It is a sweet story with a rather weak script. I was a bit worried at the start, as the first 20 minutes or so were not so good; there were some awkward acting and dialogue, I thought. For example, the 'clean the bathroom' line at the Santa Squad shop (when they were at the bubblegum dispenser) seemed odd (as opposed to funny, which I think is what the writer was going for there). That said, the movie did improve. Rebecca Dalton (playing Allie) had a decent performance. The scenes with her and the children were the strongest scenes of the film. She did a good job here, giving off a warm and fun vibe to her performance. Aaron Ashmore (playing Gordon) was not bad. I prefer him in Killjoys (he is great in that series) to this. He had some awkward acting at times, especially early on and towards the end of the movie, I thought. The chemistry between the two was not great. However, his scenes (towards the middle) with Allie and the children were warm and fun. He had a good performance in those scenes. The supporting cast was pretty good. Chris Sandiford (playing Tony) had a kind and gentle vibe to his performance, which I liked. The two children, Molly Lewis as Iris and Hattie Kragten as Rose, both had cute performances. Again, for me, it was the scenes with them and Allie or them with Allie and Gordon that were the strongest. The scenery, props, and sets were fine, though I was not a fan of that house. Did anyone notice that the two large snowmen were made of cotton balls? You could see the fibers sticking out. It was strange as the two smaller ones were clearly made of snow. Overall, it is a good enough Lifetime Christmas movie with some fun and cute family scenes.
14 Reviews
Painful
sd-lister9 December 2020
It's a Lifetime movie, so my score is relative (we aren't using The Godfather scale here). The first 3/4 of the movie was pretty decent, the writing wasn't horrible, all actors were actually quite good. It's a cheesy Christmas video with zero budget, but the show was making the most of what they had. That is until the turn. All these movies follow the same general formula; two people, one of who is usually in a bad relationship, find each other, but before the soulmates can be together, some contrived plot device causes one to mistakenly reject the other. In the end, the truth is revealed, and true love wins the day. Usually, it's a conniving ex that causes all the trouble, but here, it's quite possibly the dumbest reason in all of Christmas romance TV history. I won't "spoil" it, but either the original writer, who was fairly competent to this point, went completely off the rails, or the script was hacked and butchered by a person who has never set foot in a kitchen, let alone baked a cookie. And who then decided that the main characters suffered temporary brain damage and completely lost their short term memory. I was half expecting the lead to pull some Polaroids out of her pocket so she could remember what happened two minutes prior.... Anyway, had it not been for that horrendous bit of script, this show might have ranked as one of the better low budget Lifetime efforts. As it is, I'm going with a very painful, 6 out of 10.
Lovely story, good chemistry
dontakeitpersonal26 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I didn't think I would enjoy it as much. The bad ex girlfriend was just perfect, the chemistry between all the actors was good and you could be dragged into the story. The "mistake/turning" point in the movie seemed a bit... Forced. Like they had to find some excuse to drive the two apart in order for them to get back together, but it is at least better than to reintroduce the ex and making the lead girl think they got back together again(or some kind of twist in this) Good movie to watch during the holidays
It's Xmas, it's corny and it's great!
tocanepauli29 November 2020
Santa's bland squad
TheLittleSongbird16 November 2021
Throughout my whole Lifetime Christmas film completest quest undertaken namely late 2019 and still ongoing, an interesting quest but very mixed one, there was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with Lifetime's output. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. One could see that with most of Lifetime's output but not all.
Lifetime's 2020 Christmas output was very variable, with not many terrible ones but none properly great at the same time. 'Santa's Squad' left me a bit mixed and is neither one of the best or worst films from the batch. A middling effort if anything. 'Santa's Squad' is another one of those films that leaves one unsure whether to continue or not initially, but on the most part gets better if given a chance and not bailed out on no matter how large the temptation is.
