Paula V
Ignore the bad reviews and give it a try. Very sweet film and genuinely funny in parts. It’s now on my Christmas rotation, I love these movies!
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
12/11/24
Full Review
Wayne B
Your Christmas or Mine 2: A Rom-Com Sequel That Delivers Laughs, Tears, and Heart
I’m usually not a fan of rom-com sequels—let's face it, they often rehash the same story with diminishing returns—but Your Christmas or Mine 2 absolutely delivered. Picking up where the original left off, it finds Hayley and James navigating the tricky waters of love, family, and tradition during the holiday season. This time, instead of being split between two homes, the couple faces a deeper challenge: blending their vastly different worlds while dealing with grief, pride, and a dose of holiday chaos.
A Thoughtful Take on Tradition vs. Newness
One of the film's central themes is whether Christmas is best celebrated in the comfort of tradition or with the thrill of embracing something new. Hayley, a down-to-earth Londoner, and James, a blue-blooded heir to British aristocracy, must decide how to merge their holiday plans. The story unfolds against the stunning backdrop of a fancy ski resort in the Alps region of Germany, far removed from the familiar comforts of home.
Yet one of the best parts of the movie was how James helped bring a bit of the hometown tradition the Taylors were missing. By reintroducing the cherished “Boys go to the pub” and “Girls get a pamper” traditions, James not only bridged the gap between old and new but also created space for meaningful connections. The fellas cemented their camaraderie at the pub, while the pamper session led to an important conversation between Kath and Diane about the differing perspectives on the importance of having kids. These moments beautifully reinforced the idea that tradition isn’t just about where you are but who you’re with—and the bonds you create along the way.
Belonging and Class
Hayley’s insecurity about fitting into James’s world adds a layer of emotional depth. In contrast to his polished and poised ex, Bea, Hayley worries she’ll never be "good enough." This conflict is heightened by her interactions with James’s family and their subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) commentary on her place in his life. Her journey of self-acceptance is both heartwarming and relatable—haven’t we all, at some point, wondered if we belong in a space that seems tailored for someone else?
Granddad’s advice to Hayley struck a deep chord:
"Wherever you get yourself in life, that’s where you belong. And if you are the exception in the room, child, it’s because you’re exceptional."
It’s the kind of wisdom we all need to hear, especially when feeling out of place.
Grief and Loss
James and Humphrey’s shared grief over the loss of their mother and wife five years prior brings an emotional undercurrent to the story. James’s poignant line, “It’s like the sun went down and hasn’t come up again,” beautifully encapsulates the weight of their loss. The film doesn’t dwell on grief but allows it to color the characters' decisions, adding emotional authenticity. Watching them find joy and healing through their relationships with Hayley and Diane (Jane Krakowski, in a standout role) is one of the film's most touching arcs.
Pride and Charity
The subplot involving Hayley’s parents, Kath and Geoff, is as amusing as it is bittersweet. The Taylor family’s pride prevents them from accepting the generosity of Lord Humphrey, resulting in Geoff scrambling to secure a shabby 1500-euro shack for their lodging. Kath’s unspoken suspicions that Geoff bungled the arrangements, paired with Geoff’s quiet shame about not providing his family with a lavish experience, create a poignant reminder of how pride can sometimes block connection and support. It’s a dynamic that feels especially relevant during the holidays when financial pressures often collide with familial expectations.
A Fresh Approach to Rom-Com Tropes
What sets *Your Christmas or Mine 2* apart from its peers is its ability to play with rom-com expectations. For instance, the movie leads you to believe James might fall for his old flame or effortlessly find Hayley during an initial chase, only to subvert those predictable beats. Similarly, the reveal that James hadn’t planned to propose—something we, like Hayley, discover in real time—was a refreshing twist in a genre that often telegraphs its moves.
A Perfect Balance of Laughs and Tears
From laugh-out-loud moments (the way they got the plane to stop was absolutely genius) to gut-punch emotional beats, the film keeps you engaged from start to finish. Humphrey’s love story with Diane adds levity and heart, especially as her role grows pivotal throughout the film. The comedic timing is sharper, the emotional stakes higher, and even the end credits—a rare treat in most movies—are a must-watch.
Final Thoughts
At the halfway point, I was prepared to rate *Your Christmas or Mine 2* an 80%, but by the end, it had earned a solid 90%. It not only hit all the rom-com story beats but elevated them with rich themes of tradition, belonging, grief, pride, and charity. The movie's mix of humor and heart makes it a standout sequel. While I’m baffled by its 42% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes, in my book, it’s a holiday classic. This one will make you laugh harder, cry more, and leave you feeling all the holiday warmth.
9/10, and a must-watch for the season. 🥹
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
12/04/24
Full Review
Chas J
So bad! Hayley and her family are not charming and endearing as they were in the first movie, instead they're obnoxious, annoying and repugnant. The setup and plot of the movie is bad, even for a Christmas movie (which I'm a huge fan of) and it's not long before you're routing for James and Hayley to break up, just get her and her family off the screen. Sucks even more because the first movie was quite good
Rated 0.5/5 Stars •
Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars
12/25/23
Full Review
Jana R
I honestly quite enjoyed the first one, but this sequel... honestly?!
The characters become mostly unlikable and immature, the ending is unforgettable and nonsensical and the drama feels staged. Also, as a North European, the whole cliched set up is painful to watch (even for a christmas romcom).
Some scenes reminded of the first movie, with a certain charm and familiar humour... unfortunately that didn't convince me though.
Rated 1/5 Stars •
Rated 1 out of 5 stars
12/23/23
Full Review
Gorptholemew T
🍀 4.0/10
This is such an unintentionally funny movie. I can't the tone is so bad oh my god I just can't pls it's actually fun in a way but so weird. It lacks the spirit A super played out and predictable. Grade C
Rated 2/5 Stars •
Rated 2 out of 5 stars
12/23/23
Full Review
Casey D
I mean if you love the first one this one will not disappoint. Great acting all around and the plot is a little ridiculous but good set pieces, solid jokes, the dad from the girls family is a gem, and then the grandpas words of wisdom at the end is a chefs kiss. Not a great movie but a solid sequel and good enough for Christmas though it does deserve to be rated lower than the first.
Rated 3.5/5 Stars •
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
12/19/23
Full Review
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