I am all about having the first gay Xmas rom-com. I first watched Lifetime's The Christmas Setup and it was lovely so I had high expectations for this one but turns out Dashing in December isn't all that. The plot actually isn't half bad and the Colorado ranch really adds a different setting to the other Christmas films. But, for me the main lead Wyatt Burwall (Peter Porte) is really annoying and not charming. at. all. The good ole' Andie MacDowell also acts... strange? Like her heart isn't in here. The only saving grace is the handsome rancher Heath (Juan Pablo) who actually captivates me till the end. The film could do better with better lead and cast - it's a little forced for me.
36 Reviews
Totally recommended
pmitsi-126 November 2022
A good old-fashioned feel-good Christmas movie with an obvious twist. It is nice, easy to watch, not a second overlong or overdramatic, and just... perfect for a lazy afternoon or evening that you wanna spend indoors either alone or with company.
Yes, it is not 'It's A Wonderful Life' or 'The Christmas Story', but watching it it would make your heart warm. Maybe, in the same way that when you were little you were enjoying the festive season for more than the days off school, the sweets and the gifts: for that special type of magic that almost disappears once you reach puberty.
In any case, if you want to enjoy an evening without over-analyzing. Overthinking and over...something, this is your find. Enjoy!
Yes, it is not 'It's A Wonderful Life' or 'The Christmas Story', but watching it it would make your heart warm. Maybe, in the same way that when you were little you were enjoying the festive season for more than the days off school, the sweets and the gifts: for that special type of magic that almost disappears once you reach puberty.
In any case, if you want to enjoy an evening without over-analyzing. Overthinking and over...something, this is your find. Enjoy!
I tried to like it
stephen-130-8264520 December 2020
I really expect to like this film. However, for me the character Wyat is so mean and cruel that it would take a lot of storyline to bring us his redemption. Instead, it happens in about 90 seconds and everyone forgets how cruel he was. Sure, there a poorly laid out back story to his feelings. Yet, they are barely explored. It goes from there
Typical sugary Hallmark romance, only interest is first inclusion of gay protagonists.
gadfeal28 October 2021
Although all of Hallmark's movies are the stuff that fills teenage girls' heads with a fantasy, binary version of relationships, it was a premiere of portraying a gay romance. While that is a good development as at least 1-3% of people are gay, and prior exclusion or unfoundedly pessimistic portrayals of gay relationships should be amended, I think that simply replacing one of the couple with a male - but keeping all other elements unchanged - is ultimately counter-productive.
Unlike the fantasy world where parents are intelligent, warm and enlightened, and small town America has become enlightened so that "gay" is not a defining indication of character, the reality is that gay relationships are fundamentally different from straight ones.
The difference is that straight relationships are encouraged by society, familial expectations, professional, religious, legal and even fiscal elements to make them work; while, gay ones have been discouraged since the age of sentience (6 years?) in all those aspects.
The typical gay child is told by his entourage that his very nature is "wrong" well before s/he has developed the ability to think independently. So, many have fundamentally stressful childhoods, especially if their parents are not "enlightened" and they are not intellectually precocious.
The closest mainstream parallel is that of the daughter of the sleeper Soviet spies in The Americans. Born in the US, she is confronted by a society that views Soviets as "bad", but she has loving parents who live a "lie"; it encourages subterfuge, and also, sharpens the ability to think outside the box at a young age. Even that stress is less than that faced by gay children as the fictional daughter already had some intellectual maturity when she found out.
Gay relationships don't have a rule book, and there is no established societal expectations of their configurations. Each relationship must be negotiated in everyday life or they would fall apart if there is no life project as society or family does not facilitate persistence.
In some ways, straight relationships may suffer from the opposite problem: unrealistic expectations by society, family, and naive couples, when the dynamics and economics of family has undergone a seminal shift in the 20th Century. The obsolescence of the monogamous, straight marriage shows up in the very frequent divorce rate among couples under 30, and makes a mockery of the marriage vows "till death do us part". They should change that vow as it is said with no indication if it would be upheld.
