The Christmas Consultant

The Christmas Consultant is a seasonal family drama with a comedic angle that premiered in 2012 on Lifetime. The premise of the movie is a quirky and fun exploration of the busy holiday season from a unique perspective. At the heart of the story is the Fletcher family, whose Christmas season is brought to life in an extraordinary way by a Christmas consultant named Owen.

David Hasselhoff, star of the legendary Baywatch series, assumes the title role as Owen, the eccentric yet lovable Christmas consultant. Hasselhoff easily departs from his trademark lifeguard persona to bring energy and charm to his role as a highly efficient and overzealous holiday planner. Owen's larger-than-life persona, coupled with his relentless passion for the holiday season, sets the stage for a delightful collision of hilarity and warmth.

The Fletcher family, on the other hand, is barely finding time to plan for their holidays amidst all the chaos in their lives. The mother, Maya Fletcher, portrayed by Caroline Rhea, is a high-powered perfume executive facing a crucial business deal. Her husband, Jack Fletcher, played by Barclay Hope, is an equally preoccupied professional with limited time on his hands. In the midst of their busy lives and with their two children to care for - teenager T.J. (Dylan Kingwell), and fashionista Grace (Eliza Faria) - the Fletchers find themselves in need of some desperately needed help to make their holiday special.

In comes Owen, a Christmas consultant hired to ensure the Fletchers have the perfect Christmas that they are too busy to plan for themselves. Not your ordinary holiday planner, Owen is a true Christmas enthusiast who is well-versed in every detail and tradition associated with the season. From gift wraps to Christmas trees, from food to carols, there is nothing about Christmas Owen does not excel at, and he is determined to make the Fletchers' Christmas unforgettable.

Yet, the Fletchers soon find out that having a meddler like Owen in their lives is not an easy adjustment. With Owen's over-the-top methods and his borderline obsession with perfection, the Fletchers have to navigate the holiday chaos while keeping their patience in check. But slowly, his spirit and sincere love for the season begin to affect each member of the family differently. Owen quickly earns a soft spot in everyone's hearts, making them reconsider their initial reservations about him and his methods.

Viewers are presented with an amusing dose of holiday drama, as Owen’s excessive orchestration of Christmas festivities brings about heartfelt moments, misunderstandings, and a lot of laughter. The film highlights the significance of human connections, family values, togetherness, and the magic of the Christmas season.

Moreover, The Christmas Consultant presents an intriguing exploration of the commercialization of Christmas, particularly with the tension between Owen's traditional Christmas spirit and Maya's corporate world dynamics. The movie delves into the nuances of the holiday season's contemporary context, prompting viewers to consider what the season genuinely means to them.

The Christmas Consultant is not just an upbeat holiday film, but also a poignant story of a family rediscovering love, joy, and togetherness during the most beautiful time of the year. This film's storytelling approach weaves a beautiful balance of humor, family drama, Christmas magic, and the reality of contemporary holiday celebrations. Hasselhoff's unique, captivating performance and the Fletcher family's palpable evolution throughout the story make this film an unconventional yet heartwarming Christmas experience.

This Lifetime movie is an intriguing blend of comedy, emotional family dynamics, and a genuinely touching dose of holiday spirit, making it a must-watch for those seeking something different, light-hearted, and festive. In essence, The Christmas Consultant reminds us that amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, taking time to cherish authentic holiday joy and being with loved ones encapsulate the true spirit of Christmas. And who knows, like the Fletchers, you may even discover the magic of Christmas in the most unexpected places.