The Christmas Dance

The Christmas Dance (2021) -

This film overall was a bit preachy and on the moral high ground. It was also a bit wet and drippy. They all seemed considerably holier than thou, except the lead female, Sarah, played by Kristen Vaganos, who was just a bit of a misery. It was also hard to believe that she moved away and hated Christmas because she fell over at a nativity once, which made her character seem very weak indeed.

I think that it would have been better if Sherman Jr. (Miles Fabre) was getting together with Jason, who played the lead male role Carson Nicely, because Sarah seemed like a mardy cow and there was far more chemistry between the two men, so their relationship was much more likely to work. At least the scenes that I saw them in, because when Jason started to sing about God, I really had to give up on it. I actually threw up a little in my mouth. And I really couldn't see how Jason and Sarah were ever supposed to be falling for each other.

It had none of the usual cheer that these films have and it felt like the Christmas activities and nice things to do were all such a chore and for God.

Unscored as unfinished.

Family is very important aspect of any holiday gathering. This movie draws you in to think about your own interactions with family and friends. Loved it. From beginning to end, you watch the fun and love shown by the characters. While Christmas is the center of the movie, its family that, to me, is portrayed as most important part of the movie. It makes you want to call those that are close to you, whether they are near or far. It also made me realize that time and distance does not take away from you having a close family or friendship. Somethings pick up right where you left them so you never have to start from the begining.

For some reason there is no mention of this that I can see but an accurate review of this movie should mention its really a "Christian Movie" as in even the dialog is peppered with religious references after the first 10 minutes. Characters are referred to "brother" this and "sister" by the minister father who plays a leading role.

The lead actress is pretty good and the supporting cast isn't too bad. For me it got so bogged down in the religious aspects that I couldn't finish it. In the end there is no real plot except to "witness" no us non-believers,

The high rating was clearly bid up by believers. Compared to other "Hallmark type" movies it is objectively not very good.

This is a little bit edgier than the fluffy Christmas movies. From my experience, it is more true to life as well. It portrays the ups and downs of small community life plus dealing with the past at Christmas realistically. I could identify with all the characters to some extent, which paradoxically makes me like and dislike the movie at the same time! The caring yet claustrophobic nature of family and friends is spot on. One of the biggest positive elements is overcoming your own embarrassment/ fear to (a) help others and (b) get more out of life yourself. I'm not sure I'd especially watch this again, but it was worth a look.

Aside from the usual contrivance to make a big city girl have to go home at Christmas time, this is a nice story that is actually about regular people getting ready for the holidays. First, their lives are centered around their church family and the real preparations for Christmas. Secondly, and most importantly, their homes and their town are not filled with ridiculous over-decoration like standard holiday fare. Nobody has garland in every window, shelf, and doorway in real life. I only wish that they could have recruited some better actors. Aside from Richard Karn, they're all a little stiff. But the story is pleasant enough.