I like it because it has got originality and a past famous singer 'Marie Osmond' in it. Some of it is corny, but it's a dreamy movie. Enjoy it at least once over the holiday season or whenever. You won't be disappointed.
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huggibear27 October 2019
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phd_travel1 November 2019This Lifetime movie feels different from Hallmark and in a good way. It's a bit more sparkly and the cast is good. Also it doesn't use the overdone Hallmark formula. Marla looks quite good- better than on the Practice. Rob Mayes suits the easy going musician. Marie Osmond looks great and her voice is so good. Wish she would act more. The music does keep this one going.
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TheLittleSongbird29 December 2020Christmas films can go either way, which has been my experience watching overtime the festive output of Lifetime and Hallmark. They can either be well-meaning, charming, warm-hearted and don't feel too heavy. Or they can be too over-sentimental, cheesy, contrived and bland. There have been many films of theirs that have fallen in both camps and in the camp where there is a bit of both. And 'The Road Home for Christmas' did have the sort of premise where the execution could have gone either way.
Luckily, for me, on the most part, 'The Road Home for Christmas' is in the former category. Having seen a lot of Christmas films that were in the latter category prior to seeing it, that was something of a relief. It is not perfect and not a Christmas classic, with a few common (for Lifetime's festive output) flaws, but as far as 2019 Lifetime films go 'The Road Home for Christmas' is to me one of the better ones and a nice way to spend 90 minutes.
By all means, 'The Road Home for Christmas' isn't flawless. Some of the dialogue in the early portions is a bit too on the corny and gooey side, not unusual for Lifetime.
It is a bit of a slow starter as well with it feeling a bit thin to begin with.
However, 'The Road Home for Christmas' also has some very attractive scenery quite photogenically shot. It is directed sympathetically without being routine and musically it doesn't feel over-scored this time. The film is helped hugely by the very appealing performances of Rob Mayes (in one of his better performances) and in particular perky and radiant Marla Solokoff, both managing to make their characters rootable and interesting. The supporting cast fare well too, with a wonderful looking Marie Osmond bringing a lot of heart and zip to her role. Really liked the chemistry between the two leads, which was very easy-going and charming. Not to mention that it looked genuine and like they cared for each other.
While not starting off on the right foot perhaps, the dialogue does improve drastically and flows better. Also being in general a lot less cheesy and over-sentimental than too many previously seen Christmas films, not to mention being thought-provoking in a sincere way without patronising. The story, even despite its lack of originality, is heart-warming, sincere and has enough of a light heart to avoid things from getting heavy. Really appreciated that the central relationship took its time to develop and did have more depth than most central relationships in the company's festive outings. Also that the ending wasn't abrupt ot too pat, which cannot be said for too many Lifetime festive films.
Concluding, a road really well worth taking. 8/10 -
jeffrapage12 December 2019Absolutely loved this movie all of the actors and actresses that sang in the movie could actually sing really good
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toncincin29 October 2019Hey people! This is a Lifetime movie - not Hallmark. It IS in the spirit of Hallmark Christmas movies ... it's called competition!
NOW for the movie ...
It's a cute movie - but been done many times before . "Friends" trying to get home for Christmas - and the story of their trip ... getting to know each other along the way. FALLING IN LOVE. Nice but way over done!
Not a fan of the male lead (Rob Mayes). Marla Sokoloff is, as always, solid - but her makeup is way too much. I've never seen a person "car traveling" with fake eyelashes! Oh well ... it's TV. -
doctorsmoothlove17 January 2020"The Road Home for Christmas" is a 2019 Lifetime Christmas marathon road movie. Two companions portrayed by Marla Sokoloff and Rob Mayes as Lindsey and Wes. The two of them are dueling pianists who travel from New Orleans to Akron just in time for Christmas.
The film bears enough resemblance to Planes, Trains, and Automobiles enough for me to call it a knock-off. I don't mind it when made-for-tv films like this rip off classics. This one is not nearly as memorable as the classic although by copying a more successful film, it isn't boring as some of these films can be. It does have a story and competent albeit unfunny actors.
The film uses a classic formula of two opposite personalities forced to spend time together and subsequently fall in love. For some reason, they never take a major highway. You always see them driving on two lane roads. The director made a strange choice to show the same panoramic shots as they cross into various states. Each of these shots observes the car at the same 45 degree angle looking below at the car.
There is the classic scene where the duo is forced to spend the night in a strange hotel room. At least the pillows separate them even if we don't get the hilarious joke we got in the original movie. Lindsey, the strait-laced character, is shown snoring. I wonder why they wouldn't have Wes, the funny Hot Guy snore? It would have been more in character.
Winter Storm Megan (making its obligatory cameo) forces the couple to abandon their car and ride with strangers. They end up performing Christmas songs with Marie Osmond and caroling with old women. Eventually, a bus gets each of them back home where the big emotional moment happens. This part is alright because the film got me to like these two characters. The actors are pleasant and attractive. I wanted them to be happy. Perhaps it was the record number of Christmas songs I heard.
