Hallmark produced 42 Christmas movies this season (including one for 'Christmas in July'). Naturally, some of these were going to get lost in the crowd as it were. I'm afraid, 'Christmas in Tahoe' is one of these movies. Don't get me wrong, the movie is entertaining. It is a lighthearted and fun story with some strong acting performances, though the musical performances are a bit of a mixed bag. The movie follows Claire (played by Laura Osnes) who helps manage the family's beautiful hotel in Lake Tahoe. While she loves working with her father at the hotel, a place she has fond memories of growing up, her passion is in the entertainment industry, and her dream job is a talent booker at the Resort Center Entertainment in Las Vegas. To make this dream a reality, all she needs to do is make sure that her Christmas Eve variety show at her family hotel is a success. However, the main act cancels and the show quickly falls apart. Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend Ryan (played by Kyle Selig), the lead guitarist for Wild Lynx a popular band she used to manage, returns home to Lake Tahoe for the holidays. And so, our journey begins as we watch these two team up to save the Christmas Eve variety show (and potentially Claire's dream job) while (re)discovering their deep feelings for each other. Though formulaic and unoriginal, the storyline in this one is entertaining nonetheless. The writers do a decent job with the dialogue between Claire and Ryan, and Claire and her father. However, there is nothing about this story that makes it stand out in the crowd. It has no 'X factor', no real noteworthy quality. The closes we get to this is Osnes's performance, which was very strong, I thought. She has an air of sweetness to her performance with a touch of scorn (as those who have been dumped often do). As another reviewer put it, 'she is the IT factor' in this one. It took me a little while to get used to (or, rather, get over) Selig's youngish looks. Once I did, I started to connect with his performance, which was pretty good overall. I was also impressed with his singing at the end of the film; a pity he and Osnes didn't do a song together. The chemistry between the two was OK, I guess. They came off as close friends, which worked well on-screen, but I wasn't completely convinced of their romantic chemistry. Given the 'second chance at love' theme of the story, I will give them the benefit of the doubt in this one. Another aspect of this movie was the musical performances. As noted above, these were mixed. I thought Pat Monahan from Train was surprisingly entertaining as both an actor and musician. It was a bit amusing when Claire was speaking to Jackson (played by Monahan), trying to come up with a replacement act for the show. As others have pointed out, the acapella group wasn't very good. I'm not sure what the producers were thinking or, rather, listening to. Finally, the film had a decent Christmas vibe to it. For example, the decorations in the hotel were beautiful, and though not filmed in Lake Tahoe, the snow-covered landscapes were a plus. If you're a lover of Hallmark Christmas romance movies (with a touch of comedy), you should check out 'Christmas in Tahoe'.
36 Reviews
Shattered Dreams
rebekahrox3 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Laura Osnes works in her fathers resort hotel and is basically in charge. However, her dream is to manage a big entertainment venue in the entertainment capitol of the world: Las Vegas. If she can successfully book her father's Christmas show, the job is hers. After her star act cancels on her, the movie consists of her going around with her ex-boyfriend trying and to book replacement acts. Oh. Her ex is the head guitarist in a famous rock band who fired her as their manager when they started to hit it big. That is why he is her ex. The problem is that the famous rock star is too young and skinny looking for Laura, who has a mature look about her. He looks more like a junior accountant than a rock star.
The other problem is that to me, it seems as if her Dad knows something is up, and tries to emotionally blackmail her into staying with him. He puts her on blast making a speech about how proud he is of her and how he doesn't know how he could get along without her. Unfortunately he succeeds in his plan. She ends up giving up her dream to stay home and try to make her Dad's hotel an entertainment destination. Also she gives it up for her man, who is going stay there in Tahoe and write instead of perform. Which is his dream. So literally everyone gets their dream except poor Laura! Merry Christmas! Even her co-worker buddy and aspiring singer becomes the opening act for the rock band.
