Undercover Holiday (2022 TV Movie) User Reviews

Missed the mark

[cocobuttr72-311-53542 · 4/10 · 28 December 2022]

This movie was like reading a textbook on Mexican Christmas traditions, sprinkled in with an implausible script and odd casting. Feeding in all the Mexican Christmas traditions was heavy handed, so much so I was bored. Add in a "pop star" who can neither sing nor dance and no album to her credit and you have a dumpster fire. The lead has only won ONE singing/talent contest!! Read that again, she's only a talent show winner😬 And yet, she lives in a big, beautiful rented house and merits a 24/7 bodyguard. And why a bodyguard for two corny notes along the lines of "I'll love you forever." This threat to the heroine's person was a big reach.

Even more of a reach was the chemistry between these two. Despite both of them being very attractive I didn't see them together in any reality.

Poorly supported premise, an odd couple match, and too many problems to overcome a charismatic performance by Noemi Gonzalez

[MichaelByTheSea · 5/10 · 7 December 2022]

I appreciate Hallmark's continuing efforts at being more diverse and inclusive, and the presentation of Mexican American holiday traditions in this movie was pleasant. Noemi Gonzalez was often fun to watch and authentic as Jaylen Rodriguez, the winner of an American Idol-like contest called Pop Star USA. But the premise seemed more forced than normal.

Somehow, Jaylen lives in a gated multi million dollar mansion despite having just won the contest. And then, because someone left flowers and a card that says "Happy Holidays My Love" on her doorstep, "The Label" decided to order up a 24/7 bodyguard.

Why?

Jaylen's not Taylor Swift and what, exactly, was so threatening?

And why was nothing caught on the video security system?

And then, after hearing about the incident on TV, her family expressed great concern for her safety. One would think they would be thrilled that "The Label" had hired her a 24/7 bodyguard. But Jaylen decides, for reasons that are completely unclear, to tell her family an elaborate lie, requiring a week of more lies, that Matt, played a bit stiffly by Stephen Huszar, is her boyfriend and not her bodyguard. Huh?

Ironically, the purported reason is that she didn't want her family to worry (even though the added protection would presumably alleviate their worries) but then she hypocritically gets upset when she learns that information has been withheld from her (so she wouldn't worry).

I realize that Hallmark loves the fake boyfriend trope, but the setup and phony conflict really didn't make any sense (although I did like Abuela Luisa, played by Gabriela Reynoso).

But the biggest problem, quite frankly, was that I just couldn't picture Jaylen with Matt. And that's essential for a Hallmark romance to work.

Mixed race mojito

[yitir-18834 · 4/10 · 30 December 2022]

Noemi Gonzalez did not have the chops to win Pop Star USA. Her acapella singing said it all. NG was not sporting the age appropriate shape for just winning such a fictitiously prestigious award. JLO is smaller than NG at her advanced years. Steven Huszar did not pair well with NG. Talk about forced bonding. It is absurd that NG would wait until SH and her are in front of her family to spring the tired 'boyfriend' card on her family. Come on, man ... a Navy Seal wouldn't have "plot, plan, and execute" prior to arriving. He would really suck at this bodyguard job if so.

The whole 'fake' NG tantrum at SH and her brother keeping the mysterious notes from her is ridiculous.

I am so glad that I was able to fast forward through this one.

This one was bad

[LtlHippo · 1/10 · 18 December 2022]

I really was looking forward to this movie. But it was pretty bad. Why do so many Hallmark actresses giggle so much? Like, young school girl giggling? Lacey Chabert is an expert at this. So is the lead in this movie. Didn't see any chemistry, that first kiss was SO awkward. No passion. The singing was pretty bad too. The karaoke scene wasn't too bad but when the piano scene came on, I was turned away so didn't see who was singing, I thought it would be another family member, like a kid that was sick with a cold. But it was the lead and her mom! They sounded horrible!!! Also, I've never seen a pregnant woman walk around holding her belly like that. Casting was all wrong. If you want to see a perfectly cast show, watch Ghosts. Perfection.

Not that bad!

[coastie166-169-101046 · 6/10 · 4 December 2023]

Before I decided to make any comments, I decided to read a number of reviews. Boy are you guys harsh! I had a completely different take.

First you have to realize that this is a Hallmark movie. Masterpiece theater it is not. They are the most formulaic movies on earth. You can take any male female duo in the Hallmark stable and plug them into the plot.