Cassie Doyle wrote this film as well as the good "Radio Christmas." Look out for her in 2020 and beyond to write eccentric Christmas movies. -
mammamia70128 October 2019Finally, a truly delightful movie. It brings out the Holiday spirit. At first I thought it was going to be the typical road trip that turns into a romance. What a delight....there was real live music and singing! It was nice to see and hear Marie Osmond singing. Even some tears in parts. This is one of the movies I would watch every season.
PS The movie does have a happy ending😊 -
Christmasmoviewatcher1 December 2021Being a pianist, this was a joy to me! A slightly different slant on the usual movie, but most enjoyable to spend a couple of hours just lazing and watching. Marie Osmond is a lovely cameo - always loved her voice.
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smoriol27 October 2019This is the first time in years a Christmas movie has truly moved me to tearing up and tightness in my chest. I went in thinking, ah well, time for yet another holiday road trip and was pleasantly surprised.
Absolutely worth a watch. The male lead did a really great job. Gonna save this one on the DVR to watch with my daughter at Christmas. -
swausten29 October 2019Predictable and trite, couldn't be saved. Even by a distracting plot device featuring a Marie Osmond cameo.
The location team really fell down. For a movie that started in New Orleans, it failed to exploit the visual charm of the city. Instead, they leave town to drive some two-laned back roads to Ohio (what, no Interstates?).
The whole thing fell down with a backdrop of snowy mountains in Jackson, Mississippi. What? Then, of course, a blinding blizzard in the lish evergreen forests south of Nashville (huh?).
Then, in a move that confounds everyone they leave their car in a snow bank to hitch a ride up a perfectly clear road with another couple....omg...
The ending was merciful but cute... -
Jackbv12320 November 2019This movie was a surprising delight. For starters, this is one of the more unusual stories. The leads are great together.. The movie is cute and funny and lively but has touching moments as well.
This movie also has a lot of music, mostly Christmas songs, even in different styles, but mostly upbeat. Marie Osmond performs a couple great songs and the leads do some great renditions also.
There is a beautiful montage toward the end that, intentionally or not, is a sort of tribute to the true meaning of Christmas.
Even Lifetime has optimistic heartwarming endings.
I have watched and reviewed literally several hundred Christmas movies and this is a definite must watch that will be watched over and over in years to come. -
krichter-247249 November 2019This is one of the better movies that I have seen in a while. I have been changing the channel from hallmark to life because the movies are better. Rob Mayes is a great actor. Rob and Marla have great chemistry together and I would like to see more of both of them. Would be nice to see a sequel to this movie. It touched my heart, inspirating. Thanks, Karen
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susan50969 November 2019I rate movies based on what I expect from them. For me, this was a 9 but I've given a number of Hallmark and Lifetime Xmas movies , even though it's far behind "White Christmas." There are a limited number of storylines for any inexpensive tv movie romance, that takes place at Xmas - so the rater who complained about the basic plot being overused. It is what it is.
I liked this one, in particular, because of its plethora of great music, especially the jazz Xmas stuff. The leads were appealing, the story sweet but not schmaltzy. It didn't get a 10 from me because I didn't tear up, and Marla Sokoloff, whom I usually enjoy, was a little uneven.
I'd buy the music if it were available. -
Kirpianuscus31 December 2020Its basic virtue - it is more than the expected Halmark Christmas film. For music and acting. For a story escaping, în smart, nice manner, from the cage of cliches. And for the freedom of performances, source of fresh air . A trip, few places, two musicians, few great scenes. Not the last, the fair dialogue. So, more than nice. Especially for smart plea for family, vocation, love and (self)acceptance, for the carolers and for energy. And, not the least, for great job of Anna Daines.
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Dunham1629 October 2019The perhaps not truly original premise is extremely well photographed and edited and ticks off every button viewers expect of a Hallmark Christmas Romance. After merely an interesting and somewhat enticing opening scene the rest of the film is pure dynamite
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sfranks-2448628 December 2019I surprisingly liked this one. The manager was very annoying but the story was different and I love a Christmas road trip.
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chiltonsjillfreeport13 December 2019I nearly skipped this one, but New Orleans and Rob Mayes roped me in.
Marla Sokoloff's voice is so grating I didn't care to imagine her singing. Also, it pains me to say it, but her looks and posture resemble an old lady bobblehead atop a tween's body-with the added distraction of pounds of make-up.
Worst things first, it probably wouldn't be a holiday TV movie romance without a mostly recycled plot and some odd location/production choices.
So we get an ounce of stock footage of NOLA and spend much more time in the car...taking nothing but backroads all the way to Ohio?
Which makes more sense than a road closure with no warning and abandoning the car in a snow bank-only to drive off in a caravan of nuns on a miraculously clear road in the morning.
