Who ever thought we'd see a movie where she says, "Your a man who appears to love Jesus... and your single?" The movie is about a Pastor's daughter who has lost her way and comes to her home town at Christmas and ends up producing the Christmas pageant. The main family is full of Faith and the main actress returns to hers, praying to the Lord and falling in love with a Youth Minister and Church musician. There's praying and worship and singing the Holy Christmas songs that never get in the movies.
13 Reviews
Oh God!
adamjohns-425759 December 2022
The Christmas Dance (2021) -
This film overall was a bit preachy and on the moral high ground. It was also a bit wet and drippy. They all seemed considerably holier than thou, except the lead female, Sarah, played by Kristen Vaganos, who was just a bit of a misery. It was also hard to believe that she moved away and hated Christmas because she fell over at a nativity once, which made her character seem very weak indeed.
I think that it would have been better if Sherman Jr. (Miles Fabre) was getting together with Jason, who played the lead male role Carson Nicely, because Sarah seemed like a mardy cow and there was far more chemistry between the two men, so their relationship was much more likely to work. At least the scenes that I saw them in, because when Jason started to sing about God, I really had to give up on it. I actually threw up a little in my mouth. And I really couldn't see how Jason and Sarah were ever supposed to be falling for each other.
It had none of the usual cheer that these films have and it felt like the Christmas activities and nice things to do were all such a chore and for God.
Unscored as unfinished.
This film overall was a bit preachy and on the moral high ground. It was also a bit wet and drippy. They all seemed considerably holier than thou, except the lead female, Sarah, played by Kristen Vaganos, who was just a bit of a misery. It was also hard to believe that she moved away and hated Christmas because she fell over at a nativity once, which made her character seem very weak indeed.
I think that it would have been better if Sherman Jr. (Miles Fabre) was getting together with Jason, who played the lead male role Carson Nicely, because Sarah seemed like a mardy cow and there was far more chemistry between the two men, so their relationship was much more likely to work. At least the scenes that I saw them in, because when Jason started to sing about God, I really had to give up on it. I actually threw up a little in my mouth. And I really couldn't see how Jason and Sarah were ever supposed to be falling for each other.
It had none of the usual cheer that these films have and it felt like the Christmas activities and nice things to do were all such a chore and for God.
Unscored as unfinished.
Ugh!
jordy-2301929 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
On the one hand I loved it was a Christian based Christmas movie. But the lead actress' sullen girl routine and hatred of Christmas because she fell down in a Christmas show as a grade schooler and wouldn't come home for years was just over the top for me.
Warning: Significant Religious Content
johne-559522 August 2021
For some reason there is no mention of this that I can see but an accurate review of this movie should mention its really a "Christian Movie" as in even the dialog is peppered with religious references after the first 10 minutes. Characters are referred to "brother" this and "sister" by the minister father who plays a leading role.
The lead actress is pretty good and the supporting cast isn't too bad. For me it got so bogged down in the religious aspects that I couldn't finish it. In the end there is no real plot except to "witness" no us non-believers,
The high rating was clearly bid up by believers. Compared to other "Hallmark type" movies it is objectively not very good.
The lead actress is pretty good and the supporting cast isn't too bad. For me it got so bogged down in the religious aspects that I couldn't finish it. In the end there is no real plot except to "witness" no us non-believers,
The high rating was clearly bid up by believers. Compared to other "Hallmark type" movies it is objectively not very good.
It Cudda Been Worse
tommy567725 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
But not by much.
And then there's Al from a Tool Time. Hard to believe Richard Karn would even put his name on this.
I think the thing that really got me was how they lure you in and then drop the religious bomb on you. If I wanted Religion in my Christmas Movie I'd go for a Kirk Cameron flick.
This movie makes me think that these actors have swallowed the Jesus Koolaid and that can't be a good career move.
Girlfriend needs to get a grip and grow up. Yes, she does a lot of whining But sometimes I think she can actually act, especially the crying scene at her brothers bedside. A great job. Sometimes you can even tell how good or bad an actor is by their ability to pull off a crying scene. In this one she proved herself. It's too bad the writing and directing wasn't there for her. Boyfriend on the other hand... ok. IMO, this guy is gayer than a pink hairnet so I don't understand the casting in a lead heterosexual romance role.
One kiss at the end with the new love interest and that was it. And it wasn't even sloppy. God. Oops sorry.
And then there's Al from a Tool Time. Hard to believe Richard Karn would even put his name on this.
I think the thing that really got me was how they lure you in and then drop the religious bomb on you. If I wanted Religion in my Christmas Movie I'd go for a Kirk Cameron flick.
