Natale con te

Angelina (Aimee Garcia) is a popular pop star who is now feeling her age. She needs a new song for an event but is drawing a blank as far as inspiration goes. She sees a video of a young fan, Cristina (Deja Monique Cruz), whose birthday wish is to meet her. Empathizing with Cristina's longing for her departed mother, Angelina decides to grant the girl's wish.

Cristina's father, Miguel (Freddie Prince Jr), is a music teacher who happens to be composing a song that piques Angelina's interest. They develop feelings for each other while collaborating on the song.

This is another tropey, thus predictable, story. But there is something comforting about watching a familiar story unfold. It's like watching different versions of The Nativity, A Christmas Carol, Les Miserables, etc. Each version brings a different take on a classic tale.

This version of the aging-celebrity-finds-inspiration-and-love trope is brought to life by a likeable cast. It was a treat to see Freddie Prince Jr again. The process of composing a song got me engaged as it made me curious about the finished product which did not disappoint.

All in all, it made me feel good, which was what I was hoping for when I watched it.

Starring Freddie Prinze, Jr. And Aimee Garcia (from television's Lucifer), this lovely Christmas rom-com does not break any new ground but it has a screen presence for its solid script, consistent plot and pacing and smooth delivery. Aimee Garcia plays a famous singer who has settled on replaying her past hits but is in need of a new song. She decides to respond to a young girl's fan who wishes to meet her. Based on the movie's opening credits, Aimee Garcia wrote and sang the opening song "Sweet and Spicy." It is everything audiences expect from a fun Christmas holiday movie. A perfect complement to a plethora of Christmas movies.

Watched it because haven't seen Freddie Prince Jr much since the 90's so - although this type of movie is totally not my thing - thought why not give it a go for relaxed easy viewing which is what I was looking for and exactly what it served. Although the whole film is all incredibly cute, lovely, happy, Xmas lights everywhere, cheesy music etc - all things that are absolutely not my thing - I just enjoyed it. It's basically just a nice movie and sometimes it's refreshing to just watch something nice. I also felt the actors all had fun with their roles and that really effervesced warmth from the screen. Found myself watching with a smile. Will put on for my niece over Xmas she'll love it.

Such a sweet movie! So surprised at the low rating! Freddie and Aimee couldn't have been better in their roles, so believable together that I suspect they might have had something going off the set as well. The grandma, the daughter, everyone was at the top of their form. Yes, it's a Christmas romcom, but the fact that it's an ethnic romcom makes it different and so interesting, seeing all the different family and holiday customs, the quinceanera....

And it delves into the life of an aging pop star who continues to set aside love, family and a normal life in order to maintain the trappings of stardom. Her competition gets younger every year and she fears that she won't be able to keep herself as well as her music relevant in a more youthful market.

This movie kept me glued to the screen. I laughed, I cried, and I was very happy with the ending. Definitely better than your average Christmas movie. Better than your average romcom.

This was a fun, entertaining Christmas movie. I am not sure what people expected of it. Sure it's predictable, as are most romantic holiday films. It was fun and heartwarming and that's all I'm looking for from these types of movies. The acting was better than many in this movie genre. As a bonus, it's awesome seeing Freddie Prinze Jr. Back! He was a big heart throb from my teen years and it was fun seeing him in this role (although it makes me feel a tad old knowing he's now playing dad characters).

Overall, if you're looking for something fun and heartwarming, this romantic holiday film will fulfill that.