This Summer Twist on a Christmas Movie Proves to be Fun
I have only watched a couple of Hallmark’s Christmas movies, and I rarely pay attention to these releases. However, when I stumbled on an announcement about Campfire Christmas, premiering during Christmas in July last month, I knew I had to give it a try. I’m so glad I did.
Peyton Baker (Tori Anderson) grew up at Camp Evergreen, the camp her family has owned in Montana for generations. One of the highlights of the summer was the annual Christmas in July themed week. Now an adult, she’s left to pursue her dream of writing, but when her parents announce their plans to sell the camp and retired, they also announce that they are going to host a reunion for all the counselors who can make it back. Peyton immediately makes plans to attend.
While Peyton is excited to get to see some of her old friends again, this reunion takes a turn when Thomas (Corbin Bleu) shows up. The two had a camp romance, but their breakup is something Peyton still hasn’t completely gotten over. As she and her friend participate in the typical Christmas in July activities, she is reminded just how much she and Thomas click. Will they try for romance a second time?
This movie was completely charming. I was caught up in the story right away. It absolutely helps that I loved the characters. Peyton and all her friends get their own storylines, and they are all things that make us root for the characters to be happy.
This movie is completely predictable. I had things figured out within the first ten minutes. Well, there was one thing that surprised me, but it was minor overall. Yes, some of the beats were unexpected, but they overall plot was obvious early on.
But you know what? I didn’t care. I was having a blast watching these characters have a blast reconnecting and enjoying teenage memories. I was grinning as I watched.
The acting is solid. The writing on the other hand? Let’s just say that it includes the typical Hallmark cheese, including some dialogue I have to give the actors credit for making sound almost normal. Still, this is a minor issue and completely expected.
I especially enjoyed some of the Christmas twists on typical camp activities that the characters participated in. It just added to the fun.
If you are looking for a light, fun film that offers a different take on the typical Christmas movie, Campfire Christmas is the movie for you. It does exactly what it sets out to do – offer us a lightweight, fun time.
I would love this movie. I love Hallmark cheese! :)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so cute! I love Hallmark's more ensemble cast movies. They're always just a little more fun.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this movie as well. I agree that it was predictable, but I go into every Hallmark movie (except many of their mysteries) knowing this. Sometimes it's nice to know that all will be well. I love that it was a true Christmas in July movie and not just a Christmas movie that aired in July. The diversity was great and didn't feel forced. Sometimes I feel like Hallmark is just checking off boxes in trying to include more diversity, but this one felt completely natural. I'd probably watch it again next July if it airs then.
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