“A Very Vintage Christmas” is predictable and formulaic. But the inclusion of two prominent sitcom stars from the ’90s provides a bump in its value. The 2019 Lifetime movie was directed by Paul A. Kaufman, and clocks in at a sound 87 minutes. A perfect length for a simple rom-com.
The plot centers around an antique store, aptly called ‘Very Vintage Antiques.’ Two best friends own the store and are preparing to open after inventory costs and fix-up repairs have bled their finances dry.
Hey Dude, the ’90s Called
Tia Mowry stars as Dodie Brite, co-owner of the store. Mowry is known for the sitcom “Sister, Sister,” which she shared the spotlight with her twin, Tamera. The siblings shared the screen again with the reality show “Tia & Tamera.”
It was surreal when moments into the movie when I realized who the star was. I wasn’t a diehard fan of “Sister, Sister,” but watched more than a handful of episodes and found it charming enough. Tia and Tamera are likeable actors from my generation, which I always like.
Tia Mowry is fantastic in the performance of Dodie. She’s cute and quirky with her love for the holidays. I’ve since learned she’s done several Christmas films of this ilk, and it makes sense. I would love to see Tia and Tamera work together for a holiday film. Netflix, get on it.
Other characters are inserted for plot purposes. Agam Darshi plays Olivia, Dodie’s BFF and co-owner of the antique store. Jesse Hutch plays Ed, a local handyman and potential love interest for Dodie after an artificial meet cute. We also get Patricia Richardson, who co-stared in another ’90s heavyweight sitcom, “Home Improvement.”
Worth Watching?
“A Very Vintage Christmas” centers around Dodie finding a mystery box of romantic holiday items stashed amidst an antique wardrobe. Dodie, who is quite thirsty for love and the holidays, sets out to find the owner of the stash.
Yes, you know what’s going to happen before it does. I was calling out predictions from the comfort of my couch and smirking smugly when they all came true. Yay me.
“A Very Vintage Christmas” is fun to see Tia all grown and doing the town. The movie itself won’t blow you away, but its certainly not a waste of time either.
