“Mistletoe Mixup” continues our recent trend of dusting off icons of the ’90s for modern Christmas comedies.
This 2021 indie film bypassed Hallmark, Netflix, and the theaters. But don’t worry. It still contains all the necessary ingredients of a cheesy holiday flick. It was written by Kaylin Richardson; herself a pro skier and 2-time Olympian. And its cast includes not one, not two, but all three of the Lawrence brothers.
Flawless Woman Can’t Find Love
Our main character is a woman named Holly (of course), played by Danielle Chuchran. Chuchran is fun in the role, taking things too seriously, and that’s sort of the point in a movie like this.
Holly is stunningly beautiful, but of course, a loser in the game of love. She mockingly makes a double wish to meet Mr. Right.
Over the next 24 hours, she encounters two seemingly perfect men. Tom (Joey Lawrence) and Austin (Matthew Lawrence). Tom – who’s surname comically is Wright – invites Holly to his family’s cabin for Christmas. Unbeknownst to Holly, Austin will also be at the cabin because he is Tom’s brother.
Ho Ho Whoa!
It’s always a treat to watch the actors I grew up with playing adult roles. Joey Lawrence was a teen icon back in the day for his sitcom “Blossum.” He and Matthew Lawrence also shared the screen in “Brotherly Love.”
Watching them here as siblings with a strong rivalry competing over the same girl was the best part of the movie. Their interactions are hysterical and being real-life siblings that natural bond can’t be coached.
Additionally, youngest brother, Andrew Lawrence, and real-life Lawrence matriarch Donna Lawrence fill roles.
Worth It?
Yes!
“Mistletoe Mixup” doesn’t break into new territory. It’s a warm and familiar story with some great nostalgic actors. It provides depth to your December movie viewing rotation.