I had never heard of Noemi Gonzales before. I've seen the male actor a few times before. So here is where I differ from almost all of you.

I thought there was chemistry between the two leads. I particularly like Noemi. I thought she acted well and had a great smile.

I am ancient and a widower. My wife and I had a 5 decade relationship before a heart attack took her. Many Hallmark movies remind me of our own relationship, so I watch them and remember the joy we had.

That being said, I will say that the quality of Hallmark movies in my opinion has decreased markedly over the years. I have subscribed to the channel for several years since my wife died and find them less and less appealing.

This movie was not one of them. I enjoyed the ethnic component of the movie as well as the interplay between the two main actors.

I will say that I hope Hallmark brings Noemi Gonzales on for more movies. She is Mexican American, my wife was Sicilian. I enjoy contrasting cultures. I thought she was fun to watch.

Boring

[toncincin · 3/10 · 7 December 2022]

I normally like Stephen Huszar on Hallmark. NOT THIS ONE. He is totally miscast. Noemi Gonzalez is unbelievable in this role. No chemistry at all. I am sitting here struggling to get through the movie. There was just a scene where she's sitting at the piano with her grandmother - and she's singing. Totally flat and unpleasant to listen to. She's pleasant enough to watch - and I am sure paired with the correct male lead - she'd be much better.

The supporting cast is just OK. Her "sister-in-law" is about to give birth - but just stands there rubbing her belly and smiling. Clue for the writers/director - most pregnant woman don't stand there rubbing their swollen bellies CONSTANTLY.

Overall - this movie was not good at all.

Nice Holiday Story

[rkaden-28150 · 6/10 · 8 December 2022]

This may not have been the best Hallmark holiday movie or the most believable story plot but, as I expect on Hallmark, it was an enjoyable, watchable movie. Very typical of Hallmark Christmas movies, a nice escape from reality! I give credit to Hallmark for giving viewers diverse views of some other ethnic holiday traditions other than good, ole' down home America! This involved a Mexican-American family. A recent movie infolved a Chinese-American family.

I think with the defection of many long time Hallmark stars to GAC, it's refreshing to see some new faces, as it was with the femail lead, Noemi Gonzalez, in this movie. I thought she did a wonderful job. I always enjoy Stephan Huszar. Some viewers may see them as an unlikely pairing, but, as with life, you never know!

I do have to comment on one reviewer who decided Hallmark should not have "fat girls" as a lead in their movies. Noemi isfar from fat and is beautiful. She also looks normal to me and the her character had many wonderful things going for her including her beautiful good looks!

Missed the mark

[kyrp-86883 · 1/10 · 11 December 2022]

Mexican American family with Puertorican/ Caribbean accents lol! Do they have to explain in detail every single "tradition" to the white man? As if Mexican Americans are new to the country. Hallmark do better. Everything seems forced/fake, how about base a movie in a real Mexican American neighborhood? As a Mexican American myself this movie looks 100% foreign to me. Just because you throw words like "tamalada, nacimiento, cumbia, etc" it doesn't make it relatable to us. Tamaladas are not a Mexican tradition! Are you kidding me? Is this family the only Mexican American in this town? Stereotypes are also rampant in this movie, everyone lives in a household. Seriously do better.

Cute, Latino Christmas

[HallmarkJenny · 7/10 · 8 December 2022]

Jaylen and Matt have phenomenal chemistry! They made no sense, but their relationship worked perfectly in every way. I felt the romance! Noemi Gonzalez, who plays Jaylen, is a treasure, so full of energy and love! I hope we see her in Hallmark movie for years to come.

Summary: Jaylen is an up-and-coming popstar going on tour after the holidays. The record label wants to protect her riding stardom from dangers and hires a body guard to travel home and protect Jaylen. Her family is terrified that Jaylen is Los Angeles chasing stardom and not in her safe, protect hometown, so Jaylen them that her bodyguard is her boyfriend as not to worry her family.

Jaylen's family absolutely adores Matt, especially her brother who is working with Matt to find out who is leaving cryptic, creepy notes to Jaylen. Jaylen and Matt slowly go from fake dating to real dating!

"Find a man who will jump in front of a train to save you." -Abuelo's saying.

MeetCute: Jaylen is making gingerbread cookies and working on her music when she hears something outdoors break. She grabs a rolling pin and ventures outside to find the trespasser. Matt thinks she is an intruder, sneaks up behind her, and headlocks her. Matt then introduces himself as her security body guard, which Jaylen is hesitant to have and take him home to meet her over-protective family who does not like the dangers in Los Angeles.

