It was not easy telling whether 2015's 'Becoming Santa' was going to be good or whether it was going to be bad when first hearing of it, reading the plot synopsis and seeing the advertising. Saw it anyway because Michael Gross is always watchable, despite being in his fair share of misfires but almost always one of the better aspects of. It did sound slightly interesting though would never get any prizes for uniqueness. Love a lot of Christmas films too.
'Becoming Santa' sadly is not one of those "loved it" Christmas films. Actually didn't think it was a good film at all and that it was worse than it sounded. Unfortunately too even Gross can't save it and it was a rare case of him being a flaw. Am not saying any of this with pleasure, was really prepared to at least moderately like it as there are plenty of films out there that are a lot better than they sound on paper. 'Becoming Santa' isn't one of them.
Not an unwatchable film by all means. The scenery is lovely and quite picturesque at its best and slickly photographed. The lodge is indeed great looking. The music had an affectionate festive atmosphere and had me smiling and humming along, as good music should do, even if it was intrusive at times. The film starts off quite charmingly.
Laura Bell Bundy brings a lot of charm to the lead role and plays the one character worth rooting for. Gabe Khouth is amusing at times.
The rest of the cast don't work. That is including Gross, who uncharacteristically phones in and his performance comes over as unintentionally weird. Meredith Baxter tries too hard and Jesse Hutch not enough in a personality-free role. Worst of all is Tony Cavalero as a truly annoying and hateful character that has so few if any positive traits that one questions what people see in him. The chemistry between the actors doesn't always connect, that between Bundy and Hutch never develops, and almost all the characters are thoroughly unpleasant (especially Jack) or lack personality. Only Bundy has any degree of charm.
Furthermore, the script is excessively cheesy and over-sentimental and is very stilted. The story starts off decently, but is paper thin, very dull and with so many Christmas film cliches and a done to death formula there is absolutely no freshness. To me it lacked charm and heart, doesn't have that much of a warm centre and is quite bland and contrived. Also very predictable and too pat, nothing rings true.
Overall, mediocre. 4/10.
