Leading actor could not convince me he was the character for any amount of time during the movie and it was incredibly distracting. The female lead was a little better. Their chemistry seemed nonexistent during most of the movie with occasional times where you could see possibilities.
I watched the whole movie & literally cringed through some of the lead actors scenes. The supporting actors were much better than the leads across the board.
The generous 5/10 is for a decent story & because I'm a sucker for Christmas movies.
19 Reviews
No sparks.
Jackbv12330 November 2019
The staging aspect is not a common plot device, although there have been a couple of TV movies that used this theme. What is used way too often is doing-a-good-job-means-a-promotion followed closely by the-promotion-will-take-us-apart. Up to the climax, any viewer could have told pretty much everything that would happen, with the possible exception of storm Meghan which has been in most or all of Lifetime's premieres this year. And of course the ending is predictable too, but what brings it about was a a little surprise for me.
Other than whether the party would succeed and the possible promotion, there was very little tension or conflict.
I wasn't impressed with the acting. It didn't seem natural. George Stults seemed stiff to me and Soleil Moon Frye wasn't much better. They had so much screen time together, it wouldn't be entirely accurate to say there was no chemistry, but it wasn't great. As is often the case in movies with a widower and daughter, the leading lady and kid seemed to have more chemistry than the leading couple. On the other hand, the acting didn't turn me off so badly that I still couldn't enjoy the movie at least some. And the role of the little girl was well done avoiding overplaying the role as kid actors sometimes do.
In holiday movies, I enjoy them more when they include music and singing by the cast. There were a couple of group participation songs which were nice.
Addendum: While watching this again, it hit me that one word describes this movie - sugar. There is too much sugar, especially with Frye but Stults too. I enjoyed this movie because of the sugar, but it was still too sweet.
Other than whether the party would succeed and the possible promotion, there was very little tension or conflict.
I wasn't impressed with the acting. It didn't seem natural. George Stults seemed stiff to me and Soleil Moon Frye wasn't much better. They had so much screen time together, it wouldn't be entirely accurate to say there was no chemistry, but it wasn't great. As is often the case in movies with a widower and daughter, the leading lady and kid seemed to have more chemistry than the leading couple. On the other hand, the acting didn't turn me off so badly that I still couldn't enjoy the movie at least some. And the role of the little girl was well done avoiding overplaying the role as kid actors sometimes do.
In holiday movies, I enjoy them more when they include music and singing by the cast. There were a couple of group participation songs which were nice.
Addendum: While watching this again, it hit me that one word describes this movie - sugar. There is too much sugar, especially with Frye but Stults too. I enjoyed this movie because of the sugar, but it was still too sweet.
THIS IS NOT A HALLMARK MOVIE!
toncincin5 December 2019
People! Do you not know what channel you are watching? This is a Lifetime movie. It's not that good either. Watching washed up kid stars form the 80s? I'd rather watch Punky Brewster or Family Matters! And George Stults ... 7th Heaven was a good vehicle - this isn't.
Staging a not so perfect Christmas
TheLittleSongbird18 August 2020
Just to say now, in my view not all Lifetime's Christmas offerings are bad. Actually was pleasantly surprised by some, which has been true of my film viewings of Hallmark/Lifetime etc Christmas films in general over-time. Actually really liked the concept here for 'Staging Christmas', it sounded so sweet and poignant, but whether it was going to work was all going to be dependent on the likeability of the characters and two leads, their interaction and how the story would be executed.
All are executed underwhelmingly sadly here in 'Staging Christmas'. There are far worse films about and far worse Christmas films overall, but 'Staging Christmas' is not an example of a Lifetime Christmas film being surprisingly good and nearly everything that a few of my friends dislikes about Lifetime's films is present. For anybody iffy about any of previously seen Lifetime's Christmas offerings, this will do next to nothing to change your mind and might reinforce it.
