Critics Have Seen The Merry Gentlemen. Does Chad Michael Murray Bring The Magic In This ‘Spicy But Comical’ Holiday Movie?

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As a seasoned viewer of holiday movies and someone who appreciates a good dose of masculine charm, I must say that Netflix’s latest offering, “The Merry Gentlemen,” seems to be an intriguing blend of genres, albeit with a touch of confusion. The combination of Hallmark and Magic Mike certainly piqued my interest, but the critics’ reviews have left me somewhat bewildered.

This year, Netflix is certainly adding some excitement to its holiday collection! Lacey Chabert’s film “Hot Frosty” offers a touch of playful, seductive charm, according to reviews, while Christina Milian stars in the ideal holiday romance “Meet Me Next Christmas“. Anticipation is high for Lindsay Lohan’s return to Netflix later this month. Prior to that, though, we have “The Merry Gentlemen“, featuring Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray in a film reminiscent of Hallmark meets “Magic Mike“. This movie is generating quite the buzz, and fortunately for us, critics have already had an early screening to give us a sneak peek at what’s to come.

In 2024, a heartwarming Christmas film unfolds, centered on a dancer named Robertson who visits home during the festive season to assist her parents in rescuing their struggling business. Unlike previous years without bake sales or Christmas tree decoration competitions, Ashley devises an innovative plan: organizing an all-male dance show to gather funds. However, IndieWire’s Samantha Bergeson notes that The Merry Gentlemen falls short for ardent Chad Michael Murray fans, awarding it a D+ rating, stating that it doesn’t quite meet their expectations.

The grandmother character in “The Merry Gentlemen,” portrayed by Beth Broderick, brings a unique energy and warmth to the film’s most vibrant and touching scenes. In contrast, Murray and Robertson, as the leads, seem somewhat weary, with Murray managing to make his performance work onstage. However, the traditional scenes in the movie lack the usual holiday cheer (and more), leaving some viewers wanting for added flavor. Nevertheless, “The Merry Gentlemen” is visually pleasing to watch, a quality that sets it apart from many Netflix Originals.

Anna Menta questions Netflix’s rebranding of male nudity as family-friendly content, creating an interesting mix of Hallmark movies and Magic Mike that offers a unique, sexless type of allure. The real dilemma is whether to put the kids to bed before or after enjoying a glass of wine and watching the content.

To set the record straight, these handsome men might catch your eye, but they won’t be exposing anything beyond their shirts. They’re merely removing their tops, gyrating their hips, and playfully touching areas around their waistbands with holiday lights. And yes, for a moment, you might catch a glimpse of their ‘Naughty Elf’-themed boxers. Despite its suggestive nature, the film manages to maintain a TV-PG rating, suitable for viewers aged ten and above.

According to Sarah Musnicky from But Why Tho, the upcoming 2024 movie is rated as a 6.5 out of 10. She notes that Chad Michael Murray puts in effort to create chemistry with Britt Robertson’s character, but Ashley appears rather flat and one-dimensional. Despite an entertaining male revue concept, it fails to compensate for the missing sparks, Musnicky explains in her review.

As a gamer, I’d say: “I’m the perfect target for a movie like The Merry Gentlemen, a film that combines muscle-bound men dancing and holiday business salvation. But while it delivers on its catchy title and glossy exterior, its approach to romance leaves much to be desired. Instead of sizzling chemistry akin to Magic Mike, the leads’ interaction feels more like two ice sculptures trying to thaw out, even with Chad Michael Murray giving it his all.

According to Isabella Soares from Collider, “The Merry Gentlemen” receives a slightly above-average rating of 7 out of 10. She notes that it offers a somewhat spicy twist on the common holiday romance theme, but it doesn’t stray too far from familiar tropes. Despite the dance sequences showing more skin than usual in Hallmark productions, Soares finds the performances so amusing that they never veer into sensual territory. In her own words:

If you’re yearning for some extra cheer as we approach December festivities, this Netflix original could be your perfect companion. Featuring an endearing love story between its leading characters, some humorous male performances with a dash of spice, and a swift-moving plot that won’t let you down, it’s not exactly groundbreaking but certainly enjoyable. Just remember, it’s another delightful choice to keep your spirits high as you enjoy hot cocoa and resist the temptation to open presents prematurely before Christmas Day.

Ben Gibbons from ScreenRant, on the other hand, aligns more with the initial critic’s viewpoint, arguing that “The Merry Gentlemen” lacks the holiday spirit and an engaging narrative. He finds the lighter scenes forced and overly cheesy rather than amusing, but for those primarily interested in Chad Michael Murray’s dance moves, it might still be an option. Gibbons assigns it a score of 3 out of 10.

This film may not offer much depth or originality in its storyline and humor, but if you’re seeking a light-hearted, mindless Christmas movie with a faintly holiday-related plot and a few shirtless dancing men, this could be an acceptable pick despite its shortcomings. In essence, it’s a cheesy and amusing Christmas flick that seems to fill a specific niche.

Critics’ opinions on the film “The Merry Gentlemen” are quite varied. It seems that blending a family-friendly TV movie romance and an R-rated film like “Magic Mike” didn’t create a story that fully appeals to either group of viewers. Nevertheless, I don’t believe any criticism would deter some audiences, so if you crave a bit of CMM without clothing restrictions, this movie is now streaming on Netflix with your subscription.

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2024-11-20 21:38