Natal Em Nova York

It's been a long time since I've been moved enough to write a review, but wow. The trope of a grump/grinch/beast being tamed by a sweet Belle character is not new. Usually, there is growth along to way to make it believable, a softening of the edges or a wearing down of a tough exterior.

At first, it seemed like we were going to get that, but it's as if it all fell away towards the end. I don't want to give too much away, but I haven't felt this let down by a movie in years.

Adding to that, he gives authors (especially ones of crime fiction) a bad name. They do not all see only the negative. He was just wholly unlikeable up until breaking her heart, which made him hate-able.

Have said many times about my love of Christmas and getting a lot of pleasure out of in particular watching films, cartoons and specials during this period, something that most years has been much needed. Wanted to see some more festive films that were more recent, lower in budget and were not childhood favourites, so in a way to broaden my horizons and have been doing so since November 2019. Decided to see one that wasn't from Hallmark or Lifetime.

'Christmas on 5th Avenue' could have been a good deal better than it was though. There are things that are good, but there are too many areas where it is lacking (badly) for me to recommend it. 'Christmas on 5th Avenue' is a long way from being one of the worst Christmas films seen recently, where there has been a mixture of good, bad and somewhere in between, but it is also a long way from being one of the best. In ranking, it would be somewhere around lower middle.

The best thing about 'Christmas on 5th Avenue' is Kathryn Davis, who is charming and perky throughout and the only actor to understand what sort of film she was in. Maybe she does overdo the (actually quite lovely) smile at times, but this aspect has been done far worse in other similar films and it wasn't in a gratuitous way. Liked her character too, the only character that was interesting or likeable, with her charm and good intentions.

A few other things are decent. It is attractive enough visually, particularly in the scenery. The music has a pleasant nostalgia and isn't overused or overbearing. There are moments of charm and heart.

On the other hand, a lot was wanting. Am in agreement with those that have criticised Olivier Renaud, who is incredibly rigid and is completely made of ice emotionally. The character is meant to be a "cold fish" and uptight, this reviewer gets that, the problem is that the character also never properly grew or mellowed and both traits were overdone, so it felt very one dimensional. He and Davis have no warmth or spark in their chemistry, too distant, too ice cold with too many reactions to situations on Renaud's side not making sense. Would actually find it hard to buy them as friends let alone lovers in real life. Like Renaud's character, the chemistry never grows or warms despite it meaning to and it is underdeveloped.

Furthermore, the support acting is incredibly cheesy and found their characters annoying ciphers rather than real people. Did find the script too stilted and schmaltzy. Although it did have charming and heartfelt moments, the story is thin, drags a lot and takes itself too seriously and safely (it shouldn't have been afraid of having some playfulness and light hearted-ness). Culminating in a blatantly predictable and unrealistically pat ending. And yes the theatre balcony is fake looking.

Rather lacking in lustre afraid to say. 4/10.

A sunny, kindhearted girl thaws the heart of an embittered, grieving Scrooge. What could be more suitable for a Christmas story? That she may be a little too forceful in her affection or he a little too reluctant and harsh, it could be overlooked. Unfortunately, while Kathryn Davis is charming and convincing in her role, the acting of Olivier Renaud is amateurish, at best. In many scenes, especially when expected to express strong unpleasant emotions or real affection, he looks uncomfortable and quite off-mark. He seems better suited for the job of a fashion model, than a real actor. The uneasiness of those scenes destroy the little magic this movie could have delivered.

This movie is carried by Kathryn Davis as Eva. "Eva loves life, darling, and she's not afraid to live it." And it's fund to watch her live it. Why she sets her sights on Lucas baffles me, but the world definitely needs people like her. There is an exchange where Lucas accuses Eva of "doing it for money" and she responds that she has to eat and pay the rent and he doubles down on the accusation. By that point in the movie, it's clear money isn't what motivates her, and Lucas should be able to see that.

Olivier Renaud, as Lucas, is a cold fish in this movie. He never really shakes that even as Eva supposedly reforms him. There really isn't chemistry between the leads. And Lucas' response to all Eva does makes no sense. Whatever response he makes seems to be mostly internal. While Davis carries the move, Renaud holds it back.

Still, it's indicative how appealing Eva's personality is such that the movie is still enjoyable.

The story premise is a slight twist on the trope where a cabin is double booked for two strangers. In this case, it's Lucas' condo.

7.3 stars.

The story begins with a woman named Eva who helps people improve their lives. She takes on a challenge to spruce up a very rich author's Manhattan apartment for the holidays. She discovers there is more depth to this man than at first, and he's not the scrooge that he appears to be. The rest of the story is about how she helps Lucas find happiness, and he fills the hole she's had in her hopelessly romantic heart. The theme is about finding happiness with the people in our lives no matter who they seem to be or what station they currently hold. We bring our genuine self to the table and that's how true love is revealed to us.

The film has a lot of slow moments and takes its time delivering the goods. I stuck with it in the hopes that I'd be blessed by something and I wasn't disappointed, however you must be patient with 'Christmas on 5th Avenue' because the gems don't show up until the last 30 minutes.