Review: “Colorado Christmas” (2023)

A single mom music teacher turned home health aide meets a country music star in a grocery store — a premise that could have been charming if not for the strained performances and awkward direction. From the first scene, the film struggles to find its natural rhythm, much like an unrehearsed dance number.

Remember what I always say about becoming your character? That’s the challenge here.

While supporting cast members (particularly Major, Jackson, and young Katie) deliver solid, natural performances, our leads seem perpetually aware they’re in front of a camera.

The grocery store meet-cute exemplifies this issue — while people certainly do strike up conversations in checkout lines, these exchanges feel more like rehearsal takes than final shots.

Conversations between Melody and John are particularly problematic, with unnaturally long pauses and stiff delivery that makes even simple exchanges feel forced.

The one bright spot? John’s scenes with Katie show glimpses of authentic interaction, though still peppered with excessive laughter.

The Cole family ranch is a standout element, featuring lovely floors, doors, and tasteful holiday decorations. I even spotted artwork in Melody’s dining area identical to my own (though I’ll modestly suggest my framing choice was more elegant!).

Following the classic single-mom-meets-charming-bachelor formula, complete with the hero bonding with the child and miscommunication-driven conflict. However, even tried-and-true tropes need authentic delivery to work their magic.

Speaking of authenticity — can we talk about character surnames? As Kathleen Kelly noted in You’ve Got Mail, people are supposed to have last names or else we’re living in a society of cocktail waitresses! It took until the credits to learn Melody’s surname is Miller.

The film includes a nice Thanksgiving dinner prayer scene (“in Your Name we pray. Amen”), keeping things appropriately family-friendly throughout.