“Fit for Christmas” is predictable, sappy, and absurd – all of which I expected. Kloots’ on-screen energy and intangible merriment are what makes it enjoyable. She also serves as co-writer and co-producer, making the production a personal project.
A Christmas oasis, if you will
Audrey (Kloots) is a fitness instructor returning to her hometown of Mistletoe – A “Christmas oasis, if you will.” We get a standard backstory for why she left and why she’s returning. And of course her obsession with Christmas. There’s a smarmy businessman (Paul Greene) who may be a potential suitor. She has a hot best friend (Rebecca Budig) and a cause; the local rec-center is in jeopardy of closing down and Audrey et al. must find a way to save it.
I’m a gym rat, and I enjoyed the backdrop of fitness to the character and story. Audrey got her start at the rec-center, and that’s her emotional connection to it and the town. The idea of evil big business destroying Main Street is cliché, but so what? It’s a Christmas movie and I’m here for entertainment, not a migraine of convolution, nonlinear, and/or artistic storytelling.
Amanda Kloots leads the cast
Amanda Kloots really gets into the character of Audrey. Kloots is a real life dancer and fitness instructor, which lends credence to the performance here. We get the sense that she isn’t really acting when she pops up at the crack of dawn ready to sweat. There are no special effects or body doubles. When she shows off her limber physique and seemingly impossible stretches, it’s the real deal.
Rebecca Budig is the best of the supporting cast. As Audrey’s friend Lisa, we have a character that is as equally invested in the happenings of the town as she runs a café with her husband Jim (Darryl Hinds). What I liked is that, unlike most other stories, Lisa isn’t openly pushing Audrey to date the hot new guy – Griffin. He’s an antagonist for the plot to happen, and is rightfully treated as such. Paul Greene does what he can with the part. I liked how the Jim character has a man crush on Griffin, which brought several laugh out loud moments.
The question is, can a CBS holiday movie compete with Netflix? Football is the only thing I watch on live television. In fact, I’m not quite sure how I ever managed to view programs at a specified time each week while suffering through commercials and having to wait seven days to see what happens next. Try watching “24” like that. I watched “Fit for Christmas” when it premiered. It’s a ninety minute movie stretched to over two hours with a bevy of awful commercials. That’s not the films fault. Commercials suck. Luckily, you can stream it on their website if you missed it.
“Fit for Christmas” is a fun option for gym rats and couch potatoes alike. I hope Amanda Kloots returns for more holiday themed films in the future.
“Fit for Christmas” is currently available to stream on CBS.com
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