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

Image
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

Take This Trivia QUIZ On Hallmark's "Nantucket Noel!"

Nantucket Noel Plot Summary 

During the Seaside Noel celebrations, Christina learns of a developer who is planning to tear down the wharf that is home to her toy store.  Tensions rise as she falls for the developer's son, Andy.

Starring:  Sarah Power and Trevor Donovan

Image:  Crown Media

Nantucket Noel Is Based On This Book

Hallmark takes a sweeping creative license to cannibalize the novel upon which Nantucket Noel is based, but it works!

Nancy Thayer's book, Let It Snow, is a story about Christina Antonioni's landlord, Oscar Bittlesman, raising her rent to make continuing her business on the wharf nearly impossible.  Wink, Bittlesman's granddaughter, is a frequent visitor in her toy store, and Andy just happens to be Wink's handsome and eligible uncle (not father).

The book and the movie are significantly different, so if you enjoyed watching the 2021 premiere, snag yourself a copy of the novel.  You can find it here:



A More Realistic Ending

The ending of Nantucket Noel is a little different than Hallmark fans are accustomed to.  Typically, you would expect for Oscar Bittlesman to change his mind about tearing down the wharf to build a marina in its place, chalking up a victory for Christina.  Spoiler alert:  the ending isn't wrapped in a neat bow like that in this movie.  Christina doesn't get to keep her toy store on the wharf, even though it's where she feels closest to her mom, but closing that chapter of her life opens up an even better one.

Particularly sweet is the parting shot of Christina enjoying Christmas dinner around the Bittlesman's family table.  Family, love, laughs, conversation--it's how humans are meant to connect.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Merry Movie Week 2023 Printable Schedule

Did MacFarlane & Patterson Really Play Their Instruments in "Chateau Christmas?" Find Out!

REVIEW: Why Hallmark's "Never Been Chris'd" Is Such a Flop

Hallmark Channel's Christmas in July 2023 Printable Movie Schedule

Review: Hallmark's "Joyeux Noel" Is a Good Story with a Bad Casting Choice

Hallmark's "Haul Out the Holly" Is Simultaneously Entertaining & Disappointing

Review: Hallmark's "Where Are You, Christmas?" Is a Shot at Creativity that Falls Short

Hallmark's "Mystic Christmas" Starts Off Great Before Taking a Hard Left Turn

It's No Wonder Hallmark's "Christmas Waltz" Was the #1 Most Watched Original Movie Premiere for 2020!

Review: "Ms. Christmas Comes to Town" Is Sad but Poignant