Review

Movie Review: Christmas Island
Subtitle: "When Christmas, a Tiny Island, and Way Too Much Holiday Magic Collide in the Most Hilariously Predictable Way."

“Christmas Island” is Hallmark’s latest holiday escape, and it’s exactly what you think it is—a tiny tropical island where Christmas chaos and romantic misunderstandings are as inevitable as the sunset over the beach and the over-the-top Christmas decorations that somehow make sense even in a place that’s way too warm for snow. If you’ve ever wondered, “What if a Christmas movie took place on a tropical island where everything goes wrong but the romance is way too perfect?” then this is your holiday getaway in movie form.

The plot follows Holly (played by Jessica Lowndes, because obviously), a woman who’s definitely had enough of traditional holiday chaos—so much so that she’s booked herself a one-way ticket to a tropical island in the middle of December. She’s ready to trade in snowflakes for sand and holiday stress for beachside relaxation—but, of course, this is Hallmark, and nothing goes according to plan. Instead of serene relaxation, she finds herself wrapped up in way too many Christmas events (because the island has a Christmas festival and apparently everyone on the island thinks this is the perfect place for Christmas cheer).

Enter Jake (played by Jesse Hutch), the charming local man who’s way too busy trying to organize the island’s big holiday celebration to notice Holly’s blatant resistance to holiday festivities. Naturally, he’s way too enthusiastic about turning the island into the “perfect tropical Christmas paradise”, while Holly’s just trying to keep it together and not get sucked into the Christmas magic. Of course, Jake is definitely not the type to be romanced on a beach in December—except, of course, that he is, because this is Hallmark, and we all know how predictably adorable these things go. Watching Holly try to resist her growing feelings for Jake while also pretending that she doesn’t secretly love Christmas on an island is absolutely hilarious. Every time she tries to escape a holiday event (a Christmas tree decorating contest here, a palm tree-shaped wreath competition there), Jake somehow pulls her into yet another holiday disaster—and yet, somehow, they accidentally end up falling in love along the way.

The humor in this movie comes from the ridiculousness of trying to combine Christmas cheer with tropical weather. Holly, who’s used to snow-dusted pine trees and frosty air, finds herself surrounded by people who are way too invested in making their Christmas “beachy”—like Christmas lights on palm trees, a Christmas crab race, and too many pineapple-themed Christmas decorations that are just too much. Watching her try to escape all of this while simultaneously getting roped into way too many holiday parties is comedy gold. Every time she tries to take a break and enjoy the ocean, someone hands her a Christmas wreath made out of seashells or invites her to a holiday parade that’s way too sparkly for her liking—and she’s just stuck in this hilarious whirlwind of holiday chaos.

And then, of course, there’s the romance. It’s Hallmark, so you know Holly and Jake are definitely going to fall for each other—but the real fun is in the “we’re definitely not falling in love with each other” dance that’s as predictable as the sunset on a tropical beach. Jake is way too invested in making Christmas perfect for everyone on the island, while Holly is trying to avoid becoming part of this Christmas madness. Every time they share an awkward moment, whether it’s getting caught under a palm tree made of lights or accidentally sharing a holiday dessert, it’s hilariously obvious that they’re both too into each other to pretend much longer. The “we’re definitely not into each other” act lasts exactly as long as it takes for the romantic Christmas kiss (spoiler: it’s under the twinkling lights of a palm tree, because of course it is).

The grand finale? Predictably perfect, as always. After too many holiday events and way too much Christmas magic (think: a Christmas boat parade and too many pineapple-shaped ornaments), Holly and Jake finally admit their feelings, realizing that love and Christmas magic are better than perfect holiday plans—especially when it’s on a tropical island. Of course, they share the perfect Christmas kiss by the ocean, as the sun sets, and everything comes together in the most ridiculously heartwarming way.

“Christmas Island” is a hilarious, heartwarming, and totally predictable holiday movie that will have you laughing at the absurdity of it all while also falling in love with the ridiculous Christmas cheer on a tropical island. If you love beachy Christmas chaos, romantic misunderstandings, and too many palm tree decorations, then grab your coziest blanket (and maybe a pina colada), and settle in for a Christmas movie that’s sure to give you the warm fuzzies—even if it’s way too hot for snow. 🌴🎄💋