The synopsis on the sleeve of “Christmas Caper” is what made me want to watch. Shannen Doherty is a thief who hides out in her home town amidst the Christmas season. The ABC Family Original Movie was released in 2007. It was a time before Netflix reigned supreme with these types of pictures. When you watch you’ll get what you expect. An average movie that’s predictable, fun, and good for a one-time (and one-time only) viewing.
A quick exposition dump amidst the opening robbery of a jewelry store introduces us to Cate (Doherty). She’s a master thief with cunning skills. Like most burglars, she wears a skin tight black cat suit and hooker-heeled boots. She’s cantankerous in a playful way. Cate despises Christmas, and holds animosity for her seemingly perfect older sister. Cate is a wild child who hates the boredom of suburbia. She goes into hiding watching over her niece and nephew. Oh, and it just so happens to be the Christmas season.
Shannen Doherty has been a star since the 90s. Shows like ‘90210’ and ‘Charmed’ brought her elevated success. She’s a decent actress who is now destined for B parts like this, which isn’t always a bad thing. Her role here; a Grinch type petty criminal – seems to come natural. We can accept the rivalry with her beautiful sister (Sonya Salomaa). She looks for action and danger. Cate has strong distaste for the town she grew up in. She avoids the safety of Comfort. No literally, that’s the name of the town, Comfort.
“Christmas Caper” is 90 minutes soaking wet. It doesn’t try to be anything other than a made-for-TV holiday story. The supporting cast is okay. Doherty aside, you won’t recognize any names. Michael P. Northey. Conrad Coates. Cutie Stefanie von Pfetten. Cate’s young charges are played by child actors Josh Hayden and Natasha Calis.
Ty Olsson plays Cate’s high school flame and potential love interest. The catch? He’s the Comfort Town Sheriff. Which begs the question. This Christmas season, will Cate be behind the bar serving spiked eggnog? Or will she be behind bars…serving time. Get it? Like jail. Because she’s a criminal. I think you already know the answer.
Let’s not waste another minute. “Christmas Caper” is fun. There’s far batter and far worse. Give it a watch.
