Nov 27

Nov 27 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Five Star Christmas'

A great ensemble cast joins in the fun in the comedic romp 'Five Star Christmas' (premiering Nov. 27 as part of the Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas).

In short: Returning home for the holidays, Lucy (Bethany Joy Lenz, 'Bottled With Love') plots with her siblings and grandparents to help her father's new bed and breakfast get a five-star review from an incognito travel critic - even as she gets distracted by Jake (Victor Webster, 'Summer Villa'), another guest staying for the holidays.

'Five Star' throws a close-knit family into a preposterous plot to save the family home and a father's new dream. And it's frankly a lot of fun to watch Lucy try to direct her family in the crazy charade. She's clearly the most responsible and grounded person in the family, so her hands are full as she tries to wrangle her siblings and grandparents, who embrace their new 'roles' with a bit too much gusto. Yeah, they're trying to save the family home - but they're clearly having a lot of fun along the way. And just for good measure, Lucy’s siblings get their own subplots woven into the story, making their character arcs even more satisfying.

The first scene, set in Lucy's workplace, seems a bit out of place - given that the rest of the movie takes place in her father's new bed and breakfast or in their quaint hometown. But right out of the gate, 'Five Star' establishes Lucy as the person who just readily steps into the role of caretaker and organizer - which has everything to do with her family, and her mother's untimely passing.

The only weak link in 'Five Star' is Jake - who is just kinda there, gently winning Lucy's affection. Victor Webster doesn't have to do a lot of heavy lifting for the movie. 'Five Star' doesn't really demand much of Webster, but the always reliable actor once again anchors the movie with earnest romance. For most of the movie, Jake is little more than a love interest for Lucy - leaving his character with very little to do other than charm Lucy.

The one flaw, that 'Five Star' never really figures out, is what happens when the cat is finally out of the bag. Eventually the truth comes out - because of course it has to - but the characters ... are all equally offended by the dishonesty of virtually all parties involved. No spoilers of course, but let's just say feelings are hurt when the truth comes to light. But the entire film is founded on a lie. And several more lies are added on for good measure. Even the secret travel critic is guilty of some dishonesty. So the climactic confrontation and hurt feelings just feels disingenuous. And the resolution is equally a bit unsatisfying, in as much as everything is just made good ... with very little action on anyone's part.

Final verdict: 'Five Star' clicks along swimmingly when the lovely family is thrown in the deep end, trying to stay in character and trying not to blow everything up.