What is it with actors who think they can sing in Hallmark movies lately? Or was it that God-awful song? Hard to tell.
How ironic that Laura Osnes, who actually can sing, doesn't. Couldn't they even have given her a verse of Jingle Bells or something?
The other problem is that to me, it seems as if her Dad knows something is up, and tries to emotionally blackmail her into staying with him. He puts her on blast making a speech about how proud he is of her and how he doesn't know how he could get along without her. Unfortunately he succeeds in his plan. She ends up giving up her dream to stay home and try to make her Dad's hotel an entertainment destination. Also she gives it up for her man, who is going stay there in Tahoe and write instead of perform. Which is his dream. So literally everyone gets their dream except poor Laura! Merry Christmas! Even her co-worker buddy and aspiring singer becomes the opening act for the rock band.
What is it with actors who think they can sing in Hallmark movies lately? Or was it that God-awful song? Hard to tell.
How ironic that Laura Osnes, who actually can sing, doesn't. Couldn't they even have given her a verse of Jingle Bells or something?
Careers get in the way of their relationship and then Claire and Ryan realize what is more important in life
Ed-Shullivan31 December 2021
There is some real life reality in this film where personal careers and goals temporarily take priority over Ryan (Kyle Selig) and Claire's (Laura Osnes) own relationship. The Christmas period is that magical time when forgiveness is on everyone's mind and reconciliation between estranged family and friends occurs more often than anytime of the year.
The supporting cast was just that, very supportive in their respective roles and to have the lead singer of Train, Pat Monahan, play Jackson, an administration assistant to Claire was a Christmas gift for all of us.
The only knock against this made for TV film was the producers and film editor decided to insert that irritating musical "bing bong Christmas tingle" interlude through most of the films conversation and I for one just get tired of hearing that cheesy bing bong twinkle background sound throughout. Never the less, I would recommend the film to both romantics and Christmas film lovers. I give it a respectable 6 out of 10 IMDb rating.
The supporting cast was just that, very supportive in their respective roles and to have the lead singer of Train, Pat Monahan, play Jackson, an administration assistant to Claire was a Christmas gift for all of us.
The only knock against this made for TV film was the producers and film editor decided to insert that irritating musical "bing bong Christmas tingle" interlude through most of the films conversation and I for one just get tired of hearing that cheesy bing bong twinkle background sound throughout. Never the less, I would recommend the film to both romantics and Christmas film lovers. I give it a respectable 6 out of 10 IMDb rating.
Christmas in Tahoe
JoBloTheMovieCritic26 December 2021
6/10 - I will admit to really enjoying the trope where one of the exes has made it big and is now super famous and this certainly captured the heart of that trope which made it stand out ever so slightly among the rest of the 2021 holiday movies.
Annoying at first
Jackbv12329 November 2021
Gaslighting booking agent, clinging fans, paparazzi, meddling mothers, unappreciative father, overly persistent guest. Isn't this fun. Don't forget schemes to get past security. Actually, some of those were vehicles for humor, but annoying isn't funny to me. Then there are the three top acts that cancel at the last minute. (What no broken pipes?) It does get better in the last half.
Beyond all the efforts to sign up acts, the story is pretty much the usual stuff. Finally after a while, Kyle Selig and Laura Osnes get a chance to show some chemistry.
There are a few musical numbers here and there, mostly in the closing show. I was disappointed that Osnes wasn't one of the performers.
Beyond all the efforts to sign up acts, the story is pretty much the usual stuff. Finally after a while, Kyle Selig and Laura Osnes get a chance to show some chemistry.
There are a few musical numbers here and there, mostly in the closing show. I was disappointed that Osnes wasn't one of the performers.
Odd casting
bkcjohns-23-8201875 December 2021
Such odd casting! Pat Monaghan from Train..... George Lopez in a very small role as a bellboy. I agree with the others regarding the leads. The "rock star" was miscast and not a lot of chemistry. Oh and let's not say Lake Tahoe when it obviously is not.
