Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary (though am refraining as much as possible from reiterating too much). Have liked Vivica A Fox in other things, though more in supporting roles than lead, so that was another reason for watching 'A Christmas Cruise'. This was watched with a real attempt to like it.
Unfortunately, 'A Christmas Cruise' turned out to be very bad, if anybody is wondering as to whether it is as bad as has been said my answer respectfully is that yes it really is. There are worse films around, but when it comes to Christmas films, 'A Christmas Cruise' is towards the bottom and wastes both the premise, which was formulaic but potentially cute, and Fox, who actually has talent but you wouldn't think so watching her performance here. This is all being said with a heavy heart.
There are two redeeming merits. One is the cruise ship, which is like its own character and great to look at. The other is the catchy festive music.
On the other hand, one cannot enjoy the ship in its full glory because the film is so badly shot, very disorganised and out of focus straight to video/DVD quality. The acting all round is awful, particularly from charisma void Kristoffer St John but Fox comes over as very forced and on edge throughout. Didn't care for any of the characters, the overwritten character flaws make them impossible to endear to and they are never developed really, too much of one level. The chemistry between Fox and St John is non existent, and what there is is too forced and acrimonious to convince as romance.
Furthermore, the script is full to the brim with contrived mean spirited banter, pongy cheese, sugary schmaltz and a very stilted flow. What little there is of the story goes at a snail's pace, is predictable and has too many things resolving too conveniently in a contrived way. As for the direction, what direction?
In summary, very bad with almost everything failing terribly. 2/10.
Unfortunately, 'A Christmas Cruise' turned out to be very bad, if anybody is wondering as to whether it is as bad as has been said my answer respectfully is that yes it really is. There are worse films around, but when it comes to Christmas films, 'A Christmas Cruise' is towards the bottom and wastes both the premise, which was formulaic but potentially cute, and Fox, who actually has talent but you wouldn't think so watching her performance here. This is all being said with a heavy heart.
There are two redeeming merits. One is the cruise ship, which is like its own character and great to look at. The other is the catchy festive music.
On the other hand, one cannot enjoy the ship in its full glory because the film is so badly shot, very disorganised and out of focus straight to video/DVD quality. The acting all round is awful, particularly from charisma void Kristoffer St John but Fox comes over as very forced and on edge throughout. Didn't care for any of the characters, the overwritten character flaws make them impossible to endear to and they are never developed really, too much of one level. The chemistry between Fox and St John is non existent, and what there is is too forced and acrimonious to convince as romance.
Furthermore, the script is full to the brim with contrived mean spirited banter, pongy cheese, sugary schmaltz and a very stilted flow. What little there is of the story goes at a snail's pace, is predictable and has too many things resolving too conveniently in a contrived way. As for the direction, what direction?
In summary, very bad with almost everything failing terribly. 2/10.