16 reviews
This movie is a total cliche, It is a rehash of all the movies where an engaged couple spends Christmas for the first time with their families bringing both of them together. Samuel Singh is the prototype of the difficult father-in-law. His wife tries to dull the rough edges but plays it a little too close to the cultural stereotype of an Indian wife. Jake's dad is a little difficult, but compared to Samuel he is a pussycat. His mom, although a competitive Christmas decorator is the most diplomatic of the group. Given all this, the story is mostly predictable right down to the last scene.
An interesting exception culturally is that the Singh family are generational Christians even before leaving India. So the climax is especially disappointing in a face off which leave's Samuel looking anything like the best of Christianity. Fortunately, forgiveness is one of the more important aspects of Christians since they all know how much they have been forgiven.
The acting isn't bad and really neither is the story other than being so derivative. I failed to find all of the conflict funny, so I will not want to watch this again.
An interesting exception culturally is that the Singh family are generational Christians even before leaving India. So the climax is especially disappointing in a face off which leave's Samuel looking anything like the best of Christianity. Fortunately, forgiveness is one of the more important aspects of Christians since they all know how much they have been forgiven.
The acting isn't bad and really neither is the story other than being so derivative. I failed to find all of the conflict funny, so I will not want to watch this again.
Asha is a nurse practitioner who one Christmas night encounters Jake, an old high school classmate. They hit it off immediately and go on an impromptu date that same night. Fast forward a year later, they get engaged and it's time to go back home and meet the inlaws.
I'm a bit biased because I love Benjamin Hollingsworth and I think he is a great leading man, full of carisma and charm. I've seen Anuja in the Resident and I think it's her first Hallmark movie. I thought the chemistry was there. I'm definitely not mad about the early kiss. It instantly breaks the formula we are all used to.
Yes, this movie is full of stereotypes. And you can imagine how this goes, Indian family on one side and Irish descendants on the other, everyone proud of their cultures. The problem is that the main characters get stuck in the middle and the relationship struggles because of that. The parents should know better.
This movie is quite fast paced, it has a big secondary cast, meddlesome parents, sweet scenes between Jake and Asha and unnecessary drama. If they do get married, I recommend they elope.
I'm a bit biased because I love Benjamin Hollingsworth and I think he is a great leading man, full of carisma and charm. I've seen Anuja in the Resident and I think it's her first Hallmark movie. I thought the chemistry was there. I'm definitely not mad about the early kiss. It instantly breaks the formula we are all used to.
Yes, this movie is full of stereotypes. And you can imagine how this goes, Indian family on one side and Irish descendants on the other, everyone proud of their cultures. The problem is that the main characters get stuck in the middle and the relationship struggles because of that. The parents should know better.
This movie is quite fast paced, it has a big secondary cast, meddlesome parents, sweet scenes between Jake and Asha and unnecessary drama. If they do get married, I recommend they elope.
Well, not without ALL the daggers.
A WASP young man and a woman whose heritage is from Christians from India have (almost) love at first sight, bumping into each other after they knew each other in High School, where she tutored him in Chemistry.
After a year of happy dating, he proposes and she cheerfully accepts. Then comes the issues ... meeting each other's families and the families meeting each other.
The daggers? Looks the two fathers give each other over the preference for baseball or cricket.
The poison? The extra spicy food the young man gets (sort of) tricked into eating at a family dinner in the Indian home.
Eventually, family issues threaten the relationship, and that happens all too frequently in real life.
The conclusion is satisfying. I'm not sure this will bear repeated viewings, but we wouldn't avoid it. Thre are a few truly amusing moments.
A WASP young man and a woman whose heritage is from Christians from India have (almost) love at first sight, bumping into each other after they knew each other in High School, where she tutored him in Chemistry.
After a year of happy dating, he proposes and she cheerfully accepts. Then comes the issues ... meeting each other's families and the families meeting each other.
The daggers? Looks the two fathers give each other over the preference for baseball or cricket.
The poison? The extra spicy food the young man gets (sort of) tricked into eating at a family dinner in the Indian home.
