Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square

The inspiring holiday film Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square released in 2020, stars the beloved country music sensation and actress Dolly Parton along with an accomplished ensemble cast that includes Jenifer Lewis and Josh Segarra. Directed by seasoned choreographer and director Debbie Allen, this heartwarming Christmas story is presented as a musical, boasting of various toe-tapping songs that truly embody the spirit of the season.

The movie unfolds amidst the serene snow-covered town of Fullerville, which is lovingly referred to as the “most Christmassy town in the USA”. The otherwise cheerful town is introduced under the looming threat of losing its identity to modernization. Dolly Parton makes an emphatic appearance, not just in a few singing sequences, but plays a pivotal role in the plot as a mysterious, homeless woman, who later takes on an unexpected persona.

The main plot subtly unravels around a wealthy yet hardened businesswoman, Regina Fuller, played convincingly by Christine Baranski. Regina, unconcerned by the impending Christmas mood, sends shock-waves through the town by returning with the intention of selling everyone's property to a mall developer. Undeterred by the fact this decision could potentially turn the townsfolk homeless by Christmas, Regina's character is initially presented with a hint of a modern-day Scrooge.

Despite the town's collective plea, Regina seems to continue with her cold disposition, until she encounters Dolly Parton's character. Dolly's narrative persona, owing to the singer's own charm and warmth, serves as the film's moral center, bringing with her a series of wise words, cautionary tales, and life-altering truth that challenges Regina's beliefs and decisions.

One of the highlights of this prestigious project is its super-charged musical performances. The movie features 14 original songs composed by Dolly Parton herself, each tune seamlessly blending into the storyline, reflecting the mood, emotions, and dramatic twists of the narrative. The songs range in style from highly emotional ballads to energetic melodies, embracing the soulful essence of gospel, pop, country, and even some R&B influences, making this movie a musical treat for Dolly Parton fans and music lovers alike.

The multi-talented Jenifer Lewis gives a powerful performance as Margeline, the proud owner of a local hair salon and the heart and soul of the community, bringing color, charm, and a dose of sass to the tale. Josh Segarra plays the role of Carl Pellam, the town's pastor, who never misses a chance to voice out, standing against Regina's prosaic intentions, striving to safeguard the spirit of their beloved town.

Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square truthfully embodies the spirit of Christmas: the season of kindness, grace, understanding, forgiveness, and the miracle of personal change. As the magical journey unfolds and the townsfolk rush to save their homes and their cherished traditions, concurrent subplots reveal personal revelations, past resentments, challenging relationships, and heart wrenching secrets, all interconnected within the main storyline. These elements make it more than just a simple holiday movie.

Beautiful, elaborate sets, vintage costumes, and delicately crafted choreography, reinforce the overall holiday spirit and lends a sort of story-book aura to the entire production. Dolly Parton's Christmas on the Square strikes a perfect balance between the classic and contemporary perspectives of Christmas, making it a heart-tugging tale of community, family, transformation and second chances. Amidst the horde of holiday films, what sets this movie apart is its musical aura, interestingly layered plot, and the meaningful message it carries beneath its cheerful exterior.

In a nutshell, Dolly Parton's Christmas on The Square is not just a heart-warming saga, but a richly crafted amalgam of music, dance, drama, and the magic of Christmas. This is a movie that certainly should not be missed by anyone looking for a satisfying watch filled with holiday spirit. Whether you are a die-hard Dolly Parton fan or just someone who enjoys festive, feel-good tales, this movie is an outstanding entertainment delight.