The Christmas House(s) (2020-21)
A Hallmark Griswold Christmas
#1 (2020) Aging parents bringing back their old family tradition of a house Griswold’ed inside and out for one last hurrah? Here for it! Animatronics, lighting Clark would love, model trains running through the house, and every quirky Christmas tchotchke known to man - yes, yes, yes, and yes! It’s all there. That is basically the core premise of the first movie - getting the family home ready for its swan song as “The Christmas House,” where friends and family from around town come to visit and bask in the twinkling merriment.
The first movie really benefits from the ensemble casting and (fairly) equitable storylines. Mike is a TV actor on a truly horrific looking legal procedural, home and reconnecting with his childhood crush. Brandon is one half of the first same-sex couple prominently featured in a Hallmark movie, experiencing the heartbreak and joys of hopeful parenthood. Their parents, Bill and Phylis, have devised a plan for a final Christmas House event for reasons unknown, eventually revealed to be the looming end to their decades-long marriage. It all works out, as it always does, but with a lot of legit humour and heart along the way. I was a big fan of mom Phylis running decorating like a drill sergeant, whistle and all. I might have to start doing that… just as long as it can stay cute and fun and not all Captain von Trapp…
#2 (2021) Back at the Christmas House, Mike and Brandon are convinced to go head-to-head in a televised competition for the most Christmassy Christmas House and the (self-declared) title King of Christmas. In this sequel Hallmark found a way to advance each couple’s storylines in a way that didn’t feel overly contrived but adds to the world they’ve built. Sibling rivalry unwraps to reveal long-held frustrations and jealousy but doesn’t damper the spirit.
Special shoutout to Jonathan Bennett who truly looks like he’s having the time of his life in these movies. Honestly doesn’t even look like he’s acting (in a good way!). Is this just how he is?!? If so, he’d be a gas to have around at the holidays.
Overall these are an enjoyable pair of movies to put on, however, my one major frustration with both movies is actually quite common across most of Hallmark’s movies: EVERYTHING is just so NEW looking. From the ornaments to the boxes they come in. Just always so damn NEW. If this is a tradition going back decades with heirloom ornaments, a box that doesn’t look like it just came from a department store would go a long way. I just wonder why, if they film so many Christmas movies in Vancouver (including these), why there isn’t some prop supply store that just specializes in Christmas decor?!?
Hold on. Don’t quote me on that. I might need to make that my next business idea.
You’ll like this if…
You enjoy the fun nature of movies like the Haul Out the Holly franchise where the romance storylines are secondary to the traditions and fun part of getting ready for the holidays. These movies are made for those of us who plan our decorations months in advance and can’t wait for our homes to look like the North Pole moved south for the season.
