Finding Santa (2017)

I'm honestly shocked this movie managed to squeeze two hours on this ridiculous plot and complete lack of chemistry? After the town Santa (who really isn't Santa but it's the family business???) breaks his arm Christmas-crazed Jessica makes it her mission to spend the rest of the movie trying to force Santa's son, Ben, to take his place. I agree with another reviewer, all of this plot is based on Ben not being able to give up 2 hours of his life to help out?I had so many moments in between being completely bored when I was left scratching my head. Like why is Jessica texting Ben's dad the entire drive from Boston and when they arrive he asks if HIS PARENTS know if he's there? He can't call his own parents? Ok. On the unnecessary drive back to Boston (to waste...I mean fill more time) they just happen to need to get out of the storm near Jessica's "friends" house? More questions...this friend doesn't care that they're just crashing in and spending the night? Or that Jessica just helps herself to the kitchen to make eggnog? Fast forward more boring stuff like Ben forcing Jessica to own up to not really being happy she took over her grandparents/parents year-round Christmas shop. Somehow, these two fall in love, or in like given the lack of chemistry. He ends up playing Santa, although he's 30-ish? No, the glasses don't make him look any older. They kiss, it's boring, the end. Hallmark do me a favor and pull this out of rotation.

I watch a lot of Hallmark movies, something many men probably can relate to as their girlfriends or wives consume the coziest holiday movies. This one wasn't too bad, for a Hallmark. Brace yourself for recycled story-lines, Christmasy cliches, and a whole lot of fake snow. The basis of this story centers around Santa (who's not the real Santa but does sport the rotundness) who breaks his arm and gets the Christmas crazy blonde to convince his son (definitely not real Santa) to replace him in the parade. But there are a few bumps along that road all leading up to a sweet conclusion---that everyone knew was coming. Hallmark happy endings and all that. Hey, Hallmark, here's an idea: next time try for something a little less trite? One of my biggest problems is the lack of creativity in these story-lines. Is anyone considering that Santa is an old tradition which may have a shelf life? I think there is opportunity here to dive into a deeper story around the cheery old man in the fading suit. Before he turns into a diabetic cookie monster... So if Santa's role can be filled by younger men, what's left for all the old guys to do who have dodged the razor for so long (in order to support festive facial hair)? It may or may not be a serious question.

Jodie Sweetin has a great personality that I found to be charming. But, I hate it when the leading man is better looking than the fraulein. Most of the time, Jody has stringy unwashed hair. Come on. The story was kind of dopey, but hey, it's a Christmas movie. Lighten' up. Not much sexiness, except for her tight sweaters, which basically carry the movie.

Almost everything in this movie seemed forced, or put differently too much by the formula. The concept itself was a stretch. Who cares who sits in the sleigh in a town parade? Certainly there would be a few reasonable candidates as long as it's not Clint. I think Clint was a combination of an attempt at humor, and justification for needing Ben so badly. Neither of these totally succeeded.Other things were forced as well. The theme seemed to be Follow Your Heart, which is so well-worn in Christmas stories. It was a little overplayed. I venture that most people have occupations that are not their dream in life, but then the purpose of these movies is to distract us from reality.Even the climax, just before the ending was forced. I won't say what it was. Jodie Sweetin was OK. Eric Winter was a little better, but the romance wasn't fireworks worthy. Jay Brazeau was also good as the mentor for aspiring Santas.Just a totally side comment that applies to almost all of these Christmas movies. The directors just don't seem to understand winter conditions, especially sunlight. It's 5:30 in the morning in Massachusetts and its' broad daylight - no not in late December. People walk around in winter climates with snow on the ground or falling from the sky, but coats wide open and scarves that don't cover anything. People leave their front doors wide open for extended periods during a snowstorm. Anyone who lives there wouldn't do these things. (But then so many of these movies are shot in warm weather and the actors are sweating.)There were some tender moments, even the ending to a certain extent. There was a great deal of Christmas spirit and a passable romance. If you like the usual fair of Hallmark Christmas, you may enjoy this.