Gay relationships that last are some of the healthiest I've encountered when each partner has no preconceived expectations, and so communicate on a level that few straight couples reach. Too often, young straight couples don't think through the fit of their individual makeups, have children, and end up "obliged" to remain as a couple due to child-rearing and financial responsibilities.
The movement to have "gay marriage" simply overlaid onto the increasingly obsolete straight marriage framework may be useful for mainstream acceptability - but doesn't address the fundamental obsolescence of marriage conventions.
However, this is only the first run of mainstreaming gay romance, so, the valid criticism of implausible plot, lack of chemistry, and indubitably happy ending would, hopefully, lead to more honest portrayals of gay romances in future.
Unlike the fantasy world where parents are intelligent, warm and enlightened, and small town America has become enlightened so that "gay" is not a defining indication of character, the reality is that gay relationships are fundamentally different from straight ones.
The difference is that straight relationships are encouraged by society, familial expectations, professional, religious, legal and even fiscal elements to make them work; while, gay ones have been discouraged since the age of sentience (6 years?) in all those aspects.
The typical gay child is told by his entourage that his very nature is "wrong" well before s/he has developed the ability to think independently. So, many have fundamentally stressful childhoods, especially if their parents are not "enlightened" and they are not intellectually precocious.
The closest mainstream parallel is that of the daughter of the sleeper Soviet spies in The Americans. Born in the US, she is confronted by a society that views Soviets as "bad", but she has loving parents who live a "lie"; it encourages subterfuge, and also, sharpens the ability to think outside the box at a young age. Even that stress is less than that faced by gay children as the fictional daughter already had some intellectual maturity when she found out.
Gay relationships don't have a rule book, and there is no established societal expectations of their configurations. Each relationship must be negotiated in everyday life or they would fall apart if there is no life project as society or family does not facilitate persistence.
In some ways, straight relationships may suffer from the opposite problem: unrealistic expectations by society, family, and naive couples, when the dynamics and economics of family has undergone a seminal shift in the 20th Century. The obsolescence of the monogamous, straight marriage shows up in the very frequent divorce rate among couples under 30, and makes a mockery of the marriage vows "till death do us part". They should change that vow as it is said with no indication if it would be upheld.
Gay relationships that last are some of the healthiest I've encountered when each partner has no preconceived expectations, and so communicate on a level that few straight couples reach. Too often, young straight couples don't think through the fit of their individual makeups, have children, and end up "obliged" to remain as a couple due to child-rearing and financial responsibilities.
The movement to have "gay marriage" simply overlaid onto the increasingly obsolete straight marriage framework may be useful for mainstream acceptability - but doesn't address the fundamental obsolescence of marriage conventions.
However, this is only the first run of mainstreaming gay romance, so, the valid criticism of implausible plot, lack of chemistry, and indubitably happy ending would, hopefully, lead to more honest portrayals of gay romances in future.
A Coy & Creaky Christmas
ozjosh0328 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
On the plus side: a romantic setting, some nice cinematography and two attractive leads, commendably played by out gay actors. And about two-thirds of the way into the running time this lumbering movie almost threatens to take off and deliver some genuine emotion. But, sadly, it never really recovers from an extremely creaky start and a set-up so obvious that the ending can be seen a-coming from ten-minutes in. We're supposed to believe that Wyatt is a crash-hot business negotiator who really knows how to close a deal. Odd then that he pitches his plan to sell the family ranch to his mother in front of two employees, and with all the finesse of an elephant on ice skates. It doesn't help that he's suggesting the time is coming when Mom won't be able to manage the ranch, despite Mom being played by Andie MacDowell, looking much as she did in Four Weddings (with a few wisps of grey) and good for at least another forty years. Or that Wyatt has seemingly made no attempt to come up with any kind of business plan for the property when that's supposedly what he's good at - and what he does so effortlessly at the end of the film. We get that he needs to be a touch arrogant and selfish at the start in order to have some kind of character arc. But it's done in such a ham-fisted way that it's all but impossible to invest in him as a character. Dashing also suffers from a few of the usual problems with these wholesome Hallmark/Lifestyle gay rom-coms. Thirtysomething gay guys behave like blushing adolescents at their first dance, not like real men with attractions for other real men. It's all so chaste and twee that you wonder why the hell whoever is writing, producing and directing bothered to venture into the tricky waters of gay rom-com in the first place. Clearly, these movies are aimed at female romance fans more than at a gay audience, but you'd think they'd try for at least minimal respect for the gay men they're happily exploiting. Oh, well. Baby steps, I guess.