'Staging Christmas' is lovingly shot and has suitably picturesque scenery. There are some pleasant moments in the soundtrack, emphasis though on some.
Mia Clark is adorable and is the film's most rootable character. The chemistry between her and George Stults has some charm.
Which is something that the two leads don't have. Stults looks stiff and unemotive and Soleil Moon Frye has the opposite problem of overacting, when the character is happy it looks so affected and too fixed. Instead of likeable, she came over as annoying. The two have no chemistry with each other and seem so distant. The pedestrian direction doesn't help them. Neither does the cliched character writing, that gives the characters like one or two character traits and not much else, or the soggy and corny script that really overdoes the sentiment to saccharine degrees.
The story sounded so charming on paper, but ended up being dull, over-sentimental and running out of ideas-like. The ending can be seen from a mile away and left me cold rather than moved. The music tends to be too constant and too loud.
In conclusion, quite lacking in most areas. 3/10
All are executed underwhelmingly sadly here in 'Staging Christmas'. There are far worse films about and far worse Christmas films overall, but 'Staging Christmas' is not an example of a Lifetime Christmas film being surprisingly good and nearly everything that a few of my friends dislikes about Lifetime's films is present. For anybody iffy about any of previously seen Lifetime's Christmas offerings, this will do next to nothing to change your mind and might reinforce it.
'Staging Christmas' is lovingly shot and has suitably picturesque scenery. There are some pleasant moments in the soundtrack, emphasis though on some.
Mia Clark is adorable and is the film's most rootable character. The chemistry between her and George Stults has some charm.
Which is something that the two leads don't have. Stults looks stiff and unemotive and Soleil Moon Frye has the opposite problem of overacting, when the character is happy it looks so affected and too fixed. Instead of likeable, she came over as annoying. The two have no chemistry with each other and seem so distant. The pedestrian direction doesn't help them. Neither does the cliched character writing, that gives the characters like one or two character traits and not much else, or the soggy and corny script that really overdoes the sentiment to saccharine degrees.
The story sounded so charming on paper, but ended up being dull, over-sentimental and running out of ideas-like. The ending can be seen from a mile away and left me cold rather than moved. The music tends to be too constant and too loud.
In conclusion, quite lacking in most areas. 3/10
No Chemistry
Kijofreg30 December 2019
I don't think I've ever seen a move with less chemistry between the leads. I have nothing positive to say about this one at all. I give it two stars, because - believe it or not - I've seen even worse movies, and I need to save the 1-star rating for those.
Oh, the puppy was adorable, but that's the only positive thing about this.
A decent Christmas film.
doctorsmoothlove26 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
"Staging Christmas" is one of Lifetime's 2019 Christmas marathon movies and one of the better ones. Like many of these, it is a romantic drama. The main actors Soleil Frye and George Stults as Lori and Everett, have a good script to work with even if he isn't emotive. She is charming in her subtle emotion which drives the film forward beyond the limitations of the script. Her face effectively conveys the emotion the story requires at that time.
What also grounds the movie is the story between Everett's daughter and Lori. The little girl is at the age where she really wants a mother to be a part of her life. As is customary in the genre, Everett's mother is deceased. The child actor isn't exploited just for the sake of being cute. At one point in the story, she and Everett have a frank conversation about how he is working too much at his coffee company and she feels lonely. The raw display of emotion is rare in these films and much appreciated. Soleil Frye as an actor interacts well with Mia Clark as the child actor, Maddie who conveys genuine excitement at the "family" activities Lori and Everett take her.
Lori works for a realty company who needs a venue for its Christmas party. She recalls staging a house a few years ago for a Christmas sale. She contacts the owner and asks if they can work a deal. Everett tells her he hasn't put of Christmas decorations since his wife died so they work out a deal where she will "stage" the house and he will let her use the house as a party venue.