'Santa's Squad' doesn't start off great, it is a slow starter and has some painfully awkward dialogue, a lack of energy and acting that doesn't seem particularly assured or engaged (Aaron Ashmore for example is ill at ease at first). The conflict could have done with more tension and didn't need to try so hard, the conflict in the final quarter or so is on the forced side. The music is too constant, too cheaply recorded and it was like it was scored for something else entirely.
Really did wish that the central relationship featured more in the story, the chemistry is a genuine one but the relationship itself is underused and doesn't get enough time to grow. Not much new is done with a tried and tested formula, so there is a lot of prematurely foreseeable predictability and everything is resolved too neatly and for agreed one of the lamest reasons one can think of.
As said though, 'Santa's Squad' does improve in a lot of areas. The acting on the whole is pretty good, with Rebecca Dalton a warm, charming presence in her role. Ashmore does become more comfortable the more his character grows and his chemistry with Dalton is sweet, just wish there was more of the relationship itself in the story. The children are likeable and have a charming rapport with Dalton.
Visually, it looks nice in particularly the scenery. The film is generally light-hearted, charming and heart-warming once it gets going and the dialogue on the whole is a lot better in the second half, it flows more naturally and isn't as corny while occasionally still forced.
Concluding, not great but watchable. 5/10.
Lifetime's 2020 Christmas output was very variable, with not many terrible ones but none properly great at the same time. 'Santa's Squad' left me a bit mixed and is neither one of the best or worst films from the batch. A middling effort if anything. 'Santa's Squad' is another one of those films that leaves one unsure whether to continue or not initially, but on the most part gets better if given a chance and not bailed out on no matter how large the temptation is.
'Santa's Squad' doesn't start off great, it is a slow starter and has some painfully awkward dialogue, a lack of energy and acting that doesn't seem particularly assured or engaged (Aaron Ashmore for example is ill at ease at first). The conflict could have done with more tension and didn't need to try so hard, the conflict in the final quarter or so is on the forced side. The music is too constant, too cheaply recorded and it was like it was scored for something else entirely.
Really did wish that the central relationship featured more in the story, the chemistry is a genuine one but the relationship itself is underused and doesn't get enough time to grow. Not much new is done with a tried and tested formula, so there is a lot of prematurely foreseeable predictability and everything is resolved too neatly and for agreed one of the lamest reasons one can think of.
As said though, 'Santa's Squad' does improve in a lot of areas. The acting on the whole is pretty good, with Rebecca Dalton a warm, charming presence in her role. Ashmore does become more comfortable the more his character grows and his chemistry with Dalton is sweet, just wish there was more of the relationship itself in the story. The children are likeable and have a charming rapport with Dalton.
Visually, it looks nice in particularly the scenery. The film is generally light-hearted, charming and heart-warming once it gets going and the dialogue on the whole is a lot better in the second half, it flows more naturally and isn't as corny while occasionally still forced.
Concluding, not great but watchable. 5/10.
watching it was a gift
upscmainsexam5 December 2020
Bad soundtrack
CHTO768 December 2020
Rebecca Dalton shines as Allie, a good-natured teacher laid off due to budget cuts and ended up employed by a wealthy family to decorate their home for Christmas. While there was the obvious potential for the story to go full-on Hallmark after they introduced Allie to Gordon, the overworked single dad (played by the awesome Aaron Ashmore) who neglected his two daughters, there wasn't enough screen time between the two to flesh out their employer-employee relationship, much less anything beyond. Gordon's two daughters, Allie's best friend Tony, Gordon's butler Daniel plus the old couple at the community centre left very little time for any kind of budding Christmas romance.
While the movie adds nothing new to the genre, it was at least warm from start to finish.
The one thing that really bugged me though about this movie was how bad the soundtrack was. While I get that most of these movies don't get enough budget for proper soundtracks, this one sounded cheap and hollow and clashed more than a few times with the pacing and editing, and ruined many pivotal scenes.
