Christmas has always been my favourite time of year and will always be very special to me. Main reasons being that it means lots of family time and reliving the nostalgia and fond memories of singing and listening to carols, watching Christmas films and animations, playing festive games and opening presents. Will never tire of it and nothing will ever change that for the world.
Seing it as someone who wanted to see a different festive film other than the ones watched every year, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is never going to be among my favourites or one of the all-time great festive films. It is not great and it has its flaws. 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is though a more than watchable film and avoids some, though not all, of the traps that other Christmas films have fallen into. It is a case of having appeal for some and others finding it a bit of a chore to sit through. For me despite its flaws, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is generally one of the better new Christmas films seen recently, if not one of the classics (naming them will be unfair).
As to be expected the story is predictable, with a lot of easily telegraphed scenes and an outcome that is obvious from the outset. Some draggy pacing here and there too, especially a somewhat slow-going start.
Quite a fair bit of the dialogue does make one cringe and like some festive films it is not without its cheesy moments, some of it getting a bit much. Bruce Thomas does try his best, but he does overdo the duplicity and smugness and the character comes over as a caricature (always a trap with this type of character).
However, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is a decent looking film, the locations are particularly striking. The music provides some affectionate nostalgia and is pleasant to listen to, while the direction avoids being too routine. Didn't find myself irritated by the characters at least generally, found the leads quite endearing, and wasn't bored. The Christmas atmosphere is handled charmingly and affectionately and the romance is genuinely sweet and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz.
Despite the predictability, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' has its heart in the right place, a difficult to dislike atmosphere and has a nice message that is easily relatable and wasn't laid on too thick. There is definitely a festive spirit and there is plenty of warmth and charm here, with enough parts to warm and melt the heart. Never does it feel too juvenile or mean-spirited and the sentimentality generally doesn't become too much. The acting actually comes over very well, with Patrick Muldoon and especially Kelli Williams being immensely likeable and sharing a charmingly believable romantic chemistry. Generally the supporting cast show enthusiasm without over-doing it, Thomas being the exception. Charles Durning's jovial and warm-hearted Santa being the standout.
Overall, likeable and above average if nothing to be blown away by. 6/10 Bethany Cox
Seing it as someone who wanted to see a different festive film other than the ones watched every year, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is never going to be among my favourites or one of the all-time great festive films. It is not great and it has its flaws. 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is though a more than watchable film and avoids some, though not all, of the traps that other Christmas films have fallen into. It is a case of having appeal for some and others finding it a bit of a chore to sit through. For me despite its flaws, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is generally one of the better new Christmas films seen recently, if not one of the classics (naming them will be unfair).
As to be expected the story is predictable, with a lot of easily telegraphed scenes and an outcome that is obvious from the outset. Some draggy pacing here and there too, especially a somewhat slow-going start.
Quite a fair bit of the dialogue does make one cringe and like some festive films it is not without its cheesy moments, some of it getting a bit much. Bruce Thomas does try his best, but he does overdo the duplicity and smugness and the character comes over as a caricature (always a trap with this type of character).
However, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' is a decent looking film, the locations are particularly striking. The music provides some affectionate nostalgia and is pleasant to listen to, while the direction avoids being too routine. Didn't find myself irritated by the characters at least generally, found the leads quite endearing, and wasn't bored. The Christmas atmosphere is handled charmingly and affectionately and the romance is genuinely sweet and doesn't go overboard on the schmaltz.
Despite the predictability, 'A Boyfriend for Christmas' has its heart in the right place, a difficult to dislike atmosphere and has a nice message that is easily relatable and wasn't laid on too thick. There is definitely a festive spirit and there is plenty of warmth and charm here, with enough parts to warm and melt the heart. Never does it feel too juvenile or mean-spirited and the sentimentality generally doesn't become too much. The acting actually comes over very well, with Patrick Muldoon and especially Kelli Williams being immensely likeable and sharing a charmingly believable romantic chemistry. Generally the supporting cast show enthusiasm without over-doing it, Thomas being the exception. Charles Durning's jovial and warm-hearted Santa being the standout.
Overall, likeable and above average if nothing to be blown away by. 6/10 Bethany Cox