Christmas Festivities Cooking Gingerbread Cookies Christmas Karaoke Living Nativity Re-enactment Mary, mother of Jesus: Jaylen's sister-in-law playing Mary actually goes into labor!

Christmas Tree Lighting by Jaylen & Lorelei Opening Presents Christmas Morning.

I'm not sure there's anything good about the movie

[cerikabladh · 3/10 · 22 December 2022]

I LOVE hallmark Christmas movies but man this one was a huge flop! I didn't even finish the last 20 min. I just couldn't! I really really tried. Except for the grandma, the acting was terrible. Noemi Gonzalez, who plays the main character, sadly was not a good actress. Beautiful but couldn't sing and wasn't believable to be a famous singer. The chemistry between her and Stephen Huszar was the worst I've ever seen. I know "Christmas chick flicks" can be cringey but this was the cringey of them all. Please don't waste your time with this one. Skip it and go to another less cringey Christmas movie.

CUTE!

[lillyphotography · 10/10 · 5 December 2022]

As a mexican american it was so nice to see my culture portrayed in a Hallmark movie. It was funny and charming and it hit home. I am use to only seeing the same actors in all of the Hallmark movies, so seeing this dynamic was so nice! The singing in spanish, the nativity scene, and the tamales! Hallmark thank you for making this movie and making the mexican american culture apart of your movies that I love watching! It took a nice take on the original Bodyguard movie. I hope to see more movies like this! This will make you laugh and smile! It even has a suspense factor that I hadn't not seen in Hallmark movies before!

I would like to say I liked this film more than I did.

[cgvsluis · 6/10 · 11 December 2022]

Steven Hussar is probably the best thing about this film, although there were some great supporting actors and it was nice to see some Hispanic traditions brought forward for the Christmas season.

This tells the story of a reality contestant turned pop star, who wants to do her own material...but whose record label wants to keep her doing the pop numbers that made her famous. Christmas is approaching and someone managed to get on her property to leave a live note, so the record label hires a body guard to go everywhere Jaylin goes. At Christmas, that means he is going with her to meet the whole overprotective Rodriguez family...her grandmother, her father, her mother, her brother and her pregnant sister-in-law. Only Jaylin can't tell her family that Matt is her bodyguard, so she lies and says he is her boyfriend.

Single and professional Matt is not happy about going along with the lie, but really starts to enjoy the Rodriguez family and Jaylin.

This was a sweet holiday romance, but I had a little trouble with the actress playing Jaylin (Noemi Gonzalez). There were full scenes that just felt awkward and I don't know if it was actually the acting or if it was really the direction, but there was some awkwardness that I can't quite put my finger on. I loved seeing a Latina in the lead and even more I loved seeing a more full-figured lead in which it was never mentioned! I applaud the show runners for that!

So a big yes for romantics and more rubenesque ladies.

It should've stayed undercover

[da-81237 · 1/10 · 14 December 2022]

This movie was just awful!! The poor acting, the lack of chemistry, the atrocious singing and the unbelievable concept that people have never heard of a song in both Spanish and English. Every time Jaylen tries to sing is cringeworthy. Was anyone in the room while they were filming?

On a positive note, Jaylen's family members are adorable and they did a good job sharing their cultural festivities.

Honestly, I've been enjoying all of Hallmark's movies this season, but this one quite simply is the worst of the new movies. Don't make the same mistake I did, because there's no way to get those two hours back.

Not great

[Jackbv123 · 5/10 · 5 December 2022]

This is a predictable story the follows along the usual lines for a fake boyfriend. The fake boyfriend is also her bodyguard. Jaylen, a rising pop star, apparently has a stalker. Unfortunately it is all much ado about little. One of the themes of the story is about Jaylen standing up for herself - "always courageous". The people who seem to be holding her back are her own family, but that angle is oversold.

Noemi Gonzalez and Stephen Huszar have a little chemistry but it doesn't stand out. The acting doesn't seem too good, but I think a lot of that is the script.

Gonzalez gives a couple of good performances including singing in both English and Spanish.

