This film has been provided for our review and my opinions are my own.
Story: As someone who isn't particularly fond of musicals, Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas is a fun made-for-tv film that captures the essence of the holiday season. The movie offers a modern twist on a traditional musical, taking place backstage during the production of a network TV special. That's the focus. It's a heartwarming story that features Dolly Parton as the lead actress, showcasing her talent as both a singer and an actress.
What I particularly enjoyed about the film was the balance between the frenetic scenes backstage and the performances showcased in front of the camera. The contrast between the two served to highlight the hard work and dedication that goes into creating a successful production. Dolly Parton's performance was exceptional, and she was able to hold her own alongside the special guests. Dolly Parton's sisters are also featured in the film. I'm not as familiar with Dolly Parton's work, I know of her but I like her personality. She delivers humor in an unconscious way, in my opinion.
I must admit that I was skeptical when I saw that Miley Cyrus was part of the cast, but I was pleasantly surprised by her performance. She played her role well, and I found myself digesting her scenes easily. I feel like she became Madonna Jr. without the catalog to match, so this is where the skepticism comes form.
I think this film would've been great with Amanda Bynes in her prime as one of the more comedic additions to the film. Where is Amanda Bynes? I must say that I miss seeing her on TV and in Films.
Anyway, one of the things that I appreciated most about Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas was the message it conveyed. The film takes viewers on a somewhat familiar journey with Dolly Parton and the Three Wise Men, showcasing her past, present, and future. Through her experiences, Dolly is able to help others understand the true magic of Christmas and to rediscover their inner child.
I think that the film's underlying message is especially important in today's fast-paced world. Many of us are so busy with work and responsibilities that we forget to take a step back and appreciate the simple joys of life. Children, on the other hand, are able to connect with the magic of the holidays in a way that adults often can't. By tapping into our own memories and experiences, we can rediscover that sense of wonder and joy that we often lose as we grow older. It sounds cheesy, I know, but I really do believe this.
Fun Fact: Dolly Parton also has a film titled "A Smoky Mountain Christmas".
Visuals: Cinematography and production design work in harmony to create this warm holiday film. The picturesque landscapes, adorned with cozy holiday decorations, transport viewers to a world of winter wonder. The attention to detail in the set design and costumes adds an extra layer of cheer, making the scenes visually cohesive.
While the special effects are not the film's primary focus, they are utilized effectively to magnify the movie's magical elements. The editing is seamless, allowing us to transition effortlessly between the magical moments, heigtening the overall experience.
Audio: When it comes to the sound effects, they work well for the film. This isn't an area that I focus greatly on, but the film features Dolby Digital 5.1. The music is amusing for fans of musicals of different age groups, but as someone who doesn't watch a lot of musicals, I think I did well. There were some songs that I found to be fun and enjoyable.
Price: Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas is available for $14.42 on DVD, and $6.99 on Digital. Digital will make this available for immediate enjoyment the closer we get to Christmas!
Dollywood fans will enjoy the bonus feature: A Holiday with Dolly! The Making of Mountain Magic Christmas. It's like a behind the scenes feature showing the making of a film about the behind the scenes world of making the show... in this film. I had to add that in here. - Blu
Overall, I would highly recommend Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas to anyone looking for a heartwarming and uplifting film to enjoy during the holiday season. The film's lively cast, catchy music, and cheerful message make it a must-see movie for those looking to amp up their Christmas spirit. This film is recommended for audiences 13+.
Story 4
Visuals 4
Audio 4
Price 5
4.25 out of 5 Cool Points
