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

Take This Trivia Quiz on Hallmark's "A Dickens of a Holiday"

 A Dickens of a Holiday Plot Summary

To make the 100th anniversary of her hometown's Victorian festival a success, Cassie invites movie star and former high school classmate, Jake Dorsey, to play the role of Scrooge in the town's annual production of A Christmas Carol

Starring:  Brooke D'Orsay and Kristoffer Polaha

Kristoffer Polaha and Brooke D'Orsay in "A Dickens of a Holiday"
Image:  Crown Media

Is Dickens, Ohio, a Real Place?

Like many Hallmark movies, A Dickens of a Holiday was filmed in British Columbia despite the fictional location being Dickens, Ohio.

Does such an Ohio town exist?

Yes, but it's actually Cambridge, Ohio, not Dickens.

Just like the movie, historic Cambridge transforms into a Victorian village from November 1 to December 31 in celebration of the old-world England of Charles Dickens.  In 2022, the event marks its 17th season.  The town has created over 180 lifelike figures and over 92 scenes which are on display for visitors to enjoy, and Cambridge brands itself as the "most unique holiday destination in the Midwest."  

Each year, the event continues to expand to boost the local economy.  In addition to the village displays, there is a welcome center and curiosity shop, a courthouse light display synchronized to Christmas music, Victorian teas, National Museum of Cambridge Glass, carriage rides, cemetery tour, candlelight walk, and a chocolate walk.  


If Hallmark's version has you craving a Dickens experience for yourself, click here for a guide to this annual festivity. 

Cambridge is located in Guernsey County.  If you are interested in visiting, you can find directions here.  


Polaha Nails the Role of Scrooge

Since Hallmark leading roles are so cookie cutter, you have to wonder if the stars get bored playing essentially the same character in movie after movie.  

A Dickens of a Holiday gives us a glimpse at how actors make each role their own.  Jake Dorsey is a movie action hero who must prove he's capable of assuming a dramatic leading role in an upcoming movie.  It's why he agrees to play Scrooge--to demonstrate his versatility as an actor.  Jake struggles to transition, but Cassie helps him acclimate to the character of Scrooge until he finds the perfect voice, body language, and all the goes into making him a convincing Ebeneezer.

Kristoffer Polaha's talent is more evident in his portrayal of Scrooge than his part as Jake Dorsey!

Jake Dorsey's Famous Line

Whenever fans spot Jake Dorsey, they want to hear him deliver the iconic line that is a trademark in all of his action films:

Do the right thing or it's the last thing you'll do.

Is this the best catchphrase Hallmark scriptwriters could invent?  It makes zero sense.  Jake seems to be forcing the culprit's hand to do the right thing, only to inform them doing the right thing will mean the end of them.  

Go ahead, punk, make my day is a Clint Eastwood phrase unlikely to be forgotten, and if Hallmark was trying to construct something similar, they missed the boat.


A Hallmark Spin on a Classic Tale

A Christmas Carol was penned 179 years ago, but creative thinkers continue to rework and modernize the story so we can enjoy it in fresh, new ways.  

Hallmark spun the story in 2020 with A Nashville Christmas Carol starring Wes Brown and Jessy Schram, and they managed to do it successfully a year later with A Dickens of a Holiday

Will Hallmark have more fun adaptations in the future?  The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come hasn't made an appearance to let us know!

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