespian friends.
7.5ish?/10.
It was a surprise to see that Marie Osmond can actually act, unlike some of these other films where they get real singers/musicians to appear that are so obviously uncomfortable in their roles and have no idea how to behave.
The film is a slightly different take on the "Driving Home For Christmas" format incorporating a musical element as two struggling musicians, who don't really get along, find that actually they could learn to like each other on a drive back to the same area. As they go, various things happen and it's not too festive to start, but by the end it feels a lot more like a seasonal film rather than an ordinary travelling film with Christmas clumsily added to the title as some of the others can be. It's always difficult to add festive fun elements to a car journey, they can't exactly put up a tree or bake cookies, but they do manage to do some bits to give it some heart and emotion.
I actually liked this one and would recommend it, especially to some of my more thespian friends.
7.5ish?/10.
- adamjohns-42575
- 12 dic 2021
- Permalink
The first musical number is something spectacular, I say this as a musician myself.
I was literally blown away by the powerfulness of their performance, they were absolutely amazing and believable. I don't know if they can play in real life, I don't think so, but considering the scene, they made it so believable they could rock the stage, that it was like seeing a real concert. Just wonderful.
You should watch this movie to experience the emotions the first scene was able to give me, but you should stay to see how they manage to reach their happiness in the most wonderful way.
I was literally blown away by the powerfulness of their performance, they were absolutely amazing and believable. I don't know if they can play in real life, I don't think so, but considering the scene, they made it so believable they could rock the stage, that it was like seeing a real concert. Just wonderful.
You should watch this movie to experience the emotions the first scene was able to give me, but you should stay to see how they manage to reach their happiness in the most wonderful way.
From beginning to end this movie is a total joy.
Marla Solokov and Jacob Young are so cute together and always a great pleasure to hear Marie Osmond in her element. The piano elements are very cool and the family values heartwarming.
Marla Solokov and Jacob Young are so cute together and always a great pleasure to hear Marie Osmond in her element. The piano elements are very cool and the family values heartwarming.
- herrcarter-92161
- 30 nov 2023
- Permalink
Love this film - fabulous toe-tapping numbers mixed with a little bit of bitter/sweet to add realism. Three generations are featured, so there's plenty across the ages. Great to see Marie Osmond too.
- SunnyDaise
- 18 dic 2021
- Permalink