As a longtime enthusiast of Hallmark’s Christmas movies, I must confess that this year has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. One moment I’m swooning over a dashing small-town hero and the next, I find myself questioning the very essence of these beloved films. Case in point: “Sugarplummed,” the meta-tacular extravaganza that debuted this December.
Spoilers below for Hallmark’s Sugarplummed!
Over the past weekend, I found myself once again planted in front of my television screen, engrossed in Hallmark’s fresh offerings for their 2024 Christmas Movie lineup. Although Donna Kelce’s cameo in “Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story” was impressive, the movie itself didn’t live up to my expectations. Despite my excitement for the premiere of one of my most eagerly awaited Countdown to Christmas movies, December’s first full weekend lineup, I was left underwhelmed as “Sugarplummed,” the meta flick I had been looking forward to, failed to meet my high hopes.
The story revolves around Emily (Maggie Lawson), a mother who is set on creating a picture-perfect Christmas similar to the ones depicted in classic television movies. However, her family seems less than enthusiastic, each engrossed in their individual lives. To help Emily realize her dream, a fictional character named Sugarplum, an expert in crafting ideal Christmases based on her knowledge from holiday TV movies, enters the scene.
Although introducing a fresh perspective on Hallmark Christmas movies by adding a meta-element was innovative and hadn’t been attempted on their network previously, there are several factors that lead me to believe this new approach didn’t quite hit the mark as intended.
I Didn’t Like How The Movie Seemed To Be Poking Fun At The Majority Of Hallmark Movies
To begin with, I’ve been tuning in to Hallmark Christmas movies annually because I appreciate the comforting formula they’ve mastered. Initially, I was drawn in by the concept and curious about how a self-referential movie would turn out for Hallmark. However, let me tell you, Sugarplummed wasn’t what I anticipated at all. Rather than being an enjoyable film, it left me perplexed as to why they opted to create a movie that seems to mock the very essence of what makes these movies so delightful.
A significant aspect of the plot centers around Sugarplum’s guidebook for holiday movie conventions, which she follows meticulously in her imagined universe. This includes tips on decorating the ideal home and methods to help soulmates unite under any challenging circumstances, elements common in many Hallmark films. If it had paid homage to its predecessors like clever spoofs do, I might have felt differently.
In the movie, rather than delving deeply into how these events could occur in reality, it takes a humorous approach by poking fun at the absurdity of certain rules. Emily frequently challenges Sugarplum’s expectations, highlighting instances where things she assumes would happen never do in the real world. This satire extends to the point where Sugarplum is taken aback by Emily’s professional accomplishments and her husband’s career-driven nature, as it goes against the stereotypes of her own world, where a big-time job would be abandoned for a small-town heartthrob.
Absolutely, these are statements I’ve made while enjoying these films, yet their intricate plots aren’t something I delve too deeply into, which is what makes them so engaging. However, when Sugarplummed pointed out all the flaws in the movies, it seemed to detach me from the atmosphere they were trying to create. Yes, it could have been authentic, but I don’t watch Hallmark films for a dose of reality.
Emily’s Character Arc Felt Confusing At Times
At the beginning of the film, Emily is committed to creating a Christmas straight out of a movie for her children. When Sugarplum shows up, she’s unsure about how this imaginary character can assist her, highlighting potential issues in her scheme. Despite these reservations, she decides to follow through with the seemingly illogical plan nonetheless.
As a gamer putting on my storyteller hat, I’ve got to say: It’s puzzling to me why Emily, who seemingly detests the conventional holiday movie guidelines, would be so eager to enforce them herself. From a narrative perspective, it feels more organic for Emily to remain steadfastly against Christmas movies, with Sugarplum then demonstrating that the enchantment of films isn’t just confined to the screen.
In contrast, Sugarplum discovers that the idyllic scenes in her cinematic universe are merely illusions. It’s a poignant revelation, yet it’s hardly surprising considering most people watch Hallmark movies for an escape from reality.
Sugarplummed Was Severely Lacking In The Romance Department
It’s surprising that the film, based on Sugarplummed’s underlying theme, would opt out of including a heartwarming romance story, as Hallmark films typically revolve around love stories. Even a brief viewing of these movies confirms this trend, and yet, unlike other Hallmark productions, Sugarplummed didn’t include a romantic plotline at all.
Although Emily is happily married, there could have been a new romantic interest among other characters, even Sugarplum herself. However, this didn’t occur. Instead, the film delves into familial love, focusing on Emily’s intricate relationship with her adolescent daughter. While it was poignant, it failed to elicit any romantic excitement or infatuation.
While I’m not implying that every Hallmark movie must involve a romantic love story to be excellent, it’s worth noting that the inclusion of some tension could have enhanced “Sugarplummed”.
Although I had some reservations about the structure of “Sugarplummed”, I must admit that Lawson and Parrish delivered impressive performances, earning them a well-deserved round of applause. The same goes for the writer and team who concocted the amusing rules found in Sugarplum’s rule book, such as rule 142: Flannel is known to be a natural aphrodisiac.
Regrettably, the film “Sugarplummed” fell short of overthrowing my favorite Hallmark movie of 2024, “The 5-Year Christmas Party.” However, it’s an entertaining flick to enjoy, particularly for those who appreciate a bit of humor in these types of movies.
You can check Sugarplummed out for yourself with a Peacock subscription.
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2024-12-10 03:37