The Santa Stakeout

Release Date: October 24, 2021

Network: Hallmark Channel

Starring: Tamera Mowry-Housley, Paul Campbell, and Joe Pantoliano.

Synopsis: Tanya is a police detective who is reluctantly partnered with fellow detective Ryan to solve a recent string of heists taking place during high-profile holiday parties around town. They go undercover as newlyweds Tasha and Rupert, moving into the vacant house next to Mr. Miller, the jovial chair of the community’s Christmas committee…and the prime suspect in the case. As Tanya and Ryan partake in the neighborhood’s holiday happenings to keep up appearances and crack the case, they get swept up in Christmas. Before they know it, their cover story as a couple in love starts to become reality.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Review: What a breath of fresh air. This movie was FAR from the regular cookie cutter Hallmark movie plots and it was a welcome change. There was really nothing reminiscent from the usual story lines that we have become accustomed to. Far different from anything Hallmark has done and it was amazing!

Paul Campbell (Ryan/Rupert), a Hallmark leading man staple, is paired with Tamera Mowry-Housley (Tanya/Tasha) for this comedic gem. The pair absolutely killed this movie with one liners, quick and witty comebacks/jabs, and physical comedy. They were clearly comfortable paired together and this really shined through with their chemistry on screen. I'm still trying to decide whether I saw any romantic chemistry or if it was purely just a comfortable comedic pairing. Either way I enjoyed them together and they clearly enjoyed making this movie.

The story started out a bit slow however quickly picked up. Once it got rolling it was full of twists and turns, lots of humour and laugh out loud moments, and even had a bit off mystery and last minute plot twists. It really delivered big time and is definitely something that I will watch again.

The comedy and one liners in this movie were just unbelievable. I didn't want to miss anything as there was so much humour, and I realized at the end of the movie that I didn't touch or look at my phone for the whole 1 1/2 hours! One of the best lines of the movie came when Tanya/Tasha showed Ryan/Rupert the matching Christmas sweaters she bought and he said "Matching Christmas sweaters? What are we...poodles?" The delivery and facial expressions from Paul Campbell for this line and many others was so well done. He really is in his element with comedic acting. The slow motion walk into the fancy party...hilarious. The flick of the santa cap by Paul Campbell...so funny. I could go on and on about the humour.

By the way, I realize that Rupert and Tasha were not really married, but what was the deal with the neighbour who continually openly flirted with Rupert right in front of Tasha? I mean they were introduced as a married couple and she knew this and yet she flirted with a married guy right in front of his wife? Seriously? That's bold.

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie and highly recommend it. It definitely is not your typical romantic plot line but will keep you entertained. The writers definitely created a gem of a movie here and you will not be disappointed.