Rating: ★★½☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Released 11-13-2024
Watched 11-22-2024
Reviewed 12-12-2024
Watched on Netflix
"I was made of snow and now I'm made of... not snow."
Netflix’s Hot Frosty is a Christmas rom-com that doesn’t stray far from the formula of Hallmark Channel classics. The story follows Holly Frost (Emma Roberts), an ambitious event planner who finds herself unexpectedly snowed in at her small hometown over the holidays. There, she rekindles a spark with Jack "Frosty" Halloway (Luke Bracey), a widowed firefighter and town hero, while planning a holiday gala to save the local community center.
The film’s premise is as predictable as they come, but for fans of the genre, that might be part of the charm. Roberts and Bracey bring a pleasant dynamic to the screen, even if their chemistry feels more like a warm hug than a roaring fire. The supporting cast, featuring Vanessa Hudgens as Holly’s meddling best friend and Patrick Duffy as Jack’s wise-cracking father, helps to round out the festive atmosphere.
The visuals are undeniably festive, with the snow-covered town and twinkling lights providing a comforting holiday backdrop. Classic Christmas tunes pepper the soundtrack, reinforcing the film’s nostalgic tone. However, while the atmosphere is cozy, the storytelling is uninspired. Every plot twist is telegraphed from a mile away, leaving little room for surprise or emotional depth.
Clocking in at just over 90 minutes, Hot Frosty doesn’t overstay its welcome, but it also doesn’t leave much of a lasting impression. The dialogue is peppered with cheesy one-liners, and the obligatory snowball fight, mistletoe moment, and small-town holiday festival hit all the expected beats without adding anything new to the mix.
Ultimately, Hot Frosty is a movie for a specific audience. If you enjoy Hallmark-style Christmas films with low stakes, predictable romance, and a hefty dose of holiday cheer, you’ll find this a pleasant enough addition to your seasonal watchlist. For those seeking a fresh or compelling holiday tale, this one may leave you cold.
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