User reviews

Handsome Justice is back and so are Mike, Andi, Noah, Bill, Phyllis, Brandon, Jake and the crazy magic guy!

Christmas House 2 could be called Dueling Christmas Houses or brother vs brother because Mike is asked to do a reality tv show that normally pits a contestant against some guy with great abs in a contest call "Deck the Halls". Unfortunately the great ab guy gets hurt and this sets up brother vs brother to save the show.

"The Christmas House isn't a Mike thing, it's a Mitchell thing."-Brandon.

The family gets divided in this ultimate Christmas challenge for the whole Mitchell family.

This movie got rid of all of the sad melancholy parts of the first Christmas House movie and upped the fun with the brotherly competition.

Not as good as the play that is "really pretty good"...that was such a great line.

Just as Mike is picking out a ring to propose to Andi...her ex, who is Noah's dad and a bit of a bragger, shows up. Noah is definitely growing up and he thinks he is too old for magic.

"I have these times when I think how great it would have been if we had just gotten together when we were young....and then, Noah."-Mike.

"No! Not a camera moment!"-Brandon.

I did not even see the first one, but this is a great movie for this year!! I've now seen 5 that I truly like this year and this one is definitely on the list. Full of love, pretty cute characters and acting, I was totally invested in the happiness of the family. Fell in love with them and cannot wait to watch the first one. Please make another one if it's as full of love as this one!!

6/10 - I will be the first to admit that I was not blown away by Hallmark'a first Christmas movie with an LGBTQ+ lead, but I actually felt this one really improved where it's predecessor lacked: some good old fashioned character development.

It has all the premises to be exactly the charming Christmas film. And it is it. And the good premise is, not exactly, the memories about the first part, amusing and chaotic but the fair definition of essence of family in the "fire" of competition.

Sure, the acting is the key like the dialogue, but it is little more. I prefer define many Hallmark films as nice but in this case, the words has many meanings. First, good humor and provocative situations. Not the last, fair example of joy of life. The result, just better than the first part. And source of realistic, too realistic in few cases, situations. So, nice at whole.

I was excited to watch 'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls', as I loved the one last year. From the 'Handsome Justice' clips and father jokes to the maniacal sibling rivalry, 'The Christmas House' was one of my favorite Christmas movies in 2020. And it was one of the funniest Hallmark Christmas movies I have ever seen. So, as you can imagine, 'Deck Those Halls' had a lot to live up to, and I am happy to report that it does not disappoint. It is a fun, clever, and cute film with several laughing-out-loud moments and even a couple of touching scenes to boot. The story follows the Mitchell brothers, Mike (played by Robert Buckley) and Brandon (played by Jonathan Bennett), as they compete against each other on a TV competition show for the King of Christmas. Who can create the best Christmas House this year? Hopefully, the two don't end up destroying everything that gets in their way. The script is great. The writers do a wonderful job again with the dialogue, especially between the brothers. The sibling fights are not only fun to watch but also feel real, a sign of some good writing. This time around the writers spend more scenes developing Mike and Brandon's (back)stories. That is, they add depth to these characters. As a result, we get to know them better, allowing the viewer to invest more in and engage more with their stories. The writers again do a wonderful job of developing the dialogue and interaction between the family members more broadly. Indeed, the family dynamics is what makes these two movies so successful, I think. The setup of the movie in this one is also fun to watch, as there is (competition show) interview footage of family members where they discuss the Christmas House, family traditions, and themselves. These are some of the funniest scenes in the movie. By the way, the magic guy makes an appearance in this one too. Speaking of magic, the cast, like in the first, is brilliant. The chemistry between the family is what makes all this work on-screen. Buckley and Bennett again have impressive performances with some great back-and-forth. I also appreciated the worries and vulnerability they brought to their characters, though in different ways. Though less screen time than the first, Treat Williams (as the Dad) and Sharon Lawrence (as the Mom) still have great performances. They were fun to watch, making me laugh or chuckle a few times (especially their interviews). The rest of the cast also does a great job this time around. Finally, there is plenty of Christmas cheer in this one, as you might expect when the story is partly about the Christmas decoration competition. All in all, 'The Christmas House 2' is a lot of fun from start to finish with some brilliant performances and great (on-screen) chemistry between the cast. It's one of Hallmark's best this season. Let's keep our fingers crossed for a third movie.

