Merry & Bright

Merry & Bright (2019) is a heartwarming holiday movie that captures the magical spirit of Christmas by intertwining love, family, and a little bit of candy canes. The film stars Jodie Sweetin, Andrew W. Walker, and Sharon Lawrence, and is directed by Gary Yates. Recognizing the season's enchantment, this movie pulls together a delightful blend of romance and humor, sure to spread holiday cheer and provide festive entertainment for the entire family.

In Merry & Bright, Sweetin stars as Cate, the CEO of Merry & Bright, a small-town candy cane company that was handed down to her by her late father. The company is the lifeblood of the community and something she holds dear to her heart. Effortlessly juggling her responsibilities at work and her committed involvement in the town’s Christmas activities, Cate typifies the kindly, dedicated, and hardworking nature that the holiday season tends to invoke.

Despite her admirable determination and commitment, Cate's candy company starts to struggle financially - a development that initiates the arrival of Gabe (played by Andrew W. Walker), a corporate recovery consultant from New York. Dispatched by Cate's mother (Sharon Lawrence), Gabe's assignment is to assess the company’s situation and suggest a recovery plan. Gabe, initially an outsider to the yuletide energy and warmth that radiates from the small town, soon becomes captivated by the community spirit - and more pointedly, by the compassionate and energetic Cate.

As Gabe spends time with Cate, he becomes more than just a financial advisor to her. Together, they tackle challenges that threaten the future of the Merry & Bright company, all the while forging a bond that blossoms amidst the holiday preparations. True to the spirit of classic holiday rom-coms, Gabe and Cate share a chemistry that grows richer and deeper as they navigate the business challenges, community commitments, and the festive holiday season.

The film navigates through the themes of love and togetherness against a Christmas background, offering some thoughtful reflection on the value of traditions, family and community ties, and the place and importance of small businesses in our society. There are some incredibly sweet and moving moments throughout the film as Cate and Gabe take steps towards better understanding each other, all amidst the festive and joyful holiday season.

Jodie Sweetin delivers a fantastic performance as the earnest and spirited Cate, making her character easily likable and relatable. Andrew W. Walker, a regular face in many popular Hallmark movies, is at his charming best as Gabe, brilliantly portraying a character discovering the beauty of small-town life and holiday celebrations as well as the unexpected magic of finding love. Sharon Lawrence as Cate's well-meaning and loving mom is equally commendable.

Director Gary Yates captures the holiday spirit beautifully, with the town's festive decorations and snowy scenes making it a visually appealing treat. The film's Choice of music adds to the seasonal charm and gentle, romantic pace of the storyline. The entertaining dialogue, the relationships between various characters, and the unexpected twists and turns that drive the narrative are typical of the genre but executed exceptionally well in Merry & Bright.

In conclusion, Merry & Bright is a heartwarming holiday movie that composes a delightful tale of love and business, showcasing the importance of community, tradition, and faith in oneself and one’s dreams. It wraps the sweetness of a romantic story, the joy of Christmas, and the relatable challenges of a small business into one delightful package, sure to leave viewers feeling imbued with holiday spirit and a little faith in miracles and magic of Christmas.