Moonlight and Mistletoe

Moonlight and Mistletoe, released in 2008, is a heartwarming Christmas-themed family drama brimming with the spirit of holidays and the magic of love.

The central character of the film is Nick Crosby, impeccably portrayed by the versatile actor Tom Arnold. Nick is an eccentric entrepreneur who operates a year-round Christmas theme park named 'Santaville' in Vermont. This enchanting park is famous for its opulent holiday decorations, cheerful Santa Claus impressions, and festive spirit that doesn't wane for any day of the year. Nick, with his jovial personality and unceasing commitment to his work, is a charismatic figure who is loved by people of all ages. However, despite his charismatic exterior, he harbors a dream of reuniting with his estranged daughter, Holly, imbued by the talented actor Candace Cameron Bure.

Unknown to Nick, his theme park 'Santaville', which was once a thriving business, has been suffering from dwindling visitors and financial difficulties. With Christmas just around the corner, Nick is on the verge of selling 'Santaville'. It is right at this critical juncture, Holly returns to her hometown after a long period of self-imposed exile.

Holly used to adore 'Santaville' but left, feeling suffocated living in her father's fantasy world of eternal Christmas. As a modern, independent woman, she has achieved success as a businesswoman and lives in bustling Boston, following the corporate life and setting herself apart from her father's whimsical world. Her return to Vermont reintroduces her to the magic of Christmas, the world she used to live in and brings her face to face with her father's evident problems. Torn between her new life and her love for her father, Holly must decide where her heart truly belongs.

Candace Cameron Bure convincingly portrays this complex role of Holly, torn between Christmas past and present. Her journey of self-discovery in her hometown and her idealistic clash with her father bring out the best performances in both Bure and Arnold. The emotional connection between the father-daughter duo fuels the narrative and offers viewers an emotional rollercoaster, soaked in the Christmas spirit.

Moonlight and Mistletoe are not just about the heartwarming paternal relationship; it also introduces a whiff of romantic interest for Holly in the form of Peter, a local small-town carpenter played by Christopher Wiehl. Being raised in a city, the world of Peter is entirely different for Holly, giving rise to an exciting dynamic between the two individuals.

Peter, who finds his solace crafting beautiful pieces of art, is fascinated by Holly's charming personality and her commitment towards her father. The romance between them adds a refreshing and warming touch to the story, amid all the Christmas hullabaloo, and the misunderstandings and differences faced by Holly and Nick. Christopher Wiehl, with his easygoing charm and warmth, aptly portrays the character of Peter, carving a perfect place in Holly's story arc in the film.

The movie beautifully delves into the sentimentality of homesick Christmas, strained familial relationships, and the prospect of finding unexpected love. It conveys the essence of Christmas - love, unity, and the joy of giving. It also reveals how the pursuit of dreams can lead us back to our roots, mending the broken bonds and helping us embrace the magic of love and Christmas.

'Moonlight and Mistletoe' is, at its core, a festive drama that will make you reminisce about your childhood Christmases. You will connect with Holly as she navigates between her past and present, oscillating between her efficient corporate present and an immersive Christmas past.

With an engaging storyline, fantastic performances, and a festive backdrop, 'Moonlight and Mistletoe' is the ideal pick for those seeking a warm, family friendly flick to get into the holiday spirit. It’s a reflective tale about rekindling familial bonds, understanding the true essence of Christmas, and that love and warmth can be found in the most unexpected places.