I hate to say this but had this movie been a Hallmark production, it would've easily gotten at least 7 stars from me.
While the movie adds nothing new to the genre, it was at least warm from start to finish.
The one thing that really bugged me though about this movie was how bad the soundtrack was. While I get that most of these movies don't get enough budget for proper soundtracks, this one sounded cheap and hollow and clashed more than a few times with the pacing and editing, and ruined many pivotal scenes.
I hate to say this but had this movie been a Hallmark production, it would've easily gotten at least 7 stars from me.
Pleasant surprise
Jackbv12313 December 2020
I saw the title and expected something goofy. The beginning with the early scenes at the community center didn't convince me otherwise. But soon after it becomes apparent that this is basically the Nanny premise, even though I don't think that word ever came up. I'm glad the writers didn't use up a lot of screen time establishing Allie's unemployment. So many movies spend time setting up the unemployment, the-dumped-by-boyfriend, or up-for-promotion premise. The scene at the community center was needed to establish relationships that come into play later.
The tone of the movie is quite upbeat with a couple of minor exceptions. The rival girlfriend is gone fairly quickly. Once the premise of the nanny at Christmas is established, the plot is predictable with one exception. Clearly there is going to be a conflict just before the climax, but this conflict was a poor choice. Personally, I don't see how anyone with Allie's experience with kids could have allowed it to happen.
Rebecca Dalton and Aaron Ashmore has a nice chemistry. I've seen Dalton before a few times and I thought this role was good for her. She does the optimistic artistic woman very well. She is also a very beautiful woman which probably causes some people to dismiss her acting.
The tone of the movie is quite upbeat with a couple of minor exceptions. The rival girlfriend is gone fairly quickly. Once the premise of the nanny at Christmas is established, the plot is predictable with one exception. Clearly there is going to be a conflict just before the climax, but this conflict was a poor choice. Personally, I don't see how anyone with Allie's experience with kids could have allowed it to happen.
Rebecca Dalton and Aaron Ashmore has a nice chemistry. I've seen Dalton before a few times and I thought this role was good for her. She does the optimistic artistic woman very well. She is also a very beautiful woman which probably causes some people to dismiss her acting.
This is lower rated than I thought
mbiv8 December 2020
I thought this was pretty good, sort of a Sound of Music without the music.
I have to admit, when I look at Rebecca Dalton, I think, "Wow!" She's really gorgeous, but she also did a nice job in this movie.
I was a little bit thrown by both of the leads being the same race and sexual preference. You don't see that a lot anymore (sarc).
It's a slow starter, but it gets better and in the end, it's yet another heart-warming Lifetime Christmas movie.
Give it a watch...
Terrible acting with the same played out story
ncm-3386028 November 2020
The actors were all wonderful in their own lane but together their chemistry didn't work well which made their acting terrible. It's a christmas movie that does make you feel a little bit warm, but the warmth doesn't succeed as it contains the same story for a lot of movies.
Fantastic Xmas Movie
drabmol8 December 2020
Dreadful with a capital D!!
deberoony2 December 2021
Typical cheesy badly acted low budget movie, zero chemistry, nasally kids, and stereotypical storyline, all teeth and staring over the Christmas things she's bringing back into the lonely widowers life, even the snowman making was embarrassingly awful, with lightweight, cotton wool snowmen nearly blowing off their flimsy blocks! So funny, you have to see it till the end tho, just to add more cheese to your life.
Christmas Killjoys!
adamjohns-4257517 December 2021
I wouldn't have stuck it out if it wasn't for Aaron Ashmore, because he is lovely and the only really good thing about this film. The "Girlfriend - Kimmee" and PA were terrible actors and not the nicest of people either.
It was like watching one part of 'The Holiday' without the acting ability and budget. In fact the budget was so bad that the snow was quite obviously cotton wool.
The "Issue", that occurs just at the wrong time, was a complete overreaction. A nice guy like Aaron, who gets won over very easily by the way, would not react like he does here.
