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
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Take This QUIZ On Hallmark's "Christmas With The Darlings!"

Starring:  Katrina Law and Carlo Marks

Released:  2020

Summary:  After an assistant gives her final notice, she gets drawn into helping the younger brother of her wealthy boss as he looks after his orphaned nieces and nephew. 

I want Katrina Law's cheekbones.  Image: Crown Media

Younger Brother Syndrome

Max Darlington (Carlo Marks) acts like a rich, young playboy who is off having a good time while his older and more responsible brother, Charles (Steve Bacic) handles all the affairs of the family business.  

Appearances aren't always what they seem.

When Max learns he and Charles will be assuming a more active role as guardians of their orphaned nieces and nephew, Max reveals a side of himself no one, including Jessica (Katrina Law), has ever seen.


Max doesn't support Charles's idea of placing the children in boarding school, so after Jessica offers to watch the kids for a couple weeks, Max puts his plans for a winter trip on hold to stay and help.


As Jessica and Max spend more time together, she learns Max is far more in tune with the family business than he lets on.  She also sees he has a generous heart--Max has quietly contributed to charities within the community and has even helped at a local hospital.  

Max takes his role as uncle very seriously and loves the kids as his own out of honor to his deceased brother with whom he had been very close.

When Max shares with Jessica that he'd actually like to have a more active role in his company, she encourages him to approach Charles about it.  Max is hesitant because Charles fluffs him off as the baby brother who would rather be playing than working.

How about the handsome Steve Bacic be our next leading Hallmark hunk? Image: Crown Media


Max proves Charles wrong with Mr. Lee--a businessman from Taiwan who hits it off with Max and wants Max to serve as lead on a business deal between the two companies.  

How can Max play an active role in the lives of his nieces and nephew and pursue a relationship with Jessica if he has to move to Taiwan?  It's Hallmark, so expect a happy ending.

Speaking of Taiwan, here's a FUN FACT:  Katrina Law is Taiwanese from her mother's side and German and Italian from her father's side.  Want another fun fact?  If you noticed how much Emma and Abby look alike, it's because they are sisters in real life.  


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