Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays (2019 TV Movie) User Reviews

Irt's actually a sweet movie...

[nancylmarine · 5/10 · 15 December 2019]

But...

The storyline is much like every other Hallmark movie, which is really okay, I suppose, if not more than a little predictable.

I liked this one because the actors did a great job. I wasn't sure that was really Priscilla Presley and had to look her up on here. She's had way too much work done to stay looking young and it's had the effect of making her look like, well... A badly made doll?

Finally, the writer could use a thesaurus. They used the word "amazing" so many times (as they do in every single movie) it should become a drinking game.

The setting of Memphis is nice, as I love the city, but to make it a winter wonderland? Memphis is in the deep South and doesn't get, or keep, that kind of snow. They'll have one good ice storm a year, that shuts down the city for a few days, but it's generally warmer there in the winter months. I realize the Hallmark Christmas movies are all about the winter, but really? Memphis with snow on the ground ALL the time? (And before anyone says it, I was married to a person from Memphis for 23 years. I've been there so many times, in all seasons, and have NEVER seen snow there outside of the usual January ice storm.)

Hallmark needs to re-think how they do these movies to shake things up a bit.

Typical Hallmark movie plot

[librau2 · 6/10 · 17 December 2019]

Main characters were not very charismatic. The Elvis music was a plus but Pricilla Presley's scenes were painful to watch due to her hideous facial 'enhancements'.

A sequel that isn't

[Jackbv123 · 6/10 · 30 November 2019]

This sequel isn't because it jumps to completely different people with a completely different story.

For a movie that relies on so many themes that have been used way too often, it has some moments that aren't derivative but a lot of what is unique has to do with Graceland. I was especially irritated with how much the controlling father-vs-the-spontaneous-nanny theme was exactly like several other movies, including some not around Christmas.

Adrian Grenier doesn't seem like he is good at warm romantic. It sure didn't seem like there was much chemistry between Grenier and Kaitlin Doubleday. I think Doubleday did her part and certainly did well as a high energy and engaging person.

The story lacks any serious conflict and the only tension is Harper's job search and Owen's business deal (which I never really understood), neither conflict being earth shaking. In general terms the outcome is predictable and there aren't any surprises along the way.

Then there's music and soundtrack. The soundtrack has several Elvis songs and the movie ends with a couple of musical performances. One was Doubleday singing Home for the Holidays with some backup from the kids. Her performance is enjoyable enough, but not really concert worthy. Chase Bryant does a short and not particularly Elvis-like Blue Christmas and then provides background to conversations that advance the movie.

Unfortunately, those conversations just don't seem authentic. Likewise the outcomes don't seem reasonable. In at least one case, it involves what would be a total personality change which I just don't buy.

Overall, I like musical performances in movies if the actors have some talent. The Elvis background will be a plus for some and not for others. The story is without sparkle as is the acting. For a romance, this was one in which I really didn't care that much because it wasn't that great. 6 stars may be generous, but then I didn't find anything that was an overwhelming turn off and good music always raises my ratings.

nice try

[Kirpianuscus · 19 December 2020]

It has few virtues - the name of director, Adrian Grenier, the kids and the presence of madame Presley. And nothing more. The theme of single daddy and lovely nanny is generous but full of cliches in this case. The story - not in the fair balance. And the details - not for save it. But, like many Hallmark films, it remains a nice try.

Solid Xmas movie

[brianyount01 · 7/10 · 29 November 2019]

Feel good movie....flows well....likable characters.....makes Memphis look like a Winter wonderland which it is not but overall enjoyable.

High production values

[needhamdave · 6/10 · 24 December 2019]

The first half hour of the movie I was struck with the production values; it looks beautiful, put together well, and for the most part has a very attractive cast. It was fun getting into the lives of the characters, and everyone does a fine job of acting. I was going along really enjoying the movie, and then it just crept up on me, that they were talking me to death. Very little happens except a lot of talkie-talkie and the movie starts to drag. So it would be difficult to recommend the movie, unless that's the mood you are in, to be talked at, or if you know you only have 45 minutes to watch something and then you are going to have to go to the store, or work, or church or something and never come back.

A perfect match, just add a new mom

[MickyG333 · 7/10 · 13 January 2023]

7.4 stars.

The female lead is wonderful, endearing, gorgeous, and charismatic. I think she has a great southern charm, it oozes from her veins, she's definitely a southern gal. I was impressed by her performance.

