Road to Christmas

Road to Christmas is a heartwarming holiday movie that was released in 2018. It stars the incredibly talented Jessy Schram, Teryl Rothery, and Matreya Scarrwener. Directed by Allan Harmon, Road to Christmas promises pure holiday escapism with adorable dogs, stunning winter scenery and relatable characters.

The protagonist of the movie is a tenacious, independent, and workaholic Los Angeles television producer named Maggie Baker, brilliantly played by Jessy Schram. Maggie's life revolves around her work, contributing heavily to the success of a popular live broadcast show, "Julia Wise Lifestyle". This shoot is also popularly known as 'Christmas special'. Maggie's dedication to her work, intelligence, and high-strung efficiency have made her an indispensable asset for the executive producer of the show, Julia Wise, a role wonderfully portrayed by Teryl Rothery.

The plot thickens when Julia's son, Danny Wise, decided to produce this year's Christmas special. This year, instead of the live Los Angeles broadcast, the Christmas special was to be shot at home in Vermont. The show will feature Julia's family recipes and traditions. Danny Wise's new decision puts wouldn't just affect the tradition of their annual live Christmas broadcast, but also poses a threat to Maggie's dedication and planning.

An interesting aspect of the film is the estranged relationship between Danny, portrayed by Chad Michael Murray, and his brothers, Derek and David, who work at a dog rescue center and a winery respectively. The brothers have not spoken in years, and Maggie sees this as a golden opportunity to reunite them for the Christmas special, resulting in some bumps along the way. This also sets the premise for a heartwarming rendition of familial reunions, forgiveness, and the true spirit of Christmas.

Meanwhile, as Maggie embarks on a snowy cross-country adventure to bring the Wise brothers together, a spark of romance lights up between Maggie and Danny. This drives up the dramatic tension of the film and contributes to the holiday romantic atmosphere, offering a lovely contrast to the heartwarming family storyline.

As the feisty live television producer, Jessy Schram perfectly portrays the emotions of a career-oriented woman, expertly balancing her professional commitment with personal emotions. Teryl Rothery expertly navigates her character’s complex dynamic with her family by expressing both the strong, commanding matriarch and the underlying vulnerability with a seemingly effortless grace. Chad Michael Murray’s portrayal of Danny adds a dose of romance, charm, and emotional depth to the story.

The supporting cast, including Cardi Wong as Maggie's loyal right-hand man, and Matreya Scarrwener, also deliver strong performances, each breathing life into their respective characters and contributing to the genial holiday vibes of the film.

Every scene in Road to Christmas has been beautifully shot, with the gorgeous landscape serving as a breathtaking backdrop to the story. The stunning winter settings, picturesque snowfall, and cozy holiday decorations instantly transport you into the Christmas spirit. Director Allan Harmon beautifully captures the essence of the Christmas holidays - the snow-filled landscapes, twinkling lights, the quintessential Christmas tree, and the family closure.

Furthermore, the magic of Christmas is deeply embedded into the story. Be it the traditions, the decorations, the homely atmosphere, or the forging of relationships, Christmas's principles are deeply reflected in each scene. The movie excellently demonstrates the transformative power of the holiday season and the ability to bring together long-estranged families.

At its heart, Road to Christmas is a movie about reunions, peace, love, relationship mends, and above all, the undying spirit of Christmas. It makes us realize that no matter what, Christmas always brings us back home, not only in a literal sense but also emotionally and spiritually.

Road to Christmas promises a heartwarming watch for the holiday season. While it does embody some of the cliche elements of a holiday film, it adds a unique touch through its well-rounded characters, a good blend of romance and family drama, and the beautiful portrayal of family traditions and relationships underscoring the true meaning of Christmas. It's a holiday movie that both engages you and leaves you with a warm, festive feeling.