A bit of a disclaimer: I have been challenged to watch all of Hallmark and Lifetime's original Christmas movies this year. So, I am questioning my mental state at this point ;-). Any hoot, this is my 17th one this season (2nd Lifetime movie); it is somewhere in the middle of the pack (latter half). As another reviewer on here stated, the movie is 'okish'. The plot/storyline was quite predictable and unoriginal, as there have been several Hallmark (and other) movies with similar plots over the years. The Christmas Ring, for example, comes to mind; it's one of Hallmark's originals this year (it's not very good). The story in such films, in a nutshell, goes like this: i) journalist meets source; ii) they start falling in love; iii) journalist starts questioning her (it is usually a female journalist) motives for writing the story; iv) journalist decides not to write it; v) editor (aka her boss) publishes it anyway; vi) source finds out and breaks things off; vii) (in some versions) journalist rewrites and publishes a new version that spins the source in a positive light; viii) source and journalist make up and fall in love; ix) the end. The acting, overall, was decent. I am familiar with Amber Stevens West as I watched her on the screen in the TV series GREEK. She had a pretty good performance here. I am not as familiar with Marco Grazzini. His performance was pretty good too, though he did have some awkward acting movements in a couple of scenes (e.g., when he confronted Charity about the article that was published). As another reviewer here pointed out, the chemistry between the two was a bit lacking, not ideal for a romance film. The supporting cast was strong; I did think Cherion Drakes (as Tisha) had a good performance...Morgan Kelly (as Aaron), on the other hand, not so good. The movie does instill some Christmas spirit and cheer. Fans of Lifetime and Hallmark will no doubt enjoy the movie.
13 Reviews
Average gift wrapping
TheLittleSongbird23 November 2021
2020 was very variable though not too bad when it came to Lifetime's Christmas films, and there was definitely the sense that the films were made in a rush with not a lot of preparation time. Yet enough of them were far from amateur-hour efforts and were still watchable all things considered. Lifetime just have done a lot better in some previous years, although their festive output is very hit and miss it should not be dismissed outright as enough have left me pleasantly surprised.
'Christmas Unwrapped' was though more or less what was expected, which was a watchable enough film with good moments and better than expected acting. But also one that is nothing extraordinary and does nothing new with pretty familiar plot tropes. Lifetime did a lot better than 'Christmas Unwrapped', but also worse than what is a somewhat middling effort for them. Considering the difficult circumstances though, it did make do perhaps.
Am going to start with the good. Amber Stevens West does a good job as Charity, despite not always being crazy about how the character was written, and attacks the role with charm and enthusiasm. Marco Grazzini has enough moments where he is quite amiable. The supporting cast did very well, particularly Cherion Drakes.
The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime.
However, too much is not successful. Didn't detect much chemistry between West and Grazzini, which seemed disconnected and awkward. Especially later on. It also would have helped if Charity's naivety and cynicism wasn't too exaggerated in the writing, if the romance was developed more and if Grazzini didn't look so embarrassed and wooden in the very forced conflict when he learns the truth.
Generally, 'Christmas Unwrapped's' story never properly grabbed me, as well as being very predictable it is very thin on the ground and drags a lot from too much stretched padding and an uncertain feel most of the time. There isn't enough of an emotional core or charm which made the film come over as bland and lacking in substance too. The direction is competent in some parts but is disorganised and hesitant in others.
Did find the script bland and stilted. The characters could have done with more development and some of the character writing could have been toned down. The ending is too neat, especially considering what the conflict was over.
In conclusion, pretty average but not unwatchable. 5/10.
'Christmas Unwrapped' was though more or less what was expected, which was a watchable enough film with good moments and better than expected acting. But also one that is nothing extraordinary and does nothing new with pretty familiar plot tropes. Lifetime did a lot better than 'Christmas Unwrapped', but also worse than what is a somewhat middling effort for them. Considering the difficult circumstances though, it did make do perhaps.
Am going to start with the good. Amber Stevens West does a good job as Charity, despite not always being crazy about how the character was written, and attacks the role with charm and enthusiasm. Marco Grazzini has enough moments where he is quite amiable. The supporting cast did very well, particularly Cherion Drakes.
The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime.
However, too much is not successful. Didn't detect much chemistry between West and Grazzini, which seemed disconnected and awkward. Especially later on. It also would have helped if Charity's naivety and cynicism wasn't too exaggerated in the writing, if the romance was developed more and if Grazzini didn't look so embarrassed and wooden in the very forced conflict when he learns the truth.
Generally, 'Christmas Unwrapped's' story never properly grabbed me, as well as being very predictable it is very thin on the ground and drags a lot from too much stretched padding and an uncertain feel most of the time. There isn't enough of an emotional core or charm which made the film come over as bland and lacking in substance too. The direction is competent in some parts but is disorganised and hesitant in others.
