Rating: 🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Description: The Keller family’s Christmas is going international this year. Anne and Ben surprise their three grown kids—Cal, Dylan, and Emory—with a river cruise down the Danube, from Germany through Salzburg to Vienna. What could go wrong when you trap three wildly different siblings (and their emotional baggage) on a boat for ten days? Turns out, not much—except for missed connections, romances, heartfelt family moments, and one perfectly timed Christmas secret. Starring Jonathan Bennett, Brandon Routh, and Eden Sher.
Chemistry: With so many storylines afloat, it’s impressive that every couple managed to have their story told well. Each pairing felt real—even if no one got quite as much screen time as they deserved. Still, I found myself rooting for everyone. (It was particularly fun watching Eden Sher graduate into this from her role on The Middle while keeping some of her awkward comedic skills intact.)
Plot: Finally, something different! The movie balanced humor, romance, and emotion beautifully, steering clear of the cookie-cutter formula.
Design: Europe did most of the heavy lifting. The Christmas markets glowed, and the river views were postcard-perfect. It’s Hallmark production value meets travel brochure magic.
Overall: It’s funny, moving, beautifully shot, and—yes—it even got a few tears out of me. It’s too early to hand out the coveted “Santa” rating, but let’s just say the sleigh bells are jingling in that direction.
Best Enjoyed With: Glühwein, a cozy blanket, and the Google tab open to “Danube River Christmas cruises.”
Holiday Movie Wrap 