Fix: A Christmas-themed Overboard With Less Couple Chemistry But Also Less Dubious Kidnapping And Forced Servitude Undertones, Soooo…, Rich People Getting Amnesia And Learning Housework, Struggling Widower-Dads With Struggling Businesses, A Child’s Christmas Wish Causes An Avalanche, The Lindsay Lohanaissance Is Here
Platform: Netflix
Netflix Summary:
In the days leading up to Christmas, a young and newly engaged heiress experiences a skiing accident. After being diagnosed with amnesia, she finds herself in the care of the handsome lodge owner and his daughter.
What’s Actually Going On In Santa’s Workshop:
LiLo is back! And so is Chord Overstreet, I guess? (Anyone else mutter, “Trouty Mouth” under their breath when he appeared? If so, take a drink!) Sierra is a spoiled, rich daughter of a hotel businessman, and Jake owns a struggling B&B that no one wants to stay in. He rescues her after a photo shoot turned surprise engagement turned avalanche lands her in the hospital with amnesia, and he generously offers her a place to stay while she struggles to regain her memories.
Of course, the explosion of Christmas coziness combined with Jake’s adorable moppet and the satisfaction of learning to do her own chores means that Sierra and Jake are falling in love fast…but what happens when her real life comes a-caroling?
Naughty or Nice List:
Lindsay Lohan as Sierra & Chord Overstreet as Jake
You know what I don’t understand? There is space in the publishing world for both sweet Christmas romances and sexy Christmas romances. Why is that not the same for the made-for-TV holiday romance world?! I don’t NEED to see two people steaming up Santa’s sleigh on-screen in detail, but is it too much to ask for two leads who have some chemistry? For TPTB to make it believable that these two EVENTUALLY want to smush their privates together?
Because Lohan and Overstreet are like two sexless, inoffensive Barbie dolls just orbiting each other’s space as their arms don’t bend enough to fully embrace. No one was stretching their acting abilities for this movie, is all I’m saying.
Verdict: Nice (But Bland)
George Young as Ted & Sean Dillingham as Ralph
CONVERSELY. Sierra’s goofy, “influencer” fiancé, Ted, stumbles upon this weirdo ice-fishing in his fish cabin, and when his truck won’t start, he decides instead of staying put in said cabin, they’re going to traipse through the woods for help; Ted woefully unprepared. There is a moment when he falls down and won’t go on, and Ralph man-handles his legs and puts his own snowshoes on Ted. Why is this moment kind of hot??? Nothing actually happens between the two, but by the end Ted is leaving the hotel with another dude, which begs the question idle minds want to know: was he already bi or was Ralph his sexual awakening? I can’t help but feel like THIS is the movie I wanted to be watching.
Verdict: (Oh So) Naughty
Sleigh-Sharing Capability: Sleigh Ride For Two
Watch it with your bestie because no one else is going to care about this movie except them. You’ll want someone around to scoff with when Sierra is supposedly dressing with leftovers from the Lost & Found clothing bin, yet there’s multiple normal-looking sweaters that fit her perfectly. AS IF.
Recommended Level of Inebriation: Spiked Coffee
You’re going to need some caffeine to keep you awake because this movie won’t be doing that on its own, so take your favorite cup o’ Joe and doctor it up to make it festive with some chocolate liqueur and cinnamon.
Did It Get Me In The Christmas Spirit?: I Can Hear The Bells
Jake’s B&B looks like Christmas literally threw up on every surface, so you will never forget this is a CHRISTMAS MOVIE. (Fun fact: The fancy hotel Sierra’s family owns and the ski chalet B&B are, IRL, the same hotel and are actually connected together via a walkway.) There’s a bland Christmas Eve party, wishes on Christmas trees, and celebrating-in-town-square moments (complete with a creeper Santa I would’ve gladly left out of the film). I watched it when it came out in early November and despite my curmudgeon-ness, it did get me excited for the holidays, so we can count it as a win.
I used the term “gay awakening” to describe Ted’s ice hut side plot to a friend. Could have definitely done with more of that story.
I also kind of laughed at the “Save the Inn” party when people start donating money, and they all gave testimonies about how Chord basically operated his business for free all these years. I know it was supposed to be sweet, but… 🙄.
I am in a deep holiday romance binge (I have all the sick kids, and this is my only joy). Imo, Hallmark and Lifetime have really stepped up their game (Good riddance, to CCB. Keep bringing the unofficial OTH reunions). It feels like Netflix is still struggling to find their stride. I like that they go campy, but if the acting isn’t wooden the writing often is.
LOL I had the same thought, like, well maybe your business wouldn’t be in such dire shape if you didn’t give away your goods & services to every towns-member you know… My husband was also idly watching with me and when they set up the party he’s like, NO ONE IS GOING TO SHOW. They all have better things to do!
I hope you feel better soon!
Ugh, I get a bit annoyed with any website that lists holiday romances round-ups and includes that backwards-ass channel in their lists. Don’t give them the press. Good riddance, indeed. CCB’s movies were always the worst anyway.
I haven’t actually watched too many holiday romances this year yet (where is the time going?!), but I’ve got a few I need to make a point to catch. Netflix is definitely still picking up Hallmark reject scripts and they need to step up their game, totes agree. This just proves that acting in rom-coms and pretending you’re interested in someone while actually having chemistry with them is a serious acting skill that not everyone possesses.
The raccoon, though. 😂