Rating: ★★★★☆
If there’s one thing that can transport us into the magic of the holiday season, it’s a good Christmas movie. “A New Lease on Christmas” manages to capture the essence of this enchanting time of year, delivering a heartwarming story that touches our hearts in unexpected ways.
The plot follows Emily (played by an endearing Julie Gonzalo), a workaholic real estate executive who unexpectedly inherits her childhood home just before Christmas. Forced to revisit her past and reluctantly step into her small-town roots, Emily must decide between selling the cherished property or finding a way to breathe new life into it.
What sets “A New Lease on Christmas” apart is its ability to balance predictability with genuine emotion. While some aspects of the storyline may be familiar, the film addresses themes of family, love, and self-discovery with sincerity and authenticity. As Emily embarks on her journey back home, we witness her transformation from a driven professional to someone who begins to understand what truly matters in life.
The performances are commendable throughout. Julie Gonzalo shines as Emily, capturing both her vulnerability and determination as she navigates through past regrets and emerging possibilities. Her chemistry with Mike (portrayed by Benjamin Ayres), an old flame who reappears in town, adds an extra layer of warmth and complexity to their scenes together.
Director Monika Mitchell brings a refreshing touch to the story by infusing every frame with nostalgic charm. The picturesque small-town setting is beautifully captured through dreamlike cinematography that showcases cozy houses adorned with fairy lights and snow-covered streets bustling with holiday cheer. Each shot feels like a lovingly wrapped present waiting to be unwrapped.
Another standout element is Deborah Lurie’s enchanting score. Complementing the emotional beats of the film perfectly, it tugs at the heartstrings and creates a captivating atmosphere. Lurie’s music adds an ethereal quality to pivotal moments, enhancing the emotional impact and making the audience feel deeply connected to the characters’ journeys.
Furthermore, the production design elevates the film’s festive spirit. The attention to detail in each set and prop brings a realistic Christmas wonderland to life, immersing viewers in a world of twinkle lights, cozy fireplaces, and beautifully decorated trees. The art department must be commended for creating an ambiance that truly encapsulates the holiday magic.
Though “A New Lease on Christmas” successfully envelops us in its warm holiday embrace, it is not without a few flaws. Some dialogues could have been more nuanced, occasionally bordering on cliché. Furthermore, certain supporting characters lacked depth, leaving room for further development that could have added additional layers to the overall story.
However, these minor criticisms fade in comparison to the film’s overall impact. “A New Lease on Christmas” delivers a heartfelt message about embracing second chances and finding joy in unexpected places. It reminds us of the importance of family bonds and love during this special time of year.
As I watched this charming movie unfold before me, I couldn’t help but feel my own heart swell with delight. “A New Lease on Christmas” is sure to leave you with a renewed sense of hope and a smile that lingers long after the credits roll. Regardless of whether you’re looking for heart-tugging moments or simply a delightful escapade into yuletide cheer – this film has got it all.
So gather your loved ones around this holiday season and prepare yourself for an enchanting journey that will leave you embracing your own newfound leases on life.
A New Lease on Christmas 2021
Release : 2021-12-11
Genre : TV Movie, Romance, Comedy
Runtime : 87
Home Page :
IMDb Page : https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9050186
Company : Lighthouse Pictures
Cast : Claire Coffee as Becky, George Stults as Jake, Ashton Leigh as Mary Wernet, Paul Wilson as Robert, Vincent De Paul as Dr. Henry Franks
Tagline:
Overview : A single real estate agent falls for a handsome coffee shop owner – only to discover that the job she just took requires her to evict him from his shop.
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