Jump to the good stuff: The Story | Some Thoughts | The Final Verdict
The Story:
Christmas on Cherry Lane is a Hallmark Holiday movie about three couples experiencing life changing events in three different decades.
In 1973 Lizzie (Erin Cahil) and John (John Brotherton) are expecting their first born and have just moved into their new home on 7 Cherry Lane. They have the Christmas tree up, but most of their belongings are still packed. When Lizzie’s parents drop in unannounced to tell them they’re staying for the holiday, things get a little hairy.
In 1999 widow Regina (Catherine Bell) is planning on having her last Christmas at 7 Cherry Lane. She’s getting ready to tell her adult children that she and her boyfriend, Nelson (James Denton), are going to get married and move to Florida, but her son is not ready to see his mother move on with her life and rocks the boat.
In 2023, the house on 7 Cherry Lane is owned by a gay married couple Zain (Vincent Rodriguez) and Mike (Jonathan Bennett). It’s Christmas Eve and they’re getting ready to have friends over for dinner despite their kitchen renovation still in the works. And on top of that, they’re about to take in a foster child.
As each story plays out, unexpected connections are discovered, truths are revealed, and bonds are formed.
Some Thoughts:
This is the first Hallmark holiday movie where the gay couple is given equal time with the straight couples. Also, they’re not treated any differently. They’re accepted for who they are, and their being gay is not a plot point. Their story is about the stress of a kitchen renovation mixed with the inclusion of a new family member. It shows how compassion, understanding, and focusing on what’s important is what keep their sanity intact. I loved it.
As with these types of fluffy feel-good movies, the plots are unbelievable. Each story is connected by more than just the house, and the revelation of each ridiculous connection will make you smile.
I also have to mention that Christmas on Cherry Lane looks like a TV movie, and the acting is passable. Again, nobody watching it will care. And honestly, it didn’t bother me.
Nobody watches Hallmark holiday movies for reality, they watch them to feel good, and Christmas on Cherry Lane delivers. It’s saccharin sweet family drama/romance that will leave you smiling.
The Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a holiday movie, Christmas on Cherry Lane is a good choice. It’s light on substance and packed with fun.