This movie makes me think that these actors have swallowed the Jesus Koolaid and that can't be a good career move.
Girlfriend needs to get a grip and grow up. Yes, she does a lot of whining But sometimes I think she can actually act, especially the crying scene at her brothers bedside. A great job. Sometimes you can even tell how good or bad an actor is by their ability to pull off a crying scene. In this one she proved herself. It's too bad the writing and directing wasn't there for her. Boyfriend on the other hand... ok. IMO, this guy is gayer than a pink hairnet so I don't understand the casting in a lead heterosexual romance role.
One kiss at the end with the new love interest and that was it. And it wasn't even sloppy. God. Oops sorry.
Very religious and so self righteous
julielewis-8175020 September 2023
I caught this film one evening as I'm a sucker for Christmas films but this was something else. The acting was so-so but the story between the two lovers was ridiculous, he is so self righteous regarding her and her feelings, letting kids down when your brother could die and you have a job that you don't want to get fired from but he makes it all about God and being there - seriously this guy is definitely single for a reason it's his way or no way.
I liked the parents they were what Christmas films should be about and their scenes were good .
Avoid unless there is literally nothing else to watch.
I liked the parents they were what Christmas films should be about and their scenes were good .
Avoid unless there is literally nothing else to watch.
Same old same old, also very religious.
benthinjosephine1 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Same old plot of unhappy shallow city girl/ writer/ good dancer without practicing/ curled hair/ always flawless make up on finding her way back into her small hometown where a once nerdy childhood friend turned into a beau and is just waiting for her to find her way back to God.. and him.
It's not all bad, there is a surprisingly serious side plot about the protagonist's brother, but everything is unrealistic and the girl is acting like 13, running off when her love interest tries to explain himself after the trope blonde mean girl tries to kiss him into submission. Also, not very Christmas-sy, just another love story before a seasonal backdrop.
It's not all bad, there is a surprisingly serious side plot about the protagonist's brother, but everything is unrealistic and the girl is acting like 13, running off when her love interest tries to explain himself after the trope blonde mean girl tries to kiss him into submission. Also, not very Christmas-sy, just another love story before a seasonal backdrop.
Beautiful story that's actually about Christmas !
RichmondBread20 November 2021
Imagine a Christian Christmas movie! But the acting is actually better than average for Hallmark. So many Hallmark movies are the tired secular romance with Christmas only as the backdrop. This movie has more a Gospel message. There's a lot of "Christmas " in this movie missing from other offerings as of late. It was refreshing!
Sweet and wholesome
litttlelaura28 December 2021
Cute and perfectly cheesy Christmas movie. It actually reflects on the true meaning of Christmas and not the commercial aspects that have taken over. It is refreshing to see a film that isn't afraid to show spirituality and faith as a part of a character. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would recommend.
Great Movie
mtdym22 December 2021
Very well done. One of the best Christmas movies in a while. Yes it has religious tones and yea Christmas is about Jesus people need to get over it and know when they buy celebrate Christmas they are celebrating the birth of Christ. Send me the hate mail!!!
Refreshing to reflect on what's important: Family
mdarling-4590119 October 2022
Family is very important aspect of any holiday gathering. This movie draws you in to think about your own interactions with family and friends. Loved it. From beginning to end, you watch the fun and love shown by the characters. While Christmas is the center of the movie, its family that, to me, is portrayed as most important part of the movie. It makes you want to call those that are close to you, whether they are near or far. It also made me realize that time and distance does not take away from you having a close family or friendship. Somethings pick up right where you left them so you never have to start from the begining.
Bit different
SunnyDaise22 December 2022
This is a little bit edgier than the fluffy Christmas movies. From my experience, it is more true to life as well. It portrays the ups and downs of small community life plus dealing with the past at Christmas realistically. I could identify with all the characters to some extent, which paradoxically makes me like and dislike the movie at the same time! The caring yet claustrophobic nature of family and friends is spot on. One of the biggest positive elements is overcoming your own embarrassment/ fear to (a) help others and (b) get more out of life yourself. I'm not sure I'd especially watch this again, but it was worth a look.
It's Nice to See Practicing Christians
LSAinPA29 December 2022
Aside from the usual contrivance to make a big city girl have to go home at Christmas time, this is a nice story that is actually about regular people getting ready for the holidays. First, their lives are centered around their church family and the real preparations for Christmas. Secondly, and most importantly, their homes and their town are not filled with ridiculous over-decoration like standard holiday fare. Nobody has garland in every window, shelf, and doorway in real life. I only wish that they could have recruited some better actors. Aside from Richard Karn, they're all a little stiff. But the story is pleasant enough.
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