Review: “Christmas on the Range” (2019)

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Basic banner of navy ground and very light gold art-deco brackets in the upper left and bottom right corners. In bolded pearl white, a movie title is written. This one says, “Christmas on the Range.” Beneath it, in gold, is the date (2019) the movie came out sandwiched between two gold art deco elements.

~ A Ranch Drama That Proves Love Can Heal Old Wounds ~

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Erin Cahill as “Kendall Riley”
Nicholas Gonzalez as “Clint McCree”
A Martinez as “Brick McCree”
Lindsay Wagner as “Lillian McCree”
Dash Pomerantz as “Marcus Montoya”
Lance Nichols as “Granddaddy Gus”

Location: Not specified

Platform: Tubi

Date: May 10, 2025

Classic Cinema Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Classic Cinema Scale.” Beneath it, three film reels—the top in gold, middle in silver, bottom in bronze. Each has words done in navy. For the gold reel, “Golden Age Worthy: Exceptional performances, chemistry, and production that capture the magic of classic Hollywood.” For the silver, “Matinee Material: Good entertainment with solid elements, though not quite reaching classic status.” And the bronze, “B-Movie Blues: Missing the mark despite potential.”

Matinee Material — Could’ve been Golden if not for those ill-conceived hair salon scenes

Tissue Box Scale: Fancy banner with a thick gold border. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Tissue Box Scale.” Beneath it, a column of tissue boxes, all in red, gold, and navy—the top is a single box, middle is two, bottom is three. Each has words done in navy. For the single box, “One Box: Keep a tissue handy, but your makeup is safe.” For the duo, “Two Boxes: You’ll definitely need those tissues, but you’ll still be presentable after.” And the trio, “Three Boxes: “Is pepperoni okay?” territory — don’t even bother with mascara!”

Three Boxes — Started tearing up 5½ minutes in… about GLOVES! Keep extras handy

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When you see A Martinez and Lindsay Wagner in the credits, you know you’re in good hands.

As my mom used to say about A Martinez: “I don’t know what it is about him, but all I have to do is see him, and I feel better.”

He’s like watching an old friend — even when playing a heavy (which never quite suits him), you can’t help but like the guy.

And Lindsay Wagner has an uncanny knack for choosing scripts that deliver genuine emotion, whether drama or lighter fare.

I watched this back in 2023 and enjoyed it enough to revisit for a proper review. Some Christmas movies deserve that second look.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco brackets in top corners. The banner reads: “Reality Check: Though the location isn’t mentioned on screen, this holiday drama was filmed in the beautiful City of Dillard, City of Clayton, and throughout Rabun County, Georgia.”

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “The Chemistry Test” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

Erin Cahill and Nicholas Gonzalez create believable chemistry as star-crossed ranchers, handling the enemies-to-lovers progression with natural ease.

And as always, Lindsay Wagner and A Martinez bring their A-game — these veterans know how to ground a story in authentic emotion.

The only weak links? Those hair salon scenes that feel like they wandered in from a completely different (and far sillier) movie.

Gold-framed banner with Art Deco quote marks in top left and bottom right corners, done in red with navy shadows. The banner reads: “ 'Jesus is perfect the way He is' — Kendall’s simple observation when someone puts a cowboy hat on Baby Jesus in the town Nativity perfectly captures her grounded faith.”

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The Last Chance Ranch provides an authentic working-ranch atmosphere, though the McCree ranch house looks more suited to a suburban gated community than a cattle operation.

However, Kendall’s Christmas decorating scenes offer visual treats, particularly her stunning wreath.

An photograph of a Western Christmas wreath. It's a pine wreath with red holly and snow-covered pinecones and presents. A big red-and-green plaid bow is placed at the top of the wreath. In the center of the wreath is a pair of red cowgirl boots. So cute! The caption reads, "This gorgeous wreath from the film combines Western elements with classic Christmas charm — the perfect blend for a ranch holiday!"

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, are the words, “Wardrobe & Styling” that are sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

The costume department delivers exactly what you’d expect for ranch life: jeans, cowboy boots, coats, and hats.

Practical, authentic, and appropriately weathered for working ranchers.

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Kendall Riley fights to keep her family’s Last Chance Ranch afloat while Clint McCree’s father actively works to sabotage her efforts.

Neither young person understands the old family feud driving the conflict, but when they meet and sparks fly, both must decide whether to honor ancient grudges or forge a new path forward.

The Hatfield-and-McCoy setup works beautifully, grounded in genuine stakes and emotional honesty rather than manufactured drama.

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Finally! Four kisses in succession at the very end, and each one proves that some Christmas romance actresses actually know how to pucker!

Both leads fully commit to the moment, creating believable romantic chemistry.

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Jesus is mentioned naturally, and God receives proper honor throughout.

The faith elements feel organic to the characters and setting rather than forced or preachy.

Completely family-friendly viewing.

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Final Cut” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

This ranch drama delivers genuine heart and emotional depth, exploring themes of forgiveness, family legacy, and faith with admirable sincerity.

If only someone had cut those juvenile hair salon scenes (despite my affection for Granddaddy Gus), this would’ve earned Golden status.

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the words, “Highlights” that’s sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

A Martinez and Lindsay Wagner’s seasoned performances
Strong chemistry between leads
Authentic ranch setting and atmosphere
Natural integration of faith elements
Emotional depth about family and forgiveness
Beautiful Christmas decorations

Subsection Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in Hollywood red, is the word, “Lowlights” that’ sandwiched between gold-&-red art-deco elements.

Those ridiculous hair salon scenes
McCree ranch house looks too suburban
Inconsistent tone between main story and comic relief
Secondary romance feels forced

Section Header: Basic banner with a pearl-white ground. In the center, in navy, are the words, “Personal Notes” that are sandwiched between gold art-deco elements.

My first assessment from 2023 holds true: This is a solid romantic drama undermined by scenes that don’t belong.

The hair salon moments feel like they wandered in from a completely different script — cheesy, overdone, and tonally inconsistent with the rest of the film’s emotional sincerity.

But if you can overlook those few missteps, you’ll find a deeply moving story about coming to terms with family history and choosing forgiveness over bitterness.

And yes, you really will tear up about gloves. Trust me on this.

Have you watched this ranch Christmas drama? Share your thoughts on family feuds, forgiveness, and whether those hair salon scenes worked for you in the comments below!

Related topics: Christmas drama, ranch movies, family feuds, forgiveness stories, holiday films, A Martinez movies, Lindsay Wagner films, Georgia filming locations, western Christmas, seasonal entertainment

This review is part of “BBA’s 12 Days of Christmas Movie Reviews” series. Check back daily for a new review!

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Color photo of me, Alicia, authoress and writer of this blog. Because these specific posts are all about Christmas romance movies, I enhanced my photo with a Santa hat and with a bough of holly bracketing the bottom right. In the center of the holly bough are two candy canes crossed like lovers in a romantic embrace. (See what I did there? 😊)

Alicia Strickland

As a romance novelist with expertise in fashion, interior design, and a deep love of classic Hollywood, I bring a unique perspective to holiday romance reviews. Join me in exploring the magic (and occasional missteps) of Christmas movies!

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Alicia Strickland

Hi! I write across multiple genres under various pen names. But for nonfiction, I write as myself. As a designer with a love of Old Hollywood and all things creative, I bring diverse perspectives to my storytelling... and to my blog. In the unlikely event that I’m not writing, I enjoy crafting, gardening, or spending time with my flame-point Siamese, Hunter.

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