Did find the script bland and stilted. The characters could have done with more development and some of the character writing could have been toned down. The ending is too neat, especially considering what the conflict was over.
In conclusion, pretty average but not unwatchable. 5/10.
Interesting Story But No Real Spark
jagfannn2 November 2020
It's an interesting story line so it wasn't hard to watch, but there is no chemistry between the leads. The female lead's character is a reporter that's supposed to be cynical about the male lead's claim to be Santa's helper, but it plays more like she has ill intent. She seems to have a wish to destroy something known for helping so many people, as if it were a noble endeavor. She eventually becomes a believer, but due to the lack of chemistry between the two, the inevitable romance in the end is emotionless and falls flat.
I like it !
Kirpianuscus18 December 2021
I like it ! The main reason is the simple fact than it is a Christmas film, in which the holiday is not frame or pretext or scene for romance.
Yes, it is Santa's Christmas and that is well, including the meet between Charity and fake Frank. Amber Stevens West did a great job, using, in smart manner, all the nuances of her character. Marco Grazzini is a reasonable option for the role of Erik Galagher but not amusing remains the impression to see it in something like a promotion, all smile and gestures of popularity, becoming yourself little more agnostic than Charity Jones.
Another good point can the the reference to classic Christmas movies, the seductive use of the 12 days of Christmas and the truth moment - solved so easy with the perfect blog -.
I do not ignore Anthony Sherwood in the role of wise Martin Jones or Roger Dunne, deserving, in the last scene a fair old fashion close up.
Sure, many cliches, unrealistic situations but a nice eulogy of generosity and hommage to Santa Claus.
Yes, it is Santa's Christmas and that is well, including the meet between Charity and fake Frank. Amber Stevens West did a great job, using, in smart manner, all the nuances of her character. Marco Grazzini is a reasonable option for the role of Erik Galagher but not amusing remains the impression to see it in something like a promotion, all smile and gestures of popularity, becoming yourself little more agnostic than Charity Jones.
Another good point can the the reference to classic Christmas movies, the seductive use of the 12 days of Christmas and the truth moment - solved so easy with the perfect blog -.
I do not ignore Anthony Sherwood in the role of wise Martin Jones or Roger Dunne, deserving, in the last scene a fair old fashion close up.
Sure, many cliches, unrealistic situations but a nice eulogy of generosity and hommage to Santa Claus.
VIEWS ON FILM review of Christmas Unwrapped
burlesonjesse56 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
"Don't you believe in a Christmas miracle?" I believe! I believe! Especially when the tree goes up in Rockefeller Center. It's 75 feet, it glistens brightly, and it shows up a few times in Christmas Unwrapped (my latest review).
Anyway, "Unwrapped" makes sense as a title because it has a reporter trying to "unwrap" the true motives of a millionaire. Said reporter also gets soft on said millionaire because you can't have a Lifetime Xmas flick without that sickly sweet notion.
Filmed in Ottawa, Canada (but NYC seems to show up) and more mature while less cutesy than your typical holiday levy, Christmas Unwrapped really gets your yuletide juices flowing. Its lavish set design, Love Actually actuality, Frank Capra corn, and Christmassy tunage defeats any inner "Scrooge" you might have.
Not overly sentimental, featuring a female lead that comes off as a little reserved, and projecting the ultimate holiday setting (New York City in late December), "Unwrapped" is dramatically corporate. Its thought-out script and reality vs fantasy story really hammer that notion home.
Directed by Bosede Williams, harboring a cast of the obligatory good-looking people, and containing an actual villain (the never aging Cheryl Ladd), Christmas Unwrapped is exoticism meets the good tidings version of 27 Dresses.
"Unwrapped" is about a news writer named Charity Jones (played by Beyonce lookalike Amber Stevens West). Jones investigates a rich dude named Erik Gallagher (played by Jay Hernandez lookalike Marco Grazzini). Gallagher is adopted and loves to give millions of dollars of gifts to children in his community. The kicker is that all of the gifts he obtains come from Santa himself (I guess he's best buds with St. Nick).
Charity and Erik eventually get together and get that big smooch at the end. Don't worry though, there's much more profundity to Christmas Unwrapped than that. Rating: 3 stars.
Anyway, "Unwrapped" makes sense as a title because it has a reporter trying to "unwrap" the true motives of a millionaire. Said reporter also gets soft on said millionaire because you can't have a Lifetime Xmas flick without that sickly sweet notion.
Filmed in Ottawa, Canada (but NYC seems to show up) and more mature while less cutesy than your typical holiday levy, Christmas Unwrapped really gets your yuletide juices flowing. Its lavish set design, Love Actually actuality, Frank Capra corn, and Christmassy tunage defeats any inner "Scrooge" you might have.
