Movie review: Moonlight and Mistletoe

In 'Saint' Nick Crosby's old-fashioned year-round Christmas village Santaville, working as an elf on Christmas preparations all year killed his daughter Holly's seasonal spirit. So she moved out, feeling neglected since her mother's death, to become a Boston toy firm's hardest-working sales executive. When Nick has a bad injury she returns to help out and finds Santaville outdated and near bankruptcy despite much generous help, especially from shy Peter. She tries to save it, counting on a plan proposed by charming financial adviser Ben Richards.














First of all, a year round Christmas shop is my dream. I also like being a no nonsense manager at my day job the way Candace Cameron Bure is portrayed. So I was curious how the two worlds would collide.

What made my nice list: Holly and Peter. First, Holly. She plays a bad hand very well. Sure, she cracks a bit from the stress but that what helps make her real. And the Peter. Patient Peter. Peter who has found the chill this family so desperately needs. Peter who bucks up and sacrifices his *minor obsessions* to save the day. He's great. I'd hire him.

What made my naughty list: First of all, what is wrong with Holly's dad? He's such a manipulative grinch! First, he has Holly growing up with him basically saying "I'm not your dad when I wear the suit" which can give people some serious daddy issues. Then, he calls her home, crying for support, assuring Holly that Christmas finds a way and then blowing up at her when she can't magically make 50 thousand dollars appear. Apparently Holly's dad goes through some kind of redemption arc, but I don't buy it. I don't forgive him, even if Holly did.


Overall, this movie made me feel a lot of things. Out of five candy canes, I'd give it a solid 3.5.