A Soulful Christmas – Review

A Soulful Christmas – BET+ – 1 hour and 36 minutes

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Stream Only on BET+

Macon’s Hall of Fame will honor its most famous singing duo, Patty and Ashford. They are known for their hit holiday tune, Love at Christmas Time. Ashford still lives in Georgia, but Patty resides in Nashville. The duo had a falling out years ago and hasn’t created any new music since. Patty got married and now works with children, while Ashford enjoyed a solo career. Neither wants to attend the induction ceremony.

Patty calls her daughter Winnie. Winnie made an album years ago, but everyone compared her to her famous mother. She’s teaching guitar to eager students today. Winnie tries to convince Patty to attend the ceremony, but Patty refuses, as she doesn’t want to see Ashford again. She asks Winnie to go in her place.

Financer Robert discusses his latest business venture with Thurman. Their client won’t work with them without proof of liquidity. Thurman urges Robert to call his famous father, Ashford, for the money, but Robert won’t. Robert receives a call from his sister, Bailey. Bailey plans to attend the ceremony and asks Robert to appear and represent their dad. He agrees with some arm-twisting.

Robert and Bailey await Winnie at a café. Once again, the kids must pick up the slack for their parents. They attend the ceremony and honor their parents in front of disappointed fans. Afterward, Gene, the CEO of a record label, approaches Winnie and asks her to re-record her mother’s hit song. She says no because the industry let her down before. Then, Gene asks Robert. Robert starts to reject the offer until Gene mentions the $400,000 advance. However, the song must be ready by Christmas. And Gene believes the new song will be better as a duo. Robert knows Bailey will say no because she is a lawyer. Also, she has no desire to sing. Gene says Winnie is a talented option.

Later, Robert convinces Winnie to join him in remaking their parents’ song. Winnie wants creative control, and Robert is uncomfortable singing. Winnie has to help him gain the confidence to sing while he helps her heal past wounds. Can they come together and remake their parents’ love song while falling in love with each other?

This film has classic holiday romance clichés and a catchy song. Once you understand the plot’s setup, nothing else will grab your attention except the saucy grandma, Leah. She is a spitfire who provides the much-needed comic relief for the film. Also, Leah is the voice of reason for everyone in her family. This scene stealer will be a fan favorite. While they have notable names in music to guest star, their star power isn’t enough to capture your attention. Viewers should play this film in the background while taking down their tree.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

I know whose daughter I am, Mom. I can’t escape it – Winnie

People like to feel appreciated – Patti

He’s not an option – Robert

Because I know the beautiful sister act – Bailey

A little butter, sugar, and prayer. You can’t get better than that – Leah

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Vera’s Holiday Flop – Review

Vera’s Holiday Flop – BET+ – 1 hour and 37 minutes

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Stream Only on BET+

Vera discusses her holiday plans with her neighbor, Rhonda, over the phone. It’s been years since Vera and her friends have been together, and she has a list of activities for them. This time is special because Vera has a secret. In anticipation of a promotion, Vera sold her home and paid for a place in China. She’s ready to start her life fresh.

Kelsie arrives with her girlfriend, influencer Shayla. Stunned, Vera has never seen Kelsie with a woman before. Although Kelsie models free love, she’s only dated men. Kayden and his wife, Tori, arrive first. They lovingly argue about big and small things. However, it’s a mask to cover their IVF issues. Ajuni arrives on a bike, leaving a trail of funk behind him. He is an earthy man who is in touch with his roots. Athlete Delvin arrives with a camera crew behind him. Vera didn’t know if he would show up because he replied to her RSVP with a smiley face. She didn’t count him or his team. The group wonders where Morgan is currently. Vera hopes she’s on the way but assumes Morgan stopped at church first. Since her divorce, Morgan has relied heavily on her faith. Their friend, Barry, is still in jail, and Vera’s old crush, Omar, hasn’t responded. They are finally together and ready to have a good time. But as old rivalries and problems rise to the surface, will this group’s friendship implode?

Vera’s friends are an eclectic and wild bunch. The audience will wonder how they became friends. The writer made Vera the group’s lynchpin. She brought them together because she admires a spark within each of them, even though they know how to push her buttons. Throughout the film, they argue several times. The writer ensured these conflicts had a deeper issue. The characters weren’t yelling to be right. However, they open old wounds and heal them. This group seems silly, but they handle their problems maturely and openly. They don’t leave things unsaid or run out of the room. They are upfront and honest. It’s refreshing to see in a holiday film. This film offers a lot of laughs and room for growth.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

Girl, everything makes you nervous. You need therapy – Vera

Give me this damn toy – Tori

Who did I marry? Is there 101 puppies you want to kill too – Kayden

What’s your name – Delvin

Flee your country and abandon your blood, but winter is coming – Rhonda

You are such a PYT – Shayla

Here. Hold this so I can wipe – Kelsie

Hakuna matata – Ajani

May the Obamas be with you – Barry

In the hospital, all they saw was black and blood – Omar

No need to explain. I am not your judge – Morgan

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