The Christmas House wins THE MOST festive movie of the weekend, if not of all the premieres so far. With a star-filled cast including Sharon Lawrence, Treat Williams, Jonathan Bennett, and Robert Buckley, the film follows the Mitchell Family as they reunite for Christmas. Brothers Mike and Brandon are summoned home by their parents, Phylis and Bill, who are putting the house on the market, but before they sell, they want everyone to participate in one last hurrah, decorating their Christmas House for all it's worth! With just a few problems standing in their way, such as Mike's old high school girlfriend returning to the picture or Brandon and his husband, Jake (Brad Harder) anxiously awaiting the news of adopting their first child, the Mitchell family must come together and make this the best Christmas ever! Easy, right?
I would say the most surprising thing in this movie was the relationship between Phylis and Bill. It’s not until we’re already chugging through the movie that we discover things are not going so well in their marriage, to the point that both are considering getting separate places when they finally sell the house. While this may not sound like a home-y Christmas movie, I actually enjoyed seeing a newly retired couple struggling with what happens after both children leave the house, as they both are forced to face not only a change of scenery but a new way of living together. Watching the spirit of Christmas help them get back on track and become the couple they once were was super sweet (and realistic), which I really liked.
Full disclosure, Phylis is probably an exact replica of who I am (minus the loud and annoying whistle). From her enthusiasm for decorating the whole house to her excitement for the holiday itself and her family, she is me. I am her. I am loud and proud about my love for Christmas and I don't care who knows it. Speaking of pride, I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up the fact that Hallmark did a fantastic job showcasing a gas couple. Not only did they not make it a big deal, but they actually ended up being my favorite couple of the film. From Jake's overenthusiasm to take part in the decorating to their neverending support of one another, I absolutely loved them and their storyline. I even “awww’d” when they found out they were getting a baby, even though everyone knew it was going to happen.
There wasn’t much of anything not to like about this movie. Sure, some of Mike’s storyline was a bit dull, but even I couldn’t help but laugh at his “Handsome Justice,” show and the commercials he did throughout the film. Buckley played the role to a “T.” In fact, both he and Bennett played brothers so authentically that it reminded me of my relationship with my own siblings. From bragging about who the favorite son is to making everything a competition, it was almost scary how much of their relationship reflected our own.
The Christmas House is definitely one you don’t want to miss. It’s full of Christmas fun and family moments that will make you eager to start your own “Christmas House.” Bringing everyone together for a bit of holiday fun, this movie is one that I think everyone will enjoy and keep on the watchlist for years to come! I mean, with Christmas decorating, Christmas baking, and all-around Christmas fun, why wouldn’t you want to watch this over and over again?
Let me know what you thought about The Christmas House in the comments below!
***I do not own this photo.
Комментарии