Christmas with the Singhs

When I sat down to watch the 2024 movie "Christmas with the Singhs", I was under the impression that I was in for a Christmas movie. But it turns but that director Panta Mosleh delivered a comedy that was set against a Christmas backdrop. And while the movie certainly was watchable and enjoyable, it just wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But don't get me wrong, because the movie is not a bad movie.

Writers Patricia Isaac and Emily Ting put together a good and enjoyable script. Just don't expect to be in for a sappy Christmas movie, as I did, and you're good to go. "Christmas with the Singhs" is a feel-good kind of comedy that takes Western and Hindu culture and traditions and throw into a kettle and stir around for some funny moments and good laughs.

I was not familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. And that is actually something I generally enjoy when I sit down and watch a movie. I will say that the acting performances in the movie were good.

This movie provided me with genuine entertainment, and it is a movie well-worth watching if you enjoy comedies with more than just jokes below the belt.

My rating of director Panta Mosleh's 2024 movie "Christmas with the Singhs" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Wow! I totally enjoyed this whole movie n can relate to the cultural differences.

Both the main cast Asha n Jake did an amazing job! They had great chemistry n were so natural.

Yes this is often how it is in the beginning when 2 families with 2 different backgrounds come together.

Many real families go through this, yet they find understanding n compromise eventually.

Ben Hollingsworth was perfect for the role.

He was very patient with the father in law n loved how he tried to fit in.

His Indian dance moves put us in awe.

The father in law Manoj Sood from Little Mosque on the Prarie played the role perfectly.

Loved the little things in the .movie about removing the shoes in the house to the couple sleeping apart at parent's home out of respect.

Jake's parents were respectful n were right in saying they had a say in their son's engagement.

It's 2 families coming together n yes it is difficult but in the end it's a beautiful thing blending cultures n customs.

Loved the ending n the speeches from the 2 dad's.

We enjoy Hallmark movies taped in other countries (Ireland, Portugal etc ) but this movie was a big hit with us.

We got the little jokes in between lol like "indian time".

They weren't trying to portray rudeness but in reality it is difficult to please everyone to accept each other's traditions.

Everything is different from food, clothing to customs n traditions.

In reality these differences is what makes a fun n unique togetherness for everyone.

The 'Singhs' truly hit all the marks of a Hallmark movie at Christmas-time. It weaves the complexity of joining two distinct cultures with the signature kindness that makes a Hallmark movie pleasurable to watch.

Each character had valid concerns, while still managing to remain endearing for me. Even Mr. Singh, with his gruff insistence, was likeable and pretty hysterical. I loved both Moms, and the dynamics of each family. It was heartwarming to see the added element of Jake's parents reuniting. Regarding casting, the cast was absolutely brilliant; I can't imagine a better selection of people. I also loved the little details, like the montage depicting the passage of a year of time, to help the viewer accept the fact that they were ready for engagement. These are really great touches that make Hallmark the top player among similar networks.

Reading these reviews, I knew that there would be criticism of the movie's attempts to depict Indian culture. I disagree, as it's honestly refreshing to see this effort happening. It's not perfect, it is progress. They did get much of it right, in my experience. A favorite scene was the simplicity of Asha's family playing Indian music together in their living room.

More than all things, the movie was not just empty feel good moments; it taught most of us something about picking battles, reaching compromise, and learning to accept things that we can't control, for the sake of having lifelong love and valued relationships.

This is a movie that delves into territory that isn't always super-common on Hallmark, and it also was such a comforting movie to watch. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a side of realistic drama/conflict with their helping of effervescent Hallmark Happiness.

This film uses the joining of two families over Christmas to rerun the Meet the Parents theme, while showcasing Indian celebrations of the holiday.

Ultimately dry and lifeless, this effort is not worth your time. I felt uncomfortable for our leads for having such annoying families who spoke in long, robotic and way-too-complete complete sentences.

One bright side, our leads. They could have carried the movie alone, had they not been busy playing caricatures of "regular white guy" and "modern Indian woman."

Change the channel on the Singhs.

Measuring Christmas magic: no magic, but good representation of Indian culture.

Cast Kudos: I'd like to see Anuja Joshi given another lead role, but with less responsibility than representing the entirety of her culture.

Alternative titles: Christmas engagement clash; Blending Culture Christmas.

This movie is a total cliche, It is a rehash of all the movies where an engaged couple spends Christmas for the first time with their families bringing both of them together. Samuel Singh is the prototype of the difficult father-in-law. His wife tries to dull the rough edges but plays it a little too close to the cultural stereotype of an Indian wife. Jake's dad is a little difficult, but compared to Samuel he is a pussycat. His mom, although a competitive Christmas decorator is the most diplomatic of the group. Given all this, the story is mostly predictable right down to the last scene.

An interesting exception culturally is that the Singh family are generational Christians even before leaving India. So the climax is especially disappointing in a face off which leave's Samuel looking anything like the best of Christianity. Fortunately, forgiveness is one of the more important aspects of Christians since they all know how much they have been forgiven.

The acting isn't bad and really neither is the story other than being so derivative. I failed to find all of the conflict funny, so I will not want to watch this again.