Christmas in the Spotlight (2024 Lifetime)
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Cast: Jessica Lord, Laith Wallschleger, Jeannie Mai Jenkins, Brian Sills
Director: Michelle Ouellet
Writer(s):
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Synopsis (via Lifetime)
Christmas in the Spotlight follows Bowyn (Jessica Lord), a popular musician and celebrity, who despite always singing about love and relationships, hasn’t found Mr. Right yet. Her fame and busy recording schedule make it nearly impossible to date, but when she meets Drew (Laith Wallschleger), a pro football player, backstage at her show with his niece, there’s an undeniable spark between the two of them. When Drew publicly declares he has a crush on Bowyn, they decide to give dating a shot, much to the excitement of her manager Mira (Jeannie Mai). With each passing day they spend together, their feelings grow stronger… but can it last in the limelight, especially when they both have such hectic schedules? With people questioning if their feelings for each other are real or just for show, the pressure mounts from the press, paparazzi, their fans and even their family, including Drew’s sister-in-law, Nicole (Haley Kalil). The pair has until the end of the holiday season to decide if they want to stay together, or let it go down in flames.
Let me know what you thought of the movie in the comments below or @lifetimeuncorked
Recap/Wine Thoughts
The movie starts with a video shoot of a BOP Christmas pop song! “I’ll be Alone for Christmas.” A female empowerment song with lyrics like “I’m the star of my own tree, Merry Christmas to ME!” Bowyn Skyes is a world-renowned pop star who wants more. Her manager, Mira, who spouts manager Taylor Swift song titles like “Mean” and ‘Fifteen.”
On the football field and, more importantly, the LOCKER ROOM, we meet Drew “Gonzo” Gonville, who is shirtless and worried about not getting resigned because he is living in Rob, his quarterback brother’s shadow.
Rob and his wife Nicole throw their daughter a birthday party, and Drew is the fun uncle. He plans a Bowyn Themed party, and his niece dances to her songs. Drew also gets her tickets to the concert! The parents discuss how Bowyn is a celebrity and famous for writing songs about her ex-boyfriends. Drew is more of a fan, noting her million-dollar donations to charities and support of the LGBTQ+ Community.
Alieen, the niece, is super excited to be at the concert, and so is Drew. He records her with his flash-on. They sneak backstage to meet and greet Bowyn. They take selfies, and Drew is awkward, much to Alieen’s embarrassment. “I’m never going to have cousins, am I?” (Haha, she dragged him.)
Drew can’t stop thinking about Bowyn and posts on social media inviting her to a game sometime. Mira sees the post and tries to convince Bowyn to give him a chance. The brothers are talented and family guys. The publicity would help with album sales and maybe get Bowyn a Super Bowl halftime show?!?! Mira reaches out on social media and tells Drew Bowyn will be in touch.
Drew is super nervous and spills the tea with his niece while playing tea party. They get the call, and Drew and Bowyn have a cute Facetime. They plan a secret post-practice date. Dinner and a movie, like ordinary people. Except the date is anything but typical.
A black car picks Drew up, and inside the car is a bag with a Santa costume disguise for Drew to wear. He is taken to Bowyn airplane hangar, and they drink champagne on a private jet. Bowyn is not close to her mother, who was a Gypsy level stage mom, and admits she has lost the joy of performing. Drew promises to bring the fun to Bowyn’s life and asks her on a second date. Drew warns her not to fall in love with him, and their pinky promises not to fall in love. Then, they make out.
Hudson Peters is Bowyn’s narcissistic actor ex-boyfriend. He wants her to join him for a movie premiere because he wants the publicity and is getting Oscar buzz. Mira tells him to drop dead.