Not overly sentimental, featuring a female lead that comes off as a little reserved, and projecting the ultimate holiday setting (New York City in late December), "Unwrapped" is dramatically corporate. Its thought-out script and reality vs fantasy story really hammer that notion home.
Directed by Bosede Williams, harboring a cast of the obligatory good-looking people, and containing an actual villain (the never aging Cheryl Ladd), Christmas Unwrapped is exoticism meets the good tidings version of 27 Dresses.
"Unwrapped" is about a news writer named Charity Jones (played by Beyonce lookalike Amber Stevens West). Jones investigates a rich dude named Erik Gallagher (played by Jay Hernandez lookalike Marco Grazzini). Gallagher is adopted and loves to give millions of dollars of gifts to children in his community. The kicker is that all of the gifts he obtains come from Santa himself (I guess he's best buds with St. Nick).
Charity and Erik eventually get together and get that big smooch at the end. Don't worry though, there's much more profundity to Christmas Unwrapped than that. Rating: 3 stars.
Good will to all!
adamjohns-425759 December 2021
I really like the concept of caring for our fellow humans in this film and the fact that the ending is left open so that you can still believe that there might be some magic involved.
The lead male is very cute, which always helps me to appreciate these films and the lead female is nice enough too.
It's full of lovely, festive and cheery things and actually they do squeeze a lot of Christmas in.
It is your usual girl meets boy story and the same formula as all the rest of these Hallmark films, but it is endearing and has a charm all of its own.
6ish?/10.
The lead male is very cute, which always helps me to appreciate these films and the lead female is nice enough too.
It's full of lovely, festive and cheery things and actually they do squeeze a lot of Christmas in.
It is your usual girl meets boy story and the same formula as all the rest of these Hallmark films, but it is endearing and has a charm all of its own.
6ish?/10.
Bringing Back The Christmas Magic To The Christmas Movie Genre.
P3n-E-W1s315 December 2022
Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for Christmas Unwrapped.
Story: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.50/2
Total 6.00/10
The reinstatement of Christmas Magic into the storyline made this movie for me. The rest of which is your standard Romantic Xmas fare: Boy and girl are thrown together by circumstances and grow to love one another until the ugly Christmas Humbug rears its head. But the couple, as always, ends their choppy romance in Happily Ever After Land. The magic added the extra oomph these stories usually require. What's also appealing is that at the end of the story, you're still unsure of exactly where the gifts come from, and maybe you believe a little more in Santa Claus and the miracle of Christmastime.
My enjoyment stemmed from the credible and robust characters, though a tad stereotypical, and the slow, subtle, and delightful way the pair fall in love: My enthrallment grew thanks to the superb and skilled cast. It was nice to see Cheryl Ladd, who is still as beautiful as ever, back in front of the camera. But the movie belongs to the lead actor and actress, Marco Grazzini and Amber Stevens West, who have a pleasant and appealing on-screen chemistry. It made the love story more convincing. I would've scored it higher had the writers chosen a not-so-obvious and much-used twist. And had the director spread his wings a little wider. Though the obligatory heart-warming feeling permeates the picture, it's not constant, and worse, especially for a film about Christmas Magic, there's too little.
All in all, Christmas Unwrapped is a delightful film to watch whilst wrapped up in the arms of your loved one, particularly on a bitterly cold December evening. And, even though it could've been better, I can see myself rewatching the picture - now that is Christmas Magic.
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: 1.25/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.25/2 - Enjoyment: 1.50/2
Total 6.00/10
The reinstatement of Christmas Magic into the storyline made this movie for me. The rest of which is your standard Romantic Xmas fare: Boy and girl are thrown together by circumstances and grow to love one another until the ugly Christmas Humbug rears its head. But the couple, as always, ends their choppy romance in Happily Ever After Land. The magic added the extra oomph these stories usually require. What's also appealing is that at the end of the story, you're still unsure of exactly where the gifts come from, and maybe you believe a little more in Santa Claus and the miracle of Christmastime.
My enjoyment stemmed from the credible and robust characters, though a tad stereotypical, and the slow, subtle, and delightful way the pair fall in love: My enthrallment grew thanks to the superb and skilled cast. It was nice to see Cheryl Ladd, who is still as beautiful as ever, back in front of the camera. But the movie belongs to the lead actor and actress, Marco Grazzini and Amber Stevens West, who have a pleasant and appealing on-screen chemistry. It made the love story more convincing. I would've scored it higher had the writers chosen a not-so-obvious and much-used twist. And had the director spread his wings a little wider. Though the obligatory heart-warming feeling permeates the picture, it's not constant, and worse, especially for a film about Christmas Magic, there's too little.
All in all, Christmas Unwrapped is a delightful film to watch whilst wrapped up in the arms of your loved one, particularly on a bitterly cold December evening. And, even though it could've been better, I can see myself rewatching the picture - now that is Christmas Magic.