Predictable, Same Old Conflict
hellostrangerxavmi17 April 2021
Watching this seems like watching all the old all American gay films. Why is the door scene when Wyatt went to see Heath is so cliché lol. If not for the hot guys i will not enjoy this movie. Also im more hook about Wyatt Mom and Carlos love story tbh.. I think I like Make Yuletide Gay more.. They're holding back too during the kissing scene and the dance could've been longer.. This is another typical American Gay movie..
Nothing Special
IWJC12326 December 2020
The first time I checked this out, I wasn't overly impressed. I watched it again to see if I liked it any better the second time. I didn't. This is definitely standard Christmas fare--you can predict the entire story simply from the trailer: Hardened city guy returns home to the country, rediscovers his small-town roots, finds love. That being said, the story and dialogue are pretty weak. I did not find Wyatt to be particularly unlikeable: Porte is handsome and plays the role of Wyatt with a quiet restraint, sensitivity, and vulnerability, which is somewhat endearing. Di Pace has a bad habit of overacting and he does so in several scenes here; Heath sometimes came across as an annoying, ungrateful, whiny brat. Moreover, Di Pace seemed a bit miscast: He didn't achieve or exude that special combination of toughness and vulnerability, or possess the rugged handsomeness I thought the role/character required. The characters' back sob stories weren't overly melodramatic, which was a refreshing change of pace. Harris (Blake) was cute, but was underutilized; MacDowell (Deb) was a typical sweet mom character, but even she seemed to be struggling with the weak dialogue. You might enjoy this if you approach it with very low expectations. Otherwise, I'd skip it. On a totally random note: Is bison chili really considered romantic fare in Colorado? That was a laugh-out-loud moment for me and an example of the strange dialogue in this weak entry.
If it isn't old Dasher and Mr. Sugar Cube coming out to play...
toddsgraham23 December 2020
I really enjoyed 'Dashing in December'. It is a warm, heartfelt, and engaging Christmas movie, one of the better movies this season. It also gives same-sex male relationships some representation in this genre of film, which is a plus. At the heart of the story is Wyatt Burwall (played by Peter Porte), who works for a Manhattan investment firm. After many years, he has decided to go home for Christmas to the family ranch in Colorado, where he hopes to convince his mother Deb (played by Andie MacDowell) to sell the ranch to one of his investors. While home he meets Heath (our other protagonist in this story played by Juan Pablo Di Pace), the ranch hand who has been helping his mother run the place for the past several years. An unexpected relationship between Wyatt and Heath emerges. From friction to romance, we watch their relationship blossom thru some warm and intimate dialogue on this beautiful and picturesque ranch in Harmony Springs, Colorado. Indeed, one of the strengths of the story/script is the dialogue and exchanges between Heath and Wyatt, discussing their past, their hopes, and their love for the ranch (and the friction at the beginning, of course). There were some weak elements to the story; for example, the fight between the two (that takes place at the dinner table) late in the film seemed forced. That said, the story pulled me in from the start. Moreover, I thought the writer did a pretty good job developing the characters, as I found myself connecting with Wyatt, Heath, and Deb. This is also a reflection of the quality of acting in the film, which was, overall, brilliant. Porte had an impressive, convincing performance on screen. You could see his character develop as the film progressed from a 'Mr. Know It All' at the beginning to a warmer and more caring person towards the end. Di Pace too had a strong performance. It felt authentic, very real on screen. The chemistry between the two was great (believable). Again, the dialogue and exchanges between the two in several scenes made this chemistry work, I thought. The supporting cast was excellent. MacDowell had a very good performance as Deb (the mother). The movie also had quite a festive side as well with some dancing and great country music (some good songs in this film). There were also some beautiful landscapes of the ranch, of the mountains in winter, which added to the Christmas vibe of the film. All in all, it is a refreshing Christmas romance movie, with some very strong acting, a nice new edition to the 2020 season lineup.
