Friday, 18 November 2022

Christmas On Mistletoe Farm (film review)


37 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!!

Watch Christmas On Mistletoe Farm on Netflix here (external link)

I'd wager that there are few people more versed in spreading Christmas magic than writer-director-all round good egg Debbie Isitt. Her Nativity! film series (and perennial, glorious stage show of the first film) have bought a little magic and glitter into the lives of millions around the world. She may well be auditioning to be the next Santa Claus because surely it is time that a Mrs Claus stepped into the big red suit? While I prepare to absorb the sparkle and shine of my fourth (Covid-interruptus) trip to Nativity! The Musical (see you Dec 15th), I've been able to take a trip to her latest venture - Christmas On Mistletoe Farm (streaming on netflix right now). Whilst it fits nicely into a world where Nativity! exists, it is a whole new setting and cast of characters to adore...

Debbie Isitt has always shown incredible loyalty to her cast of stage and screen - Christmas On Mistletoe Farm is no exception; it is a veritable who's who of her previous productions and theatrical shows. It gives you a warm glow to know this before you even start watching the flick which is filled with her trademark slapstick humour and larger than life characters. What Debbie and her oh-so-talented cast do so well is anchor these comedy moments in very real human emotions. One minute you are laughing away, the next wiping a tear - it is beautifully done and you could absolutely imagine this following Nativity to the stage (or becoming an ongoing comedy series for Netflix - Adventures on Mistletoe Farm). Here are just a very few highlights...
  • You will find it very hard not to fall in love with the film's lead, Scott Garnham. His portrayal of Matt Cunningham is a fine balance of a maelstrom of feelings - frustration at his children's school teacher (resulting in some hilarious passive-aggressive put-downs), the weight of providing for his family under the rule of an unsympathetic boss and being immersed in a whole new world that is way outside his comfort zone (while grieving for his wife) is delivered with precision at every turn.
  • Let's not forget the Cunningham Kids - Delilah O'Riordan, Evan Scott, Madison Davis, Faith Delaney and Dexter Sol Ansell all provide melancholy and mayhem in just the right dosage in every scene. Particularly love the framining of Buster (Dexter Sol Ansell)'s worry about being picked on because he likes sparkly things. It could potentially speak to so much more, but also could absolutely be that kids just like sparkly things. Each of these actors spreads a little glitter into Mistletoe Farm
  • It would have been easy for Scott Paige just to channel his time as Mr Poppy into his farm hand Beano. Instead he gives a dandy new performance, never being afraid of buffoonery but always with his heart in the right place. He leads a rather chortle-worthy scene where he & the kids basically home alone (with animals) Simon Lipkin & Jonny Weldon's men-in-black developers (and also turns out to be quite the sheep wrangler, though it do take a village). 
  • The reverse image to Beano's life loving ways is Shebeneezer Scrooge (or rather Ashley Jensen's Ms Fletcher) whose killer heels are as deathly as her icy stare and take no prisoners approach to business. Even Lord Sugar would quiver under her gaze. Children have no place in business is her mantra so clearly she hasn't been to Disney World, poor love - perhaps a nice Christmas holiday there would do her the world of good. Much better than a face full of mud (though my local spa charges about £40 for such a privilege)!
  • And what good is a story without a love interest? I settled down with two pints of lager (well actually two flirtini cocktails) and a packet of crisps (box of mince pies) to watch the film so was delighted to see Kathryn Drysdale charm her way across the screen as the village vet. Miss Ashley loves animals, loves people and loves taking none of Matt Cunningham's shenanigans. Let's hope the magic that mistletoe farm has casts a cupids arrow at these two (and, following that netflix comedy series, perhaps we can have a Wedding On Mistletoe Farm movie next year)?
  • Adore a great supporting cast - am a huge new fan of Gabriel Vick thanks to his mesmerising turn as Mrs Doubtfire in Manchester this year so was thrilled to see him behind the bar at the local pub; equally I'll follow Jamie Chapman anywhere he goes so will absolutely audition for his next village musical under the theatrical gaze of his Gerald. Meanwhile, I'd very much appreciate a postie who took a selfie with me of the delivered package rather than chuck it over the fence (as mine does). Bravo Stewart Wright (Uncle Henry in Dude Where's My Donkey!) on what I hope is a new trend! The whole village ensemble (with a luminous Celia Imrie leading the pack) were a hug you don't want to end.
  • I appreciated that Debbie made the commentary on schools more about the resources and the time available rather than about the teachers themselves. Being the son of a nutcracker, uh, I mean teacher, I know that city school teachers would love to spend more time with the kids - which may be entirely more possible in a village setting. Kudos to both Sydney Isitt-Ager and Katia Sardini (I think) for their nuanced portrayals.
  • And who doesn't love a sing-along! If Steps are not boot-scooting 5-6-7-8 to record Snow Down Ho Down next year (in honour of what I hope is the blu-ray release) then what is the point of them?! 
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