2020 was very variable when it came to Lifetime's Christmas films, and there was definitely the sense that the films were made in a rush with not a lot of preparation time. Yet enough of them were far from amateur-hour efforts and were still watchable all things considered. Lifetime just have done a lot better in previous years, although their festive output is very hit and miss it should not be dismissed outright as enough have left me pleasantly surprised.
'Spotlight on Christmas' was though more or less what was expected, which was a watchable enough film with good moments and better than expected acting. But also one that is nothing extraordinary and does nothing new with pretty familiar plot tropes. Lifetime did a lot better than 'Spotlight on Christmas', but also worse than what is a somewhat middling effort for them. Considering the difficult circumstances though, it did make do perhaps.
Am going to start with the good. The best thing about 'Spotlight on Christmas' is the acting. Tori Anderson is a very charming lead and performs with a lot of spirit and sincerity. Lia Frankland is cute without being sickly and a natural in front of the camera. Victor Zinck Jr is not quite as strong in the likeability factor, but he has a natural and engaging presence and never overdoes it or underacts. His chemistry with Anderson is genuine and endears, it also doesn't move too fast while not taking too long.
The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime. The messaging is very honest and doesn't get laid on too thick or feel treacly or sentimental.
However, 'Spotlight on Christmas' is not an all round success sad to say. The story never properly grabbed me, as well as being very predictable it is very thin on the ground and drags a lot from too much stretched padding and an uncertain feel most of the time. There isn't enough of an emotional core or charm which made the film come over as bland and lacking in substance too. The direction is competent in some parts but is disorganised and hesitant in others.
Furthermore, the script on the most part is too verbose and the flow is very stilted, had a feeling of it being written in haste and that it had not been proof read. The conflict completely lacks tension and it didn't actually feel like there was much at stake with the indifferent and too hasty way it's written in. A lot of ingredients in the story that are done very little with. Janet Kidder is a bit too hammy for my tastes, especially in the early portions.
Overall, watchable if not great. 5/10.