On the plus side, it was refreshing to see realistic friction and rivalry between the 2 leads, not over-the-top animosity.
Both also sang well. Honestly, I enjoyed musical scenes together morels than Marie Osmond's.
In a Lifetime/Hallmark absolute first, the dramatic plot twist was a complete surprise and executed in a heart-tugging, not melodramatic. manner. I've never seen multiple characters cry realistically in a film of this genre.
It turns out dueling musicians singing and arguing their way through happy, sad, funny and family makes a crooked route to Christmas romance. A little more heart-and more real-than the rest
I will happily watch it again. -
chuckangell-4750823 December 2020Having seen my share of Christmas movies on Hallmark and Lifetime, I have only three shows that I keep on DVR and 'The Road Home for Christmas" is one of the three. I keep it to show friends and family who haven't seen it and sometimes just to watch again because Rob Mayes excludes more sex appeal than anyone in Hollywood. The film has a very good storyline and both main actors are excellent together. I highly recommend this film.The trip from Bourbon Street through Nashville heading home is terrific as well to someone who has traveled that road often and appreciates good movie-making.
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adamjohns-4257513 December 2021There is something about Rob Mayes, although he isn't the traditional handsome, he has a great character about him and I like the musical persona he has in this film. I also thought that Marla Sokoloff was appropriate in her role too, she just doesn't tick my boxes like Rob.
It was a surprise to see that Marie Osmond can actually act, unlike some of these other films where they get real singers/musicians to appear that are so obviously uncomfortable in their roles and have no idea how to behave.
The film is a slightly different take on the "Driving Home For Christmas" format incorporating a musical element as two struggling musicians, who don't really get along, find that actually they could learn to like each other on a drive back to the same area. As they go, various things happen and it's not too festive to start, but by the end it feels a lot more like a seasonal film rather than an ordinary travelling film with Christmas clumsily added to the title as some of the others can be. It's always difficult to add festive fun elements to a car journey, they can't exactly put up a tree or bake cookies, but they do manage to do some bits to give it some heart and emotion.
I actually liked this one and would recommend it, especially to some of my more thespian friends.
7.5ish?/10. -
samwise_14 March 2021The first musical number is something spectacular, I say this as a musician myself.
I was literally blown away by the powerfulness of their performance, they were absolutely amazing and believable. I don't know if they can play in real life, I don't think so, but considering the scene, they made it so believable they could rock the stage, that it was like seeing a real concert. Just wonderful.
You should watch this movie to experience the emotions the first scene was able to give me, but you should stay to see how they manage to reach their happiness in the most wonderful way. -
skpn12330 July 2021From beginning to end this movie is a total joy.
Marla Solokov and Jacob Young are so cute together and always a great pleasure to hear Marie Osmond in her element. The piano elements are very cool and the family values heartwarming. -
herrcarter-921611 December 2023This movie is a road-trip romance. Add in Christmas and you're in real danger of having of a tired, cliched story. Fortunately, even though this one was filled with familiar tropes, it was a cut above its peers.
One thing that elevated this movie above other road-trip romances was the writing. The dialog was fresh and sounded natural. It wasn't sharp, witty banter, exactly, but it was real and honest and down-to-earth. Many stories like this have the leads start out as angry combatants and then switch way too abruptly to affectionate lovers. This movie handled the evolving relationship much more skillfully. The leads started out a little contentiously, but it wasn't over-the-top. Their relationship developed easily and naturally as they got to know each other better and left behind their preconceived notions of each other. Also, road-trip romances often include crazy hijinks and outrageous disasters, but this one concentrated more on enjoying the journey, such as visiting the kids' Christmas play and performing with famous star Cassie. I much prefer that to the ridiculous scenarios that such movies often come up with.
The other strength of this movie was the performances. Marla Sokoloff as Lindsay was great. I've always enjoyed her in whatever I've seen her in. She's always sweet and engaging and has an endearing, girl-next-door appeal. Rob Mayes as Wes was also good. He was sufficiently spontaneous and goofy at times, but was definitely able to show his sensitive side when he needed to. The chemistry between the two of them was realistic and natural. And Marie Osmond as singer Cassie was awesome. No prima donna, she seemed like the perfect example of a sincere and authentic country music singer. I also appreciated that they gave her a chance to sing. She's in her 60's now, but the magic is still there after all these years.
This was a movie that tugged at your heartstrings, but in a good way. It was all about the importance of family relationships. I also liked that Lindsay and Wes were able to get into a relationship while still being able to pursue their dreams of a career in music. They didn't have to give up on those dreams for the sake of the romance. All in all, this was an entertaining, feel-good romance with good writing, good performances and a touch of Christmas thrown in for good measure. What's not to love? -
SunnyDaise19 December 2021Love this film - fabulous toe-tapping numbers mixed with a little bit of bitter/sweet to add realism. Three generations are featured, so there's plenty across the ages. Great to see Marie Osmond too.