Missed potential but not a total tank

[Lily-32 · 7/10 · 31 December 2022]

Honestly, I had hopes. That were dashed many times. It took 20 minutes for it to settle into a believable story. The set up was painfully forced. It started to get it's groove but every time it did they heavy handed The Message. What could have been a natural flow was pushed in an unnecessarily uncomfortable way. Instead of allowing us along for the ride, they tried to baseball bat us over the head. But it came back again for a moment or two before it came in strong again. Honestly, by the end I was ready to tank it good for all the back and forth where it almost did it well then sabotaged itself. I was settling on a middle ground but gave it a few extra points because FINALLY we returned to the idea that the girl sometimes has to apologize too. Especially when the bad idea was hers. Too many movies on the girl power train are giving us women who are treated as perfect even when they clearly mess up. But I appreciate they put that in.

Our leading lady in the beginning felt like she was trying too hard. Her performance got better though and by the end it wasn't her acting that was a problem. It was the lines the gave her. She can act but not over bad dialogue which is hard for the most experienced of actors.

So it wasn't fantastic. The writer hurt the story a few times trying to shoehorn in a heavy handed message and clunky lines. But it wasn't as bad as most of the other stuff coming out these days. I was actually able to see it through to the end on a hope. And that's saying something these days. Yeah, the chemistry wasn't 100% but I've seen worse. I think it was more the push of The Message that interrupted that potential as well.

So I give this 7 stars. Which is one of the better reviews I've given a Hallmark movie as of late. The last two years have been rough and I imagine it's going to keep on this trend.

Underwhelming on All Fronts

[jazznu · 2/10 · 5 July 2023]

You know how Hallmark has some good movies featuring fantastic singers where some of the music is so enjoyable you want to keep rewinding it to hear them sing a song again? Well that's not this movie. At all.

Hard to know what the thinking was here. It was a disservice to everyone involved. Stephen is a Hallmark regular who we know can do better than what this offered up for him, and most others that we're less familiar with would very likely be good with a decent script.

Singing was not pleasant, music was poor quality in general, dancing was disappointing, acting was mediocre to wooden, and the script was just as flat as a pancake. And this was not some worthy celebration of Mexican holiday traditions either, you'd hope that was the saving grace here, but it definitely is not. There's nothing enjoyable here, it was just not well thought out or well cast to achieve what they were going for.

In the future, I beg of Hallmark to leave the signing to those who have been paid big money in a recording contract or on Broadway to share their voices with us.

Ehh.

[mdjr1111 · 5/10 · 9 December 2022]

I like Christmas movies. I just want fun entertainment. I LOVED the portrayal of traditional Hispanic holiday making. The Spanglish, dancing, and dual language songs were great.

Now the singing, however. Most music was fine, but when Jaylen and Abuela were at the piano, wow. Incredibly bad. Better editing would have helped. Wardrobe should have dressed Jaylen for her shape. Some of their choices were not flattering.

And the "soldier" turned private security. #1 if he was in the Navy he was NOT a soldier. #2 if the character had been an actual Navy Seal, he would not have had to mention it so much.

Nothing against either lead, she was very bubbly and fun, and I've seen him in other shows where his character appears to be a better fit. But as far as chemistry, I didn't get it. Didn't see it, either. When they are walking own a sidewalk discussing are we/aren't we, she is holding his flaccid arm. He was not participating, not at all.

The whole Fake Boyfriend trope has been done, and done much better before.

Watch The Bodyguard instead

[KarlMal · 5/10 · 31 December 2022]

It was ok. I Kept waiting for this to get better but the "mystery" was disappointing. After it was over I watched the ending of the Kevin Costner /Whitney Huston movie this was stolen from. That was much more satisfying.

I guess it was okay for a Hallmark movie and I appreciated the Latin culture but the story was just really weak. I was looking for a villain and there wasn't one. You would think a movie with a bodyguard would at least have some real threat.

Just save yourself some time and watch "The Bodyguard" - at least that movie has some great songs for you to listen to. And some actual bodyguarding.

RELEVANT & TOUCHING!!!

[fabianmichael · 10/10 · 12 December 2022]

Wow, I don't get all the "bad love" for this lovely movie! The cast is SPLENDID and it's a touching Christmas holiday story that speaks to us about being courageous enough to get out of "life's box" and be strong enough to stake our own claim, be ourselves, & find success on our own terms; these are huge themes in my own life now, so I found it powerfully relevant! Also, this movie is about learning to open ourselves to the kindness & goodness around us, as well as learning to change & adjust to get the most from life, as Matt did so well with Jaylen and her whole family!!! BRAVO this film!!!!

