The Search For Secret Santa (2022) -

It was a shame that this wasn't a better film, because Alex Trumble in his role of Jackson was cute and I felt that he deserved more. Although he was a tad overexcitable at times and very goofy at others. Skye Coyne was fine in her role of Sofia too, although the character was a big annoying, but not as frustrating as Perry the Newspaper Editor. Why do these films keep hiring Jackée Harry? In this role and every other character I've seen her play, she was absolutely farcical. She's so ridiculous.

The lesbian best friend Nancy (Grace Dillon) was not a good actor and Ernie (Eamon Hunt) wasn't that brilliant either. His character was so obviously dodging Sofia's questions about the Secret Santa gift too.

However, nobody was as awful as the criminals, who were like something from the Adam West 'Batman' (1966-8) TV series. They were so corny. The Boss even had an eye patch for Christ's sake! And the story really didn't need the crooks at all, so many other of these films have done it without that farce.

As for the actual gift in the Secret Santa box, there was NO WAY that it was an antique and those were definitely NOT real jewels decorating it.

Also, I assume that 'The Nutcracker' music is available in the public domain, because so many of these films use the tunes. It would be nice if they could be a bit more original sometimes. It's set at Christmas already, use a different, ordinary item for a change.

Overall, it was a bit too much 'Aurora Teagarden Mysteries' (2019-) and a bit less charming Christmas film.

The end was pure cheese too!!!! I won't be watching this one again.

4.24/10.

Generally I soak up such Christmas fluff with appreciation. Usually ideal for a restful afternoon with a cup of hot chocolate and a blanket and cat on my knee just taking in the picture perfect American locations and dispensing with reality. However this is laughable. I began watching an hour ago and just got to the point where I realised I would be better off warning others not to bother.

The acting is very weak - especially the editor on the phone - her bright orange scarf has to work hard to tone down the "look at me, I'm the best thing in this" vibe - and as for the criminal fraternity...one even has an eye-patch to make sure we know he's a villain because we all love a stereotype!

The cub reporter is cheery enough but writes an article indicating she has a precious antique in her unlocked apartment and heeds no warnings from her soon to be love interest - who is an expert in such heirlooms (of course). He instantly finds a possible Royal connection from a suitable dynasty who lives on the edge of town but...hold it... the object is cursed!

Meanwhile Ernie the janitor/building manager has all the hallmarks of knowing more than he lets on... from first meeting.

The direction is therefore heavy handed, the story inexcusably unconvincing and the writing is clunky and provides no pace.

The stars I have awarded are for the use of the Nutcracker music and the germ of a good idea which is poorly executed.