Jaleel White has a supporting role as Lori's boss. He does a good job at being a plot device. He isn't given much script to do anything else. I would have liked more of a focus on his interaction with Lori and the other people competing for a promotion with her. Instead the script focuses on the interaction between Everett and his sister in the family coffee business. Those two have an interesting dynamic. She is more interested in building a corporate empire than he is. He just wants to make coffee. They love each other enough to heed the other person.
Special mention should be given to Winter Storm Megan. If you have been watching a lot of the 2019 Lifetime Christmas movies, you'll notice that Megan appears to be everywhere. It's a nice touch just as the film as a whole.
What also grounds the movie is the story between Everett's daughter and Lori. The little girl is at the age where she really wants a mother to be a part of her life. As is customary in the genre, Everett's mother is deceased. The child actor isn't exploited just for the sake of being cute. At one point in the story, she and Everett have a frank conversation about how he is working too much at his coffee company and she feels lonely. The raw display of emotion is rare in these films and much appreciated. Soleil Frye as an actor interacts well with Mia Clark as the child actor, Maddie who conveys genuine excitement at the "family" activities Lori and Everett take her.
Lori works for a realty company who needs a venue for its Christmas party. She recalls staging a house a few years ago for a Christmas sale. She contacts the owner and asks if they can work a deal. Everett tells her he hasn't put of Christmas decorations since his wife died so they work out a deal where she will "stage" the house and he will let her use the house as a party venue.
Jaleel White has a supporting role as Lori's boss. He does a good job at being a plot device. He isn't given much script to do anything else. I would have liked more of a focus on his interaction with Lori and the other people competing for a promotion with her. Instead the script focuses on the interaction between Everett and his sister in the family coffee business. Those two have an interesting dynamic. She is more interested in building a corporate empire than he is. He just wants to make coffee. They love each other enough to heed the other person.
Special mention should be given to Winter Storm Megan. If you have been watching a lot of the 2019 Lifetime Christmas movies, you'll notice that Megan appears to be everywhere. It's a nice touch just as the film as a whole.
Story line is worn out and Characters need improvement
ander-0117230 December 2019
Song "Won't You Come Home for Christmas" is lovely & adds so much to the ending .
tlc-senioractivities2 December 2019
Loved the Beautiful scene staging & Song, "Won't You Come Home for Christmas." Yes a little syrupy but it is a predictably Sweet Hallmark movie. So Lei Moon Frye has matured since her Punky Brewster series into an accomplished actress.
Really Bad Acting
mmccrady28 December 2019
Soleil completely ruined this movie
jobridge-5912216 December 2019
First off the two leads had absolutely no chemistry but it wasn't as bad as Solei's performance. All the non stop smiling (I bet she smiled in her sleep) to the constant talking to people as if she was talking to a child wasn't half as bad as the non stop head tilting. Watching the movie all I could think about was the fact that she kept tilting her head to one side. She barely kept her head straight. Am I the only person who noticed that? I could not stand it. I almost didn't finish the movie. On a more positive note the girl that played the daughter was adorable and so sweet. The thing I loved most though was the same relationship of the lead guy's sister. I love that it was not only put into a tv movie but a family Christmas movie. Well done lifetime for doing that.
Unnecessary Christmas movie
phd_travel7 December 2019
Wow! Truly bad
dlittle-9580426 September 2020
When I first read some of the reviews about how bad the acting was, I thought people were just being overly critical/mean. They WEREN'T. The lead actress came across as incredibly fake. She talked so slowly and sounded like she was speaking to a five year old every time she opened her mouth. It was very hard to watch and incredibly annoying. He wasn't much better.
Why did I DVR this?
vrlayer13 December 2019
I understand it's suppose to be a corny Christmas movie, but the acting is so poor. George and the other girl, from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, are good actors. So it was so surprising that they fell flat. There just wasn't chemistry or a spark between them. The little girl was the best actor out of the entire movie.
It just didn't play on my heartstrings as much as I expected it to be. The eye contact and connection seemed forced and not real.
