Despite loving Christmas so much, conceptually 'Christmas in the City' didn't sound much different from the stories of some other festive films from the likes of Hallmark and Lifetime, which in this regard tend to be quite standard/formulaic. So hopes weren't high because of this, as well as being a non-fan of Ashanti. Saw it anyway, having seen positive reviews from people whose opinions have always been appreciated by me, liked its intentions and Ashley Williams is quite likeable.
'Christmas in the City' was a little better than expected, but still didn't find myself particularly caring for it. It has its heart in the right place. It had good intentions. It does have appealing moments. 'Christmas in the City' also sadly suffers from too much cheese. Too much schmaltz. And from being over-acted. It is neither one of the best or worst recently seen festive films, instead of of those "not completely sure what my feelings are" sort of film, being not sure at first in what rating to give it.
Of course there are good things with 'Christmas in the City'. The best thing about it is the soundtrack, which really puts one in the Christmas mood. Full of well known carols, a bit of Tchaikovsky and catchy especially written songs, and they didn't feel too much or slowed the film down. "The First Noel" is especially lovely and while not caring at all for Ashanti's acting she does have pipes. It's a good looking film too, that toy store is something to behold and enough to make one go down memory lane in delight if they have fond childhood memories of toy stores at Christmas (raising hand here).
Although her smiling is overdone Williams is an appealing lead. Equally well supported by Shanola Hampton and Kylie Noelle Price. The bond between Wendy and Grace is charming and touching, providing the film's heart. As said too, the film has its heart in the right place and its intentions, not laid on too thick, are laudable.
However, most of the cast resort to shameless over-acting. The worst offender being the cartoonish mugging of Ashanti. Most of the characters are neither interesting or easy to get behind, Wendy and Grace being exceptions and Teanna is pretty much a cartoon. The story is very predictable, where one knows well in advance how it's going to end and even what's coming next throughout the whole duration.
Too much of the dialogue is incredibly cheesy and awkward-sounding and a lot of the film outside of the mother/daughter bond is heavy in schmaltz, well-meaning schmaltz but sickly sweet schmaltz nonetheless. The pace starts quite well but drags the thinner the story gets, which sadly is not too far long in and there are elements that are gratuitous and serve only as strange padding.
Summarising, alright but too lacking in too many areas. 5/10
'Christmas in the City' was a little better than expected, but still didn't find myself particularly caring for it. It has its heart in the right place. It had good intentions. It does have appealing moments. 'Christmas in the City' also sadly suffers from too much cheese. Too much schmaltz. And from being over-acted. It is neither one of the best or worst recently seen festive films, instead of of those "not completely sure what my feelings are" sort of film, being not sure at first in what rating to give it.
Of course there are good things with 'Christmas in the City'. The best thing about it is the soundtrack, which really puts one in the Christmas mood. Full of well known carols, a bit of Tchaikovsky and catchy especially written songs, and they didn't feel too much or slowed the film down. "The First Noel" is especially lovely and while not caring at all for Ashanti's acting she does have pipes. It's a good looking film too, that toy store is something to behold and enough to make one go down memory lane in delight if they have fond childhood memories of toy stores at Christmas (raising hand here).
Although her smiling is overdone Williams is an appealing lead. Equally well supported by Shanola Hampton and Kylie Noelle Price. The bond between Wendy and Grace is charming and touching, providing the film's heart. As said too, the film has its heart in the right place and its intentions, not laid on too thick, are laudable.
However, most of the cast resort to shameless over-acting. The worst offender being the cartoonish mugging of Ashanti. Most of the characters are neither interesting or easy to get behind, Wendy and Grace being exceptions and Teanna is pretty much a cartoon. The story is very predictable, where one knows well in advance how it's going to end and even what's coming next throughout the whole duration.
Too much of the dialogue is incredibly cheesy and awkward-sounding and a lot of the film outside of the mother/daughter bond is heavy in schmaltz, well-meaning schmaltz but sickly sweet schmaltz nonetheless. The pace starts quite well but drags the thinner the story gets, which sadly is not too far long in and there are elements that are gratuitous and serve only as strange padding.
Summarising, alright but too lacking in too many areas. 5/10