Too familiar trope

[VetteRanger · 5/10 · 7 December 2022]

There were things I like about this movie, and a few cute scenes, but it seems like they have to do one of these "fake mystery boyfriend" movies every year now. We've seen a ton of them of them, and a few of them have been really fun. Those few came years ago when the concept hadn't been run into the ground.

This one had nothing new to offer for that trope, and certainly wasn't as imaginative as some. Our favorite is "A Boyfriend for Christmas", and that one was ALL THE WAY BACK from 2004 ... so you can see how old and tired that standard plot has become.

Not to judge, but this also seems to be the year of the overweight female romantic lead. I'm not against overweight people. I've got PLENTY of overweight friends, my wife could stand to lose a few pounds, and I just lost 30 pounds myself in the last year and a half. This lead actress needs to do what I did and lose 30 pounds herself. These romances are all a fantasy, and somehow that loses the fantasy. LOL.

I saw the ratings and reviews and...

[MickyG333 · 5/10 · 26 December 2022]

5.0 stars.

I don't go below 5 stars for any Hallmark films, because 99% of the time they are at least average films. Cinematography and music are always decent. Acting and chemistry are a roll of the dice. When I read several reviews and see such awful descriptions of this or that and nobody, like nobody likes the movie, then I'll give it about 20 minutes. Well, I gave 'Undercover Holiday' all of about 15 minutes give or take. I don't like the lead. You might think it's because she's robust. Ummm, well, uhhhhh. I love healthy women, I've dated several of them, they are usually what I go for. But for some reason this movie doesn't work and she's the reason for the flop.

For reals?

[asmithee23 · 2/10 · 13 July 2023]

Now, this movie likely started in a California writers room so they should really know the Hispanic Navidad experience. I cannot believe how ridiculous and pandering this was. Lots of accents but my ears heard more than Chicano y Chicana inflections. The lead actress is supposed to be a pop star but her singing is completely flat. How could a guy who was in the military be so unfamiliar with any Hispanic Christmas tradition? There are thousands of Hispanics in the military!! Who doesn't know tamales are a traditional Christmas food? I know that and I am not Hispanic. Why are tamales only at Christmas? Because it takes freaking days to make them! Yeah, if you marry a Hispanic, you might have to learn how to make them. That 100 tamales, at least, was right. My Chicano husband laughed outloud at this film. He said if they want to show a real American Hispanic Christmas, they should film in the Barrio on Christmas morning with kids crying because Santa Claus didn't show up. A more realistic Hispanic Christmas experience is an episode of Lopez vs. Lopez.

Very underwhelming

[dahotnessk · 5/10 · 2 January 2023]

I really wanted to see this movie for Stephen Huszar, and when I realized that the female lead use to be on Young & the Restless, I was super excited. After the first 20 minutes or so, nah!

The lack of chemistry was very obvious, but other moments in the movie were cute and watchable so it was still ok.

My main issue is how they glossed over the stalker type behavior of the ex boyfriend. Matt was posing as her boyfriend, but he still aggressively approaches her wherever she is. Those notes were kinda menacing, did god sakes, he wrote her a note on the underside of her coaster! And they just brush it off as "she likes my poetry" and we the viewers are supposed to accept that and move right along as if this is normal!?

The writing of this movie needed some serious work If you ask me!

Not a good movie; the two leads were not a good fit

[hacranney · 3/10 · 21 November 2023]

I tried to watch this, I really did. Especially because I really like the male lead. However, this was just not it...it was a lousy movie. The two leads were so ill paired together. Whoever cast those two together should be slapped. I couldn't even finish the last 20ish minutes of this movie..which says a lot because I can usually finish even the lamest hallmark Christmas movie. I really don't have anything pleasant to say about this movie at all. The only reason I didn't give it a one star was because I like Stephen Huszar.. I wouldn't bother with this one, there are plenty of other movies that are good and worth watching, so just pass!

Charming, Joyful, and Family Christmas

[sylvia-94460 · 9/10 · 4 June 2023]

If I'd just read the previous reviews, I never would have watched this movie. But, the premise sounded interesting and the colorfulness of a Mexican-American Christmas sounded fun. I like how the circumstances brought the two lead characters together and isn't that just how so many love stories begin? They reminded me of a real-life couple I know that have been married for over 40 years and no one would have stereotypically matched them since they were from different heritages and completely different body types. LIfe and love are much more interesting when you let love find you. One criticism is the singing at one of the piano scenes was really flat. I blame that on the director. If the singing is flat in a scene... cut it.