AC19: Random Movie Review - A California Christmas

 

You hear a lot of critics complaining about those stories where it is a liar revealed kind of story. A person who makes out to be one thing, but is really something else. It's been used so many times in films that many of us that love films, tend to pick up on it. Now, I personally find those scenarios to work well if given to the right people. Some of my all-time favourite films have that scenario. It's not unheard of, but can make some films and even TV shows to be a tad predictable. This brings us to this Christmas film set in California. A place I went to on holiday in my youth, and it was just before the events of 9/11. A different time back then, but the world has changed a lot since that time I went, for better or worse. So let's take a look at this film:

The film concentrates on carefree womanizer Joseph (played by Josh Swickard) who is the son of a rich San Francisco based real estate tycoon (played by Julie Lancaster). She sends her son to a dairy farm in Petaluma to close a deal to buy it, despite the owner Callie (played by Lauren Swickard) refusing any buyouts even though she is behind on bills. Joseph arrives and is mistaken for being the new ranch hand called Manny. The real Manny (played by David Del Rio) is bribed by and hangs out with Joseph's butler (played by Ali Afshar) who occasionally gives advice to Joseph as he attempts to pull off this con. Lies and secrets are revealed, but what becomes of the farm? Well, just watch the film to find out.

Of all the Christmas films that I have reviewed this year, this one feels the least Christmas-y. I guess it's because it's trying to build up to the holiday, despite it being in the name of the film. Nevertheless, it's funny, heart-warming, emotional and a pretty decent Christmas film overall. 8/10