The Spirit of Christmas
Spooky sparks
Christmas clichés:
PR, Event Planner, Decorator
Christmas Festival
Ice Skating Scene
Charity Work
Cute, Precocious Child
Rekindled Romance
Carolers
Parents on Vacation
Ends w/ Kiss or Ring
Our Thoughts
We’re a few years behind in viewing 2017’s “Four Christmases and a Wedding.” But after catching a glimpse in our Christmas-movie channel-surfing, we saw hints of Very Merry potential: a household favorite leading lady, a yearly Christmas Festival, and Judge Reinhold making gingerbread houses.
So, we sought out the streaming option. And we’re glad we did.
Event Planner Chloe (Arielle Kebbel, animated and utterly compelling) is the brains behind the new Fairmont Christmas Fair. She couldn’t pull it off without her coworker Ted…yet he wants a date whereas she’s waiting to feel fireworks. Cue Evan (Corey Sevier, a little too good looking), who picks up Chloe from an Ice Skating Scene fall and then “picks her up” with his swing dance moves and love of Christmas drinks. The catch? He’s leaving for Oslo the next day to take the promotion he’s been waiting for. A steamy kiss, and then he’s off.
Cut to the Second Annual Fairmont Christmas Fair! Chloe’s planning it once again with loyal Ted, and who shows up but the ex-pat Evan…with his model-height new girlfriend. Even with the meddling of Evan’s Cute, Precocious niece, the timing of our leads is off once again. (Can you guess how the plot progresses?)
What works best in this flick, besides our leads’ obvious chemistry and acting talent, is the pacing. Each scene is tight, moving quickly from scene-to-scene and year-to-year. Plus, the side characters are almost developed. The loyal best friend, supportive mother, and earnest Ted provide unique color to the overarching love story. Did we mention the joyful three lines they give to Judge Reinhold?
But, alas, it’s not perfect. You’ll find yourself yelling at the screen when Evan appears weak-willed. “Tell her how you feel!” The same goes when Chloe wants him back in her life even after all that time. “He’s not worth it! Go Ted!!” (Examples. These quotes are examples…we swear.)
And the worst of all: we have to acknowledge that the Cute, Precocious Child doesn’t age!! You’re telling us that 4 years go by, and she still looks 8?! For the care they give to the depth of characters, you’d think they could hire an older blond actress to close it out.
We had high hopes. “Four Christmases and a Wedding” didn’t quite meet them, but it’s a solid addition to your yearly watchlist. Plus, with the number of clichés included, it’d be a great Christmas Bingo option.
Rob's Final Take: Not Very Merry
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Jess's Final Take: Merry
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