REVIEW: The Hallmark Sequel "Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up" Is as Silly as the First One

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Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together as a couple, and they prepare to work with their neighbors on Evergreen Lane to make this year's Christmas celebrations the best yet.  When a house on the block goes up for sale, the soon-to-be-neighbors are holiday royalty, but they are so competitive that they nearly ruin Christmas for everyone. Starring:   Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ellen Travolta, Melissa Peterman, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen Image:  Hallmark Media Haul Out the Holly:  Lit Up Has a Moral When the residents of Evergreen Lane learn that their new neighbors are the Jolly Johnsons--famous holiday reality stars--they are thrilled to welcome them to the block.  Everyone assumes the Johnsons will fit right in since they share their same affinity for elf culture. Emily, Jared, and the rest of the holiday crew quickly realize that the Johnsons aren't interested in joining in on the fun--they plan to take over. Image:  Tw

"On the 12th Date of Christmas" Thoughts & QUIZ!!

Summary:  Two game designers, who hardly seem compatible with each other, work together to organize a large scavenger hunt with a romantic "12 Days of Christmas" theme.

Starring:  Mallory Jansen & Tyler Hynes

Released:  2020

Image:  Crown Media

Have You Ever Done a Scavenger Hunt?

The concept of this movie is delightful and fun, but can you imagine having the time to go on 12 dates in such a short period of time that require you to traverse an immense city like Chicago?  I guess we're not supposed to think about that tiny detail.

Even though the scavenger hunt is open to anyone, clearly, only non-married couples would be able to find time for this activity.  The rest of us are trying to work, shuttle the kids, facilitate remote learning, cook meals, and stay afloat.  Singles, have at it!

The impossible time element aside, Jennifer and Aidan put very creative twists on the classic, though painfully annoying, Christmas song to make sure each date is unique.  Uploading their own photos for the presentation to Wanda from the Devonshire Hotel is a nice added touch because we see them gradually warming up to each other despite their icy start.


Heavy on the Feminism

Wanda gravitates to Jennifer over Aidan when it comes to point of contact on the project.  In fact, Wanda draws Jennifer aside and tells her to speak up for herself and not be intimidated.  

Sorry, I don't buy the male dominance narrative here.  Jennifer is from small town, rural Iowa, where people aren't pushy and out to devour their competition.  She's ultra creative and organized, but she's a country girl at heart trying to adapt to big city ways.  If she's shy about promoting herself to be noticed, it's because of her personality and background--not because the patriarchy is pushing her down.  It gags me when this type of virtue signaling infiltrates Hallmark script writing.

By the end, Jennifer not only learns to sell herself to her boss to get promoted to head game creator, she assumes the lead with Aidan and grabs him for a ravaging kiss that is more than a little forward on her part.  It doesn't matter what century we're living in, a lady should always act like a lady.    


All-in-All an Enjoyable Movie

Since Jennifer and Aidan had to test drive all the dates they planned, it's an inventive, outside-the-box way to have the main characters start dating without officially dating.  Viewers appreciate new twists.

Regardless, Tyler Hynes is always a huge draw for adoring fans, so we are grateful to have him featured in this seasonal flick.  

On the 12th Date of Christmas Movie Quiz

Don't worry, the quiz doesn't demand for you to remember where all 12 dates were held--that would be a little too challenging.  Give it a try! 

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