Review: “The Christmas Contract” (2018)

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, “The Christmas Contract.” Beneath it, in gold, is the date (2018) the movie came out sandwiched between two gold art deco elements.

~ A Holiday Romance That Proves Sometimes the Best Stories Are in the Telling, Not the Tale ~

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Hilarie Burton as “Jolie Guidry”
Robert Buckley as “Jack”
Danneel Ackles as “Naomi”
Cheryl Ladd as “Renee Guidry”
Bruce Boxleitner as “Tim Guidry”
Location: New York City to Lafayette, Louisiana
Platform: Tubi
Date: December 10, 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.”

Golden Matinee — A lighthearted romance that earns instant classic status through perfect execution

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 — No tears needed, but keep one handy for all the smile-induced happy sniffles

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Let’s talk about that premise — a fake dating contract between a website designer and an aspiring novelist. It sounds like standard romance fare, right? But sometimes the most delicious meals come from familiar recipes executed perfectly.

Fancy banner with a thick gold border and art deco red-&-navy brackets in the upper corners. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Classic Connection.” Beneath it, in navy, “When I spotted Cheryl Ladd (who won my heart in Eve’s Christmas) and Bruce Boxleitner (my favorite Scarecrow from Scarecrow and Mrs. King) in the credits, I knew we were in for something special. Their presence brings that classic Hollywood charm to this modern romance.”

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.

Oh. My. Goodness.

As someone who’s particularly picky about leading men (too many these days lean toward the effeminate), Jack is a revelation. He starts as a cute geek, but that crooked grin and left eyebrow thing? Super-sexy geek territory!

The chemistry between our leads is absolutely magnetic — I’d cast either of them in one of my novels in a heartbeat, and trust me, that’s high praise.

Let me tell you about the bridge scene at the Christmas Market — pure magic. The way their hands naturally find each other through casual arm brushes? That’s the kind of subtle romantic choreography that makes you believe in love at first touch.

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From Renee’s beautifully decorated Christmas tree to the magical maze at the Christmas Market (complete with a thoughtfully placed Cross among the decorations), the holiday atmosphere feels authentic rather than forced.

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While Jack’s wardrobe works well, Jolie’s skirt-length choices and boot-sandals make me wish for a fashion intervention.

Given the Louisiana setting, I’ll forgive the lack of cozy winter wear.

Fancy banner with a thick gold border and art deco red-&-navy brackets in the upper corners. In the center, in Hollywood red, the words, “Fashion Pro Tip.” Beneath it, in navy, “Dear costume department, we need to discuss boot-sandals. They’re the worst of both worlds — too closed for summer, too open for winter. If it’s warm enough for open toes, wear sandals. If it’s boot weather, wear boots. These hybrid monstrosities need to go the way of shoulder pads!”

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

Here’s the thing about romance formulas — everyone knows them, but it’s all in the execution. Yes, I KNEW Jolie would find Jack’s plot checklist. Yes, I KNEW she’d get upset and kick him to the curb. But knowing the destination doesn’t make the journey any less thrilling when your leads have this kind of chemistry.

Fancy banner with a thick gold border and art deco-inspired quote marks in Hollywood red. The opening quote is in the upper left corner. The closing quote is in the bottom right corner. In the center, in navy, the quote, “ ‘Honestly? I was too caught up in the performances to write down specific quotes — and that’s a testament to how engaging this film is!’ — Alicia."

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.

While not overtly religious, there are nice touches like Tim ensuring Jack sleeps in the guest room (thank you, Dad!) and thoughtful placement of holiday décor. Completely family-friendly without feeling preachy.

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Despite a slightly rocky start with Naomi’s scenes (the first 15 minutes aren’t the strongest), this movie hits its stride and never looks back. It’s the kind of film that leaves you feeling uplifted — something all too rare in modern cinema but wonderfully reminiscent of Golden Age classics.

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.

Exceptional chemistry between leads
Perfect execution of romance tropes
Strong supporting cast
Authentic Southern Christmas atmosphere
That masterfully done bridge scene

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.

First 15 minutes drag slightly
Questionable footwear choices
Some impractical wardrobe decisions

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 both a romance novelist and someone who appreciates authentic performances, this one’s going into my annual rewatch pile alongside Eve’s Christmas. When a movie can make you walk away feeling “all lit up inside” the way Golden Era films did, you know you’ve found something special.

Well done, cast of The Christmas Contract — you made this picky reviewer believe in holiday magic!

But that’s just me, right? What’s your take on this Christmas movie? Share your thoughts, favorite moments, or fashion observations in the comments below!

Related topics: Christmas romance, holiday movies, classic Hollywood, fashion in film, romantic comedy, 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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