PiraBit
if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Christmas-Reviewer
This film was a huge bore. It started off okay but it went south quickly. I love Cynthia Gibb. I have been a huge fan of hers since "Fame". This film however is not her friend. The lighting was harsh on her. She makes the most out of what is there but the child stars in this steel every scene away from their adult counterparts! The script is a rip-off of "The Parent Trap" but it was written by people who don't know how to write and directed by someone who can't stage a scene! Now this film is so bad that I had to sit through it to see how desperate the film makers were going to end it. Trust me this film is bad but I highly recommend you buying it because it will put you to sleep faster then an episode of Arliss
wes-connors
Fifteen years of marriage is enough for attractive designer Cynthia Gibb and eyebrow-plucked attorney David Millbern (as Vicky and Jason Wright). The couple is headed for divorce. Their children, way too mature-looking Cassidy Freeman (as Melissa) and younger "Tiger" Austin Majors (as Will), do not approve of the separation. When informed of divided Christmas plans, the kids conspire to bring the parents together at their California beach house. Complicating matters are Ms. Gibb's blond boss Jason Connery (as Myles) and Mr. Millbern's blonde secretary Cassidy Freed (as Kristine). With assist from his family and regulars, director Fred Olen Ray rolls these off the production line. "An Accidental Christmas" might have benefited from some tweaking at the TV Movie factory, or not... Best performance and scene is the guy sitting next to Gibb at karate practice.*** An Accidental Christmas (9/9/07) Fred Olen Ray ~ Cynthia Gibb, David Millbern, Jason Connery, Austin Majors
dorianne_swift
I found this movie to be pretty inane. There are better Christmas shows to watch. I found it VERY distracting to see the men especially since it seemed they wore far too much make-up. It detracted from the plot as far as I am concerned. Very predictable and boring. I think there should have been better character development, more natural acting and stronger scenes. The acting seemed really forced. I was done watching after about the first half hour but stuck it out until the end. I also feel a lot of the plot line ended up being very stereotypical. At times the plot was lost in a lot of useless dialog that did not further the plot. There was no Christmas spirit, no sense of magic watching the show and nothing to catch one's attention. Shallow characterizations combined with the bad makeup and overacting was distracting.Even a made for TV movie usually delivers much more than this.I will not be watching it again.
hsolaf
OK, so it's not that great, but it's better than the one review in IDBM will have you think.Remember the child Lindsay Lohan playing twins trying to get their parents back together in The Parent Trap? Somewhat like that, but with Christmas put into the formula. Cynthia Gibb, who has a kind of Audrey Hepburn quality(big compliment!) is compelling as Vicky,a recent architect'apprentice, who wants more of an identity than just a wife and a mother,like Mrs Kramer in "Kramer vs Kramer". David Millbern as Jason Wright, the stunned husband who just doesn't get why his wife walked out on him, is endearingly nonplussed. And yes, he has a kinda high gaydar quotient,maybe because(if you take a look into his internet resume)he is an "activist" and Advocate contributor.That said, I didn't find this ruined the film for me, it may have added another dimension.Jason may not be the stereotypical dominant macho type, but he can still be oppressive and insensitive to his wife and too embroiled in his job. Lots of husbands may have an "is he or isn't he"look and in real life they get the benefit of the doubt, why not here?And he IS likable and to me believable as the husband and father.The children, hoping for a reconciliation, plot to force Vicky and Jason to spend a family Christmas together in their beach house in California.Myles,Vicky's hunky architect boss and old flame, (Jason Connery, Sean's son)is also spending his Christmas there,which provides some tension to the equation. Will Vicky give still-in-love Jason a second chance? Or will she defer to achieving her professional and newly found independence goals? Vicky doesn't seem to have gained enough footing in her new life to give it up so soon.Jason,on the other hand, may look like an easygoing guy and loving father,but husbands don't usually shed their old habits to give their ex-wives the necessary space to regain their identities.It could go one way or the other,but although viewer sympathy is naturally with the father and children, in reality it's not an easy call. The way it is resolved in "Accidental Christmas"is not satisfyingly explained and it all seems too easy, a flaw in the script.The actors are not at fault, though. Millbern and Gibb are both good as the main characters,and Mr. Connery is just fine as Myles, we wish he had a larger role.James Hong, as the wise Chinese beach caretaker,who gives Vicky and Jason some sound advice, makes himself noted in a small character role.In the end the viewer feels like the film could have been more consequential in treating the wife's dilemma,so it feels like a missed opportunity. Still it is deserving and very watchable.