Horrible, horrible, horrible!!! It is Brutal to watch.... Brutal!!!!!! My wife likes it so I am condemned to watch it, but it is atrocious!! Uuuggghh.

'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls' (2021)

Opening thoughts: While it was an inconsistent film, with many ups but also a few downs (from trying to do too much mainly), the first 'The Christmas House' film was very enjoyable. Seeing the cast return in the sequel did promise a good deal, having seen how good they were in the first, and the premise was nice. Expectations were not completely high though, as sequels with some famous exceptions generally do not have a good reputation and Hallmark varied with its sequels (some were good, others were average or less and pointless).

'The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls' is one of Hallmark's good sequels, actually one of the better ones in my view. It is also one of the few Hallmark sequels in my personal view that is superior to the first, with all its good things except done even better and with most of the flaws present in the first being corrected on the whole here. It is not perfect by all means, none of Hallmark's films are, but there is a huge amount to like and overall it is one of the best 2021 Hallmark Christmas films in what was a up and down year for that year's Christmas batch.

Bad things: Starting with what didn't quite come off, the ending did feel a little too pat again. A common issue with the 2021 Christmas Hallmark films, and actually true for all of Hallmark's 2021 output (but worse in most of the others).

Also thought that the comedic moments occasionally were on the forced side and that Jonathan Bennett's character could have done with a little more development.

Good things: However, there are a number of things done better here compared to the first 'The Christmas House'. The pacing is vastly improved, with less slower moments and a tighter first quarter. It also doesn't try to cram in as much, with there being not as many characters or subplots, which proved to be a good things when it meant that the main plot had more depth and development without falling into over-sentimentality. Robert Buckley's role is larger and he is a little more comfortable.

When it comes to the acting that was all fine. Buckley appeals, as does Bennett. Treat Williams and Sharon Lawrence are even better, emotive and with a real feel for the lighter touch when needed. Lawrence again has a very difficult character to like, but she doesn't make a control freak sort of character cartoonish and it's not too unrealistic a representation of this kind of person. Actually thought she was more subtle here. The characters aren't too perfect but to me their flaws weren't too heavily exaggerated at the same time. The acting chemistry is sincere and natural. Loved the interviews, which were a great and very entertaining touch.

Visually, the film looks attractive and is another improvement over the first. With the decorations looking a lot less tacky. Especially the scenery, and the music has a pleasant and nostalgic quality that doesn't become overdone, over-emphasised or too syrupy. The direction was sympathetic but still gave the film momentum when necessary. The dialogue is heartfelt, thoughtful and flows well without being self-indulgent or too flowery. Was surprised at how refreshingly funny some of it was and how smile-worthy delivered it was. The storytelling wasn't dull, was warm hearted, had heart and didn't become too contrived or overly sugary sweet in my view. Some of the situations were not too hard to relate to and were generally fun and heartfelt.

Concluding thoughts: Overall, liked it a lot and better than the still enjoyable first film.

8/10.

Woke alphabet group BS. Can't watch that cr$p. God forgive us for the path we are going down. Will never watch garbage like this. I will go back and watch some wholesome real family movies like die hard lol or Home Alone.

The Christmas House 2: Deck Those Halls (2021)-

I may have unjustly given up on this one too soon, but even the handsome Robert Buckley couldn't get me to watch this second farce all the way through!

Right from the start the two brothers are at each other in a childish annoying way that I just felt aggravated by.

I might give it another try next year, but having been really disappointed by the first instalment of this series, it is highly unlikely that I will enjoy it, unless the brothers end up naked in a compromising position. I only watched the first one to show solidarity for the LGBTQ+ community and in the hope that they would continue to make more, but I was not impressed by Jonathan Bennett in it, which added to a weird and poorly thought out story, sent it towards the bottom of my films list.

