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 "'Tis the Season to be Merry" QUIZ!

'Tis the Season to be Merry Plot Summary

Looking for a fresh angle on her new book on relationships, Merry heads to snow covered Vermont.  She finds a new perspective and Christmas cheer with charismatic aid worker, Adam.

Starring:  Rachael Leigh Cook and Travis Van Winkle

Rachael Leigh Cook & Travis Van Winkle in 'Tis the Season to be Merry
Image:  Crown Media

The Conflict

Merry Griffin has a lot of rules for dating, and her expert advice is solicited by a huge social media following.  To capitalize on her success and prove she has a "real job," Merry proudly prepares to publish her first book.  Dale Westfield is her fictional fiancé who represents a happy ending for those who follow her advice to find true love; however, her publisher knows if word gets out Merry isn't actually engaged, it will make her look like a fraud and deliver a devastating blow to the company.  The future of the company hinges on the success of Merry's book, so she must find a way to fix the mess by pitching a new book idea by December 25.


Adam & Merry 

When Merry joins her editor, Darlene Walters, for a trip home to Vermont, she doesn't expect to run into Darlene's brother, Adam.  The two spar over whether he'd been crushing on her ten years earlier or whether she had been the one with a "thing" for him.  Either way, they've both matured a lot since then, and Merry is quite unnerved when she sees Adam without a shirt.

What do you think of a shirtless Travis Van Winkle, ladies?  He is definitely ripped; however, is Hallmark toying with fire?  It's unusual for Hallmark to show so much flesh. 

Have You Ever Made a List of What You Wanted in a Partner?

When you are young and single, it's very common to create a mental checklist of qualities you're looking for in a spouse.  You might want someone who is good-looking, witty, hard-working, punctual, dependable, who hasn't been married and is without kids.  As Merry learns, however, the heart wants what the heart wants, and it ignores lists.

Buying into the fairytale leads to disappointment.  No one is perfect.  You're not perfect!  Married people can tell you they found a soul mate who likely didn't fit their ideal, but who ended up being the best match.  You never have to lower your expectations, but you do need to be flexible and give people a chance, even if they don't initially check all your boxes.

What Do You Think of This Movie Line?

Hallmark writers often drop a memorable or poignant word of wisdom into many of their movies, and they script this "family nugget" for Adam to repeat:

What's meant for you won't get by you.

Do you agree with that statement?  While it certainly sounds positive and helpful, we have this crazy thing called free will.  God can bring the right someone or something across your path and give you a nudge in the right direction, but we can ignore all the signs if we choose and miss a golden opportunity.


My Movie Rating

'Tis the Season to be Merry is a cute play on words, since Merry is the main character.  She and Adam make an adorable couple, and the movie has all the cozy comforts of Christmas.

Still, Adam's parents sell the family business, and he doesn't return to third world countries to build houses, so we never learn if he gets a real job.  It's yet another movie about a writer, and Hallmark  shoves a biracial couple and gay character (Sonia's assistant) into yet another movie like a square peg into a round hole.

I give it 2 out of 4 hearts.  💗💗


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