This is a fun story about a world famous singer going home and reconnecting with her true love. There are some comic moments in parts, especially from the kids. A good story but not well executed.
There have been many movies along these story lines. A key to making them great is if the vocalist is credible as a singing sensation that could draw millions of fans. Witness Jesse Metcalfe in “A Country Wedding” or Alex Roe in “Forever my Girl”. These two were excellent. It was easy to believe they were big stars with millions of adoring fans. Because they really did sing appealing songs sensationally.
Not so much here with Shannon Elizabeth (Nikki). The director and production crew clearly tried to pull some tricks to sell her. Among other things they heavily enhanced her voice with echo chamber tricks.
Her stage presence does not feel like that of a gifted or talented entertainer.
And the songs?
Another thing that makes such a movie is the songs. What is the depth or height of their artistry in lyrics, orchestration and performance? Is it believable that those songs could enchant listeners? Not so much here. I assume the thousands of screaming and adoring fans were treated during the concert to much more than just the ordinary Christmas songs she sang. But we never saw it. My guess is there was not enough budget to make it happen. They tried to liven them up with some arrangement variations, but it was not very effective. You get what you pay for.
So by and large making her credible did not succeed. Add that to her below average acting in places. Add to that Steve Byers’ (Chris) facial expressions, which too often – at the wrong time - looked as though he were walking barefoot on hot coals, and this movie cannot rate high.
I enjoyed watching it once and do not regret it. But it will not be revisited.