When my wife suggested that we spend the entire month watching Christmas themed movies, I was very skeptical about some of these stories. Then again, some movies are meant to surprise.
I was under the impression that Christmas Inheritance was going to be the same old song and dance. A rich heiress is allowed to fix her reputation to save face and get awarded her inheritance. We’ve seen this story a handful of times in other movies, yet I felt this one was quite different. Yes, our beautiful heiress Ellen Langford (Eliza Taylor) will pass the test, but it felt different.
The reason why this story works so well is Ellen’s chemistry with Jake Collins, played by Jake Lacy. He’s a small-town guy who runs the local inn and goes above and beyond to make sure everyone there is a part of his family. I loved his character from the beginning, and his attitude about Ellen and her problem is comical. Of course, you can cut the romantic tension with a cut, but it’s a vital part of the story. His attempts to showcase how special life can be in a small town is one of the film’s most charming aspects.
Although we all knew how the ending would play out, I still welcomed it with open arms. Ellen was a pain in the butt to begin the movie, but her character arc was impressive. I believed deep down that she was this amazing person who just let fame get to her head. When presented with a chance to see how a normal life would be, she sees that this particular life is more rewarding than the previous path.
I know that the majority of people won’t like this film as much as I did. As someone who grew up in a small town, I came to appreciate all the finer things the film aimed to achieve. That’s why I enjoyed it so much and would be inclined to watch it again. 8/10
Ten Stars or Less 