Wanted to like it....but....where was Tahoe?
bmiller595 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
First off, where was Tahoe...I had prepared myself for not seeing any sites of the beautiful and pristine place which is Lake Tahoe, but it was worse than I had envisioned. I kept hoping all the way to the end we the audience would see some of Lake Tahoe...but no. Oh yea, I'm from the Reno/Tahoe area, so understand my disappointment.
The two main leads were horribly miscast. I didn't see any chemistry and he was way out of her league. Hallmark did a poor job in putting these two together. The band wasn't very good either, as was the acapella group. The only redemming act was Pat Monahan, he saved the entertainment value of the movie. As the front man for Train, he was outstanding in the minute that he performed.
The back ground music was much too loud, why does Hallmark seem to think it is necessary to amp up the volume of back ground music? Are they trying to hide the terrible dialogue of the actors?
This wasn't Hallmark's best effort.
The two main leads were horribly miscast. I didn't see any chemistry and he was way out of her league. Hallmark did a poor job in putting these two together. The band wasn't very good either, as was the acapella group. The only redemming act was Pat Monahan, he saved the entertainment value of the movie. As the front man for Train, he was outstanding in the minute that he performed.
The back ground music was much too loud, why does Hallmark seem to think it is necessary to amp up the volume of back ground music? Are they trying to hide the terrible dialogue of the actors?
This wasn't Hallmark's best effort.
Team Laura
pschwierking30 November 2021
Any movie with Laura Osnes in it is going to be great! She is such a talented actress and performer and shines her light in everything she does! She should have somehow been a featured singer in this movie with her beautiful voice!!! That would have been better than the other group who performed. But all in all this movie was lighthearted and fun. I do think if they put George Lopez in the movie he should have been a bit more involved. Pat Monahan from Train was surprisingly entertaining. 41 Christmas movies this year seems over ambitious for Hallmark. You either like the hallmark formula for their movies or you don't. This year some will be open to the goal of hallmark diversifying their storylines and some will not be. To each his own. But political views have nothing to do with the actor's performances and people should leave it alone.
A great supporting cast
sheryl-watkins1 December 2021
First of all, how do you NOT lead with George Lopez? He's not even mentioned in the trailer. Believe me, I would have watched this sooner had I known he was in it.
The best acting performances in the movie were by Lopez, Pat Monahan, and comedienne Alex Gullason. The other performances seemed to be from the Hallmark school of acting: pleasant, sincere, but without the authenticity of the great supporting players.
Given Monahan's involvement in the project, I take at face value the behind-the-scene workings of the music industry (if not the timeline). It was harder to accept Kyle Selig as a rock star. But then, this is a Hallmark movie and we're used to suspending disbelief.
It's worth watching "Christmas in Tahoe" for the great supporting cast.
The best acting performances in the movie were by Lopez, Pat Monahan, and comedienne Alex Gullason. The other performances seemed to be from the Hallmark school of acting: pleasant, sincere, but without the authenticity of the great supporting players.
Given Monahan's involvement in the project, I take at face value the behind-the-scene workings of the music industry (if not the timeline). It was harder to accept Kyle Selig as a rock star. But then, this is a Hallmark movie and we're used to suspending disbelief.
It's worth watching "Christmas in Tahoe" for the great supporting cast.
Not My Favorite
thave-317684 December 2021
Hallmark Goodness with Laura Osnes
steven-obrien-112 December 2021
Don't get the poor reviews. Laura O is so likeable and good. Story could use a little editing, but it is like life - a little chaotic and often remarkable. Supporting cast was spot on, but please no more hater boy George Lopez. A nice addition to Hallmark Christmas 2021.
George Lopez what are you doing here?
alliejhardy22 December 2022
George Lopez makes a guest appearance for no reason and the concierge is the lead singer of the band Train.
