A story within a story, in a charming interweaving of the traditional holiday themes of family and love and memories of those no longer with us.
The actors have credible reasons for hanging out together; they deliver some intelligent and believable dialogue in pursuit of the historical story. Their interactions with each other and the girl are sweet - sometimes a bit OTT but then Sidney is a stewardess with the usual ever-ready customer service smile - and their romance is more credibly incremental than many holiday passions are.
This movie took some care with the small details, adding layers that too often are missed in the rush-job of filming a holiday movie over 2 weeks in September. Sidney wears her hair loose when she's off duty but in a very believable stewardess up-do when appropriate. She's on her way to Bali and doesn't have a magical expanding wardrobe to outfit her for the colder weather. The angel gift is one of several small moments of connection between Sidney and Leah, not forced to carry the whole weight of the relationship. The historical story unfolds in small increments rather than grand revelations, and its conclusion isn't the impetus for the happy ending, which has already happened quietly when Sidney made her decision off-screen.
Further, I really appreciate that Sidney doesn't over-water the scenery in her angst about any of her issues: saying Arrivaderci to Leah the first time, being an orphan who spends Christmas in hotels, leaving the family who have taken her under their wing for the holidays. Tearing-up and other emoting may play better with the reality-TV generation but those of us who have had all the overblown dramatics we can handle in real life only appreciate the quiet thoughtfulness of these actors and this script more.
Perhaps it's the understated easing into relationships that bothers some viewers, or the lack of a trumped-up misunderstanding that's customary at the 3/4 mark, which would be solved if the romantic leads would stop for thirty seconds to let the other finish a sentence. This is a mature relationship developing, taking into account the realities of existing children and family issues.
A movie with a lot of heart and some nice subtle touches.
The actors have credible reasons for hanging out together; they deliver some intelligent and believable dialogue in pursuit of the historical story. Their interactions with each other and the girl are sweet - sometimes a bit OTT but then Sidney is a stewardess with the usual ever-ready customer service smile - and their romance is more credibly incremental than many holiday passions are.
This movie took some care with the small details, adding layers that too often are missed in the rush-job of filming a holiday movie over 2 weeks in September. Sidney wears her hair loose when she's off duty but in a very believable stewardess up-do when appropriate. She's on her way to Bali and doesn't have a magical expanding wardrobe to outfit her for the colder weather. The angel gift is one of several small moments of connection between Sidney and Leah, not forced to carry the whole weight of the relationship. The historical story unfolds in small increments rather than grand revelations, and its conclusion isn't the impetus for the happy ending, which has already happened quietly when Sidney made her decision off-screen.
Further, I really appreciate that Sidney doesn't over-water the scenery in her angst about any of her issues: saying Arrivaderci to Leah the first time, being an orphan who spends Christmas in hotels, leaving the family who have taken her under their wing for the holidays. Tearing-up and other emoting may play better with the reality-TV generation but those of us who have had all the overblown dramatics we can handle in real life only appreciate the quiet thoughtfulness of these actors and this script more.
Perhaps it's the understated easing into relationships that bothers some viewers, or the lack of a trumped-up misunderstanding that's customary at the 3/4 mark, which would be solved if the romantic leads would stop for thirty seconds to let the other finish a sentence. This is a mature relationship developing, taking into account the realities of existing children and family issues.
A movie with a lot of heart and some nice subtle touches.