The Christmas High Note (2020 Lifetime)
Cast: Jamie Luner, Johnny Messner, Kassandra Clementi
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Synopsis (via Lifetime)
After being stood up by her partner Brad (William McNamara), Rachel (Jamie Luner) soon meets Michael (Johnny Messner) and his teenage daughter, Sophia. During Christmas Eve pageant rehearsals, Sophia finds herself challenged to hit the high note in her solo of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Rachel offers to coach Sophia’s performance and discovers a new interest in Michael.
Thoughts
Rachel gets stood up on a date by a guy named Brad. Her dad is a vet, and she dreams of opening a music school. Meanwhile, Michael and his daughters are at an American Idol-style audition. Rachel and Michael meet at a diner, and he asks her for singing lessons for his daughter, who already nailed the talent show or whatever. I’m not sure what the hell is going on, and we are less than five mins into the movie. This is a Christmas movie dumping ground.
The music lessons begin. Rachel and Sophia start vocal lessons, including a full song from Jamie Luner. They bond over losing their mothers young.
Brad comes back in town and wants to be with Rachel. She has been spending a lot of time with Michael, doing vaguely Christmasy things.
Karaoke happens. Rachel and Brad get super drunk and sing a song together. Michael walks into the bar with his other daughter or sister or who cares. He sees Rachel singing “Joy to the World” with lots of gusto and storms off betrayed.
The next morning Michael mopes around while his daughter/sisters check on him. Rachel regrets her drunken night and has an engagement ring on her ringer from Brad. She spends the rest of the movie trying to take it off… for comedy? Then Rachel talks to her pastor and gets some advice. The ring magically falls of thanks to Jesus. Rachel breaks up with Brad, who was just marrying her for money.
The Christmas pageant happens, and Sophia misses her song entrance, so she sings it acapella, and everyone applauds. Rachel jumps up on stage and makes a passionate declaration of her love for Michael. (Stealing Sophia’s thunder.) Michael forgives her and kisses Rachel while everyone applauds again. She even does the leg lift.
Sadly, the movie doesn’t end there. Brad and Santa have a conversation about a convert at the north pole. The vet practice is sold to a handsome young man. Rachel and Michael have a Christmas dinner together, and everyone is happy. Except me.
Side Note
Minority Report: Auditor, Vet, Pastor David,
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Overall rating
🎄 (1 Christmas Tree)
🍷🍷🍷🍷🍷 (5 glasses of wine required.)
*Photo Credit: © 2020 Lifetime
