The negative reviews here really surprised me. You can't take this movie so seriously. Yes, the Johnson Family was obnoxious, controlling, and self-centered, but that was part of the fun. Just how was the neighborhood going to deal with these TV reality stars, especially when the neighborhood, including Emily, almost gets roped in by their fame and notoriety ? I thought this was a very clever way to write a sequel to the original.
As in the first movie, Lacey Chalbert really seems comfortable and relaxed playing Emily, a role that allows her to really show off her charming and witty talents.
She seems to enjoy this type of part and she is very good at it. So much better than in the Hallmark Scotland snooze fest movie she was also in this season, where she seemed disinterested with the plot and her leading man.
Here, Wes Brown is back as her romantic interest. He is a lot of fun and they have a believable relationship.
Other cast members have returned, including the great Melissa Peterman, and they are just as wacky, if not more so, than in the first movie.
And Seth Morris and Jennifer Aspen are quite good as the Johnson's - they get on your nerves in a comical way, and that's what they were supposed to do.
Oh - and watch for the musical garden gnomes - Hilarious!