nephalinesyenite

I'm a big RPDR fan, and have watched every season, starting back in 2009. Was hoping this Christmas special would be just as entertaining, but I was sorely disappointed. As other reviewers have mentioned, this special is just blatant advertising for Rupaul's Christmas album; heavily scripted, saccharin, unfulfilling cheese. Particularly awful was Ru & Michelle's lip sync performances near the end of the special. It was obvious that Michelle was not into it, and the ridiculous dance stunt doubles were used for Ru and Michelle, filmed from behind for splits, deathdrops, and cartwheels made a sad number. It would of been preferable to just have Ru and Michelle dance enthusiastically and authentically to a song they both loved, perhaps "We are Family"?

In between scenes for the episode,Ross Mathews played a miniature "Santa's gayest elf of all" , while I thought he did a decent job as a giggling elf, these little bits were irritating and unneeded. While I would not recommend this special there were a few positives: 1) Mayhem Miller's runway look was sickening, Kim Chi and Trixie were my other favs. 2)Sonique is the first fully transitioned queen featured on RPDR, even though this holiday special is not a true competition, it's still a positive step forward.

This is an example of a great reality show, what all should aspire to be; a competition about creativity, ability and skill. It is entrancing to see what the contestants can create in such a short amount of time, so much of their work is beautiful or grotesque (as required). When people see a movie, they just don't realize the talent and work required to bring these special effects to screen. Digital special effects have become the norm, but watching Face Off will make anyone appreciate the hands on teams and sometimes unsung heroes who do the Special Effects Makeups.

There is very little drama here between contestants, and when there is, it's real. Even though they are competing for a huge prize, and bragging rights, the contestants usually support each other. They give each other critiques in the work room, and when one has a problem, other contestants will often stop their own work to help them! It's obvious that the contestants are often forming real friendships that will last beyond the show.

May not always agree with the judges decisions of who should win or be eliminated, but their decisions are rarely shocking, and judging appears to be fair.

I'll agree with other reviewers that Mackenzie is a bit stiff as a host, it's not easy to find a host who has the right combination of warmth, poise, and likability (Cat Deeley, Padma Lakshmi). Mackenzie at least has an understanding of the industry because of her father Michael Westmore.

An awful-cobbled together special, that is really just a promo for SyFy's new body painting show Naked Vegas.

-There is an overview of the two body painting challenges from Season 1 and 2 of Face Off. Really? This needed repeating?

-4 body painters (including Face Off Season 2 contestant NIX) paint 2 models "live" on the Face Off set. While their skills are evident, I found it pretty lacklustre.

• The only interesting/exciting part of the special was the brief photos and footage of body painting work at runway shows, magazine covers, Conventions, etc. and a mention of who are the top body painters in the field, as well as a bit of history. All of this together only takes up about 1/4 of the time!

For viewers, if you want to get enjoyment out of this special, turn it into a drinking game. Every time Mackenzie or anyone else says "Naked Vegas", take a drink! Seriously, it's ridiculous how many times the name of the series is mentioned.