Our leading man is equally as good, of course we know him from 'Entourage' as the lead in that show. In this movie he did well, fit the part of a strict, but loving dad, maybe just a little strained at some points, but I believe that's his character's personality. He is a fine actor, I'm sure the ladies love him.

The children are all special, lovable, and steal the thunder as all kids do in movies, so they have to limit their screen time as much as possible.

The rest falls into place, it's an entertaining ride as these two slowly fall deeply in love. She is a nanny for his 3 kids while living in a spare apartment on his property. Meanwhile she is also working at Graceland part time as a tour guide, and taking interviews for a full time curating gig at a London establishment which is her dream job. But as time goes, she realizes she would rather work closer to her sister's family and near Graceland. At this point she feels the London position would be a bittersweet fulfillment. She does not think she will secure the job, but we as the audience know she will succeed, because that's the way of Hallmark - the leads always get what they strive for, that's what makes them otherworldly humans.

The main theme of this film, from my perspective, is how she brings a spark of Christmas back to his home now that his wife has been gone now three years (she died, we don't know how - at least I didn't catch the reason). He has little time to be at home over the holidays while working on a crucial project at his company.

The chemistry is present, not as much romance as I would like, but what we get is sincere, and powerful in that short time. I'll re-watch this every few years for sure.

Makes Wonder Woman look like a rookie.

[rebekahrox · 5/10 · 28 November 2019]

I certainly agree with the reviewers who commented about the lack of chemistry between the leads. Very lack luster as far as the romance was concerned. It was unbelievable that Gwyneth Paltrow-girl would give up her dream career as an international art-museum curator based in London (is that even a real thing?) that she technically was not even qualified for on the possibility of a future with single dad. They were not madly in love or even committed. Just a weak possibility at best.

The Dad would be forgiven if his primary attraction to her was as great possible mother to his 3 kids. The girl was so perfect and energetic that it was mind boggling. Visiting her sister to have family time, interviewing for a dream position, and volunteering to take charge of a Christmas extravaganza at Graceland would be more than enough for a mortal woman. But on top of all that, she steps in to take on being an au pair to a executive single dad who is losing connection to his children because of over- scheduling and inflexibility. On top of all that, she bakes yule logs, hand makes Christmas ornaments, provides expeditions to the kiddies, reorders Dad's priorities, takes the kids for a personal Christmas event with Priscilla Presley, saves the Dad's fund raiser for his corporation, and even steps in to be the stage entertainment (she can kinda sing) when the country star hired for the event is delayed due to weather. I'm exhausted just writing about it. Then she even has time to start a romance and look gorgeous.

Still, I can't give this less than a 5 because I couldn't look away. I was afraid I'd miss something.

a warm family movie

[omijer · 9/10 · 24 November 2019]

This film was a great deal better conceived than many of the typical Hallmark holiday movies..The leading man and woman were mature adults with serious issues of their own..She was a world-traveler with a successful career..He was a widower taking care of three children, but doing so in a far too structured and disciplined manner. One got the feeling that if he allowed any of that structure and discipline to go, he would lose his own control over his emotions, over the loss his wife. Thankfully, his children were resilient and strong enough to handle their father's need for rigid control..although one little daughter did challenge the "tight ship"" by constantly losing one of her shoes.. These light moments provided the necessary human touch to the father's way of keeping order in the family. Adrian Grenier was an attractive, intelligent, mature father, successful businessman, and ultimately a sensitive romantic hero. The leading actress was incredibly attractive, and showed genuine acting skills. This made the movie a much more serious and less conventional Hallmark film...Her interactions with the children were creative, more flexible than the father's ,and she brought a fresh and lighter aspect to their family life. Two shortcomings deserve to be noted. One is that the dialogue was often verifiably less than creative, with the word :amazing" sooner used, it became almost a joke. When other adjectives..such as wonderful, exciting, interesting, beautiful, fantastic, could so easily have been used..the word "amazing" came up over and over..once actually was used twice in the same sentence. This lack of creative writing trivialized the script over and over. The other is the appearance Priscilla Presley, who certainly deserved to be involved in a film about her husband and their home..but who looked so pale..very likely just a poor choice of makeup..and who was so stilted in her acting skills, she detracted from the lovely role she was playing. Her face was as white as a ghost's..One wonders why the makeup artists did not add a touch of blush and skin toner to her face. The whiteness of her appearance detracted from honored role she played in the film. All in all, a very mature, serious and well-written well-acted holiday movie..a notch far above the many others.

Isn't romance about chemistry???!!!