Disappointing
notmicro4 January 2021
I was expecting to enjoy this, but sadly nothing really clicks, it never quite gets off the ground. The editing is really annoying; just when a scene starts to build up some energy, the screen abruptly goes blank for a moment, and then it's off to a new unrelated scene. The lead actors are both gay in real life (Porte is married to a guy) but they don't really set off many sparks here. 41-year-old Actor Juan Pablo Di Pace is actually quite good-looking when he's groomed and styled, but here his looks seem kinda smothered and wasted. The whole thing just feels like its going through the motions, pushing for something that isn't quite happening.
Thanks for a Nice Change!!!
clwelcomb-5902515 December 2020
Disappointing
martimusross21 December 2022
Dashing In December
It was necessary to accept this movie on the bizarre premise and weird script, the whole thing was an ordeal.
I have two main gripes with this movie, firstly it states that all relationships are based on the heterosexual model which is palpably absurd. Second it shouts out that unless you are in a relationship it is not possible to be complete or happy, which is just naive and insulting.
The music ramped up the sentimental elements but mostly it grated.
The acting was good they were just given rubbish to say!
At best it's a 3 outta 10 for the nice horses, it could have been really good but alas it was not!
It was necessary to accept this movie on the bizarre premise and weird script, the whole thing was an ordeal.
I have two main gripes with this movie, firstly it states that all relationships are based on the heterosexual model which is palpably absurd. Second it shouts out that unless you are in a relationship it is not possible to be complete or happy, which is just naive and insulting.
The music ramped up the sentimental elements but mostly it grated.
The acting was good they were just given rubbish to say!
At best it's a 3 outta 10 for the nice horses, it could have been really good but alas it was not!
familiar recipe
Kirpianuscus26 December 2023
After some Halmark Christmas who I saw, I admitt, I expected little more - becoming, scene by scene, too much- about this film. Honestly, it is not bad and works just well. But the recipe remains the same, the gay story is not very different by a heterosexual one and the end reminds than the kick to see it was the presence in cast of Andie MacDowell and so familiar from Hallmark universe Peter Porte.
The only reproch is about the heavy cliches - the son returning home to sell the farm, the young , hard working and handsome worker and his mom opposition, the steps of romance, the conflict and the expected final .
Sure, some suggestions about homophobia, beautiful cinematography and the admirable contribution of Andie MacDowell.
But , without dessapointing, I suppose it could be better , having a nice potential of story.
The only reproch is about the heavy cliches - the son returning home to sell the farm, the young , hard working and handsome worker and his mom opposition, the steps of romance, the conflict and the expected final .
Sure, some suggestions about homophobia, beautiful cinematography and the admirable contribution of Andie MacDowell.
But , without dessapointing, I suppose it could be better , having a nice potential of story.
Aside from the acting, writing and directing this movie was...well, bad.
jeffreyroper20 December 2020
It was all bad. Formula Christmas story. Characters were not like able. Story was incredibly weak and poorly conceived. Acting wasn't good. Reminds me of the family friend who went away for a wine country weekend and wrote a Hallmark Christmas movie in their free time. The only emotional response I had during this movie was when I realized my partner intended to watch it until the end, simply because we had started it.
Loved This Movie!
sag-1252915 December 2020
Cringeworthy!
SpeciousgURL23 December 2020
The awkwardness in this film really stems from the fact that it almost seems like the characters should have been played by younger actors. For example, asking a 30- or 40-something year old guy things like, "Have you ever had a boyfriend?" or "Have you ever danced with a boy?" comes across as juvenile and laughable, when this was likely not the intention. Dialogue like that would have made more sense and been less silly if the characters were teenagers or maybe in their early 20s. Wyatt obviously likes Heath and he stares at Heath in doe-eyed wonder, as though he's never been in love or in like before, yet the story mentions that Wyatt has had several previous relationships. Also, unlike other reviewers, I didn't find Wyatt's character to be overly mean or unlikeable. In fact, when you realize that he is financially carrying everyone else, you realize that his position is not unreasonable. Thus, I didn't feel like his character needed this deep redemption--I actually found Heath to be very catty and unlikeable (or maybe Porte is simply a better actor than Di Pace). Finally, the falling in love aspect felt way too rushed--there was no slow burn, no real tension. This was clearly a rushed, slapped-together project, and it comes across as overly formulaic and silly.
