6/10 - I will be the first to admit that I was not blown away by Hallmark'a first Christmas movie with an LGBTQ+ lead, but I actually felt this one really improved where it's predecessor lacked: some good old fashioned character development.

I did not even see the first one, but this is a great movie for this year!! I've now seen 5 that I truly like this year and this one is definitely on the list. Full of love, pretty cute characters and acting, I was totally invested in the happiness of the family. Fell in love with them and cannot wait to watch the first one. Please make another one if it's as full of love as this one!!

'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls' (2021)

Opening thoughts: While it was an inconsistent film, with many ups but also a few downs (from trying to do too much mainly), the first 'The Christmas House' film was very enjoyable. Seeing the cast return in the sequel did promise a good deal, having seen how good they were in the first, and the premise was nice. Expectations were not completely high though, as sequels with some famous exceptions generally do not have a good reputation and Hallmark varied with its sequels (some were good, others were average or less and pointless).

'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls' is one of Hallmark's good sequels, actually one of the better ones in my view. It is also one of the few Hallmark sequels in my personal view that is superior to the first, with all its good things except done even better and with most of the flaws present in the first being corrected on the whole here. It is not perfect by all means, none of Hallmark's films are, but there is a huge amount to like and overall it is one of the best 2021 Hallmark Christmas films in what was a up and down year for that year's Christmas batch.

Bad things: Starting with what didn't quite come off, the ending did feel a little too pat again. A common issue with the 2021 Christmas Hallmark films, and actually true for all of Hallmark's 2021 output (but worse in most of the others).

Also thought that the comedic moments occasionally were on the forced side and that Jonathan Bennett's character could have done with a little more development.

Good things: However, there are a number of things done better here compared to the first 'The Christmas House'. The pacing is vastly improved, with less slower moments and a tighter first quarter. It also doesn't try to cram in as much, with there being not as many characters or subplots, which proved to be a good things when it meant that the main plot had more depth and development without falling into over-sentimentality. Robert Buckley's role is larger and he is a little more comfortable.

When it comes to the acting that was all fine. Buckley appeals, as does Bennett. Treat Williams and Sharon Lawrence are even better, emotive and with a real feel for the lighter touch when needed. Lawrence again has a very difficult character to like, but she doesn't make a control freak sort of character cartoonish and it's not too unrealistic a representation of this kind of person. Actually thought she was more subtle here. The characters aren't too perfect but to me their flaws weren't too heavily exaggerated at the same time. The acting chemistry is sincere and natural. Loved the interviews, which were a great and very entertaining touch.

Visually, the film looks attractive and is another improvement over the first. With the decorations looking a lot less tacky. Especially the scenery, and the music has a pleasant and nostalgic quality that doesn't become overdone, over-emphasised or too syrupy. The direction was sympathetic but still gave the film momentum when necessary. The dialogue is heartfelt, thoughtful and flows well without being self-indulgent or too flowery. Was surprised at how refreshingly funny some of it was and how smile-worthy delivered it was. The storytelling wasn't dull, was warm hearted, had heart and didn't become too contrived or overly sugary sweet in my view. Some of the situations were not too hard to relate to and were generally fun and heartfelt.

Concluding thoughts: Overall, liked it a lot and better than the still enjoyable first film.

8/10.