| Translate This News In |
|---|
For ‘A Christmas High Note’ Spoilers
Two minor characters will get together in the background every once in a while in a long-running TV show, their fairytale romance told in short, two-minute scenes played out in moments between the main plot. Relationships that have no conflict and all the charm – where everything works out and the sweetest thing about the show manages to be. For the most part,’ The Christmas High Note,’ follows this TV trope, but the conflict that your typical romantic comedy formula calls for pulls the viewer right out of it, but it’s not too long until the movie pulls you right back in with a heartwarming, colourful cast.
The story of the film revolves around a part-time music teacher, a part-time veterinarian, Rachel (Jamie Luner), who is sick and tired of her dedication (William McNamara). It’s the last straw when he stands up to her on her 4th anniversary, and she dumps him over the phone. Meanwhile, city newcomer Sophia (Madline Grace) has just been accepted into the Christmas pageant but needs someone to help train her to hit those high notes. A chance meeting brings together Sophia and Rachel, and soon after, Rachel begins to fall for Sophia’s dad, Michael (Johnny Messner).
In every scene she is in, Jamie Luner lights up the screen from the start. In order to keep things light and the film moving along at an entertaining pace, she embodies the spirit of the film – small-town charm, holiday friendliness, and just the right amount of amusing silliness in her delivery. From her veterinarian father, Dennis (William Katt) to Michael’s bartending sister Emma (Kassandra Clementi) and a number of other characters besides, she’s supported by a great cast of supporting characters who do a lot to make the world of the film feel lived in. Their roles may be relatively small, but on screen they all make their presence felt. Its romantic leads – Michael and Brad – are the only two weak points in the entire film.
Brad is largely intolerable-an over-the-top egomaniac who won’t take no answer-but in all fairness, his character is clearly meant to create that impression. It’s Johnny Messner, whose energy tends to bring the film down a bit. His performance lacks the energy and personality that everyone else in the cast brings to the screen, but, thankfully, Jamie does more than makeup for him. The conflict in the film also feels constructed in a way that is difficult to swallow, but the performances of the rest of the cast manage to keep things engaging.
With some regrettable weak points, ‘The Christmas High Note’ is a very pleasant film. Overall, it’s a heartwarming story about love, family, and the charm of a small town with a supportive community that just wants to be happy with their loved ones. Truly, in this Christmas story, the spirit of giving is alive and well.
