2022 FAVORITE CHRISTMAS ROM-COMs (Pete-Claus)
The best of the 2022 Christmas rom-coms that I have seen thus far, as of Dec 24th, 2022. Shown in order according to my own rating, then in alphabetical order within equal ratings. More may be added as I view more movies.
I consider some of these to be "Hidden Gems" -- movies with an IMDB rating below 7 that, in my opinion, are on par with movies rated well above 7. These all have "<HIDDEN GEM>" shown beneath the movie ratings line. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
All of these made-for-TV ROM-COMS. Also included on this list is a 2021 movie that I watched for the first time in 2022.
(ROM-COM definition: see Romantic comedy - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_comedy)
ABOUT MY RATINGS SCALE
In order to better distinguish them from each other, I rate TV ROM-COM entries relative to *other* made-for-TV ROM-COMs, and on a more generous scale, so these ratings tend to run a point or two higher than for a theater-released Christmas movie of comparable quality and likability.
I have written an IMDB User Review for each of the movies listed below to explain why they are so good.
I consider some of these to be "Hidden Gems" -- movies with an IMDB rating below 7 that, in my opinion, are on par with movies rated well above 7. These all have "<HIDDEN GEM>" shown beneath the movie ratings line. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I have.
All of these made-for-TV ROM-COMS. Also included on this list is a 2021 movie that I watched for the first time in 2022.
(ROM-COM definition: see Romantic comedy - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romantic_comedy)
ABOUT MY RATINGS SCALE
In order to better distinguish them from each other, I rate TV ROM-COM entries relative to *other* made-for-TV ROM-COMs, and on a more generous scale, so these ratings tend to run a point or two higher than for a theater-released Christmas movie of comparable quality and likability.
I have written an IMDB User Review for each of the movies listed below to explain why they are so good.
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- DirectorDustin RikertStarsKelsey GrammerSpencer GrammerMitch PoulosWhen successful businessman Brian Conway gets into a car accident on Christmas Eve, Santa gives him 12 chances to re-do the day and repair the relationships in his life to find the true meaning of Christmas.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
Santa's Bargain -- Even Better the Second Time Around
Despite being somewhat off-putting early on, because of some characters being over-drawn, this movie is well worth watching. But be sure to stick with it until the very end. After watching it for a second time I needed to come back and increase my rating from 8 to 10.
After the opening sequences that establish the characters and the situations they face, and after the essential nature of the movie has been revealed, the plot really finds its footing and gets rolling. It begins pulling together different plot elements from earlier in the movie into a well-orchestrated, meaningful, engaging, and highly satisfying closing sequence of scenes. The acting was simultaneously both quirky *and* good.
There is a lot of subtle humor, and you'll want to pay close attention to pick up some of it. I missed a number of little throwaways the first time through. On the second time through I laughed when I realized how well they set up, in advance, some little bit of humor that I had not quite "gotten" on my first viewing. Without giving away anything about the actual plot, when you watch the movie, be sure to take a close look at the candle at the end of the opening scene, and also take note of the news story about the escaped reindeer not long thereafter.
There were also some good, solid comedic lines and events that were anything but subtle! My second viewing was even more entertaining than my first viewing had been, which is a rare thing for a movie to be able to pull off. Someone who had not previously seen the movie was watching it with me -- they had quite a number of break-out-laughing moments.
But this movie is more than just its humor. It also contains a number of deeper insights, and it presents some life lessons that we could all take to heart.
Overall, this is a well-crafted movie. As of Dec 14th, 2022, "The 12 Days of Christmas Eve" is my favorite 2022 Christmas movie to date. - DirectorDavid I. StrasserStarsKara WangOsric ChauSara CanningWhen a beloved Midwestern Chinese restaurant announces its closure right before Christmas, their clientele re-examines their relationships in a series of interconnected stories amid the chaos of its busiest week of the year.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
Multiple Interlinked Storylines, to Good Effect
I'm writing this to try and counteract the negative impressions left by some reviews on this page that either thought there were too many storylines or too much negativity in the movie. Neither was the case, for me at least. But the negative impressions from those reviews very nearly dissuaded me from watching what turned out to be one of my top five favorite Christmas romcoms of 2022. That's why I'd like to offer my contrasting point of view to all of those.
Yes, there are a number of different plot lines, and it does take a bit of time to get used to recognizing each one, and following along, as the movie switches from one to another. But soon you get that hang of that and look forward to each one with anticipation. The variety this provides keeps things interesting, and moving along.
Yes, as with most romcoms, every major character has a challenge or two they will face during the movie. If you have an ensemble cast with a number of different lead characters, that's a lot of challenges to introduce in a short time in the movie, so I can see how some reviewers viewed that as introducing negativity. But these characters take on their challenges in positive ways, so this movie was more rewarding -- and much less negative -- than many other Christmas romcoms.
Yes, this is a different style of Christmas romcom, which is refreshing. This gets away from the been-there-done-that sameness that so many romcoms reflect.
The reward for having followed all of the different plot lines is a superbly crafted ending, where we can see and appreciate the way these different storylines helped each other out. The ending provides a very satisfying resolution for the entire ensemble of stories. - DirectorPeter DeLuiseStarsYael GrobglasJeremy JordanLinda DarlowCan a Hanukkah miracle keep fresh couple Molly and Jacob together after they realize that they are actually competing delicatessen owners?