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.
Okish
OddlesOfNoodles17 November 2020
Lifetime finally gets it right this season.
Whitneywest1021 November 2020
I've found Lifetime's selection this holiday season to be lackluster at best. Deleting one 30 minutes in. But I loved everything about this one. Both leads did a phenomenal job with the acting plus actual chemistry. This movie also brought back what the made for TV Christmas movies have been shying away from. It infused the romance with the magic of Christmas and Santa. So many of the Christmas movies focus on not much more than the romance as of late. So this was a breath of fresh air with its air of mystery and wonder. I truly loved this one. This production also didn't skimp on the Christmas decorations and back drops of their sets, which I really appreciate! Plus I'd watch Amber Stevens West mime on a street corner. I hope to see her in many movies to come!
Hey, What Happened to the Blizzard?
emortland25 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this movie about ten days ago, and today when I was killing time writing IMDB reviews I honestly couldn't recall the plot. So I rewatched the last fifteen minutes: Oh yeah, investigative reporter falls for a mysterious millionaire charity guy, her story is rewritten by her mean boss, but she writes a heartwarming blog, gets a big kiss & forgiveness from the rich guy and a job offer from the "Times." Well, why the heck not?
I dunno, maybe what bothered me here was everyone was doing their job and acting and all that, but I just didn't find it engaging, believable, and wondered briefly if the cast actually knew each other's names during production. Know what I mean? Like they phoned it in. If it feels like they didn't care, why should I? I could be completely wrong here and this really is a hidden masterpiece, and I just didn't get. It happens.
I dunno, maybe what bothered me here was everyone was doing their job and acting and all that, but I just didn't find it engaging, believable, and wondered briefly if the cast actually knew each other's names during production. Know what I mean? Like they phoned it in. If it feels like they didn't care, why should I? I could be completely wrong here and this really is a hidden masterpiece, and I just didn't get. It happens.
Very disappointed in silent anti Semitic trope
Suzweiner25 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Watching this movie and main character has a very bland non identifiable name : Charity Jones. All's good.
Who's the evil villain who wants to ruin the life of the other main character by exposing them in the media?
Janet Cohen - an obviously Jewish name.
Really? Did Tiffany Haddish put her name on a movie without actually reading the script? Sad.
Crash and burn
Jackbv12325 October 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The movie was going so well. Nothing spectacular, but a nice story with great potential.
I often remark about how you don't expect these movies to be too close to reality, but this movie crosses the line. And I'm not talking about the implication that a real Santa is behind the remarkable things NSB is doing. That's acceptable poetic license.
Charity is a bit naïve for an investigative reporter. Again, not her implicit acceptance of the supernatural, but her belief that her boss would accept anything less than an expose. Likes Charity was naïve in not expecting that something was up that would come back to hurt her. Even in today's world where news outlets don't care about honesty and accuracy, Charity's boss commits a crime that is far too easy to prove, based on writer's notes, email copies, witnesses, employment paper trail and writing style, when she keeps Charity's byline but rewrites the article. The stringent standards for libel wouldn't protect Janet. Janet would never be so stupid. So the entire climactic conflict collapses. (Sadly, the unproven speculation would barely be noticed.)
Take that stupidity out and adjust that conflict and this is easily a movie worth at least 7 stars and probably closer to 9 or 10.
There are some tender moments worth the viewing effort. Many of these moments fit right into the movie's theme about the true spirit of Christmas. The story of the relationship between Charity and Erik establish good chemistry between Amber Stevens West and Marco Grazzini. It was fun to watch the changes in Charity.
I often remark about how you don't expect these movies to be too close to reality, but this movie crosses the line. And I'm not talking about the implication that a real Santa is behind the remarkable things NSB is doing. That's acceptable poetic license.
Charity is a bit naïve for an investigative reporter. Again, not her implicit acceptance of the supernatural, but her belief that her boss would accept anything less than an expose. Likes Charity was naïve in not expecting that something was up that would come back to hurt her. Even in today's world where news outlets don't care about honesty and accuracy, Charity's boss commits a crime that is far too easy to prove, based on writer's notes, email copies, witnesses, employment paper trail and writing style, when she keeps Charity's byline but rewrites the article. The stringent standards for libel wouldn't protect Janet. Janet would never be so stupid. So the entire climactic conflict collapses. (Sadly, the unproven speculation would barely be noticed.)
Take that stupidity out and adjust that conflict and this is easily a movie worth at least 7 stars and probably closer to 9 or 10.
There are some tender moments worth the viewing effort. Many of these moments fit right into the movie's theme about the true spirit of Christmas. The story of the relationship between Charity and Erik establish good chemistry between Amber Stevens West and Marco Grazzini. It was fun to watch the changes in Charity.
See also
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