Twinkle All the Way

There were three main reasons for wanting to see 'Twinkle all the Way'. One was my love of Christmas. Two was that it was part of my Lifetime (and Hallmark) Christmas film completest quest, despite their 2019 output being such a mixed batch and generally unimpressive. Third and last of all was for the lovely Lesley Ann Warren, have liked her ever since one of the best versions of 'Cinderella' and one of my favourite comedies 'Clue'.

She doesn't disappoint in 'Twinkle all the Way' and the film itself to me was pretty good. Not quite great and with not much new, but it has a lot of charm and has its heart completely in the right place. Of Lifetime's 2019 Christmas output, 'Twinkle all the Way' to me struck me as one of the best watching it some months back (have been a bit behind on my film viewing though having for a while decided to slow down and because of music committments and health troubles).

As said, 'Twinkle all the Way' didn't strike me as great. It has a premise that has been well worn for goodness knows how long with a familiar setting, and it doesn't do an awful lot fresh with it. For example one can figure out the (too convenient and on the schmaltzy side) ending from miles off. The pace could have done with a little more energy.

One doesn't ever expect Oscar-worthy dialogue when watching a Lifetime film, that's setting expectations too high and it's not that kind of film. Some parts can be rather cheesy and doesn't always flow.

However, 'Twinkle all the Way' still has a lot to like. Sarah Drew and Ryan McPartlin are very likeable leads, neither try too hard yet both engage fully to their material. Personally actually thought that their chemistry was natural and genuine, not to mention sweet. It was appreciated that the relationship didn't feel rushed and that it developed realistically enough. A major asset to the film is Warren, still looking amazing and looking much younger than her 74 years, who has a warm charismatic presence. 'Twinkle all the Way' also had to me characters worth caring for, they are interesting and any negative character traits are not exaggerated. Really don't know why there are a few people that have a problem with the presence of the gay couple, diversity in a film to me is always welcome and they do not harm the film at all or come over as stereotypical.

Moreover, it looks good in particularly the scenery. The music is pleasant and not intrusive, not always the case with Lifetime (even more Hallmark) films. The script is far from perfect, but is sweet and raised a number of smiles. The story is likewise flawed, but is very charming and warm-hearted with an authentic atmosphere.

In summary, pretty good. 7/10

The premise has been used but not as much as some. Two single parents get thrown together to organize a Christmas pageant, or in this case just the sets. Both are busy with huge important deadlines Christmas Eve. Fortunately the pageant is not the same night. It's been done, but somehow it felt different than most of them.

There's a hint of something magical about Henry and his mother Twinkle (yes that's her name). Cadence is the cliche list maker, but you quickly get the sense that she is capable of at least a little flexibility. Sarah Drew and Ryan McPartlin connect. Add two cute little girls, 6 and 7 I think, and this movie gets a double kid bonus, but in this case it's the kids that bond with each other, not adult to kid as in so many other movies. The movie gives them all time to develop relationships.

There is a male gay couple that are affectionate. If that really bothers you, don't watch, but it doesn't interfere with anything.

Somehow I knew what the crisis would be - previews maybe? But I did not see the solution coming until the last minute. That part was done well.

With all the cheesy Christmas movies on TV this time of year, this is not one of them. With Great acting and cast, this movie is a diamond in the rough. This is a great family movie. Don't pay attention to the homophobes posting horrible reviews.

I love Sarah Drew and she didn't disappoint. Ryan Mcpartlin also played the role of the goofy single dad well. My favorite was Ruthie, the six year old girl. What an adorable little actress! She looks just like a doll and played the role very well

I know some people were bothered by the gay couple but honestly they were not a main part of the story at all. They were on screen for just a few minutes total. If seeing that bothers you just fast forward a couple of minutes and you will literally not miss anything of importance. There's no need to demonize the entire movie for such small details. The overall movie was cute and enjoyable.

It is a lovely Christmas film. For politicale correctness, for Lesley Ann Warren, for chalenges for two single partenera, for something very old fashion definind it. And, sure, for atmosphere. Short, a correct Halmark, giving, în fair doses, just what you expect.