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
A well-oiled movie
Who would have guessed that one of the best Hallmark all-around holiday movies of 2022 would be centered around Hanukkah, rather than Christmas. It is supported by tight scripting and a very capable cast, from the leads all the way down to the primary supporting cast and even down to the bit part players. From early on in the movie you can see that the roles are performed with pizzazz and a strong screen presence. Unlike many rom-coms, the plot doesn't dawdle once it gets rolling. You'll need to get through about 15 minutes of initial character and situational introductions, but by then the plot is already in second gear, and it starts accelerating from there. - DirectorMartin WoodStarsLiza LapiraNeal BledsoeNathan WitteA renowned romance novelist famous becomes involved in a love triangle between her childhood crush and a reporter.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
A Must Watch Christmas
This superbly done movie has what every Christmas rom-com should strive to attain: snappy dialogue with some humor, good acting, and a well-motivated storyline. All the usual expected rom-com tropes are included without trivializing them, in other words, they are nicely incorporated into the plot. What I noticed right away about this movie, which I have also seen in some other rom-coms that were a cut above the rest, is a sense of "presence" in the opening scenes that lets the viewer know right away that this is a movie to pay attention to. And, as in those other rom-coms that were a cut above, the plot moves forward at a good pace without slow spots. Lastly, the plot elements all come together without appearing to have been "contrived" to do so.
- DirectorMark JeanStarsSarah RamosCarlo MarksMarilu HennerIt tells the story of Sarah, a children's book author who returns to her hometown where she reconnects with her family and her teenage crush. She soon discovers that a family legend might actually be true.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
Unexpectedly Good
I wasn't expecting too much from this movie at first, but the story of a family legend was carefully introduced in stages, in a way that was not shlocky and not predicable, and which also incorporated some nice story twists. This set up an engaging movie with two very likable lead characters who were animated by some good acting. Both characters seemed plausible, real, and natural.
The movie was a pleasure to watch all the way through, and was not shallow fluff. I felt real joy for the characters at the ending.
This would be a good movie for kids and adults to watch together. It works well at both levels. - DirectorRich NeweyStarsKim MatulaIan HardingBeth LeavelIt follows Katherine, a Ghost of Christmas Present, as she helps one soul to rediscover his Christmas spirit, but this year has something unusual in store
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
A clever new take on an old theme
This movie had a fun, interesting, complicated, and subtle new twist on a classic, very old theme. It pulls it off quite well, thanks to three intriguing ghosts, some clever plotting as to how they interact with each other and with the main character, and good acting.
This is not simply a modern, updated version of Dickens' classic A Christmas Carol: Both humorous and serious, it expands the concept and then enters into new territory, but without losing the essence of what the original was all about. It also has a number of plot surprises that I greatly enjoyed, and a satisfying ending that I didn't see coming until nearly the last minute.
Highly recommended. - DirectorDavid WeaverStarsKimberley SustadJohn BrothertonLaura SoltisWhen Kerry steps in as costume designer for a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town, she rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's famous leading man.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
Nicely Developed & Fun to Watch
Do not be put off by the egotistical behavior displayed by the lead actor at the start of the movie -- that could be enough to turn off some people and make them not want to watch this delightful movie. In part this movie is a spoof of actors with big egos, and it pulls off that caricature very well! But it also reveals that beneath such facades can be very different people, with real feelings and emotions resulting from their character's backstory, and the movie pulls off that aspect very well, too.
All in all, an engaging story.
This movie has all of the elements necessary to make it one of the best of 2022: good acting, humor, plausible plot twists that I did not see coming, a romance that develops naturally, and a satisfying ending that pulls everything together and leaves you feeling good. - DirectorJason BourqueStarsAimee TeegardenAndrew W. WalkerJames TupperWhen Vanessa receives the results from her Family Tree DNA test, she discovers a family she didn't know existed and travels to their home for Christmas.
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
Poised and Heartfelt
An awkward situation is handled tastefully, with sensitivity, and good acting. A touching, heartwarming story is the result. I found the the entire cast to be credible and believable, and I felt I could relate to the viewpoints of each character in the movie.
When plot changes of direction occurred, as is typical of rom-coms, I liked the way the main characters responded to them in a positive manner. - DirectorJonathan WrightStarsRachel SkarstenDan JeannotteGreta ScacchiClaire is an MI5 agent who becomes the royal nanny, having to overcome challenges on her mission as she keeps the family safe for Christmas and resists Prince Colin's charms.<HIDDEN GEM>
TV-ROM-COM - Pete-Claus review:
Who Knew what a Royal Nanny could do?
This is not your typical Christmas rom-com! Yes, the movie has plenty of Christmas and romance, and also some very interesting side characters, but mainly it is a delightful spoof of secret agent movies. The plot moves right along with hardly a slow point. It has good dialogue, good acting, and enough uncertainty to keep you on your toes guessing about where it might be heading.
The character I liked best was the head of the Royal Nanny training academy. Imagine a combination of John Steed and Emma Peale from the classic 1960s TV spy series, The Avengers, all blended together with a good dollop of Mary Poppins to boot.
Great fun to watch!