Like another reviewer, I just watched this movie again. Maybe 2-3 times all the way through, but I have watched parts of the ending at least a dozen times, maybe a couple dozen. Whether you want to watch a movie again is a huge factor in rating enjoyment, whatever words or praises or criticisms you have for it.
Before seeing this the first time, I knew little about LeAnn Rimes. Since then I've asked Alexa to play an assortment of her songs and I can't say any of them were as catchy as the song in this movie. But what really impressed me was the scene where she rescues Abby's public performance. Quite sappy. But I can really love sappy. The movie sets this scene up a little too obviously, and maybe with a little melodrama, but when I hear that voice come out of the looming silence, it hits me every time. There's more sappiness in watching Eve's family react to her singing for the first time since Dad died. Did I mention that can be a good thing? Actually, she sings two songs in this movie. The title song isn't quite as catchy, but it contributes its own drama.
The story is quite derivative. Save the _____ (arts programs) is one of the most overused themes in Christmas movies. Using a festival, or concert, or some such, is also up there as far as well worn. Having one of the leads as the axe wielder is also common. Having that same hatchet person join in saving the program is even another. OK, it's all been done. So let's look to the characters and the performances.
Tyler Hines does his job as Liam, and the character is likeable and significant. LeAnn Rimes is easy to pick on since I guess you could say acting is not her day job. She's definitely not the best, but I'd watch her again. She seems natural enough in her role. I think it's well worth it to set up her songs. And you can't help but appreciate Eve, especially in her relationship with Abby. Eden Summer Gilmore is perfect as the adorable little girl. From the first scene to the last, I just wanted to see more of her. She was natural in the role and didn't have to overact to be adorable. Rimes and Gilmore have great chemistry, and Rimes also has decent chemistry with Hines.
If I could adjust something in this movie it would be to give Eve and Liam more time together. Likewise including Abby. A good bit of the screen time is spent with the logistics of saving the music program. And there was a sub-plot with Eve's stepdad learning a song for Eve's mom. For me, watching relationships develop between the leads is the fun part of this type movie.
Before seeing this the first time, I knew little about LeAnn Rimes. Since then I've asked Alexa to play an assortment of her songs and I can't say any of them were as catchy as the song in this movie. But what really impressed me was the scene where she rescues Abby's public performance. Quite sappy. But I can really love sappy. The movie sets this scene up a little too obviously, and maybe with a little melodrama, but when I hear that voice come out of the looming silence, it hits me every time. There's more sappiness in watching Eve's family react to her singing for the first time since Dad died. Did I mention that can be a good thing? Actually, she sings two songs in this movie. The title song isn't quite as catchy, but it contributes its own drama.
The story is quite derivative. Save the _____ (arts programs) is one of the most overused themes in Christmas movies. Using a festival, or concert, or some such, is also up there as far as well worn. Having one of the leads as the axe wielder is also common. Having that same hatchet person join in saving the program is even another. OK, it's all been done. So let's look to the characters and the performances.
Tyler Hines does his job as Liam, and the character is likeable and significant. LeAnn Rimes is easy to pick on since I guess you could say acting is not her day job. She's definitely not the best, but I'd watch her again. She seems natural enough in her role. I think it's well worth it to set up her songs. And you can't help but appreciate Eve, especially in her relationship with Abby. Eden Summer Gilmore is perfect as the adorable little girl. From the first scene to the last, I just wanted to see more of her. She was natural in the role and didn't have to overact to be adorable. Rimes and Gilmore have great chemistry, and Rimes also has decent chemistry with Hines.
If I could adjust something in this movie it would be to give Eve and Liam more time together. Likewise including Abby. A good bit of the screen time is spent with the logistics of saving the music program. And there was a sub-plot with Eve's stepdad learning a song for Eve's mom. For me, watching relationships develop between the leads is the fun part of this type movie.