This movie checks all the boxes: struggling inn, lost love, musical numbers, coffee cups that are clearly empty, one song by the band Train that is played several times, enough Christmas lights to give you a seizure, and, is that a knock-off George Lopez? No, it's the real George Lopez and he only slightly looks dead in the eyes.
Watch it with a drink in your hand and play a hallmark Christmas drinking game, but be warned it will knock you on your behind. Pour one out for the band Train and real George Lopez.
100% pure hallmark wtf gold.
This movie checks all the boxes: struggling inn, lost love, musical numbers, coffee cups that are clearly empty, one song by the band Train that is played several times, enough Christmas lights to give you a seizure, and, is that a knock-off George Lopez? No, it's the real George Lopez and he only slightly looks dead in the eyes.
Watch it with a drink in your hand and play a hallmark Christmas drinking game, but be warned it will knock you on your behind. Pour one out for the band Train and real George Lopez.
100% pure hallmark wtf gold.
Meh
jakethesnake-4200711 December 2021
I dunno there's times I enjoyed the film and other times I found d it annoying. Again a girl gives up her dreams cause her family wants her to stay like come on hallmark that is not the answer. It's an ok hallmark film at best.
decent
Kirpianuscus16 October 2022
I supposed, for large public and , especially, for Hallmark fans, a real nice film.
For me, a good return to familiar cliches , from the exboyfriend returning in town and the plot of mothers for resurrect the old fire between their children to the show in full crisis and the solutions of the final, in general happiness sauce.
But my problem is the apparent age difference of age between Claire and Ryan. Kyle Selig seems a teenager and in few scenes is not just bizarre to imagine Laura Osnes as his mother than his ex girl friend.
The music reminds a large basket with a lot of fruits in different states of freshness .
The charm is the result of the work of supporting actors in high measure.
So, a decent Hallmark.
For me, a good return to familiar cliches , from the exboyfriend returning in town and the plot of mothers for resurrect the old fire between their children to the show in full crisis and the solutions of the final, in general happiness sauce.
But my problem is the apparent age difference of age between Claire and Ryan. Kyle Selig seems a teenager and in few scenes is not just bizarre to imagine Laura Osnes as his mother than his ex girl friend.
The music reminds a large basket with a lot of fruits in different states of freshness .
The charm is the result of the work of supporting actors in high measure.
So, a decent Hallmark.
After reading the user reviews
BFPierce19 November 2022
I felt compelled to mention three reviewers actually had the nerve to mention that Laura Osnes is an "anti-vaxxer". Who cares? That's her decision and her right, yet some people actually have the audacity to judge her? Hypocrisy knows no bounds. Spoiler alert: the vaccine didn't even stop the spread.
As for the film, it is not bad. It is worth a watch. But as others have mentioned, you would never know this was in Lake Tahoe. Odd. Osnes is a very capable actress and entertainer. In fact, she needs better roles. She is talented. But what bothered me the most was it never felt as if anyone took a breath. Too much dialogue, especially at the start. Others also seem to not buy the romance due to the apparent age difference, but I believe that is overblown. The two leads did have chemistry in my humble opinion.
As for the film, it is not bad. It is worth a watch. But as others have mentioned, you would never know this was in Lake Tahoe. Odd. Osnes is a very capable actress and entertainer. In fact, she needs better roles. She is talented. But what bothered me the most was it never felt as if anyone took a breath. Too much dialogue, especially at the start. Others also seem to not buy the romance due to the apparent age difference, but I believe that is overblown. The two leads did have chemistry in my humble opinion.
Heartwarming, romantic and fun!
lymullen25 November 2023
Certainly enjoyed this one! Laura Osnes as Claire and Kyle Selig as Ryan were very cute together. Both have that boy/girl next door vibe going on and were believable in their roles as former high school sweethearts. I think I like these Hallmark(ish) Christmas movies better when they are on a quest to get something instead of a mission to stop a threat, i.e., the big developer who wants to destroy the town square. I also enjoyed the Christmas Cookie Catastrophe when they were trying to solve a mystery.