Eventually, family issues threaten the relationship, and that happens all too frequently in real life.
The conclusion is satisfying. I'm not sure this will bear repeated viewings, but we wouldn't avoid it. Thre are a few truly amusing moments.
- VetteRanger
- Nov 19, 2024
- Permalink
There were parts of this Hallmark holiday romance that were nice...like the sharing of some East Indian culture, but there were parts that were awkward like the say anything/Bollywood dance moment.
Jake and Asha meet in the ER during Christmas thanks to an icy sidewalk injury. A year later Jake asks Asha to marry him and goes to spend Christmas with both his parents and her parents the Singhs.
The spicy food, superstitions, lack of footwear in the house, sari's, etc were all fun to see as was the explanation of the small number of Christians in India. I thought the classing seemed forced because everyone seemed open and reasonable.
I really enjoyed Manoj Sood, who played Asha's father Samuel...for me he was the star of the show.
Colorful and quasi romantic. I wanted more from this film...including a few less stereotypes.
Jake and Asha meet in the ER during Christmas thanks to an icy sidewalk injury. A year later Jake asks Asha to marry him and goes to spend Christmas with both his parents and her parents the Singhs.
The spicy food, superstitions, lack of footwear in the house, sari's, etc were all fun to see as was the explanation of the small number of Christians in India. I thought the classing seemed forced because everyone seemed open and reasonable.
I really enjoyed Manoj Sood, who played Asha's father Samuel...for me he was the star of the show.
Colorful and quasi romantic. I wanted more from this film...including a few less stereotypes.
When I sat down to watch the 2024 movie "Christmas with the Singhs", I was under the impression that I was in for a Christmas movie. But it turns but that director Panta Mosleh delivered a comedy that was set against a Christmas backdrop. And while the movie certainly was watchable and enjoyable, it just wasn't exactly what I was expecting. But don't get me wrong, because the movie is not a bad movie.
Writers Patricia Isaac and Emily Ting put together a good and enjoyable script. Just don't expect to be in for a sappy Christmas movie, as I did, and you're good to go. "Christmas with the Singhs" is a feel-good kind of comedy that takes Western and Hindu culture and traditions and throw into a kettle and stir around for some funny moments and good laughs.
I was not familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. And that is actually something I generally enjoy when I sit down and watch a movie. I will say that the acting performances in the movie were good.
This movie provided me with genuine entertainment, and it is a movie well-worth watching if you enjoy comedies with more than just jokes below the belt.
My rating of director Panta Mosleh's 2024 movie "Christmas with the Singhs" lands on a six out of ten stars.
Writers Patricia Isaac and Emily Ting put together a good and enjoyable script. Just don't expect to be in for a sappy Christmas movie, as I did, and you're good to go. "Christmas with the Singhs" is a feel-good kind of comedy that takes Western and Hindu culture and traditions and throw into a kettle and stir around for some funny moments and good laughs.
I was not familiar with a single actor or actress on the cast list. And that is actually something I generally enjoy when I sit down and watch a movie. I will say that the acting performances in the movie were good.
This movie provided me with genuine entertainment, and it is a movie well-worth watching if you enjoy comedies with more than just jokes below the belt.
My rating of director Panta Mosleh's 2024 movie "Christmas with the Singhs" lands on a six out of ten stars.
- paul_haakonsen
- Dec 23, 2024
- Permalink
- jcochran-73941
- Dec 21, 2024
- Permalink
7.4 stars.
That Jeopardy category where anything goes... That's how I describe this movie. Exacerbate your sprain visiting a family of Indians, the father is very strict and judgmental. So the lead male has a serious uphill battle, trying to win over his approval. Their antics are somewhat enjoyable.
The lead female is a bit unorthodox in her presentation, but I like what she does with the character. The main man steals the show. Great performance.
The story is about a guy and a girl who happen to run into each other in the emergency room. He has a minor sprain and she is the ARNP on duty. They recognize each other from high school, she was a nerd, he a jock. It's now about 15-20 years later and there is attraction. The rest of the film is about their Christmas fiasco trying to make a doomed relationship succeed.