I want to see more gay films or gay characters, but I don't think that they deliver it very well in these films and certainly not these two.

Unscored as Unfinished.

A fun to watch Christmas movie, it's light and doesn't follow the usual Hallmark formula. The usual formula is centered on a lone female looking for love, this is about three families and competition between two brothers. It's farcical, not full of hot cocoa, holiday sweets and gingerbread. I haven't seen gingerbread in grocery bakery sections for years, it's very dated.

This is better than the original movie, it has better writing and it moves at a fast clip so there aren't boringly slow conversations that bog down many Hallmark movies. And it's not full of nostalgia for the past like some of the Hallmark movies this year.

I hope Hallmark is planning on a 3rd Christmas House.

OK-one of those movies that you question why you sat for 2 hours watching. The story line continued somewhat from the first movie but it just seemed to lack interest.

Mike is offered to be on a show called "Deck Those Halls" in which celebrities decorate houses and one is chosen as the winner. Mike and Brandon compete and the winner will be named "King of Christmas".

It was fun. The cast have great chemistry, specially Robert and Jonathan. They make those sibling fights so realistic. They fight about the stupidest things and yet it's the fiercest competition of all.

There a lot of funny moments, slow motion scenes and the interviews cracked me up. I didn't see those coming (I don't think they were in the first movie)

I also liked that they portraited a realistic relationship between exes, specially one where a child in common is involved. Once again, the love relationships are secondary plots but very important to the main characters.

It's a fun and good sequel. If you watched the first one, you should watch this.

This movie, a sequel (which often fail to be as good as the first) was even more heartwarming than the first. A Christmas celebration of family with all its positives and foibles, the gift of parenting, as well as the gift of children.

The importance of having an attitude of gratitude and respect toward each other is beautifully demonstrated, possibly an inspiration to many (in real life) who unite with family at Christmas, bonded more by blood then camaraderie.

The film acknowledges that each of us can bring the best of ourselves and take joy in acknowledging the good things that each person around the table brings.

Fun for the whole family.

Hallmark set the cat amongst the conservative pigeons back in 2020 when 'The Christmas House' (based in part on star/writer Robert Buckley's childhood Christmas memories) featured an openly gay couple in the main ensemble cast. Insane that people focus and obsess about that - good on Hallmark for (finally) depicting the real world in their Christmas movies.

The Christmas House was fantastic. And the sequel, with a high bar to clear, is just a skosh below the level of the original. That's not to say it's a bad film. Definitely not. The great cast is back, and this time here are TWO Christmas Houses to be decorated, with the Mitchell family in fine form once again.

How good are Sharon Lawrence and Treat Williams as parents Phillys and Bill? Fantastic in every scene.

The relationship between brothers TV star Mike (Buckley) and bakery owner Brandon (Jonathan Bennett) is explored more deeply in the second instalment. And Ana Ayora is back as Mike's childhood sweetheart, Andi Cruz. That relationship has it's speed bumps.

It was always going to be hard to top The Christmas House. As I said above, it doesn't quite match the original, but it's still a really fun film.

Here's hoping for The Christmas House III one of these years.

I have watched both ' Christmas House ' and ' Christmas House 2 ' and I would like to see very much a third part. I have no idea why I like certain Hallmark films, but I do, and I feel that they are attempting to broaden out into ( perhaps ) the most mainstream of audiences the concept of diversity. Homosexuality is treated ( almost ) as equally important as heterosexuality, and this is refreshing and also witty and entertaining. The second film, which is about two brothers, one Gay ,one Straight even asks difficult questions about parenting, and it is not afraid of saying that Gay parenting has to work harder for acceptance in society then Straight parenting. There is a tough confrontation seen between the two brothers , as both are competing to create the best Christmas house as to who can win. No spoilers but it moved me to tears. Gay people should never feel inferior in society and Hallmark seem to know this. It is a little miracle that they are now making films for Christmas with positive gay characters and ten out of ten for doing that. Enough preaching!!! The casting is perfect and the dialogue is excellent and I say with sadness that I will miss Treat Williams in a hopeful third part. A fine actor, and the best Stanley Kowalski in ' A Streetcar Named ' of them all, and yes in my opinion he was better than Marlon Brando. Hallmark continue please to make these little miracles in the world you have created and made your own.

