Review

Trivia Time: The Most Wonderful Quiz of the Year

Picture this: a small, picturesque town, lightly dusted with snow, twinkling Christmas lights hanging from every corner, and a series of misunderstandings that could easily be resolved with a simple conversation. Yes, folks, "Trivia at St. Nick's" checks all the boxes for that inevitable wave of January Hallmark holiday movies hangover that we all secretly—or not so secretly—look forward to binge-watching during the Christmas season.

Our story unravels in the charming town of Hollyville (because why not?), where St. Nick's is not just a church but the epicenter of festive spirit. The town’s annual holiday trivia night is the stuff of legends—at least according to everyone who lives there. This year, the stakes are incredibly high: winning the trivia contest grants you the grand prize of a gingerbread mansion and the highly-coveted title of “Jolly Genius.”

Enter Clara, a big-city lawyer who has about as much holiday spirit as a leftover fruitcake in May, returning to her hometown for reasons that are never quite clear but surely involve life lessons and a sprinkle of romance. Her initial plan to stay incognito flops when she crosses paths with Jack, the trivia-master and holiday enthusiast played by the most ruggedly handsome man they could find in a plaid shirt. Clara's disdain for all things merry and bright naturally leads to some delightful banter and, naturally, a trivia showdown that practically screams Hallmark movies drama.

In true Hallmark holiday movies fashion, the film delivers an avalanche of holiday clichés. There's the last-minute snowstorm, a mix-up involving reindeer-themed sweaters, and a subplot about saving the local candy cane factory that raises more questions than Britain’s 'Brexit'. But let’s face it—that’s exactly what we signed up for.

The craziest plot twist isn't even the inevitable romantic kiss set in a snow globe wonderland amid glowing Christmas ornaments—oh no. It's when we realize that the real trivia contest was the friends we made along the way (cue eye roll, paired with a grin).

So, cuddle up with your favorite peppermint hot chocolate. "Trivia at St. Nick's" might not win any Oscars, but for those seeking the charm of Hallmark holiday movies without the commitment of an entire series, this film ensures we end up as the true winners. Just remember, there’s always room for more holiday cheer… and fruitcake.