[JoeTroiani · 4/10 · 24 November 2019]

My guilty pleasure, hallmark love stories and even better, Christmas love stories. I wanted to like this movie. However there was no chemistry between the two leads. Not a knock on their acting ability but they just didn't feel like a couple falling in love. And from a fan's perspective they just seemed oddly matched. Well the good thing is we have many more first run movies coming this holiday season.

Love the new Hallmark cast members

[jriviere-79395 · 10/10 · 28 December 2019]

I really enjoyed this movie. Great story line and the new cast is a joy to see.

Christmas are Graceland: Home for the Holidays

[JoBloTheMovieCritic · 5/10 · 29 November 2019]

5/10 - unlikable male lead and an average plot made this one a one-watch-and-done

The worst

[velvetwynter_2 · 2/10 · 26 July 2020]

If I had a dollar for every time the word 'amazing' was said I could live off the money. Complete over use of the word. So much wrong with this... gushy kids are a complete turn off, dialogue lame, completely fake beauty shots of 'Memphis', fake snow is obvious, leading man is awful, and so much more including the usual plot lines.

Nice movie, not a sequel

[knightbaby-94514 · 9/10 · 26 November 2019]

Very nice Christmas movie but I don't think of it as a sequel unless it has the same stars. The story was a bit different which was a change, and the characters seemed better for each other as the story went on. When it said Christmas at Graceland I expected it to go on from the first, such as with All Of My Heart, Lacey Chabert and Brennan Elliott (wishing for #4) fantastic match. I only have 1 problem with movies set at Graceland, Priscilla Presley, she looks like a mannequin, tell me she doesn't have face lifts, (bad) I feel sorry for her, looks terrible. I know her daughter has control over Graceland but Priscilla cheated on Elvis and divorced and lived next with a man for 22 years, she does not belong at Graceland. It make me mad when I see her act as if this is her home with Elvis, it isn't. Elvis had another women in his life and it wasn't Priscila. Other than that it was worth watching.

North Dakota

[radio-75790 · 1/10 · 6 December 2019]

While I was away, someone apparently moved Memphis to the Canadian province of Manitoba and everyone who lives there now sounds like they're from Pennsylvania.

This is not a sequel. No more than using the community of Newport Beach, California and it's residents for a Gone With the Wind sequel.

The cast belongs more in the re-boot of Friends or Beverly Hills 90210.

Better than the original

[ronbokirk · 10/10 · 25 November 2019]

With a great cast, good direction, and a new story this movie surprised me. Most Hallmark sequels are a huge disappointment, but this was a stand alone movie, not a sequel. Great acting, good chemistry between the leads, and an interesting story, Lots of fireworks .

"How Do You Solve A Problem Like Harper?"

[adamjohns-42575 · 5/10 · 16 February 2021]

The people at Hallmark/Lifetime/Whoever got permission to use Graceland, so they're going to make the most of it. I'm not sure why they're trying to make it seem like a sequel to the Wes Brown film though, as the only connection is the location.

Some might call this 'The Sound Of Music Christmas At Graceland' as all it needs is some Nazi's and it might as well be the same script, with an overly organised father and regimented kids who hire a Nanny that changes all of that. This includes getting them all to sing around the piano in clothes made from curtains. Ok so the bit about the clothes isn't true, but these kids have sung together and learned the harmonies way before this woman ever turned up. They're just a bit too good. Eventually they have to escape over the border, that's not true either, but the leads have to decide what's really important to them both and work together to make the best Christmas for the kids and see what might happen between them.

The lead guy is just not right for me. I loved him in 'The Devil Wears Prada' and I've heard good things about him in 'Entourage'. Maybe it was his incredibly off putting haircut that made him seem off, but he was out of place in my eyes.

Overall, we've seen this story done before and better, but it's definitely not the worst of these films that I've seen.

A not graceful enough holiday

[TheLittleSongbird · 4/10 · 16 February 2021]

Despite the title, 'Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays' bears no correlation to 'Christmas at Graceland' with Kellie Pickler, with a different cast and story. So nothing here that connects other than the title, although it is not a sequel it is very easy to be misled (being somebody who was before watching) and think that it would be. Expectations were not high, with it being another premise that didn't excite me and being somebody that didn't like the Pickler 'Christmas at Graceland' at all.

The good news is that 'Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holidays' was a little better than expected and is an improvement over the Pickler 'Christmas at Graceland'. There are similar problems here and problems of its own, but at least the acting is better especially and nobody here is on the same level of bad as Pickler. For me though, it still wasn't a particularly good film and doesn't do enough with fairly familiar territory.