In Christmas in Tahoe, our heroine was on a mission to find acts for the annual holiday variety show that is put on each year by the hotel her family owns. Ryan, who is part of a rock band, comes to her aid. For various reasons, he and his band can't play, but he helps Claire secure acts. I really enjoyed watching their shenanigans to get performers and how they aired their previous grievances and issues with each other while working together. At one point, Claire was Ryan's band manager while they dated. The band fired her, which contributed to the breakup. They never talked in-depth about what happened until now.
Another thing I liked about A Christmas in Tahoe was the music. There was a scene where Claire encountered Ryan while he was working on a new song at the piano. He only sang part of the song before Claire interrupted him. But he sounded so nice, reminiscent of Pete Francis. I loved that scene so much that I rewound it over and over again. The song went like: "There's a story that I was told/And I want to tell the world before I get too old/And don't remember it/So let's December it/And reassemble it...ohhh yeah...Once upon a time..." Then there was the final performance of this song and all of the performers. It was very heartwarming and gratifying to watch Claire and Ryan's work come together in the end.
In Christmas in Tahoe, our heroine was on a mission to find acts for the annual holiday variety show that is put on each year by the hotel her family owns. Ryan, who is part of a rock band, comes to her aid. For various reasons, he and his band can't play, but he helps Claire secure acts. I really enjoyed watching their shenanigans to get performers and how they aired their previous grievances and issues with each other while working together. At one point, Claire was Ryan's band manager while they dated. The band fired her, which contributed to the breakup. They never talked in-depth about what happened until now.
Another thing I liked about A Christmas in Tahoe was the music. There was a scene where Claire encountered Ryan while he was working on a new song at the piano. He only sang part of the song before Claire interrupted him. But he sounded so nice, reminiscent of Pete Francis. I loved that scene so much that I rewound it over and over again. The song went like: "There's a story that I was told/And I want to tell the world before I get too old/And don't remember it/So let's December it/And reassemble it...ohhh yeah...Once upon a time..." Then there was the final performance of this song and all of the performers. It was very heartwarming and gratifying to watch Claire and Ryan's work come together in the end.
Not too bad but mismatched leads
aeszeki19 December 2023
Other reviewers have touched on this: the male lead is much too young for the female lead. I agree but I would say that neither is bad or unsuited for the role. They just don't fit together. I think that, in terms of "quality" they are basically the same level actors. I initially caught a scene from the middle of the film and thought they were mother and son (for which the age difference seemed too small) or maybe some sort of family (baby brother/cousin/nephew...). I got a chance to see it from start to finish and was surprised to find out they went to school together and were dating.
The film is watchable (once) if you don't focus on the leads' physical attributes too much. Either a younger lady or an older gentleman, for one of the lead roles, would have made it good (in the context of Christmas romances, where expectations are already low).
The plot, as usual, is exaggerated but better than many others.
The music is not completely atrocious although I agree with what others have said about the a cappella group: they butchered the songs showcased here. Again, expectations for these low cost, "assembly line" romances is very low, for me.
Cover your ears for the a cappella, cover your eyes for the (fortunately few) kissing scenes and you should be able to enjoy it.
The film is watchable (once) if you don't focus on the leads' physical attributes too much. Either a younger lady or an older gentleman, for one of the lead roles, would have made it good (in the context of Christmas romances, where expectations are already low).
The plot, as usual, is exaggerated but better than many others.
The music is not completely atrocious although I agree with what others have said about the a cappella group: they butchered the songs showcased here. Again, expectations for these low cost, "assembly line" romances is very low, for me.
Cover your ears for the a cappella, cover your eyes for the (fortunately few) kissing scenes and you should be able to enjoy it.