This film is an acquired taste, which I purchased with an open mind and an affinity for spicy food.
That Jeopardy category where anything goes... That's how I describe this movie. Exacerbate your sprain visiting a family of Indians, the father is very strict and judgmental. So the lead male has a serious uphill battle, trying to win over his approval. Their antics are somewhat enjoyable.
The lead female is a bit unorthodox in her presentation, but I like what she does with the character. The main man steals the show. Great performance.
The story is about a guy and a girl who happen to run into each other in the emergency room. He has a minor sprain and she is the ARNP on duty. They recognize each other from high school, she was a nerd, he a jock. It's now about 15-20 years later and there is attraction. The rest of the film is about their Christmas fiasco trying to make a doomed relationship succeed.
This film is an acquired taste, which I purchased with an open mind and an affinity for spicy food.
The movie started with a lot of promise. The leading couple, Anuja Joshi and Benjamin Hollingsworth were young adults starting out in their careers and had good chemistry, and the development of their relationship from their surprise meeting years after graduation, up to the proposal was reasonable, warm, and believable. I had high hopes for the movie at this point.
... and then we met the parents. With the possible exception of the bride-to-be's (Asha) mother, the parents were, to put it mildly, unpleasant. They were stereotypes of a suburban WASP couple and an immigrant couple. They expected absolute adherence to their own personal or cultural standards, and were unwilling to see the other side in any way. They were utterly competitive in their quests to win some kind of Christmas decoration prize. They portrayed the worst of inlaw characterizations.
This has been done before, with sensitivity and humor. But in this movie, it came off as bullying and was so unpleasant to watch that this was one of the few Hallmark movies that I simply turned off without watching to completion.
One last thing, Why was the movie called "Christmas with the Singhs"? It could have just as easily be called, "Christmas with the O'Briens".
... and then we met the parents. With the possible exception of the bride-to-be's (Asha) mother, the parents were, to put it mildly, unpleasant. They were stereotypes of a suburban WASP couple and an immigrant couple. They expected absolute adherence to their own personal or cultural standards, and were unwilling to see the other side in any way. They were utterly competitive in their quests to win some kind of Christmas decoration prize. They portrayed the worst of inlaw characterizations.
This has been done before, with sensitivity and humor. But in this movie, it came off as bullying and was so unpleasant to watch that this was one of the few Hallmark movies that I simply turned off without watching to completion.
One last thing, Why was the movie called "Christmas with the Singhs"? It could have just as easily be called, "Christmas with the O'Briens".
- gmead-933-493078
- Nov 16, 2024
- Permalink
The 'Singhs' truly hit all the marks of a Hallmark movie at Christmas-time. It weaves the complexity of joining two distinct cultures with the signature kindness that makes a Hallmark movie pleasurable to watch.
Each character had valid concerns, while still managing to remain endearing for me. Even Mr. Singh, with his gruff insistence, was likeable and pretty hysterical. I loved both Moms, and the dynamics of each family. It was heartwarming to see the added element of Jake's parents reuniting. Regarding casting, the cast was absolutely brilliant; I can't imagine a better selection of people. I also loved the little details, like the montage depicting the passage of a year of time, to help the viewer accept the fact that they were ready for engagement. These are really great touches that make Hallmark the top player among similar networks.
Reading these reviews, I knew that there would be criticism of the movie's attempts to depict Indian culture. I disagree, as it's honestly refreshing to see this effort happening. It's not perfect, it is progress. They did get much of it right, in my experience. A favorite scene was the simplicity of Asha's family playing Indian music together in their living room.
More than all things, the movie was not just empty feel good moments; it taught most of us something about picking battles, reaching compromise, and learning to accept things that we can't control, for the sake of having lifelong love and valued relationships.
This is a movie that delves into territory that isn't always super-common on Hallmark, and it also was such a comforting movie to watch. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a side of realistic drama/conflict with their helping of effervescent Hallmark Happiness.
