‘12 Men of Christmas’: A Light and Frothy Lifetime Seasonal Flick

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From Lifetime, this piece of yuletide fluff aired on television a couple of years ago. Not something likely to disappoint, this is most definitely one of my most favorite flicks. 

12 Men of Christmas (2009) Lifetime Film Review

She didn’t get where she is by being a “girl” about everything. On the fast lane towards success, E.J. Baxter (Kristin Chenoweth) is where she is by never taking “no” for an answer. Even her own engagement is at her insistence when, instead of being a total girl about it, she takes the initiative and proposes marriage. A New York publicist who knows, not only how to work her clients but wow her boss, E.J. counts on having the best Christmas until things go sideways. When she finds her fiancé and boss making out, her reaction gets her unceremoniously fired and leaves her minus a fiancé.

Depressed and alone during the holidays, E.J. lets her sister, Roz (Erin Dilly) talk her into accepting the only job she can find… in Montana! Miles from civilization, E.J. is hired by the small-town mayor to lure businesses there for their corporate retreats. Ideas are slim, until inspiration strikes – why not sell calendars of the 13 gorgeous search and rescue men posing… naked? Despite the opposition (the scandal!), E.J. and her assistant, Jan (Anna Chlumsky) find their task a challenge. Plus, E.J. just may have met her match in the annoying, stubborn, Will Albright (Josh Hopkins).

‘12 Men of Christmas’: A Light and Frothy Lifetime Seasonal Flick. Kristin Chenoweth stars in this fun (and sort of) #PrideandPrejudice re-telling. #ChristmasMovies #Movies #Romance #MovieArchives Click To Tweet
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This is a story that while rom-com cliché familiar, is still going to be fun for us addicts. For Austen fans this is also loosely based off her iconic Pride & Prejudice. Though it’s not a true adaptation, the writers do weave these elements pretty well into the script, right down to the opposites-attract chemistry. Based on a novel of its own (titled Decent Exposure), here, the re-named telefilm has a fabulous sense of humor, whether in homage to Miss Austen or not, the script does shine. Nearly all the characters are likable but not without flaws.

This is one movie that is actually better than one might assume after a cursory glance. The cast, producers, and its director carry it well. Plus, putting the story ins Montana allows cameras to feature outdoor activities amidst waterfalls and wild scenery. A fresh spin on a new Christmas flick always makes me smile, and casting Kristin Chenoweth may help since she has a natural flair for comedy. No matter what it was that won me over, either way, this is a fun watch.

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Content: there is a lot of joking in regards to being proud to display the “wares.” [In the end, nearly all of them are clothed in pants from the waist down. During her annual company Christmas party, E.J. finds her fiancé with her boss [all we see is the two of them falling out of a stall onto the floor where Noah buckles his pants]. Later we assume E.J. and Will were intimate; she has his shirt on and nothing else. Nearer the beginning, E.J. finds Will swimming in the nude – he emerges nude [implied]. Basically non-existent, profanity makes rare appearances – a**hole, d**n and an “oh, my god.” The film is a TV-14 rating.

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

2 comments

  1. You are welcome, Ruth!

    I saw your review after seeing the movie for the 1st time, and your thoughts were pretty much mine – I think this is an adorable flick fueled by the fact that I think Kristin is so cute. =) I just re-watched it a week ago and still LOVE it.

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