Overall, I have seen this story done much, much better and with a more enjoyable set up, so it is unlikely that I will re-watch it, despite Iceman's twin brother and his lovely smile.
1ish or less?
It was like watching one part of 'The Holiday' without the acting ability and budget. In fact the budget was so bad that the snow was quite obviously cotton wool.
The "Issue", that occurs just at the wrong time, was a complete overreaction. A nice guy like Aaron, who gets won over very easily by the way, would not react like he does here.
Overall, I have seen this story done much, much better and with a more enjoyable set up, so it is unlikely that I will re-watch it, despite Iceman's twin brother and his lovely smile.
1ish or less?
Predictable Holiday Romance That Needs More Christmas Magic.
P3n-E-W1s330 November 2022
Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for The Santa Squad.
Story: 1.00/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.00/2
Total 5.25/10
There's one endearing element in The Santa Squad movie and it's the morality story of family and the love required to form solid relationships. The father, Gordon Church, is a self-made man, and now he's working hard so his kids will never want for anything. Unfortunately, the after-effects of this all-work lifestyle are that his daughters want their father. And that is the main crux of the movie. Because of a simple storyline, the viewer requires a narrative filled with engaging characters. And though the writers try to deliver them plenty, only two of them hold the attention. The two daughters, Rose and Iris, are superbly written and marvellously portrayed by the young actresses Hattie Kragten and Molly Lewis, respectively. The trouble is the rest of the people in the story lack potency. Though they are credible and well-acted, I had trouble becoming involved, especially in the love-story side of things. They all needed more oomph to them - a bit of Christmas Sparkle. The female lead, Allie, and the Manservant, Daniel, come close, but close isn't enough. Though the film's entertaining, I believe it could've been better. No sooner had the viewer been introduced to a character than they could determine what role they were to play in the unfolding story. For example, the girlfriend, Kimmie: She's on screen for a full minute, in which time you glean she's a gold digger and the villain. I needed more.
I also required more from the direction which travels the road of commonness. Because of its ordinariness, there's little heart-warming or light-heartedness integrated into the movie's atmosphere: It's dull and drab, which is awful for a Christmas movie. Because of its mediocrity, I'd only recommend the film for one watch, and only if pushed. However, the girls make this movie shine in their scenes, and for them alone, it's worth a look-see.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
Story: 1.00/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.00/2
Total 5.25/10
There's one endearing element in The Santa Squad movie and it's the morality story of family and the love required to form solid relationships. The father, Gordon Church, is a self-made man, and now he's working hard so his kids will never want for anything. Unfortunately, the after-effects of this all-work lifestyle are that his daughters want their father. And that is the main crux of the movie. Because of a simple storyline, the viewer requires a narrative filled with engaging characters. And though the writers try to deliver them plenty, only two of them hold the attention. The two daughters, Rose and Iris, are superbly written and marvellously portrayed by the young actresses Hattie Kragten and Molly Lewis, respectively. The trouble is the rest of the people in the story lack potency. Though they are credible and well-acted, I had trouble becoming involved, especially in the love-story side of things. They all needed more oomph to them - a bit of Christmas Sparkle. The female lead, Allie, and the Manservant, Daniel, come close, but close isn't enough. Though the film's entertaining, I believe it could've been better. No sooner had the viewer been introduced to a character than they could determine what role they were to play in the unfolding story. For example, the girlfriend, Kimmie: She's on screen for a full minute, in which time you glean she's a gold digger and the villain. I needed more.
I also required more from the direction which travels the road of commonness. Because of its ordinariness, there's little heart-warming or light-heartedness integrated into the movie's atmosphere: It's dull and drab, which is awful for a Christmas movie. Because of its mediocrity, I'd only recommend the film for one watch, and only if pushed. However, the girls make this movie shine in their scenes, and for them alone, it's worth a look-see.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
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