source: Christmas at the Golden Dragon

I'm writing this to try and counteract the negative impressions left by some reviews on this page that either thought there were too many storylines or too much negativity in the movie. Neither was the case, for me at least. But the negative impressions from those reviews very nearly dissuaded me from watching what turned out to be one of my top five favorite Christmas romcoms of 2022. That's why I'd like to offer my contrasting point of view to all of those. Yes, there are a number of different plot lines, and it does take a bit of time to get used to recognizing each one, and following along, as the movie switches from one to another. But soon you get that hang of that and look forward to each one with anticipation. The variety this provides keeps things interesting, and moving along. Yes, as with most romcoms, every major character has a challenge or two they will face during the movie. If you have an ensemble cast with a number of different lead characters, that's a lot of challenges to introduce in a short time in the movie, so I can see how some reviewers viewed that as introducing negativity. But these characters take on their challenges in positive ways, so this movie was more rewarding -- and much less negative -- than many other Christmas romcoms. Yes, this is a different style of Christmas romcom, which is refreshing. This gets away from the been-there-done-that sameness that so many romcoms reflect. The reward for having followed all of the different plot lines is a superbly crafted ending, where we can see and appreciate the way these different storylines helped each other out. The ending provides a very satisfying resolution for the entire ensemble of stories. This is one is of my Top 10 favorite 2022 Christmas movies of 2022. You can see my other favorite 2022 Christmas movies by clicking on my profile link above; then look for "2022 FAVORITE CHRISTMAS ROM-COMs" under "Lists".

If you think a bunch of customers who have no restaurant experience are going to successfully service a packed house, you must be one of the people voting down honest reviews of the film. LOL The movie started out with more promise from the writers than they could live up to, and there was so much quick switching between characters early on we found it a bit confusing. Between Hallmark and GAF, this seems to be the year of the montage, and all they really accomplish is making too little of each subplot so that the characters are attractive, but none of their stories get enough focus. Plus, I think the ending of this (and isn't it strange to say this about a Hallmark Christmas film) was entirely unbelievable LOL ... especially with the son constantly switching between his chef's garb and a sort-of prom suit. The writers wanted everything, but ultimately made a mess of it.

There were some really good things about this movie. I understand what they were trying to do here. But it was too much. Even with trying to tie certain characters and their stories together it all felt a bit clunky. Several movies could have been made out of this one so you would think it was rushed but it wasn't. There were plenty of filler moments including an obvious product placement/commercial scene. What is interesting is this didn't have a Hallmark feel to it. It actually seemed more Netflix. There was a negative undertone to all the stories. Multiple characters were mean or rude to each other, sometimes for no reason. I found the ending kind of sad.

If you are really feeling down in the dumps, then this is the one for you. Every character in this movie has an opportunity to whine, suffer, complain, or fly off the handle. You have never heard so much negativity in a Hallmark Holiday movie before. Sometimes you wonder why some of these people just don't slap each other into sensibility. Remember Cher in "Moonstruck" ? "Snap out of it !" The actors do their best here but the script is sometimes just too amateurish to overcome. We love Barbara Nivens and she is able to rise above the material but she is just not in here enough. And Jason Fernandes as Miguel is quite good. Also, the production values are sometimes beyond belief. For example, during the first hour, there is a shot of a house with what's supposed to be snow on the roof, but it looks like a bunch of second graders slopped it all together. Nevertheless, if you would like some company to suffer with this Holiday season, this has plenty to offer.

Summary: The Golden Dragon is a Chinese Restaurant and refuge from those far from their loves ones for the holidays. A place to gather and eat meals made with love for the Holidays cooked and served by the Chens and their children, Romy and Rick. Stories and characters weave and intersect together like a beautiful Christmas wreath of a beautiful community that lifts each other up and loves one another. "Because of the Dragon, they had some place to spend Christmas along with all the other holiday orphans in town. We made a family and made new traditions." -Romy Ending Kiss: Romy comes home Christmas morning with Blake and tells Rick they need to open up The Golden Dragon one last Christmas and cook for those that rely on and love their food. Romy and Rick call up their friends to come in and help cook for Christmas day dinner as they have given the staff the day off. The friends are all excited about their different roles in the kitchen and cook together with love. Rick asks Sadie to "go to prom with him" and meet him at the Golden Dragon that night. She arrives and the restaurant has a 'PROM' dance floor for them! She kisses him on the dance floor. Romy shows Blake the table at the restaurant where she sat for so man milestones in her life. Blake makes another milestone when he gets on one knee and asks Romy to marry him! She says yes and he ties golden tinsel around her finger. Veronica and Nate dance together on the 'PROM' dance floor at the restaurant. Romy and Ricks surprise their parents with their last dinner served to them at The Golden Dragon. The family and friends of the Chens give a unique ornament with meaning and put it on The Golden Dragon's Christmas tree.

We are a nation of immigrants. My ancestors came here from Finland, Great Britain & Germany. Each group that came to America faced great challenges that they worked hard to overcome. In recent years, there has been a movement of hate towards immigrants, and that is as wrong as wrong can be. This movie weaves together immigrant and family stories to show, as only a story can, how we can grow together, while celebrating individual differences and make rich communities. I love this movie and how it so beautifully told a worthy story. I commend Hallmark for going beyond the familiar and stretching into how we can be better people together.

I've gone to Chinese restaurants on Christmas Day, the alternatives were high priced restaurants that required reservations or a come as you are Chinese restaurant with a menu I liked. I enjoyed this celebration of the Chinese restaurant and the families that own them. I also enjoyed it because it celebrated immigrants who came here and did well, especially this story which was a Chinese couple who settled in Wichita, Kansas and not the traditional coastal cities of SF, LA, Seattle, NYC...that generally attracts Asian immigrants. Standouts were Kara Wang, Osric Chau, Antonio Cupo, Vincent Cheng and Markian Tarasiuk. The script wasn't perfect but it worked.

Just like a turkey that cooks slowly until it eventually ends up on your families dinner table with an all golden brown skin, Christmas at the Golden Dragon starts off slow and gradually the sweet scent aroma of a good Christmas film permeates through your television set. I think we can all agree that you can choose your friends but you can't choose your family as you are born into it. Having said that, sometimes your close friends prove to be your closest family and such is the story line behind this memorable Christmas film. There are several story lines going on including retirement, career paths, pregnancy, divorce, marriage, and of course romance. But the underlying story is how a small community of the Golden Dragon's clientele need each other and show that they care for each other through the events surrounding the annual Christmas dinner. This is a memorable Christmas film that will warm your heart and soul.... and maybe you will shed a tear or two. I give the film a decent 7 out of 10 IMDb score.

This movie is one of my favourite Christmas movies this year. It isn't typical Christmas movie it is different and it works. The movie is about a neighbourhood Chinese family restaurant that gathers people from all corners of life and making them a family. The movie showed more than one story and maybe for some people it was too much.but for me it worked I felt the movie moved along great and I could focus on all characters . I loved the main story, how can one place be link between different people from all walks of life. There were romance stories but they weren't the main focus, the focus was on Christmas and family. Have to admit the final scene made me a bit teary..