A refreshing holiday movie
Avidviewer-0284722 December 2020
This is a holiday romance story from the Paramount Network that has some common plot elements with Hallmark and Lifetime holiday movies, so there is crossover appeal for viewers of those networks. Hallmark and Lifetime are focused on women, so a young female is always the main character in their formulaic films and a young man is her love interest. In this film there is a male who is the main character and another male is his love interest.
The script for Dashing in December is above average and the characters talk about real things. In this movie the leads are two males Peter Porte and Juan Pablo Di Pace, they both graduated from drama schools so they know how to act and there is chemistry between them. It has all the usual Hallmark elements such as being very Christmasy, gingerbread, hot cider, hot cocoa and holiday traditions and maintains the cardinal rule that lead characters kiss, but are never seen in bed together. The supporting actors Andie MacDowell and Caroline Harris are excellent. And the music throughout is wonderful.
I hope the Paramount Network gives us more films with gay couples in the near future.
The script for Dashing in December is above average and the characters talk about real things. In this movie the leads are two males Peter Porte and Juan Pablo Di Pace, they both graduated from drama schools so they know how to act and there is chemistry between them. It has all the usual Hallmark elements such as being very Christmasy, gingerbread, hot cider, hot cocoa and holiday traditions and maintains the cardinal rule that lead characters kiss, but are never seen in bed together. The supporting actors Andie MacDowell and Caroline Harris are excellent. And the music throughout is wonderful.
I hope the Paramount Network gives us more films with gay couples in the near future.
The usual stuff with a twist
cekadah31 December 2020
1. Pro - it brings to the forefront that 'love' or 'attraction' between two people of the same gender is perfectly and absolutely normal !! And worthy of a family type story.
2. Con - the production values are unacceptable ! Using spring or summer for winter just does not work. The directors can spray tons of - whatever that white stuff is suppose to look like snow - on everything but you can't hide summer green.
Outside of the above this is a typical Xmas story.
2. Con - the production values are unacceptable ! Using spring or summer for winter just does not work. The directors can spray tons of - whatever that white stuff is suppose to look like snow - on everything but you can't hide summer green.
Outside of the above this is a typical Xmas story.
The usual hallmark-esque Christmas cringe
ashrxdgrave22 December 2020
Exceeded My Expectations
tpatchen-7703114 December 2020
This is a sweet romance with some fine moments. Sure, the storyline is predictable and the HEA is never in doubt... but that's what I want from this type of entertainment. The two leads have good chemistry and are sincere. The supporting cast does well and the scenery is gorgeous. It was good to see Andi McDowell. Thank you for making this film.
More like a debut school project B movie
amirezamoghdm21 December 2020
Christmas romance to make everyone smile
amyrobin-5054915 December 2020
Wyatt and Heath were charming to watch as their budding romance blossomed. Love a good Christmas romance, this movie had my heart fluttering wishing for a new romance for my Christmas. Helps both men are handsome and country boys!
Yikes
sandybeach-4753322 December 2020
Trite
sstidham-426 December 2020
Everything feels forced and what's with every character noting how many years ago something happened?
A frustrating film to finish. The lead is so unlikable, I'm baffled who the demographic is. Is this how straight people view gays?
Anyways, it's not great. Watch Happiest Season or Christmas Setup instead.
Terrific holiday romance
ronterry5515 December 2020
I watched this movie tonight, and have say it is pretty darn wonderful. Predictable, yes, as we know these Christmas movies to be. But following grouchy Wyatt, and seeing him change after meeting ranch man Heath is Christmas cheer! Their sparring that turns to mutual respect and love is fun to watch.
Both leads do a fine job, especially the actor playing Heath.
Andie MacDowell is a delight as Wyatt's mother and matchmaker between Wyatt and Heath.
I am so happy this movie was made and hope to see more!
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