Director Peter Sullivan collaborates with former CW stars Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray in his latest film for Netflix, “The Merry Gentlemen.” Marla Sokoloff pens the film’s screenplay and also has a co-starring role.
Naturally talented dancer Ashley (Roberston) left behind the small-town life to make it big on Broadway. While performing in her latest Christmas show, Ashley misses one of her queues and decides it’s time to replace her with someone younger. Making her way back home, Ashley reunites with her sister Marie (Sokoloff), brother-in-law Rodger (Marc Anthony Samuel), and her parents Stan (Michael Gross) and Lily (Beth Broderick).
As fate would have it, Ashley honed her skills at her parent’s performing venue. When she learned from the kind-hearted but business first Denise (Maria Canals-Barrera) that the venue was facing financial trouble, she decided to stage an all-male, Christmas-themed revue. The talent includes her brother-in-law, a bartender, a cab driver, and a local handyman, Luke (Michal Murray), with whom she’s also in the midst of a budding romance.
Hallmark used to be the reigning champ of holiday movies; however, in recent years, Netflix has stepped up to compete. Following “Meet Me Next Christmas” and “Hot Frosty,” which saw release earlier this month, the streaming giant delivers their third holiday-themed film.
Like the previously mentioned films, “The Merry Gentlemen” clearly understands its identity and delves into the expected tropes of a Christmas movie centered around an all-male revue. Marla Sokoloff’s script mainly maintains a PG-13 rating, with only a few innuendos sprinkled throughout. While the script isn’t groundbreaking, I appreciate that she avoids overly sexualizing the male characters and instead emphasizes their sincere desire to help.
Chad Michael Murray takes center stage as the leader of the dancers, evoking memories of his beloved character, Lucas Scott, from “One Tree Hill.” He portrays a small-town man who embodies kindness and integrity, bringing warmth to the performance. In contrast, the other male dancers, except Maxwell Caulfield, fail to leave a memorable impact, lacking unique characteristics that would elevate the ensemble.
In the lead role, Britt Robertson opts for a more straightforward interpretation of her character. Rather than delving into the complexities of the material, she delivers a performance that resonates with audiences through its relatability, presenting a character who feels familiar and accessible — a true everywoman navigating her circumstances with authenticity.
While I doubt I’ll ever revisit “The Merry Gentlemen” as a one-time watch, the film was harmless, and fans of the cast should give it a look.
Final Grade: B
“THE MERRY GENTLEMEN” will be released tomorrow, November 20, on Netflix..
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.