Admittedly I didn't love the first movie. I rated it a 5. And after reading the reviews for this sequel I almost skipped it. I'm glad I didn't. I'm not one that laughs out loud often at films/shows, but I literally laughed out loud several times during this movie. There were a couple of throwback lines to Groundhog Day that I enjoyed. Wes Brown is at his comedic best. Based on reviews, I thought the new neighbors would be triggering for me, but I found them very tongue-in-cheek. I could tell the cast had a blast making this movie. No, it's not your typical tender, sentimental Hallmark Christmas movie, but tune in if you're in the mood to have fun watching a Christmas movie. It does end on a heartfelt note. I'm actually hoping we get another sequel.

I wasn't a huge fan of the allegedly-funny Haul out the Holly in 2022, but thought I would give this second one a go nonetheless, looking for something that might change my mind, as the cast - led by the Queen of Christmas Lacey Chabert, and the always-reliable Wes Brown - is very good.

Alas...

Sadly, the cast is wasted.

The movie seemed like it went for 3 hours, and not in a good way.

I just didn't find this funny. The parts where I assume I was meant to laugh were just uncomfortable.

Watching the ultra-competitive new neighbours who arrive on Evergreen Lane (which is actually a cul-de-sac) was akin to running my nails up and down a blackboard. The characters were the complete opposite of what Christmas is supposed to be about. Their "jokes" were not funny. There were few in this film that were.

Let's hope there is no third movie. I'd prefer to see Chabert and Brown together in a more meaningful Christmas film.