Haul Out The Holly: Lit Up
When the HOA is challenged…
Last year, we had the solid Haul out the Holly original story about a Christmas-obsessed HOA, which was so well received it had a very quick sequel ordered and this one delivers!
And so we find Hallstars Lacey “Eternal Youth” Chabert and Wes Brown leading an ensemble cast of characters dealing with a new family on the block. And not just any family, no, that would be too easy. They have the Jolly Johnsons - reality TV “royalty,” known primarily for their Christmas decor. And as much as the Johnsons are set up as the antagonists in this movie, I still found myself taking notes:
Entrance song complete with glitter cannons a la WWE
Matching, monogrammed velvet jackets
Turning on their lights using a cartoonishly large switch as though it’s the tree in Rockefeller Center
A veritable army of outdoor speakers that look like festive gnomes
Second set of matching satin jackets (I need these - someone hook me up!)
Personally, I really enjoyed this sequel to a strong original - it hits the big points that you want to see in a Christmas movie, albeit as points of contention between the neighbourhood old guard and the newbies.
Legit lol at this line, delivered with full venom by the always entertaining Melissa Peterman (pour one out for #Reba, y’all).
“Victory isn’t as sweet without seeing the agony of defeat in the eyes of the vanquished”
Solid entry to this season’s roundup! And yes, totally shed a tear at the end. Friggin’ softie.
Classic Christmas movie tropes:
Christmas cookie contest
Snowman competition
Snowball fight
Carriage ride
You’ll like this if…
You enjoyed Haul out the Holly, and don’t mind seeing the antagonists for exactly what they are.
SCORE: 8/10
Tell me more!
As the holidays approach, Emily and Jared are looking forward to celebrating the holidays together again, this time as a couple. Emily, now embracing Evergreen Lane’s uniquely festive spirit, is ready to work with Jared, Ned, Mary Louise and Pamela to make this year’s Christmas celebrations the best yet – even if being the HOA president’s girlfriend doesn’t stop those dreaded decorating citations. When a house on the block goes up for sale, it causes quite a stir with residents. When the soon-to-be neighbors turn out to be holiday royalty, it looks like this year’s competition is about to heat up. As the welcoming committee prepares for the new arrivals, only one thing is certain – this Christmas, Evergreen Lane is going to sleigh! Starring Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky, Ellen Travolta, Melissa Peterman, Seth Morris, and Jennifer Aspen.
