Movie: Reindeer Games Homecoming
Starring: Sarah Drew, Justin Bruening
Network: Lifetime
Rating (out of 5 stars): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Synopsis: When her father dies, MacKenzie keeps her father's tradition of the town's fundraising "The Reindeer Games" alive, but when high school crush Chase shows up and plays against her, the spark between them grows.
⚠🛑 Disclaimer: This review may contain movie spoilers
Review:
This movie hit me out of nowhere. I really didn't know what this was going to be about but boy did it deliver. I loved every minute of this film and hands down it was the best movie to air on Lifetime in 2022. It was original, funny, moved quickly, had an excellent lead and supporting cast and fantastic chemistry. This is a must see and one that can be watched over and over again.
Plot
After her father dies Mac leaves her medical residency to go home, abandons her dream of becoming a doctor, becomes a science teacher, lives in her childhood home, and keeps her father's tradition of the "Reindeer Games" alive. This year is different as a old crush from high school returns home for Christmas. They compete against each other in the reindeer games, share alot of special moments, rekindle their romance and live happily ever after. Mac also finally reads the last note from her father, and decides to go back to complete her residency. There is also some strong moments of dealing with grief and how to move forward instead of living in the past.
The good
Sarah Drew - Sarah Drew was absolutely spectacular in this movie. She is such a natural beauty and was so lovable. She was funny, quirky, vulnerable and a strong leading lady. I enjoyed her immensely in this role.
Justin Bruening - I really haven't seen Justin Bruening in much except the "Swept Up by Christmas" movie which I didn't really enjoy him in. That movie aside, I absolutely loved him in this movie. His comedic timing and physical comedy was great. Not to mention the deadpan way he had of delivering lines and his facial expressions. So funny. I really enjoyed him in this role.
Chemistry - Sarah Drew and Justin Bruening had amazing chemistry. I questioned whether or not they would as for me they didn't appear like they would be a good pairing. Boy was I wrong. The on screen dynamic was fantastic. They had excellent banter, comedic timing was fantastic, but most importantly their progression from friends to romantic interest was believable. I loved how they didn't wait until the end of the movie to have them talk about their past and move forward. I would absolutely love to see them on screen again.
Comedy - This movie had some great laugh out loud moments. There were two moments in particular that I thought were just so funny.
1) After the polar bear dip Mac is trying to get Chase to warm up by drinking some alcohol. Chase keeps saying no and eventually Mac says "Whatever...just drink the booze man." I laughed so hard. The delivery of that line by Sarah Drew was so direct. So funny.
b) One of the best scenes was with Chase and his sister when she was eating nachos. He keeps trying to take some of her nachos but she keeps pestering him about whether or not he has a thing for Mac. Eventually he just blurts out...really fast..."Mac is a breath of fresh air. It's nice to see her again. Have I shared enough...are you happy now? Could I please just have a nacho?"
c) After her kiss with Chase on the doorstep the next morning her friend and neighbour knocks on the door to find out all of the dirt. This had to be one of the funniest moments in the whole movie. I actually watched this exchange a few times. Kudos to Brian Sills who played the character of Simon so well throughout the whole movie.
Reindeer Games - As corny as some of these events were they worked for me. I enjoyed the friendly competition and especially liked how the whole community was so into the games. They were over the top into the games which just added to the charm of the whole event.
Grand Gesture/Reconciliation - The last few minutes of this film where Sarah follows the scavenger hunt put together by Chase...that was probably the most adorable and romantic declaration of love. I enjoyed it as well as the involvement from all the key supporting characters in making this moment work. The crossword clues, romantic notes and walk down memory lane certainly brought some tears to the eyes. It was beautiful. And can I just say that Sarah Drew in that emerald green dress = STUNNING!
Questions
Mac's clock - So what time did Mac go for her morning run? She passed so many people on her journey on the beach, in the town and at the fire station. Also shoppers were already shopping in town and yet when she got home her clock said 6:45am. My question...what time does that place wake up and what time do those stores open? Now that's what I call early bird shopping!
Final Thoughts
This is one of the best Christmas movies to air in 2022. It is fast paced, has a great original plot, great cast, superb chemistry and is funny. This is a definite must watch and will be on my rewatch list for sure.
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