Each character had valid concerns, while still managing to remain endearing for me. Even Mr. Singh, with his gruff insistence, was likeable and pretty hysterical. I loved both Moms, and the dynamics of each family. It was heartwarming to see the added element of Jake's parents reuniting. Regarding casting, the cast was absolutely brilliant; I can't imagine a better selection of people. I also loved the little details, like the montage depicting the passage of a year of time, to help the viewer accept the fact that they were ready for engagement. These are really great touches that make Hallmark the top player among similar networks.
Reading these reviews, I knew that there would be criticism of the movie's attempts to depict Indian culture. I disagree, as it's honestly refreshing to see this effort happening. It's not perfect, it is progress. They did get much of it right, in my experience. A favorite scene was the simplicity of Asha's family playing Indian music together in their living room.
More than all things, the movie was not just empty feel good moments; it taught most of us something about picking battles, reaching compromise, and learning to accept things that we can't control, for the sake of having lifelong love and valued relationships.
This is a movie that delves into territory that isn't always super-common on Hallmark, and it also was such a comforting movie to watch. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a side of realistic drama/conflict with their helping of effervescent Hallmark Happiness.
- innerlooper96
- Dec 15, 2024
- Permalink
This film uses the joining of two families over Christmas to rerun the Meet the Parents theme, while showcasing Indian celebrations of the holiday.
Ultimately dry and lifeless, this effort is not worth your time. I felt uncomfortable for our leads for having such annoying families who spoke in long, robotic and way-too-complete complete sentences.
One bright side, our leads. They could have carried the movie alone, had they not been busy playing caricatures of "regular white guy" and "modern Indian woman."
Change the channel on the Singhs.
Measuring Christmas magic: no magic, but good representation of Indian culture.
Cast Kudos: I'd like to see Anuja Joshi given another lead role, but with less responsibility than representing the entirety of her culture.
Alternative titles: Christmas engagement clash; Blending Culture Christmas.
Ultimately dry and lifeless, this effort is not worth your time. I felt uncomfortable for our leads for having such annoying families who spoke in long, robotic and way-too-complete complete sentences.
One bright side, our leads. They could have carried the movie alone, had they not been busy playing caricatures of "regular white guy" and "modern Indian woman."
Change the channel on the Singhs.
Measuring Christmas magic: no magic, but good representation of Indian culture.
Cast Kudos: I'd like to see Anuja Joshi given another lead role, but with less responsibility than representing the entirety of her culture.
Alternative titles: Christmas engagement clash; Blending Culture Christmas.
Wow! I totally enjoyed this whole movie n can relate to the cultural differences.
Both the main cast Asha n Jake did an amazing job! They had great chemistry n were so natural.
Yes this is often how it is in the beginning when 2 families with 2 different backgrounds come together.
Many real families go through this, yet they find understanding n compromise eventually.
Ben Hollingsworth was perfect for the role.
He was very patient with the father in law n loved how he tried to fit in.
His Indian dance moves put us in awe.
The father in law Manoj Sood from Little Mosque on the Prarie played the role perfectly.
Loved the little things in the .movie about removing the shoes in the house to the couple sleeping apart at parent's home out of respect.
Jake's parents were respectful n were right in saying they had a say in their son's engagement.
It's 2 families coming together n yes it is difficult but in the end it's a beautiful thing blending cultures n customs.
Loved the ending n the speeches from the 2 dad's.
We enjoy Hallmark movies taped in other countries (Ireland, Portugal etc ) but this movie was a big hit with us.
We got the little jokes in between lol like "indian time".
They weren't trying to portray rudeness but in reality it is difficult to please everyone to accept each other's traditions.
Everything is different from food, clothing to customs n traditions.
In reality these differences is what makes a fun n unique togetherness for everyone.
Both the main cast Asha n Jake did an amazing job! They had great chemistry n were so natural.
Yes this is often how it is in the beginning when 2 families with 2 different backgrounds come together.
Many real families go through this, yet they find understanding n compromise eventually.
Ben Hollingsworth was perfect for the role.
He was very patient with the father in law n loved how he tried to fit in.
His Indian dance moves put us in awe.
The father in law Manoj Sood from Little Mosque on the Prarie played the role perfectly.
Loved the little things in the .movie about removing the shoes in the house to the couple sleeping apart at parent's home out of respect.
Jake's parents were respectful n were right in saying they had a say in their son's engagement.
It's 2 families coming together n yes it is difficult but in the end it's a beautiful thing blending cultures n customs.
Loved the ending n the speeches from the 2 dad's.
We enjoy Hallmark movies taped in other countries (Ireland, Portugal etc ) but this movie was a big hit with us.
We got the little jokes in between lol like "indian time".
They weren't trying to portray rudeness but in reality it is difficult to please everyone to accept each other's traditions.
Everything is different from food, clothing to customs n traditions.
In reality these differences is what makes a fun n unique togetherness for everyone.
- husna_athan
- Nov 18, 2024
- Permalink
This was one of the worst and.most boring movies we've seen in a long time. We're Indian-American so thought this might be a fun watch but they couldn't even get the Indian-American stuff right and when they did reference something about desi culture it just sounded like it came from the mind of a suburban white person who's slightly familiar with a couple desi household things in passing. On top of that the story was dull, their was zero chemistry between the leads, the humor was non-existent, things made no sense, and the acting was pretty bad for the most part. Don't waste your time. I know we have low bars when it comes to these Hallmark movies but I don't know what target demo this movie was made for because I can't imagine it being enjoyed by anyone.
- punr-49871
- Nov 27, 2024
- Permalink
Once again! I have another favorite hallmark Christmas movie. Christmas with the Singhs. It's comical, has an amazing cast and the chemistry between Benjamin Hollingsworth and Anuja Joshi. Is so 🔥 I didn't like Asha father at all. He was a pain in the butt. I felt so bad for Jake. His father-in-law put him through so much. As for Asha mother. She was so sweet. And more understanding. Benjamin Hollingsworth is such an amazing actor. To meet him, would be a dream come. He seems like a very down to earth person. And I'm so happy for Anuja. She was spectacular in The Resident. And even more spectacular in Christmas with the Singhs.
This movie had a few decent moments but it was mostly garbage. The lead actress clearly cannot act and she's so monotone and almost childish to a fault through most of the movie. She acts so clueless that you'd be hard pressed to think if she is even an adult? She just lets the guy coast & fumble about on his own and never stands up for her so called fiancée. If I was engaged to someone like that, it'd end right then and there. I have never ever come across a single singh family which is Christian so that was weird as well. Please, for the love of god, stop giving this actress a lead role. Don't waste your time on this!
This is by far the most stereotypical, low budget movie ever made. Every single scene of this movie was extremely predictable, full of stereotypes, and boring clichés, from the overbearing Indian parents making everything about themselves, to the blatant miscommunication of the couple not talking about the specifics of their own wedding before letting their parents get involved. Samuel Singh is nothing but a stereotypical, stubborn father-in-law, who tries to involve himself in his own daughter's relationship, with the sole reason being that Jake didn't follow the patriarchal tradition of asking him for Asha's hand in marriage. Moreover, Samuel's wife, Nirmala portrays the traditional wife, always trying to make amends in uncomfortable situations that Samuel puts himself in, rather than having her own ideas or different opinions. And of course, the cherry on top of the cliche cake is that both sets of parents make amends in the spirit of Christmas, realising that all that really mattered was that their children love each other. If all this happened before they even got married I hope they get a divorce. Not to mention that it is called 'Christmas with the Singhs' but there was only one Singh who was an extra that had no speaking lines towards the end of the movie. It should have been called something else. I am all for representation in movies, and the idea of Christmas with an Indian family has so much potential, however, it was executed in a way that came across as borderline offensive and not enjoyable. It is also worth noting that I made an IMDb account just to criticise this movie.
- sophia2481
- Jan 4, 2025
- Permalink