Grounded for Christmas

Grounded for Christmas is a delightful holiday film released in 2019. The movie primarily features Julianna Guill, Corey Sevier, and Cheryl Ladd in leading roles. Viewers hoping to get into the Christmas spirit will find this jovial film a heartwarming watch, as it combines elements of romance, humor, and the magical spirit of Christmas.

The story revolves around Nina (Julianna Guill), a headstrong, determined, and spirited pilot who loves her job and is passionate about flying. She is enthusiastically looking forward to spending a sunny Christmas in Palm Springs. However, her well-thought-out holiday plan unexpectedly changes due to the worst snowstorm that hits Cleveland. While the inclement weather conditions are not conducive for flying, Nina’s Christmas plan seems ruined. But destiny has a different plan in store.

Amidst the chaos of the snowstorm, Nina unwillingly ends up spending Christmas with her charming yet annoying co-pilot, Brady (Corey Sevier). Brady’s holiday plans include a cozy fireplace, Christmas carols, and all the traditional holiday trimmings one expects at Christmas. He’s a Christmas enthusiast at heart and does everything possible to make Nina feel at home. The unexpected circumstance leaves the two of them no choice but to spend the holidays together.

In the beginning, the two main characters seem like polar opposites; with Nina having fallen out of love with the traditional family Christmas while Brady relishes in the spirit of the holiday. The movie takes viewers on a fun exploration of their contrasting attitudes towards the festive holidays which slowly shift as the plot progresses.

Complications arise when Brady's nosy, matchmaking mother, played excellently by Cheryl Ladd, and his father are under the impression that Nina and Brady are couple. While there is no actual romantic implication between Nina and Brady, they decide to maintain the illusion to avoid hurting the feelings of the elder couple. In ensuing events, they must navigate the awkward situations that arise from the pretend relationship.

"Grounded for Christmas" makes for a charming movie where enemies turn to friends, and friends to could-be lovers. With a tangled web of misunderstandings, miscommunications, and pretend romance, followed by countless humorous situations, the duo is forced to reevaluate their perspectives not only towards Christmas but also towards each other.

The film is set in a beautifully decorated house with an extravagant Christmas setting that adds to the movie's delightful charm. The snow-covered trees, the beautifully lit fireplace, and other traditional holiday decorations create a magical Christmas ambiance. Combined with a lively and heartwarming soundtrack, the movie beautifully creates an intimate atmosphere that's perfect for a romantic comedy.

The chemistry between Julianna Guill and Corey Sevier is heartwarming, and their performances brilliantly evoke the magic of the holiday season. Guill effectively portrays the transformation of a character burdened by past holiday disappointments to someone who learns to appreciate the spirit of the season again. Sevier, on the other hand, plays a convincing cheerleader for Christmas. Cheryl Ladd's performance as the scheming, yet well-meaning, mother adds comic relief.

Directed by Amyn Kaderali, this movie is a beautiful holiday treat filled with laughs, love, and a whole lot of Christmas spirit. It is a visual delight with beautiful set design and winter wonderland landscape that will surely evoke a sense of nostalgia in the hearts of viewers.

Grounded for Christmas is a perfect watch if you are looking for a feel-good, light-hearted holiday film. It has everything that Christmas movie enthusiasts look for: an adorable love-hate relationship, the wonders and cheer of the holiday season, dramatic twists and turns, and a heartwarming story about the magic of Christmas that brings together everyone, even the most unlikely pairs.