Whelp, they did it again. This time, they kicked it off right away with Santa’s helpers, so I knew we were set up for some CG shenanigans. It was a hoot, and this time with 100% more Mrs. Claus, and she was just as charming and luminous on screen as ever. A good mix of action/adventure and softer, more heartfelt moments. Definitely recommend.

Now we’re on to Coming Home for Christmas (not to be confused with the 2017 movie “Coming Home for Christmas” starring Danica McKellar). Like the last movie I reviewed—The Christmas Lodge—this 2013 movie was produced by another dead painter’s company, this time Norman Rockwell. The co-producer is the same company, Nasser Productions, and was also shot in British Columbia but set in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon this time). So it’s unsurprising it came up as recommended after watching The Christmas Lodge. Starring Amy Jo Johnson, who I know from way back on Felicity. And a dude I know from the Netflix series Virgin River. And that chick I know as Reggie from Dead Like Me. Looking up the cast just now, looks like they went to a country music awards and picked up a bunch of singer songwriters as their actors.

First impressions: that is a lot of very rich, unhappy white women. Some in bad partnerships, and some apparently sabotaging them for no reason I can tell. Cute puppy, though.

Second impressions: Reggie reminds me of Lennon Stella from Nashville. And she even sings like her.

Ultimately, it was a’ight. I couldn’t quite relate to the mom obsessed with their old home, and the general ennui and lack of any meaningful communication between family members over the incident in the opening scenes. Knowing there are so many other better holiday movies out there, I’m just gonna say nah to this one. It’s not bad, it’s just...so forgettable for me.

First reaction: Is that THE Thomas Kinkade in the opening credits? Turns out, yes, yes it is. The company that was formed under the deceased painter, Thomas Kinkade, also made a smattering of feel-good holiday movies. Best known for “The Christmas Cottage”, The Christmas Lodge is the latest entry.

Second reaction: Is that DANIEL JACKSON from Stargate SG-1? Turns out yes, yes it is.

Third reaction: Is this set in the Pacific Northwest? Turns out yes, yes it is, as a gratuitous establishing shot of Seattle confirms.

The story will be no surprise, the frequent peppering of God and heaven and Biblical passages was a bit of a turn-off for me; but overall it’s charming, has good acting, and is a strong entry for your holiday movie enjoyment.

Up next: Coming Home for Christmas, funny enough produced by another dead painter’s company, Norman Rockwell. The co-producer is the same company, Nasser Productions, and also shot in British Columbia but set in the Pacific Northwest (Oregon this time).

Immediately we (my husband and I) were both reminded how charming and quick the dialogue is. Editing is strong, CG excellent, and casting is spot on. Kurt Russel is the perfect mix of rough/gruff and kindly. The pacing is good, keeping the action going and dropping in softer, quieter moments of Christmas magic.

I recognized the adorable Darby Camp from Little Big Lies, which aired between this debuting in 2018 and now, so I wouldn’t have known her from that back then. It was delightful to see her again.