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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Hallmark's "Christmas CEO" Movie QUIZ!

Christmas CEO Plot Summary

A small toy company CEO gets an unexpected opportunity to merge with a mega toy company, but she needs her ex-business partner to sign off for the deal to go through.  After spending a few weeks together, they rediscover how well their strengths complement each other.

Starring:  Marisol Nichols and Paul Greene

Christmas CEO
Image:  Crown Media

Two Different Business Philosophies

From the time they were kids, Chris Winnacker (Marisol Nichols) and Joe Sullivan (Paul Greene) knew they wanted their own toy business.  They started by making their own toys and selling them from the front lawn.  As adults, they realized their dream and built a toy company together--CJ's Toys--but when they fell out of sync with each other, Joe left.  The two of them couldn't reconcile their different business philosophies.

         

For Joe, making toys is about designing something open-ended that kids can find endless enjoyment from as they find new ways to play with the same toy.  Chris, however, is practical and more focused on research, metrics, and money--the bottom line.  It seems the two will never find middle ground where smart business practices and the joy of toy development can co-exist.

Kathleen Keller (Barbara Eve Harris) is retiring from Arlo Toys, and she wants her life's work to continue.  She's impressed with Chris and knows a merger between both companies would be mutually beneficial.  Kathleen is twice divorced and all alone because the demands of her career suffocated her personal life, and Chris must decide if the sacrifice is worth it.  She thought she knew the answer until she and Joe reconnect out of necessity after not speaking for seven years.

Is There a Christmas Café in Your Town?

Are Christmas Cafés a real thing?  In the movie, Chris and Joe take a trip down memory lane as they share stories of their times spent at the local Christmas Café growing up.  The café opens after Thanksgiving each year and remains open through New Year's.  In addition to a slew of specialty dessert offerings, the place is also filled with a variety of Christmas-themed games.  It looks like heaven!

If your town is home to a similar Christmas Café, be sure to share the location in the comments so those of us without one can contemplate a road trip!

Santa Knows Best

This movie is fun because it includes the magic of Santa--something recent Hallmark Christmas movies have lacked.

"Nick" is always at the right place at the right time, yet he's always missing on Christmas Eve.  He volunteers, gives gifts to kids, and imparts words of wisdom to Chris when she needs to hear it most.  


Christmas CEO Is a Feel-Good Movie

You can't go wrong with a movie about toys at Christmastime!  Nichols and Greene are a good match, and their kiss at the end does not disappoint.

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