I love George Stults, but this is getting deleted from my DVR.
It just didn't play on my heartstrings as much as I expected it to be. The eye contact and connection seemed forced and not real.
I love George Stults, but this is getting deleted from my DVR.
No Christmas Spirit At All
nelch1 December 2021
Wooden acting from almost every actor in this movie The two leads are so unbelievable. The female lead has her hair pulled back into such a tight pony tail for much of the movie, almost giving her a facelift. The male lead must spend thousands on hairspray. I love Christmas movies but this one is really not worth watching.
Not horrible
OddlesOfNoodles18 November 2020
Great missed potential for a cult C-movie
rendsvig18 November 2022
This movie had great potential. The cardboard actors, the overlighted shots, the out-a-box story, the cliché setting. All it needed was a "Shark Tornado"-style twist. It never happened.
I had fun watching it with my spouse, laughing at the predictability and the less than lively acting. It aired 10pm on a Friday night in Denmark. Maybe my and my spouse's expectations were set for something different. We laughed but at and never with the movie. If that was the intended reaction, the director is almost brilliant. But I don't think it is, alas.
The male lead would have been more scary as Dexter than Dexter is. He acts like. Dexter, but with the charm truly fake and flat. It's impressive!
I had fun watching it with my spouse, laughing at the predictability and the less than lively acting. It aired 10pm on a Friday night in Denmark. Maybe my and my spouse's expectations were set for something different. We laughed but at and never with the movie. If that was the intended reaction, the director is almost brilliant. But I don't think it is, alas.
The male lead would have been more scary as Dexter than Dexter is. He acts like. Dexter, but with the charm truly fake and flat. It's impressive!
Forgettable.
ExiledRoyal29 November 2021
It's OK.
But you know when you see one thing in a movie and it really grinds your gears ... and once you've seen it you can't unsee it?
It's Soleil Moon Frye's neck. The way she walks/talks/sits ... it's constantly bent over on one side. I'm sure it's *supposed* to look alluring, but all it succeeds in doing is give the impression that she needs to be fitted with a neck brace, because she's lost all muscle-tone in one side of her neck.
Stop it, Soleil. Just ... stop it.
But you know when you see one thing in a movie and it really grinds your gears ... and once you've seen it you can't unsee it?
It's Soleil Moon Frye's neck. The way she walks/talks/sits ... it's constantly bent over on one side. I'm sure it's *supposed* to look alluring, but all it succeeds in doing is give the impression that she needs to be fitted with a neck brace, because she's lost all muscle-tone in one side of her neck.
Stop it, Soleil. Just ... stop it.
WRONG LOCATION
rubysandoval-3204613 November 2020
Love this movie!! One of my favorite yet it wasn't even filled in Colorado it was filmed in UTHA!! Like wait a min why say it's from a state yet wasn't really filmed in that state? So confused and being from Colorado that's just not okay!
Filter glitch on actor's face
Aboutthestory10 December 2023
Cute movie. Like other Christmas movies. The same sort of script outline as the other romantic comedy ones.
A couple issues that bothered me:
-The brother and sister seemed like a couple until she called him brother.
-The teacher gives the lead male advice as if she's a therapist on how to raise his kid.
-The beauty filter that's applied throughout to an actress. Unnecessary and it even glitched like they do on social media. Where you see it move off their face. No one needed those in this.
Otherwise what you would expect for a Christmas movie. Cute and fluffy, feel-good film for the holidays.
I love seeing Jaleel White playing a role.
A couple issues that bothered me:
-The brother and sister seemed like a couple until she called him brother.
-The teacher gives the lead male advice as if she's a therapist on how to raise his kid.
-The beauty filter that's applied throughout to an actress. Unnecessary and it even glitched like they do on social media. Where you see it move off their face. No one needed those in this.
Otherwise what you would expect for a Christmas movie. Cute and fluffy, feel-good film for the holidays.
I love seeing Jaleel White playing a role.
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