Christmas Inheritance (2017)

Number Rolled: 12

Movie Name/Year: Christmas Inheritance (2017)

Tagline: None

Genre: Comedy

Length: 104 minutes

Rating: TV-PG

Production Companies: Motion Picture Corporation of America (MPCA)

Producer: David Anselmo, Vince Balzano, Mickey Gooch, Eric Jarboe, Amy Krell, Brad Krevoy, Amanda Phillips Atkins, Jimmy Townsend

Director: Ernie Barbarash

Writer: Dinah Eng

Actors: Eliza Taylor, Jake Lacy, Andie MacDowell, Neil Crone, Michael Xavier, Lori Hallier, Mag Ruffman, Bill Lake, Anthony Sherwood, Martin Roach, Lindsay Leese, Joanna Douglas, Mikayla Radan, Dash Dobrofsky, Laura Miyata, John Tench, Jonathan Langdon, Eric Parks, Ben Rosenbaum, Telysa Chandler

Blurb from Netflix: To inherit her father’s company, socialite Ellen must first visit his small hometown, where she learns the value of hard work and helping others.

Selina’s Point of View:

Initially I felt like Christmas Inheritance felt a little too much like Sweet Home Alabama (2002). Don’t get me wrong, I still believe that, I just feel like this film was done better in general.

That’s the thing about recipes. Just because it already exists doesn’t mean someone can’t do it better.

This movie did stick to the recipe, very closely, but it was just easier to watch. I got absorbed in it. The characters that were supposed to be likeable, were; and the story felt more honest than the one used in Sweet Home Alabama.

In a film like this, you also get the possibility of being very offensive to people who aren’t from the big city – or vice-versa. I feel like this movie showed both sides of both places. No one really came off as a hick or someone overly rude (except for one person and that was kind of the point).

There were a few times I caught the feels. I didn’t cry or anything, but I did get a little warm inside. A good Christmassy warmth. I do prefer that my holiday films have a touch of magic in them, but even without that supernatural edge, I felt it: the weight of the season.

I’d recommend Christmas Inheritance. Even if it does have a dumb name.

Cat’s Point of View:

I don’t care what anyone else says. I really like this movie, ok?

I can’t help but have a slight bit of a knee-jerk reaction to defend this film. This stems from the fact that I fudged and glanced at a few other review articles around the ‘net while looking for appropriate images. I don’t know why it sounded like those writers were beaten with a cranky stick; but they need to eat their Wheaties…or something.

I digress.

This Netflix original movie hit all the right notes to be endearing without falling into the trap of blatantly trying too hard. It was funny as well as heartfelt without being corny. Sure, there were parts that fell right in line with the predictability of the genre; but there were also moments that were a pleasant surprise.

I’d say that this film definitely achieved its goal of spreading a lovely Christmas message about the spirit of giving, and so much more.

I was head over heels about this cast, too. I absolutely adored Andie MacDowell (Beauty Shop, Breaking at the Edge, Only the Brave) in her role as Debbie. She just embodied this wisdom and warmth in her character. I was nearly jealous when she hugged Ellen Langford. Speaking of Miss Ellie, the casting of Eliza Taylor (Patrick, The November Man, The 100) in the role was also a good fit.  

I did have a bit of a giggle, though, when I saw Jake Lacy (Love the Coopers, How to Be Single, Johnny English Strikes Again) in the role as Jake Collins. It wasn’t because of anything he did, or didn’t do. I simply just watched Rampage (2018) last week and the character he plays there is completely the opposite of the small town good-guy we see here.

Out of the movies we’ve watched so far this month, this one has made it into my top 3 for sure.  Needless to say, I would have no trouble recommending this movie in a heartbeat. 

Languages

Speech Available: English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Subtitles Available: English, French, Spanish, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 50%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 34%

Metascore – None

Metacritic User Score – None

IMDB Score – 5.7/10

Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 3.5/5

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 4/5

Movie Trailer: