Summary
One year after falling in love Callie and Joseph’s romance is challenged by a move to the big city.
This review of the Netflix Christmas film A California Christmas: City Lights does not contain spoilers.
Netflix Christmas film A California Christmas: City Lights is the first sequel to A California Christmas, (also on Netflix) and this story follows Callie and Joseph one year after they fell in love. In this film, they are running a dairy farm and winery, but when Joseph is taken back to the city due to family obligations their romance is threatened.
Directed by Shaun Paul Piccinino and starring Lauren Swickard, Josh Swickard, Amanda Detmer, and at just one hour and a half, this romantic-comedy-Christmas-drama is worth investing in.
Lauren Swickard is an actress, writer, and producer who stars as Callie, a rancher who has dedicated her life to the ranch she owns and is unwilling to sell it off to a larger company. Swickard also created, wrote, and produced the film, and co-starring is her real-life husband, Josh Swickard. In the first movie, his character is a smooth-talking business executive who goes undercover as a rancher on Callie’s farm, and they fall deeply in love. Don’t worry, if you haven’t watched A California Christmas, it won’t impact your experience of this film. This story is easy to follow and understand.
This is the story of two people from opposite walks of life trying to make a life together. As sequels go, this is a lovely addition to the first film. The story is current, relative, and something that most can relate to. Without giving away too much, this film has drama, romance, and of course, a happy ending. The acting is to a high standard, with great chemistry, and witty comedy throughout.
There is great cinematography of the city of San Fran, the views and locations are stunning. It’s really made me want to visit and have an endless amount of money to spend. Also, a real insight into farm life – safe to say, I couldn’t run a farm or a vineyard.
Overall this film makes for a nice watch. Mushy, magical, and made with love. With a wedding on Christmas Eve, this is a classic holiday film that you can watch year after year to warm your heart and get you feeling excited for Christmas.
