Holiday Harmony

I am going to come right out and say that I love this film- it is so important to me, that its one of those rare few films that don't want to see too often (six times so far and it's been out less than a week), so I can preserve some of the original wonder that I felt when I first saw it. It nourishes me as an artist and a human being.

This film is what I think great romcom can be. It has terrific acting, a beautiful simple story, wonderful production values, and of course that score- certainly one of the most beautiful and haunting scores in the history of romcom film.

What it has that is most important, however, is heart. This movie has a wonderful message about what it means to be human, to be alive. What better metaphor for the sheer passion of living than the exhilaration of simply running as fast as you can.

This movie is as close to pure perfection as any romcom made in the last five years. As one woman wrote, watch it with your children. Mine loved it!

For months I had been wary with HBO max as they continued to put discovery channel trash into my feed. I'm there for quality films of all kinds and budgets, from art house to comic book to holiday rom com. And this one was up to snuff as far as HBO Max goes. Why? It's a cut above. Higher quality writing, acting, singing, etc. HBO always brings quality to the table and this movie was such a breath of fresh air. Script is a taught, well-written romp through a young singer's troubles. Acting is great, way better than typical for this genre, and the singing is off the charts. I had been worried about HBO but it looks like they are back on track. More of this A+ quality please!!

You should give this holiday rom-com a look. I wasn't expecting much, and had already seen about 6 of these on netflix already, so I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this and how much fun it was. One reason this one stands out is the music. Analeesa Ciprano is amazing and can really carry a tune. If that's really her singing watch out, sky's the limit with that one. Aside from the fun musical asides the movie is just cute and really enjoyable. Brooke Sheilds looks amazing and is still delivering great performances. The rest of the case fits perfectly in the movie. This isn't a superhero movie or james bond but it's a really fun, cute holiday flick with great writing and songs the entire family can really enjoy.

Years back, there was an A-list performer who actually put on his resume (which only casting directors got to see) that he was "the hardest working actor in Hollywood." Watching Holiday Harmony, I felt that, in a genre crammed full of low-budget wannabees cashing in on the season, here finally was an X-Mas movie with somewhat higher ambitions. Slickly produced, and great cinematography. The script by Lauren Swickard -- who somehow managed to also cast herself in a minor role? -- combines three well-worn movie themes (Christmas, music, and the lure of small town life) into a very workable film that holds the attention. Interesting appearance by Brooke Shields who is now at the stage of her career where she plays a cranky small town mother. Annelise Cepero in the lead role is charismatic and knows how to carry a tune. Recommended. ((Designated "IMDb Top Reviewer." Please check out my list "167+ Nearly-Perfect Movies (with the occasional Anime or TV miniseries) you can/should see again and again (1932 to the present))

I've been a fan of Lauren Swickard since she was Lorynn York back when she was an actress in lifetime movies and now she's making them! And making them great! Way to go Lauren. Her script is great, and the actors are incredible. Annelise Cepero is an amazing singer and I can't wait till she has more music out. Brooke Sheilds was great as always, love love seeing her. So funny seeing the mega glam icon like Brooke playing country characters hahaha. But she does it with class. And finally those darned kids! Their cuteness is rivaled only by their talent. Whoever cast those kids, nice job. Overall this is a well above average Holiday rom com. Even if you're not into this type of movie, check it out, the music is awesome!