Fit for Christmas

It was great! But I'm bias because I'm a huge Amanda Kloots fan. I've been following her forever and she's been a weekly companion in my workout regiments. After watching her on The Talk I was so excited to find out she was doing a Christmas movie. They're not always my go-to holiday flicks but once in a while, on a lazy afternoon, I indulge myself. And I'm glad I did. She was spectacular; especially considering it was her first time. I had seen her co-star Paul Greene on Hallmarks before and I think they really look like they had fun working together.

I have to say though; the actor who played her gorgeous New York fiancée really elevated the film for me. I know that he was never going to end up with her, sadly, but still I found myself rooting for him so much. I think Stephan Miers did an extraordinary job in making me believe every scene he had with Amanda. He didn't have many with Griffin but the ones they did share were really funny! It was such an entertaining rivalry at times. I hope I see Stephan in more of these movies because he brings a fresh authenticity that's often missing.

Also, it was shot really well and the entire town looked beautiful. I wish I could spend Christmas over there to be honest.

Make sure to check out Fit for Christmas this holiday season, it brought me much needed joy and entertainment.

One of the better hallmark romantic comedy's Amanda Koots was an excellent choice for the lead. Great chemistry between two leads also no distractions with other characters. Almost felt like the original hallmark movies were done. Just an good old fashion Christmas movie. Not overdone no hitting you over the head. Enjoyable movie.

Supporting characters were just that good supporting cast. But the best part is Amanda Koots. I was pleasantly surprised by her actong OK and how much she jelled with the lead. In addition no hidden messages by hallmark or characters this was. Refreshing movie and much better typical rom coms.

While I've enjoyed countless Christmas movies featuring Paul Greene, I'm afraid this one has got to be one of the watch-and-forget Christmas movies of 2022. I find Griffin (Paul's character) to be very off-putting and sometimes downright condescending toward Audrey (Amanda Kloots), and despite all the charm from Paul and bubbly energy coming from Amanda, watching the two of them getting together just felt off to me. The story sends an usual message to impressionable people out there: that it is totally OK for men to bully and mansplain things to women as long as they are charming and women would still fall for them. The fact that the best friend kept hinting just how good looking Griffin was (we get it) the whole time only made the romantic direction of the movie felt even more forced and unnatural. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of Hallmark Christmas movies and all the actors and actresses that have tirelessly put out hundreds of feel-good movies for us year after year, but this one really should've been shelved or at least rewritten before it was green-lit in the first place.

I suggested to my wife we watch this together and share a little holiday romantic time. How bad could it be? Thirty minutes into it she asks "Isn't there a football game on?" Channel changed. We knew it was going to be cheesy and that is what you expect in a Hallmark style holiday movie. But, this was stale even for the tried and true 'finding love at Christmas' formula. Perhaps, the writers should try something a little different? This plot has been tried in so many variations that it is hard to create anything original or fresh. On the bright side, the venue looked great. I find it hard to believe that it wasn't a tourist destination already.

Apparently, I am in the minority but I did not love this movie. While like many, I am a fan of both Amanda and Paul, I found the swing in Audrey's personality from over-the-top bubbly fitness instructor to hostile Griffin hater just too much, and not realistic - particularly in the opening scenes. I also found some of the fitness segments a bit frantic. Perhaps some of this is over-acting or just the nature of a quickly made film with minimal re-takes. Hoping all the holiday moviemakers will move on soon from the same old save the (fill-in the blank) trope. There must be creativity out there. This one - like many others this season - was formulaic.