'Christmas at Graceland: Home for the Holiday's' best aspect is the production values. The scenery is truly lovely and near-magical and the camera work captures it beautifully. Very clear that those behind the camera loved the scenery. Some of the music is nostalgic and catchy.

Kaitlin Doubleday is immensely engaging and likeable, here is a female lead character that is not hard to root for, is interesting and with no negative characteristics over-emphasised if at times a little too perfect.

Less good is Adrian Grenier, whose performance lacks warmth and charm and his character was too overboard-stiff and took ages to remotely get behind. Do agree completely that there is no chemistry between him and Doubleday, they never looked as though they liked each other let alone in love and the relationship is bland and underdeveloped. The supporting cast fail to register in underwritten and sketchy roles, the only one that is memorable is Priscilla Presley and sadly that's not in a good way. She never looked comfortable and looked ill.

Faring just as badly are the script and story. The script is cheese and awkwardness personified, with the cutesiness going into overload and there is just no depth whatsoever to it. The story is incredibly predictable, complete with the customary too obvious and neat ending, and far too slight for the running time. Meaning that the film crawls along at a dull pace and that atmospherically it is very bland, with very little charm or heart, adds further to that. The direction is pedestrian and while the music is good on its own it's used too much and has some random placement.

Overall, pretty lacklustre and lacked grace. 4/10

Cast

[judyharl · 8/10 · 13 July 2020]

Love Kaitlin Doubleday(Harper) cannot stand Adrian Grenier too structured no chemistry kids great . I did not like original Christmas at Graceland Kellie Pickler and Wes Brown no chemistry either. Graceland so beautiful could have left Priscilla Presley out too.Adrian Grenier is a good actor awful haircut and awful facial hair he is handsome doesn't need all that.why is Priscilla Presley even in the movie she looks like a mannequin.Elvis's daughter runs Graceland she should be in it

Almost as bad as the first one ..

[mymagic-10437 · 1/10 · 5 December 2019]

Oh joy. Another sequel.

So even before the first scene comes on it gets one bonus point, because they have a whole new cast for the sequel! Which means NO KELLY PICKLER!!

And once the movie starts it goes downhilll from there..

Harper is back from overseas and takes a job as a nanny. She used to work at Graceland as a tour guide...so that's the connection.

And we get a guest appearance of Pricilla Presley as herself .... OMG... what the heck happened to her face?! She's had so much plastic surgery that I'm pretty sure they dubbed in her lines as she can't move her lips!!

And I love how the kids all get along with each other ... like overacting much? Like when their aunt has been away for 3 years and brings them back a snow globe. Of London. A small one. And just one ..for the two children ... like does the older one gets it 4 days a week?! Cheapo!

And the kids goooo crazy over it.

Yeah. Ok.

I think the hallmark writers must do a lot of drugs if they think this is real life.

Anyways - we fall in love and give up our dreams for a man ...before even kissing him or discussing a future.

But he's rich!! Gold digga!! Wait, no he's giving all his new software away for free - WTH - stop that Owen - she will leave your, money is all you got going for you with that ugly haircut!

Well, I for one, just can't wait for the third movie in this series next year! And by just can't wait I mean I'd rather rub my privates in poison ivy then watch another Graceland Christmas movie...

But I will give them one out of 10 for not casting Kelly Pickler agian...so they got one thing right.

Fantastic feel good movie

[d_cancelliere · 10/10 · 27 November 2019]

Loved this movie, as always hallmark movies have a special way of making you feel good. Loved the ending especially the music scenes, who is that guitarist behind Chase Bryant?!? He is beautiful.

Coal in Your Stocking

[parksidedrive · 3/10 · 26 November 2019]

Nothing to recommend the movie. No connection between lead actors. Story was odd. I felt sorry for the kids. Santa may want to have a long talk with Dad about positive parenting. It was not entertaining to watch children be disregarded.

Feels like overdosing on sugar

[mojjen · 2/10 · 4 December 2019]

Could not last past half the movie. Switched off. Way too super sweet. Completely predictable.

Dec 1 2019 hall channel 365

[mitchellrharl · 10/10 · 1 December 2019]

Christmas at Graceland :home for the holidays Loved this one I did not care for original great cast all worked like a well oiled machine.beautiful setting wonderful cast and music not lot of drama just a wonderful storyline

Boring

[majoq · 2/10 · 4 December 2020]

No chemistry AT ALL between the main leads. What I like about Hallmark s movies is the predictability. But in this case, it was a disappointment. Didn't like it.