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

Hallmark's "Gingerbread Miracle:" What Would You Wish For On Your Cookie?

Gingerbread Miracle Plot Summary

Two old friends from high school work together over Christmas to sell his uncle's Mexican bakery, famous for its magical gingerbread cookies that grant wishes.

Starring:   Merritt Patterson and Jon Ecker

Merritt Patterson and Jon Ecker in Hallmark's "Gingerbread Miracle"
Image:  Crown Media

Christmas Magic Is Always A Crowd Pleaser

Luis Casillas is ready to sell his bakery.  Since his wife died, the magic has disappeared from the gingerbread cookies. Luis keeps baking them, but wishes aren't coming true.

Alex is grateful to his aunt and uncle for putting him through college so he can have a good life as an attorney, but the problem is he'd much rather be working in the kitchen.  When Alex starts baking the gingerbread cookies, the magic returns:  Gabe receives a hockey scholarship, Sydney is discovered and given an opportunity to pursue photography, and Jake gets to keep his dream bakery.

As in EVERY Hallmark plot, the secret ingredient that creates the magic is love.  Just think back to The Baker's Son.

A wish, however, is just figuring out what your heart really wants.  

If someone gave you a magical cookie, what would you wish for?  Share your wish in the comments!


Trouble Understanding Any of the Dialogue?

This movie has a distinct Mexican flair.  I don't know about you, but I struggled to capture some of the dialogue when characters would slip into speaking Spanish words so fast I couldn't understand them.  But, you know, DIVERSITY! At least we can be happy the Casillas family are actually LEGAL immigrants.

Surprisingly, the story includes that Spanish celebration, Las Posadas, or the reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of lodging as they await the birth of baby Jesus.  Shock:  Hallmark actually says "Jesus" in the script!  Yes, He is the reason for the season, but Hallmark avoids spiritual references like the bubonic plague.  It is refreshing to see the source of the Christmas celebration finally recognized.


What Do You Think of Jon Ecker as a Leading Man?

Merritt Patterson is a natural and can generate chemistry with any actor Hallmark pairs with her.  It's a good thing because Jon Ecker, eye candy that he is, barely cracks a smile the entire movie and delivers every line in a monotone.

What's up with that?

Did Santa force him to take the role or else risk being placed on the naughty list?

Regardless, aside from the typical flour throwing in the kitchen that no one in real life does, this is a fun movie because it captures the magic of the holiday season.  

Hallmark's "Gingerbread Miracle"
Image:  Crown Media

More Movies with Merritt Patterson!

If you love Merritt Patterson, you can add these Hallmark movies to your collection:

     


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