Showbusiness in Tahoe.
gfrasmd29 November 2021
Laura Osnes is likeable and the entire cast delivers a watchable movie. Pat Monahan sings well. But....., Christmas? Claire is a capable, ambitious organizer who wants to stage a great show, in hopes to land the job of her dreams. She gets help from Ryan, her old flame, and new sparks are awaited. The show happens to be scheduled on Christmas Eve and includes a comedian' s act and some pretty bad music. The clue is a number where 'Silent Night" gets totally butchered, while ecstatic fans cheer loudly. What happened to the time when people are inspired to be generous and forgiving, when families and friends reunite in wonderful traditions, when they celebrate with music that has warmed the heart of generations after generations? Hallmark has added another nail to the coffin of Christmas tradition, with a soulless presentation of materialistic holiday values.
One night before Christmas, in Oberndorf, a small village up the Austrian Alps, young Rev. Joseph Mohr and his friend, organist Franz Gruber, found divine inspiration and composed "Stille Nacht", perhaps the most beautiful Christmas Carol ever. They would feel mortified, could they see what is done to their immortal creation and what is passed for 'Christmas Spirit', over two hundred years later! Hence, enjoy the view, is you please, but do not call this a "Christmas " movie.
One night before Christmas, in Oberndorf, a small village up the Austrian Alps, young Rev. Joseph Mohr and his friend, organist Franz Gruber, found divine inspiration and composed "Stille Nacht", perhaps the most beautiful Christmas Carol ever. They would feel mortified, could they see what is done to their immortal creation and what is passed for 'Christmas Spirit', over two hundred years later! Hence, enjoy the view, is you please, but do not call this a "Christmas " movie.
Claire Rhodes (Laura Osnes)
aab87413 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite scene with
Claire Rhodes (Laura Osnes) - Room Service Interloping with Ryan to get Ricki Page to Perform in her Variety Show. BTW #1, So Dang Cool that Pat Monahan - the Lead Singer of the Band Train - plays Jackson and Executive Produced this movie! BTW #2, I Loved this movie!
Claire Rhodes (Laura Osnes) - Room Service Interloping with Ryan to get Ricki Page to Perform in her Variety Show. BTW #1, So Dang Cool that Pat Monahan - the Lead Singer of the Band Train - plays Jackson and Executive Produced this movie! BTW #2, I Loved this movie!
Was that music or random noise?
MickyG3333 December 2022
5.9 stars.
This movie is below average for Hallmark, which says: not much. I used to rate Hallmark movies on a different scale, but now after approximately 45 movies watched, they deserve the same consideration as any movies. Hallmark movies invariably fall within the 5.0 - 8.0 range, almost no exceptions, and... this one is no exception. Let me show you what I mean: Acting: 7, writing: 6, cinematography: 7, music: 7, editing: 7. All the right techniques are used, all the right feelings are aroused, everything goes according to plan.
Here's what it's missing: the wow factor, the pop, screen presence, chemistry, humor, and actual talented musical artists. Hit and miss for the on screen music. The on screen singers were abysmal, and ok, and good, and great, and ok, and even a "what was that"? I heard some 3 part harmony, and none of it was harmonious, it was awful.
The leads have almost zero chemistry. The guy looks 10-15 years her junior.
If you think either of them is eye candy, then have at it. I think they are pretty people, but it could not breathe life into this below average attempt to fit the mold.
This movie is below average for Hallmark, which says: not much. I used to rate Hallmark movies on a different scale, but now after approximately 45 movies watched, they deserve the same consideration as any movies. Hallmark movies invariably fall within the 5.0 - 8.0 range, almost no exceptions, and... this one is no exception. Let me show you what I mean: Acting: 7, writing: 6, cinematography: 7, music: 7, editing: 7. All the right techniques are used, all the right feelings are aroused, everything goes according to plan.
Here's what it's missing: the wow factor, the pop, screen presence, chemistry, humor, and actual talented musical artists. Hit and miss for the on screen music. The on screen singers were abysmal, and ok, and good, and great, and ok, and even a "what was that"? I heard some 3 part harmony, and none of it was harmonious, it was awful.
