Destino: Natal

Of the 112 Christmas movies we've watched so far this year (most of which have been new for 2022), this has been the best. The whole cast has natural chemistry. The story-line is good. There are some informative bits as well. The music track is good. The two leads have that 'it' factor. We're looking forward to seeing more of them on screen in the future. The only disappointment in the plot has to do with how the century old, mystical (?) artefact in the Inn was tied into the story at the end-it could have been a lot more prominent. Regardless, that point does not take away from the overall story.

Emma (Natasha Wilson) works for a Chicago toy manufacturer. Since the Christmas season drives their marketing throughout the year, she is ready for a change of pace when the holiday season rolls around. She decides to get away for the holidays, but a mistake in travel plans only thrusts her deeper into Christmas festivities when she is temporarily forced to board in a Christmas-themed inn.

This Lifetime holiday romance provides few surprises. Emma meets Connor (Edward Ruttle), who endeavors to renew her holiday spirit. But he has a secret that might affect her growing feelings for him. Ruttle plays his part well, providing most of the humor.

The story is corny and awkward. There are continuity problems with Emma's character; she seems to change moods somewhat randomly.

Everything in this movie is all over the place. I can't tell if the acting is as bad as it seems because characters' personalities change on a dime and back and forth again. Their actions and choices, especially Emma's are just as bad ranging to the downright idiotic. Emma is whiny, arrogant and stubborn but then she is sweet, forgiving and generous and some of that is back and forth too. Personality change or character development is good in a story, but these characters were just inconsistent.

It's one thing to be teasing and contrary on the first meeting, but Connor was downright mean adding insult to injury to poor Emma who has just found out she's in Alaska not the Virgin Islands and wearing a sundress while a blizzard blows. Yes it does make you question her intelligence, but kicking her while she is down is just what you do to a tourist before you welcome her to your inn, right?

The movie relies on a lot of extremes which I assume are for laughs. I guess it's really funny to see a woman in a sundress walk out into -12 degree temperatures. The information desk representative at the airport is just insulting, twice. All this, and I not only didn't laugh once, but I never cracked a smile.

Why did I watch it all the way through? Good question. The fact that I had no other options at the time only partly justifies it.

-12 degree weather, supposedly stuck there because of a snowstorm, and they're sitting outside on a park bench coat undone drinking hot chocolate, NO gloves! The director has to come up with a better pretext for this story, no plane available, no pilot, etc. That fits the situation filming in Kamloops BC! What month did this happen, because you can't see their breath when they are speaking outdoors! There isn't much reality to the situation,& hubby decided to comment about the inaccuracies constantly! Gotta change TV channels or hubby very soon! Actress was pretty annoying as well! Won't be watching a second time, for sure!

FASTASTIC WATCH!! Saw this on lifetime yesterday and was very impressed! The title lured me in so I thought I would give it a watch and was much better than anticipated. It's the type of film you would put the fire on for, get a nice glass of hot chocolate and laugh the night away with some decent one liners. Both the Actors were especially good throughout the entirety of the movie at delivering a very good story line, who knew there was a St. John's Alaska! Makes me want to go out there and see if it's anytime like it is in this movie! Overall, thoroughly impressed with the film and would watch again.