Dec 20

Dec 20 'Countdown to Christmas' movie review: 'Cross Country Christmas'

A pair of Manhattan transplants try to get back to their small Colorado hometown for the holidays in the Hallmark Channel Countdown to Christmas flick 'Cross Country Christmas' (premiering Dec. 20).

In short: After a snowstorm grounds their flight home to their small town, Lina (Rachael Leigh Cook, 'Autumn in the Vineyard') and Max (Greyston Holt) are forced to work together to figure out a way home and make it home in time for Christmas.

This movie is literally just Lina and Max problem-solving their way across the United States. It's basically just a string of challenges the two wayward travelers face as they try to plane, train and automobile their way home. There's not really much to 'Cross Country.' Simplicity can work in a movie's favor - but it only works if a meager plot has great characters or thin characters are surrounded by an engrossing plot. 'Cross Country' has neither.

The entire movie hinges on Lina, who is a professional problem solver. Apparently this is a viable career - and virtually the entire movie plot is rooted in her career ... in solving problems. Which is convenient - because she spends the movie ... solving problems, several of which are of her own creation.

Everything about 'Cross Country' is reminiscent of 'A Christmas Detour,' the beloved Hallmark Channel holiday favorite starring Candace Cameron Bure. Both movies basically follow the same formula: a couple of strangers get to know each other while traveling home for Christmas grounds flights. The difference is 'Detour' is rooted in their co-leads as characters and lets them dynamically play off each other - while 'Cross Country' is content to just high-concept plot, with almost no character development.

Luckily 'Cross Country' has Rachael Leigh Cook to put the movie on her back and heroically carry the movie. Lina is pure pluck - her positivity is utterly undeniable. While the thin plot doesn't make a lot of sense, Cook's moxie wills this pair home. For his part, Max doesn't get a lot to do - aside from harbor some secret "difficulty" he's going through. The reveal of what is bothering Max really should have more impact than it does - because Max’s pain is painfully relatable … but the story doesn’t lay the foundation well for the reveal, so it is yet another missed opportunity. Worse still, this character reveal … feels unearned - and reeks of a film desperate to hastily add some character dimension to Max.

This movie could have survived its deficiencies in plot and character if it surrounded them with truly memorable or significant supporting characters. Most of the movie is Lina and Max meeting folks from around the country as they try to get home. But sadly, these supporting characters are also without a lot of depth. This movie wants to embrace the "life is a journey, not a destination" sentiment, but the journey isn't nearly as fun or entertaining or heartwarming or festive as it could be.

Final verdict: 'Cross Country' is little more than its premise and without much in the way of charm or chemistry.