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 "A Christmas Together With You" QUIZ!

Christmas Together With You Plot Summary

During the Christmas season, Megan and her father-figure, Frank, head out on a road trip to find his long-lost love.  Along the way, Megan finds the love of her own life.

Starring:  Harry Lennix, Laura Vandervoort, and Niall Matter

Hallmark's "A Christmas Together With You" Movie Poster
Image:  Crown Media

Hallmark Including More Romances Between Older People

Falling in love isn't reserved for only the young, and Hallmark knows it.  During the 2021 Christmas season, we've watched romance blossom for more "mature" couples than in past years.  

  • In Next Stop, Christmas, Lea Thompson, age 60, and her on-screen husband rediscover each other, even though their love story is secondary to their daughter's. 
  • Olivia Washington's divorced parents in A Holiday in Harlem fall in love with each other again. 
  • James Denton and Teri Hatcher are the romantic focus of A Kiss Before Christmas, though both of them are pushing 60.
It's not new for Hallmark to include romance between older supporting actors, but in the past, it's been more of a fleeting glimpse rather than a steady focus.

In A Christmas Together With You, Harry Lennix plays Frank Emery, a man who has lived a full and happy life.  While his first crush, Claire, is the proverbial one who got away, he found love with someone else and had no regrets.  It's been a few years since his wife passed away when Frank stumbles upon an old picture of he and Claire, and he can't help but remember the love they once shared.


Megan has no plans for Christmas, and since she thinks of Frank as a father, she insists they take a trip to track down Claire.  Conflict arises when they find Claire, who is also widowed, but discover the hurt Frank inflicted many years ago is a major roadblock in reviving their relationship.

The love story is so centered on Frank and Claire that the growing feelings between Megan and Steve is almost an afterthought.  The familial affection Claire and Frank share is also a very sweet thread throughout the whole movie. 

Even with all the love flowing across the screen, Campbell's steals the spotlight in a big way with a whole segment devoted to their recipe for Green Bean Casserole.  We're also supposed to believe one small bowl of beans is going to be enough for 30 meals at the veteran's luncheon.  It's comedic!   



Comments

  1. I love the this movie because I can relate to it long loss loves finding each other again it's not always about young love seniors fall in love too you're never too old for love

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