The leads have almost zero chemistry. The guy looks 10-15 years her junior.
If you think either of them is eye candy, then have at it. I think they are pretty people, but it could not breathe life into this below average attempt to fit the mold.
wasted location
sarajimi20 December 2021
The story was good enough, had a couple of twists not obvious in the first ten minutes. The main complaint i have is that tahoe is beautiful but i doubt it was actually filmed there. Other than one line, this could've just as easily been christmas in kansas city, or albany, or anywhere. The few outdoor scenes were not in identifiable locations; the most tahoe the viewer sees is in the opening montage, possibly all stock footage.
Good Christmas Movie
kellymelorubio2 December 2021
Even though the movie was shot around the Vancouver, BC Canada 🇨🇦 Christmas In Tahoe is very magical. The actors were really funny, really made my day. I couldn't watch it on the Hallmark Channel because my cable doesn't have the support and because of my religious beliefs.
Hallmark can and should do better.
Saving219 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Yup most of the Christmas movies are the same story in different shapes. But hallmark used to do it Better with better writing and making sure the actors have chemistry. This movie didn't have it. The plot was uninteresting and boring. There wasn't real magic of Christmas even tho it was about a concert of Christmas. I also like many thought that the male actor didn't fit the rock singer/writer character and didn't really had Chemistry with his Co star.
Yup you had the lead singer from Train but he couldn't help the movie.
Yup you had the lead singer from Train but he couldn't help the movie.
Mediocre Hallmark Movie
augustharter10 December 2021
Right away I want to say how disappointed to see that this film didn't even attempt to look like it was really supposed to be in Tahoe. Living in Northern California and make numerous trips to Tahoe the scenery they show in the movie is misleading.
The two Ieads did not seem to have much chemistry together. The male lead looked like he barely was out of high school, and far too young to be part of a "successful " group. Pat Monahan would have been a better choice and definitely sings better.
The two Ieads did not seem to have much chemistry together. The male lead looked like he barely was out of high school, and far too young to be part of a "successful " group. Pat Monahan would have been a better choice and definitely sings better.
Was a good movie
jenrn-0972210 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this. Not sure why some reviews go on about how young the guys from Wild Lynx look. Why couldn't they have hit it big out of high-school? These guys are at least in their 30s - plenty of time to hit it big. And Pat Monahan was great - I hope we see more of him in the future - he was very charming in this. I loved his Christmas song "Shake Up Christmas". This had some original songs and some not-so-traditional versions of a couple of christmas classics. Kyle Selig as Ryan was great. He can actually sing - and maybe he was a bit too clean cut for band called Wild Lynx - but I assume that was meant to be ironic. The acapella group was interesting and non-traditional. Laura Osnes as Claire was good, but I felt she was wooden and seemed stiff whenever anyone hugged her or showed her affection - which happened quite often throughout. It was a good movie - we should have heard more of the "Christmas Island" song that was the band's supposed big hit and more than juat bits of the other songs - is a Christmas movie about a variety show - with almost no scenes including the actual show.
I will admit I laughed when Claire and Ryan went on the patio at the ball and the backdrop of the balcony was a super obvious matte painting. Hallmark should splurge a bit and go for some better backdrops - obvious paintings are a bit tacky when you are supposed to be at such a scenic location like Tahoe. This was enjoyable and the singers were really good - more than I can say for other Hallmark movies I've seen. I liked it and felt it was well worth the watch.
I will admit I laughed when Claire and Ryan went on the patio at the ball and the backdrop of the balcony was a super obvious matte painting. Hallmark should splurge a bit and go for some better backdrops - obvious paintings are a bit tacky when you are supposed to be at such a scenic location like Tahoe. This was enjoyable and the singers were really good - more than I can say for other Hallmark movies I've seen. I liked it and felt it was well worth the watch.
See also
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