source: A Sugar & Spice Holiday

A Sugar And Spice Christmas/Holiday (2020) - "Teach someone to fish and they will stink, teach them to bake and they will always have sweet treats." I really enjoyed this film. It was refreshing to have a story featuring an Asian family and some of the traditions of their heritage. They didn't go over the top with it and actually I appreciated that, because it can be too focussed on differences sometimes, but the nods and hints were just a nice change from the usual black or white options available. And maybe it was because I was on a weird high/come down from forgetting to take my happy drugs, but it just seemed to have the right balance of silliness and seriousness. Although he wouldn't be classed wholly as a leading man or deemed traditionally gorgeous, Tony Giroux, as Billy, definitely had a charm. As the film progressed, I thought that he was actually very cute and his character was really sweet with a lovely, fun personality. The leading lady Jacky Lai, playing Suzy, was good too, but I had to wonder if she really NEEDED that promotion or not? They always say that in these films, but then they go back to the most luxurious apartments or spend a fortune flying back and forth between the city and their hometowns, so how poor are they that a promotion is all that can save them? Suzy's Mother was an awesome character, but some of the supporting artists were a bit questionable, including and mostly those involved in the bake off. But the Nan in this film was adorable, just like mine and God don't I miss her. We never made cookies together, but as someone that was in my life longer than most of the others, she left a gaping hole. The scenes that the Nan was in really pulled at my heartstrings. What I really liked was the idea that Suzy might not get everything wrapped up in the end, so I was a little bit disappointed that they did what they did with it, but I would still say that this film was one of the best I've seen from the latest batch of the made for TV Christmas films. 7/10.

Sauce

Cultural appropriation works both ways so just stop. Maybe get some original ideas instead of ripping off others. I'm sure there are other great stories that could be told without copying.

I want to give all the creative people here benefit of the doubt, but I kept wondering if they're were told either to step it up, or tone it down, to make this a whimsical light-hearted piece loved by all. Ms Lai's character is given the complete checklist of every successful Asian professional - but then she comes across as a whiney Valley Girl? I'm surprised they didn't make the brother gay. I get this is not "Mulan" or "The Farewell," but if you're playing the Chinese card - especially for the first time on a Lifetime/Hallmark Christmas event - why rely on tropes and formulaic content? Yeah, girl comes home, connects with granny memories, and lives happily ever after with her old boyfriend. Cool. And there's nothing wrong with that, I was just hoping they would take it to another level. At least one we would remember in three weeks.

It was so cute!! I loved the script and the cast has such great chemistry. What a fun take and I'll admit most Christmas movies are really formulaic and obvious but this one has such a sweet message and great spirit! I'd watch it again and I'll keep my eyes on the leads and keep my fingers crossed they do a sequel!! (Just watched about 2 prior movies with the same sort of storyline but this one was unique enough and I swear the casting was superior to any other)

A sugar and spice holiday was a sweet movie. It was well acted and had some nice moments. But the CGIs were horrible. Still, the movie is heartwarming and has a lot of sweets in it.

I enjoyed this movie a lot and I applaud Lifetime for being the first to bring an Asian cast to the Christmas table. These networks seem to forget that there's a large Asian population out there and there's several of us who fall into their target demographics! While I enjoy the regular Christmas/Hanukkah movies on both networks I appreciate that Asian actors and fans of these movies are finally being represented! The movie was adorable and so were all of the cast members. Thank You Lifetime!