“Christmas Around the Corner” follows the standard formula for a successful holiday movie. It’s a mere 88 minutes. It’s set in a seemingly unreal small town in Vermont. The start, middle, and conclusion can (and should) be spotted a mile away.
This 2018 Lifetime movie was actually cheaper to buy than to rent, so of course I did. It stars personal fave Alexandra Breckenridge, who I first crushed on decades ago in an episode of Dawson’s Creek. Breckenridge now stars in the Netflix series “Virgin River” which I started watching and like so far. Here she demonstrates a perfect casting choice as a scarf-wearing, chilly-weather hottie.
The film opens in New York City (of course). It’s the Christmas season, but workaholic Claire (Breckenridge) wouldn’t know it. Claire is so absorbed with high rise boardrooms and Manhattanite style to notice. And she’s such a devoted corporate type, she’s saved up a month of vacation time.
At the urging of her sister, Suzanne (Tara Spencer-Nairn) Claire books a trip to the quaint Vermont town of Glastenbury. “It looks like Christmas on steroids!” Suzanne jokes, which is perfect for us.
The twist is that guests of the cottage where Claire is staying become the temporary manager of the town’s Main Street bookstore. Claire befriends Mrs. Tumilty (Jane Alexander) and has high visions of where the small town could go. “She’s only been here a few hours.” Mrs. Tumilty says. “Just think what the rest of the month will be like!”
The Clichés don’t stop
“Christmas Around the Corner” is loaded with moments we’ve come to expect in movies like this. The main character going from New York City to Vermont – via train of all things – dressed sensibly in tight jeans and sky-high heels (the usual travel attire).
The local cabbie is overly friendly, and offers an exposition dump upon her arrival which succinctly explains all the viewer needs to know. Mrs. Tumilty has difficulty with her “newfangled” phone. Claire tries to order a ridiculous snobbish latte at the local coffee shop.
And how could we forget Andrew (Jamie Spilchuk) Mrs. Tumilty’s hunky nephew who wants to sell the bookstore. Andrew has a hobby. He’s a blacksmith, of course. Rather than horseshoes, Andrew crafts unique jingle bells. Which may or may not come into play at some point.
You’ll want to live on the Main Street of the town. It’s small, yet the sidewalks are shockingly populated. It boasts a perfect and constant amount of snow. Everyone is friendly and welcoming – the local pastor is in a same-sex, mixed race marriage. There are even town meetings.
“Christmas Around the Corner” is a traditional cheesy movie. It’s fun to watch, and I’m glad I went with the purchase.
“Christmas Around the Corner” can be streamed (or purchased) at Amazon
