Back to Christmas Past
It's been 17 years since Kristin (Shiri Appleby - Unstable) last saw her parents and each year she has spent Christmas with her life long friend, Jamie (Will Kemp - Step Up 2: The Streets). But this year is different as Jamie has decided to spend Christmas with his girlfriend leaving Kristin in her apartment with her old cat and a bottle of champagne that the owner of a corner store gave her from the back of his magical cooler. When Kristin wakes up the next day she discovers herself in bed with the 17 year old version of herself Krys (Hannah Marks) having some how travelled back in time to Christmas 1996. It is then Kristin realises that Christmas 1996 was the one where she left home never to return and decides to try and change things by convincing her 17 year old self to change her opinion, especially over a cheating boyfriend. But it is harder said than done especially when she learns that childhood Jamie is sweet on Krys.
So in "Kristin's Christmas Past", which you might find listed as "Last Chance Holiday", we have the Christmas version of "Back to the Future" with Kristin waking up in her own past and realising that she can change the future by meddling in the past. Yes if you know your "Back to the Future" movies you will spot the clues including a picture which Kristin has of herself in the future but it is kind of fun even if it is as subtle as a brick wrapped in Christmas wrapping paper or for that matter a fruity champagne bottle from a back of a magically deep cooler.
So it doesn't take a genius to know where "Kristin's Christmas Past" is going to lead as it is also influenced by other movies other than "Back to the Future" with a touch of "13 Going on 30" mixed into the story when it comes to Jamie having been in love with Kristin since they were young only for her to be oblivious to the fact. But still, the journey to the movie's inevitable conclusion is kind of fun with Kristin trying not to let slip who she really is to others whilst there is a joke surrounding an AOL account, remember the days of AOL along with dial up internet connections.
In truth there is nothing that amazing in "Kristin's Christmas Past" and it often resorts to emotional manipulation which sadly sticks out like the proverbial sore thumb. But in-between the manipulation, the cliche and frequently corny jokes "Kristin's Christmas Past" does have Shiri Appleby who is a barrel of energy which certainly helps as does the fact that Hannah Marks looks amazingly like her. Unfortunately Judd Nelson, who is cast as Kristin's father, is in a part which is a waste of talent; basically it is a famous name that has next to nothing to do.
What this all boils down to is that "Kristin's Christmas Past" is okay, it has some fun scenes but it isn't the sort of Christmas movie which is full on Christmas charm and Christmas magic.
Tags: TV Christmas Movies, Christmas Movies