Drew tells his mom about Bowyn, and she swears to keep it a secret. He asks her for a lasagna recipe and cooks it for Bowyn. She likes his lasagna and admires his relationship with his family. Drew tells Bowyn he is impressed with her work ethic and that she is self-made. They work on a puzzle by the fireside, and things get steamy. (These actors have hot chemistry.) Bowyn admires Drew’s abs and touches them while telling him he is like a sculpture. Just as things are getting interesting. The football team shows up, and Bowyn has to literally hide. Drew tells Bowyn that he doesn’t want to keep lying to everyone he knows and doesn’t want to keep up the hiding. Bowyn isn’t ready to go public with anyone and leaves.
Mira talks Bowyn through the breakup and gives her a pep talk in Taylor Swift’s lyrics.
Thanksgiving Day, Bowyn and Mira show up in Drew and Rob’s family box seats and cheer him on. Drew starts playing a lot better when he knows Bowyn is watching. Mira is actually a fan of football and knows stats or whatever. Drew’s family invites them to join them for Thanksgiving on Black Friday.
Bowyn and Drew go public, and the press goes WILD! They are obsessed with reporting on every little detail. Rumors swirl about Bowyn using Drew to gain new fans from the NFL and reach a new audience. Bowyn doesn’t care and takes Drew to fancy industry events where he feels like a fish out of water. (And houses the Hors d’oeuvres) Drew tells Bowyn he feels like some big dumb jock, and Bowyn jokes that she agrees, offending him.
Hudson Peters sees Bowyn alone and makes a move. He tells her he knows she is just using Drew for publicity. Bowyn tells Hudson Peters off and thanks him for the hit singles, but she is done with that ERAS TOUR. (Or album, she says album.)
Bowyn apologizes to Drew and tells him he is the best boyfriend she has ever had. They kiss, and it is very romantic!!!!!!
Drew starts getting more offers to do PR than Rob, which throws off the family dynamic. Drew also gets calls from his agent about moving to the LA football team for double the salary. Drew is pumped for the opportunity, but Bowyn worries about his family.
You know “All Too Well,” Mira gives more advice in Taylor Swift’s lyrics.
Rob confronts his brother about leaving the team when the news leaks and blames Bowyn. Things get heated, and Drew yells, “I AM TIRED OF LIVING IN YOUR SHADOW,” (This is more of an Ashlee Simpson song, but we will roll with it!) Drew’s mom defuses the tension and tells Drew that he is not wrong for feeling like he never got to lead the way; it was easier for her to just have the boys do all the same things growing up, and the family got stuck in that pattern. Drew tells his mom he just wants to be with Bowyn.
Hudson Peters leaks his conversation at the party, with Bowyn pulling a quote out of context and creating a lot of bad press. Drew thinks it is legit, but Bowyn tries to convince him. I’m not sure if she is speaking in Taylor Swift lyrics, but she might be! Later, Hudson’s assistant quits and releases the whole clip.
Bowyn deals with the breakup in the only way she knows how. She strums clumsily on a guitar, singing about love being a game.
Drew gets a pep talk from his brother and a friendship bracelet from his niece.
Bowyn performs her new song for a Christmas Gala. She is introduced by Rob, who talks her up and calls her a good person. The song is a Michelle Branch guitar riff with Taylor Swift lyrics, but Christmas! It isn’t terrible. She gives a public speech to Drew and promises not to fumble her chance at love again.
Everyone cheers as Bowyn and Drew tell one another they love each other and kiss. LETS FREAKIN GO!
For Christmas he gives her a puzzle piece and tells her she is his missing piece.
Side Note/Stray Thoughts
The Music Director kind of nailed Taylor’s sound for this project
I feel like Laith Wallschleger is going to be HUGE. He is so charming.
Jessica Lord not only plays a pop star in the movie, she dropped a single. This is the Taylor Swift-inspired song, “Tread Carefully.”
Overall rating
Pour it up
Put a Cork in It
Christmas Feels
🎄🎄 (2 Christmas Trees)
Enjoyment Level: 🍷🍷🍷🍷 (4 glasses of wine.)
What did you think of the movie? Let me know in the comments or on social media @LifetimeUncorked
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*Photo Credit: © 2024 lifetime
