2020 was very variable though not too bad when it came to Lifetime's Christmas films, and there was definitely the sense that the films were made in a rush with not a lot of preparation time. Yet enough of them were far from amateur-hour efforts and were still watchable all things considered. Lifetime just have done a lot better in some previous years, although their festive output is very hit and miss it should not be dismissed outright as enough have left me pleasantly surprised.
'Candy Cane Christmas' was though more or less what was expected, which was a watchable enough film with good things and some better than average acting. But also one that is nothing extraordinary and does nothing new with pretty familiar plot tropes, actually pretty unremarkable. Lifetime did a lot better than 'Candy Cane Christmas', but also worse than what is a somewhat middling effort for them. Not bad, but not particularly good at the same time.
Am going to start with the good. Mark Ghanime is a subtle and amiable leading man and is an easy going and easy to like character that progresses. The supporting cast are also better than average and even quite solid, even if other Lifetime films fare better when it comes to picking a standout.
The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime.
For all the good things, there is a good deal of bad at the same time. Beverly Mitchell didn't work for me here, she is pretty bland and also comes over as too smug. Her character is very difficult to endear to from the get go and she doesn't really grow, what little there is feels rushed. There is next to chemistry between her and Ghanime let alone spark and a large part of the problem is that the relationship is very under-explored and underused, getting lost amongst everything else going on.
Which is not really all that much and very little of it engages enough. Furthermore, the script is stilted and too talky, some of the talk between the two leads goes on and on. The story didn't really grab me and suffers from a dull pace, padding and from feeling over-stretched. What there is is predictable and lacks charm and any form of substance. The characters are underdeveloped and don't feel enough like real people.
In summary, worth a one time watch but not much more than that. 5/10.
