The 2020 Lifetime Christmas efforts did vary and often veered between mediocre and slightly above average and were indicative at times of rushed productions. But there were enough of them that were still watchable and more (was pleasantly surprised by some) and were not amateur efforts. Actually think on reflection that the standard was of better quality than 2019's batch. 'The Christmas Setup' sounded promising and really appreciated its inclusion of diversity by having a same sex couple in a milestone move for Lifetime.
Luckily, 'The Christmas Setup' turned out to be very nicely done. Is it a great film? No, none of the 2020 Lifetime Christmas films are though in all fairness. Is it worth watching? Absolutely yes (as is enough of this particular batch), and by far one of the best and most interesting 2020 Lifetime Christmas films. While not everything in 'The Christmas Setup' works, a lot does and very well indeed to the point of greatness. The central relationship is also handled very well.
Am going to start with what could have been better. The plot is nothing special formula-wise and in terms of how it maps out. It's another film that is a bit of a slow starter, where it takes time to set up and the dialogue is on the awkward side, with an overload of cheese and schmaltz.
Similarly felt that the ending felt too hasty.
However, a lot is good. Ben Lewis and Blake Lee are both immensely engaging and give warm, honest performances. Their chemistry is beautifully done, tasteful and sympathetic with no judgement and they are very natural together, that they are married in real life helps. Fran Drescher is a sheer delight in her scene stealing role. Lifetime have always varied when it comes to having characters that are interesting and worth caring for, 'The Christmas Setup' is a case of both with the most rootable central partnership of the Lifetime 2020 Christmas films.
Visually, the film is professional looking rather than looking on the cheap, the scenery is lovely. The music is not used too much and has an appropriate sound. The direction shows somebody at ease with the genre and while there is nothing innovative it's not routine or dull either. Furthermore, a great job is done with the Christmas atmosphere, where it does feel like Christmas and in an affectionate way. Some lovely Christmas touches, especially in the second half, and there are some very sweet, but not sickly, scenes. The script did have a nice mix of funny and poignant lines, especially the banter between the leads. The story may be thin but has a warm heart and charm and doesn't take itself too seriously. While the first quarter is not easy to get into at first, a vast majority of the second half is great.
Overall, well done. 7/10.
