Review: “A Christmas Dream” (2024)

Fancy banner done in a navy ground. On either side, Hollywood red curtains tied back with pearl-white cords. In the center of the banner are four gold-navy-&-red art deco-styled brackets framing out the words “Books by Alicia Presents” (in gold), an art deco element beneath, then “Christmas Romance Reviews” (in pearl white).

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, “Movie Title.” Beneath it, in gold, is the date (20##) the movie came out sandwiched between two gold art deco elements.

~ When Family Legacy Outshines Holiday Romance ~

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Sarah Jane Duncan as “Ashley Jones”
Lorenzo Pozzan as “Liam”
Leila Gray as “Susan Jones”
Location: New York to Italy (though you’d hardly know it)
Platform: Tubi
Date: December 11, 2024

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.”

B-Movie Blues — Not because it’s bad, but because it’s a one-time watch — enjoyable enough but not destined for annual viewing

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!”

One Box — Keep it handy for that sweet mother-daughter moment when Susan hands over the reins

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Let’s talk about that opening — we go from a lovely Christmas song about “deeper meaning” straight to mom doing sun salutations. It’s your first clue that this isn’t your typical Christmas movie! Though Susan’s quintessential New York accent (whether real or perfectly affected) absolutely delighted me.

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Liam brings a very… shall we say, lowkey presence to his role. I’m still undecided whether that’s his natural demeanor or newcomer nerves.

Their “touring the Christmas decorations” scene had all the hallmarks of awkward ad-libbing — though it sort of works for his shy cowboy character.

What really shines is the mother-daughter dynamic. Susan and Ashley interact exactly the way real mothers and daughters do — none of that stiff, unnatural dialogue we see too often in holiday films. The simple scene of them talking while food bubbles in the background felt wonderfully authentic.

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

The ranch might not scream “Italy,” but those swings on the barn are adorable! And somehow, the homey atmosphere works despite the geographic confusion.

However, the most memorable part of set design wasn’t in the décor but in the sounds coming out of the kitchen. The comforting bubble of cooking food during mother-daughter conversations proves sometimes ambient noise says more than dialogue and adds more homeyness than any furnishing can.

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Basic jeans and casual wear dominate, though Ashley does hit one fashion high note with a long-sleeve sweater dress paired with black tights and knee-highs — proof that knee-high boots can work when styled appropriately!

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This isn’t really a Christmas romance — it’s a family drama with a dash of love interest. And an Italian ranch tale that happens to include Christmas.

Ashley’s journey centers on reconnecting with her grandfather’s dream for the ranch, which she unknowingly shares. The romance with Liam feels almost incidental until that delightfully assertive final kiss (thank goodness she took the initiative, or our shy cowboy might still be mumbling goodbyes by his truck!).

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

Fair warning: This one’s rated TV-14, and unlike most Christmas films, includes some actual swearing early on. It’s jarring in what you expect to be typical holiday fare, especially with that opening song about Christmas’s deeper meaning!

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Despite its title, this isn’t really a Christmas movie — it’s a story about generational dreams that happens to take place during the holiday season. “A Family’s Dream” or “A Generational Dream” would be more accurate titles.

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Authentic mother-daughter relationship
Horses! (Hello, Custer and Cisco!)
Susan’s perfect New York mom energy
Sweet generational story
Assertive final kiss

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.

Confusing setting authenticity
Some awkward dialogue moments
Audio issues in distance shots
Misleading title
Unexpected content for holiday fare

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.

As someone who appreciates authentic family dynamics in films, the mother-daughter relationship here really stands out. When Susan finally turns the ranch over to Ashley, that moment captures exactly why sometimes the best Christmas stories aren’t about Christmas at all — they’re about family, legacy, and dreams passing from one generation to the next.

So… what’s your take? Share your thoughts, favorite moments, or fashion observations in the comments below!

Related Topics: Christmas movies, holiday entertainment, family films, seasonal magic, community stories

This review is the final installment of “BBA’s 12 Days of Christmas Movie Reviews” series. Check your email for your “baker’s dozen” extra review! It’s there, waiting for you to enjoy! 😉

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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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