2020 was very variable though not too bad when it came to Lifetime's Christmas films, and there was definitely the sense that the films were made in a rush with not a lot of preparation time. Yet enough of them were far from amateur-hour efforts and were still watchable all things considered. Lifetime just have done a lot better in some previous years, although their festive output is very hit and miss it should not be dismissed outright as enough have left me pleasantly surprised.

Was very conflicted with my thoughts with 'Christmas on Wheels'. It does have things done well, but also has a lot of big problems that make it a real mixed bag of a film. As far as Lifetime's 2020 output goes, it's one of the lesser ones though others are worse. Really did like that it did try to do something different, especially concerning the things that brings the two lead characters together, and appreciated that, but the film could have done so much more with it. A case of different not always meaning better.

'Christmas on Wheels' does have good things. Despite his character being underdeveloped and underwritten, Michael Xavier nonetheless brings an easy going charm that is never forced or bland. The supporting cast also doing well, with Kristen Kurnik injecting spice to the film whenever she appears.

The film also at least looks professional, with lovely scenery in particular. The music doesn't intrude and doesn't feel overused, also it has a festive sound to it. Too often not the case with Lifetime. A few sweet, warm-hearted moments.

However, 'Christmas on Wheels' has many big failings. Tiya Sircar shows little personality while also overplaying yet another variation of the exaggerated character flaw-filled female lead character seen so often. Absolutely agree about there being no chemistry between Sircar and Xavier, they look very under-rehearsed and too distant and nervous together and it would be hard believing them as friends let alone lovers. The relationship itself is also very under-explored and doesn't really go very far most of the time before rushing through when there is a little progression in the plot. All the characters are not well developed at all, cardboard cut-outs is an apt description.

Much of the story is too thin and takes too long to get going. Very little engages as well because of the lifeless pacing and routine at best direction, and what there is of the story is filled with more cliches than you can count, an over-reliance on over-convenient coincidences and forced and bland conflict later on before once again wrapping up too hastily and unrealistically neatly. Heart and charm generally aren't there. The script doesn't flow and is full of cheese and sugar.

Overall, tolerable but these wheels are full of bumps. 5/10.

This movie is a bit like a secret Santa plot and a bit like a hometown-girl-comes-home-to-throw-a pageant. Maybe add a little pay it forward or random acts of Christmas. Really this story is mostly unique.

The story is heartwarming as major characters join together to bring back a tradition of giving to the needy. Several sentimental stories are remembered in the process. Still, the story is pretty simple with no great highs or low, or surprises. Likewise there is almost no tension other than the pull on Ashley back to the big city.

Michael Xavier and Tiya Sircar has modest chemistry. It's there, but it isn't overwhelming. Likewise, most of the acting is good.

Don't start on plot holes because there are a lot, but they really don't matter. For example, Ashley gives away dozens of her the items she was saving to sell, but she is supposed to be seriously considering a lease on her first store. Not the mention the value of what both she and Duncan donate to the auction. And my experience with car parts is that there are volumes of listings with lines of specific items by year for them and that would be magnified going back to the sixties and Ashley never even takes not of a part number. Like I said - the plot holes don't matter.

It's a sweet romantic story with warm feelings of a generous Christmas spirit.

Mrs. Shullivan fell asleep through the middle of another of the bland Christmas themed films that rely on a persons childhood memories and the continued use of a Xylophone hitting the same sequence of chords throughout to help us reminisce about our own childhood memories.

Of course there is a budding romance that evolves although we never see the happy couple kiss once, not even at the end of the film. The one bright spot was the classic red Cadillac convertible driving through the wintry streets of the small town with a trunk load of Christmas wish gifts for the unfortunate kiddies.

I liked that the film stars didn't wear out the word "Christmas" and they used it appropriately, and the auction of some old Christmas antiques reminded me of Christmas's past. But just like many of our memories that we do not consider epic, they are forgotten after time just like Christmas On Wheels will fade into the sunset by Boxing Day never to be heard from again.

I give it a passable 5 out of 10 IMDB rating