Movie #1417 ........................."Christmas in the Air"

Movie #1417 "Christmas in the Air" was on t.v. last night, and it was one that I hadn't seen before.  I esp. wanted to see it because I have enjoyed watching Eric Close in the past ("Without a Trace", etc.).  And he was very good in this as a father who is recently widowed, left with two kids (elementary school age) and a toy shop to run with his brother.  He lives and breathes work --- so much so that when he hears a suggestion to get some help, he hires a woman who says she can save his time by organizing his life.  And, of course, as these stories go, on the journey to organization, comes love. But not before both members of the couple learn much from each other; in this film, it means he learns how to organize his life much better so he can get to his son's hockey games, his girl's theatre rehearsals and show, and his work's meetings, AND offer a vegetarian dinner to his boss and his wife!  Whew!  But she learns how to do more  whimsical activities for pure enjoyment, rather than organizing EVERYThING in her life, like falling in love.  The kids were winning, the themes were strong, it wasn't too maudlin, and the toys were fun to watch being made, but I never warmed up to the girl.  She was too cold to me --- and they had little chemistry together.  That's why I would give this film a 3.5 out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS IN THE AIR"     2017        

Director:

 Martin Wood

Writer:

 Janna King

Stars:

 Catherine Bell,  Eric Close,  Ken Tremblett