Laços de Natal

While the idea of a simple gift could have made a wonderful plot line, either the director or the screenwriter(s) dropped the ball on this one. The main character was plunged too quickly from horrible selfish girl to loving girl, there is no real transition - it was too forced. After noticing that it was written by two guys, that explains a lot as there was no real sense of the depth in the lead character.

Despite the fact that the usually gorgeous Bailey Chase was in this one, I couldn't watch it to the end or for that matter more than fifteen minutes. The depressing direction in which it was going, with what was going to be a very moral message I'm sure, was not the way I wanted to go today and I don't generally like being made miserable at the best of times.

Sadly, the close ups and unfiltered Bailey did not do him justice either. They must have spent the make-up budget on the evil and plastic teenagers.

I can't score it, because I didn't finish it.

Hopes actually were not low for 'Shoelaces for Christmas'. The title is not the most inspired or interesting of ones, it also doesn't really match the plot synopsis and turned out to be misleading. Have made no secret about being a big fan of Christmas and have liked and loved many Christmas films and specials. Really liked the idea of the story too, with a deep and serious theme that sounded like with the right execution 'Shoelaces for Christmas' would be a moving film.

It did thankfully turn out to be that. 'Shoelaces for Christmas' didn't strike me as a great film and is less than perfect. There are though a lot of great things about it, its good intentions are worthy of admiration and a less than easy topic is handled sensitively. It is deeper and more serious than most Christmas films seen in the few years and is a welcome departure from the more of the same basic formula that Hallmark and Lifetime films (of which 'Shoelaces for Christmas' is neither) adopt.

'Shoelaces for Christmas' succeeds in many areas. It looks good, simply but never cheaply shot and the scenery is lovely on the eyes. The music avoids being too constant or over-scored and captures the essence of Christmas quite well. The direction lets the drama breathe while not letting it get sluggish. The beginning is absolutely beautiful.

The acting is very good, with movingly dignified turns from Yolanda Stanger and Ivey Lloyd Mitchell in roles that could have been too sentimental but actually the two most relatable ones. While not caring for Jennifer for too much of the film's duiration, Mia Topalian's performance is game and quite spirited. The script is well meaning and thoughtful, mostly not being mawkish and it flows well. The story is not over-deliberate and is genuinely moving, the family dynamic is sensitively done and worth investing in and most of the characters are ones worth caring about.

By all means 'Shoelaces for Christmas' isn't perfect. Did feel that the ending was slightly too pat and could have slowed down in pace and there are moments where the sentiment is slightly overdone. Others have mentioned the unrealistic chemotherapy look.

My biggest issues concerned the character writing and development for Jennifer. Did not find her a character worth rooting for, with the film committing two of my biggest bugbears with character writing, exaggerating character flaws and out of nowhere character changes. Her self-absorbed and selfish trait to her personality is overwritten and Jennifer agreed never grows or progresses enough for any changes of heart to be believable. The change was too out of nowhere and felt too tacked on and convenient.

Overall though, this was good. 7/10.

"Shoelaces for Christmas" - Those undergoing chemo usually lose their hair, the very very lucky ones do not, but you either do or you don't. Those who have lost their hair will either wear a wig or a head scarf/ turban to cover their bald heads (although it is becoming more and more the trend just to go bald.) Those who were lucky and kept their hair have no need of either. The mom in the film is wearing a turban up with hair clearly underneath and with long strands coming out in front. I know absolutely zero about hair and make up, but I even know that the actress's hair should have been plastered close to her head with a bald cap or at the very least with massive amounts of gel to give the illusion of being bald underneath her turban, and in no way shape or form should have long strands of hair coming out of the front of it! :((( Argghh!!! Just arghhh!!! What a way to distract in a non-professional way from an otherwise very heartwarming movie.

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Dec. 6, 2021 Monday

11:10 a.m.

"Shoelaces for Christmas" is on.

Ask me how badly that this movie drives me crazy and all of the things wrong with it?!!! Sorry Scout. You do great! Sorry Yolanda. I also loved you. Good to see what's her name (and her daughter in real life) who we haven't seen since she was a teen.

* Someone going through chemo doesn't have strands of hair falling out of their scarf. If you are going through chemo and have a scarf on it is bec. YOU ARE BALD - THERE WOULD BE NO STRANDS OF HAIR!!!!

* Or look so healthy.

* Too quick of an arc. Maybe I am cynical that people don't change.

* Her volunteering should have happened during summer break. The dad is asking her to get her grades up, help with the housework, help with her brother, AND go do this big time consuming emotional volunteer project, not to mention be a teenager and be there for her mom?????!!!!!!

It's an uplifting Christmas movie, with establishing shots in Salt Lake City. I highly recommend it!