Christmas On Candy Cane Lane (2022) -
I did not like Andrea Barber in the lead role of Ivy, but Dan Payne was much better in his role of Rob and certainly more charming than his character was in 'How To Fall In Love By Christmas' (2023).
I didn't think that the two actors worked together either. I could understand why Rob had left her, because it's all very well being a strong independent woman, but independence is knowing when to ask for and accept help.
Dan was just so fricking hot though! I'd like to sit on his lap as Santa or not. Those eyes and that softly spoken voice - Yum!
The cranky neighbour Mrs. Walters (BJ Harrison) was way over the top. It was almost as if they wrote her in to give the actor something to do and there were a few others playing the ham and cheese a bit heavily too.
Actually the whole film seemed to be much more of an ensemble piece anyway, with lots of characters to potentially fall in love or cause problem and I liked the fact that to start with I didn't know who was going to end up with who for a change, although I did of course have my suspicions.
I do find it hard to see the fascination in something as specific as the light display event shown in this film, because it doesn't really happen here in the UK, where we might drive around and point out houses, but would never make a beeline for a certain avenue or cul de sac draped in lights or get out and wander around, mostly because light displays rarely appear on more than about 30% of houses and I don't feel the need to ooh and aah up close. Maybe I would if there were some planned arrangements with more than just lights like in this films case, but I'd probably still be one of only a few.
As for the actual story itself, sadly it wasn't comedy enough to be good for its humour and it wasn't serious enough otherwise. If they'd made it a proper comedy it might have worked better, because otherwise it just became a bit of a farce, with relationship issues thrown in as an attempt to create balance.
It wasn't the worst I've seen or ever will, but I felt that it could have worked better with a little bit more thought all round.
6.01/10.
