Hallmark Holiday
- w v
- Dec 4, 2024
- 1 min read
A Hallmark TV movie that could have been a good holiday watch, but sadly isn’t
Christmas Under The Lights is standard Hallmark-esque holiday fare. A marketing executive reluctantly returns home to plan a Christmas carnival at her late mother’s ranch, where a reclusive artist takes refuge after a bad break-up. It’s a fitting start for a romance to brew and the characters are reasonably well-developed. But had the writers, Russell Hainline (also credited for Netflix’s Hot Frosty) and Beverley Wood, cooked the screenplay a little, it would have been more than just a series of predictable scenes with verbose, on-the-nose dialogue.
The film could have been cast better, and the direction should have been way better, despite the low budget production. Actor Heather Hemmens is unable to hold our attention as Emily, and her pairing with Marco Grazzini (as Luke) looks off. Grazzini tries to breathe life into the scenes but their frosty chemistry could put an icicle to shame.
Emily’s inner conflict is suitably explored, and Sharon Taylor, who appears in flashback, plays her mother very convincingly. The protagonist’s conflict is relatable, but it relegates the love story to the back seat. A little balance and some clever writing would have breathed life into the storytelling. The conversational chemistry between Emily and Luke should have driven the screenplay, but all we have are sparks that fizzle out before you say, “Christmas.”
Given its strictly tolerable performances and okay-ish script, Christmas Under The Lights is instantly forgettable, even if you choose to watch it.
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