Is it even possible for a second movie to be better than the first one? Yup! Better acting , better script and the chemistry between all of the actors was amazing. I really really enjoyed it. I also have to say I had no idea there was a second one , I accidentally found it on the plane. So it was Avery nice surprise.

Anyway I'm a Christmas buff so don't take just my word for it watch it and see it. I love it because it not just about romance, which most Christmas movies are these days , but it's about a family and how they celebrate Christmas. Anyway enjoy it . This is way more wordy than I want it but I have to write 600 words to be able to submit . Ha ha merry Christmas.

We just watched THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE 2, here in the UK. We loved it! The original film was good, though not great. I found the focus on the christmas decorations in the first film almost unbearable to watch. It seemed so over the top and infantile that grown ups would spend so much time and money transforming their lovely home into such a gaudy spectacle!

I only really watched the original as I was keen to see how the gay couple were presented. Sadly, they were portrayed as very minor characters in the first film. Though the gay adoption storyline was a nice touch and very progressive for these kinds of films.

I am delighted to say that THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE 2 is a much, much better film. It's a very satisfying story and all the characters get a chance to stretch out and breathe.

The cool magician played by Chris Gauthier returns and pops up in lots of scenes throughout. The gay couple now are given a much more prominent role and I liked how they were presented. What I found funny was that, intentionally or not, the straight brother plays his character in a much more camp way than his gay brother - who plays his part in a much more masculine way. A nice twist, if possibly unintentional?

There are two great scenes where the gay brother played brilliantly by Jonathan Bennett has a heartfelt conversation with his husband and later his brother about his awkwardness of feeling like he is seen as lesser than his straight brother. Powerful scenes.

The storyline about the straight brother and his romance with his girlfriend and his awkwardness when the father of her child shows up, is really well handled. The young boy actor, Mattia Castrillo, is really superb and delivers his lines with great wit and style.

One of the funniest moments in the film is when Robert Buckley's character is mimicking the British accent of his girlfriend's ex. The ex speaks with a posh British accent, but Robert Buckley puts on a strong Cockney accent. Whether this was intentionally the wrong accent or not, it was hilarious and I had to rewind to watch it again as it was so funny.

I also enjoyed the subplot about the parents of the brothers and their amateur dramatics play about a dirty Santa!

It's striking that hardly any of the 10 reviews on imdb seem to even mention the gay characters in the film. Is this a sign that many viewers, presumably in the US, are NOT comfortable seeing gay characters in films? Or is it a sign that it's not a big deal, so it isn't worth mentioning? Sadly, I suspect it's the former.

I am a gay man, so seeing gay characters in films like this is a VERY big deal to me, as it's sad how we've been shut out of films like this for so long. It's refreshing that, finally, things are changing and they are making films aimed at a mainstream audience that shows the world that we are here. We always have been and we are part of families too.

Thanks to everyone involved in making this film. Bring on THE CHRISTMAS HOUSE 3 !

I was pleasantly surprised by the first one and the second one was even better. The brothers really played off each other well and this was a perfect part for Robert Buckley (Mike). I don't think he match with the lady in Chesapeake Shores, maybe because I think Jessie Metcalf fit that part better with Meghan Ory. I am a sucker for chemistry between male and female so Mike and Andi (played by Ana Ayora) was probably the best I have seen in a while in an Hallmark movie. I am surprised i haven't seen her more on TV or Movies because she can actually act. Since I am quick to badmouth Production, Casting and Writing, they actually did it correct for both of these movies. All and All, good movie all around.

Not bad either, if you like movie with some *fun* little stupidity you gonna give it a 10, but its only like 2 sequels, still have that sensibility side too.... its not as good at the first, but its still not as bad as some seem to say it is... its just that the battle between the 2 brothers take another level when they fight about decoration of house.