A Holiday to Remember is the story of a woman, Carolyn (Sellecca), who moves back to the town where she grew up, after a divorce... bringing her teenage daughter, Jordy, along with her. Carolyn finds out that her ex-fiance, Clay (Travis), still lives there -- and oh my, she might still have feelings for him... or she would if he wasn't so "stubborn." Meanwhile, Carolyn and Jordy discover a bratty child living in their basement. Suddenly the story's all about poor little William. Carolyn wants to keep William, and she won't listen to anyone who tells her William needs to be put in the care of social services.
I know I'm supposed to feel sorry for Little Orphan William, but I can't. He's a little stinker, and they milk the "I'm so darn cute" card for all it's worth, and then some. He reminds me of those "cute kids" old sitcoms would add whenever they needed new plotlines (See: Ashley Johnson, Raven-Symone, Jonathan Lipnicki). Awww, just look at William, he's a Wise Man in the Christmas Pageant and he's up on stage, changing all the lines... adorable! BARF.
So, as I was saying, now the movie's all about how Carolyn wants to keep William, but she can't. The social services representative (who also happens to be Clay's girlfriend) says no. Carolyn wants Clay to stand up for her, and help her be able to keep William for the holidays. Clay won't get involved. Carolyn keeps saying to him: "stand up for what you want!" all admonishing-like. HEY LADY -- EVER CONSIDER THAT CLAY DOESN'T WANT YOU TO HAVE THE KID? Poor guy.
Hey, so did anyone else, when they were little, think Connie Sellecca was married to Tom Selleck? Or was that just me...?
Holiday does have a few strong points. The actress who played Jordy was a good choice. I can't put my finger on why -- I just liked her. Also, Rue McClanahan plays Clay's aunt, and she wins coolness awards all over the place. But her character is a wackjob... even she gives Clay the cold shoulder when he won't fight for Carolyn to keep William.
In the end, Carolyn and Clay decide to get married and adopt William, but not before William's dog gives birth to puppies in the town Nativity scene manger. However, this is not a happy ending, because all I can think is -- Run, Clay! RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!
What am I thankful for this holiday season? The fact that I'm not related to these people!!!
