CHRISTMAS WITH YOU

(director: Gabriela Tagliavini; screenwriters: story by German Michael Torres,  Paco Farias, Jennifer C. Stetson, Michael Varrati; cinematographer: Stefan Czapsky; editor: Michael Jablow; music: Pancho Burgos-Goizueta; cast:  Aimee Garcia (Angelina), Freddie Prinze Jr. (Miguel), Deja Monique Cruz (Cristina), Gabriel Sloyer (Ricardo), Zenzi Williams (Monique), Socorro Santiago (Frida), Lawrence J. Hughes (Barry), Grace Dumdaw (Madison Sparks), Nicolette Stephanie Templie (Cheri Bibi); Runtime: 89; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Lucas Jarach, German Michael Torres; Netflix; 2022)

“A cheesy yuletide musical/romance story that’s uninspired and dull.”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

Gabriela Tagliavini (“Despite Everything”/”How To Break Up With your Doucebag”) directs in a formulaic way, using the screenplay from Paco Farias, Jennifer C. Stetson, and Michael Varrati. It’s a cheesy yuletide musical/romance story that’s uninspired and dull.

The pop star Angelina (Aimee Garcia) is becoming irrelevant in the pop music scene. She desperately wants to write in time for her record label’s deadline a hit Christmas holiday song. To make things more intense, her label has just signed her rival, Cheri Bibi (Nicolette Stephanie Templie), and she wants her song out first and to keep her lucrative record deal going.

Working with her efficient personal assistant Monique (Zenzi Williams), the single pop star arranges to holiday in a small town in upstate NY with her number one fan, Cristina (Deja Monique Cruz). I hope I don’t shock you, but she has a handsome single dad named Miguel (Freddie Prinze Jr., the former teen idol) who is a music teacher and an accomplished songwriter. The pop singer hooks up with dad to make some music and romance, which passes muster for a Christmas flick.

The plot might remind you of “Notting Hill,” but even if it doesn’t it should remind you of countless other vapid Christmas movies.

REVIEWED ON 12/16/2022  GRADE: C