Despite being another low-key TV movie, 2005’s Crazy for Christmas turns out to be a real standout find amongst the free Youtube movies. This one really works for me due to its original concept and the quirkiness of its performances and is definitely the first film I’ve watched about a single mum chauffeur driving an eccentric billionaire around New York on Christmas Eve. At this stage in the game - 300 movies and counting - an original idea feels like a proper revelation and as I struggle to balance the stress of home-working, unpacking, decorating and entertaining a hyperactive, imaginative four-year-old, anything slightly different is welcome.
It also really helps that Andrea Roth is immensely cool and likeable as Shannon, the singleton limo driver busting her ass to take care of her son and hopefully give him a half-decent Christmas. I really feel for her when her kid guilt trips her when she can’t afford a bigger, fancier Christmas tree.
So, when a lucrative, last-minute Christmas Eve job comes up, Shannon reluctantly accepts the chance to earn some extra dough. Alarm bills should really start ringing when it transpires she’s been hand picked for the job by Howard Hesseman’s peculiar (aren’t they all?) billionaire Fred. His reasons are kept secret, though Fred keeps dropping hints that he knew her parents and, luckily, doesn’t seem to have a lecherous bone in his body. Hesseman is good value as the mischievous old rascal who may not be the full shilling.
Fred’s soon raising eyebrows with his kooky behaviour, having Shannon drive him around town while he literally throws money at people - hot dog vendors, orphans, anyone that makes him smile. He’s also asking Shannon lots of personal questions and trying to set her up with his lawyer Arthur, who’s gay. Whoops.
News of Fred’s crazy philanthropy gets around with Yannick Bisson’s TV news reporter Jason tasked with getting the scoop on what’s going on. A quasi-romance between Shannon and Jason inevitably blossoms and there are some not entirely shocking revelations about why Nickells is doing all of this. The story’s outcome increasingly becomes obvious but the film has just enough little quirks and surprises to help it stand out.
I’m grateful that Shannon and Jason don’t just fall head over heels for each other, with their attraction only tantalisingly hinted at, and the outcome of their potential romance left delightfully ambiguous.
It’s a sweet and satisfying festive TV movie, pleasantly light on the schmaltz and with an endearing, spunky turn from Roth. Hesseman is great fun too and it’s to the seasoned actor’s credit that the old coot comes off as naive and friendly, rather than another spoiled Scrooge-like git. I’ve definitely seen enough of those this year!
For a free movie on the internet, there’s no reason not to give it a go if you’re looking for some simple seasonal delights - I’m sure glad I did.
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