Critic’s Score: 4.7 / 5.0
4.7
I’ve watched many Hallmark vacation movies, and Hanukkah on the Rocks stood out as top-of-the-line. It was charming, witty, and enjoyable, making viewers smile.
Round 2019, the Hallmark Channel began integrating Hanukkah into their Countdown to Christmas line-up to rejoice how others rejoice the vacations.
Whereas the earlier films had been terrific, there’s something particular about Hanukkah on the Rocks, and a part of that’s the solid. Stacey Farber (Virgin River) and Daren Kagasoff (The Villiage) star on this vacation movie.
Farber was in A Season For Household in 2023, however that is Kagasoff’s Hallmark debut, and so they had instantaneous chemistry.
Farber performs Tory, a company lawyer who will get laid off proper earlier than the vacations. Kagasoff portrays Jay, a radiologist, who returns residence to attempt to persuade his grandfather Sam to retire in Florida.
The significance of traditions and household relationships makes Hanukkah on the Rocks distinctive. Sam and Jay’s shut bond and Tory’s relationship along with her Bubby (grandmother) take heart stage and are sometimes paralleled.
That’s what kicks off the movie. Sam and Bubby desire a set of Cohen candles for his or her menorah and ship their grandchildren to search out it, who’re clueless concerning the distinction between candles.
Naturally, since that is Hallmark, Jay and Tory meet on the retailer and debate during the last set of accessible candles.
Farber and Kagasoff Characteristic an Immediate Connection That Lures Viewers In
I used to be hooked as quickly as Tory (Farber) and Jay (Kagasoff) ran into one another on the celebration retailer with an lovable meet-cute.
Hallmark is understood for tacky vacation rom-coms, however they’ve expanded on that to construct character arcs with substance.
In some methods, Tory feels misplaced since she obtained laid off from her first profession job, and she or he doesn’t know learn how to inform anybody. Jay is comparable as a result of he not too long ago ended a long-term relationship earlier than coming residence.
Initially, Jay is cautious when his grandfather gives Tory a job at Rocky’s to fill in as a bartender by Hanukkah, however quickly, he admits she suits in with the remainder of them.
It’s nearly amusing watching Tory and Jay combat their emotions as Sam, Tory’s household, and Rocky’s regulars are teaming as much as intervene.
After all, it wouldn’t be a Hallmark Channel movie with out some pesky secrets and techniques hindering their relationship, however you’ll have to look at to see how issues end up.
The Household Relationships are the Coronary heart of Hanukkah on the Rocks
Sam and Jay’s relationship and Bubby and Tory’s bond are the center of Hanukkah on the Rocks. The movie did a improbable job of paralleling the relationships, particularly close to the start, when explaining Jewish traditions or courting values.
Despite the fact that Jay swears he got here residence to assist his grandfather, Sam is aware of him nicely and thinks he’s working from one thing.
Whereas Kagasoff is a superb main man, he excels in household scenes. When he’s reverse Marc Summers (Sam), it’s paying homage to him on The Village. Jay genuinely needs to assist Sam however doesn’t all the time know the way.
Bubby (Marina Stephenson Kerr) additionally has a powerful relationship with Tory. She’s the one one who senses that Tory isn’t pleased and that Tory makes time for when she’s working nonstop.
Tory is terrified to inform her household that she misplaced her job since her household’s approval and help imply all the things, and she or he must study that generally you may make new desires.
The Quirky Characters and Hanukkah Traditions Complement the Charming Movie
We don’t wish to spoil an excessive amount of, however we’d love to hang around at Rocky’s Bar. Hallmark excels at creating entertaining bars with memorable characters, and Rocky’s takes the win.
Tory is fortunate when she follows Jay into Rocky’s since she meets many new mates, and so they alter one another’s lives. The pinnacle chef, Lottie (Lauren Cochrane), is Sam’s associate in crime, however she is initially afraid to attempt riskier recipes.
Anthony, one of many regulars, is in love with Lottie however stumbles over exhibiting her. Then there’s Stacy-Lynn, an aspiring actress higher at helping Tory in planning occasions.
In reality, Stacy-Lynn names Tory’s impressed Hanukkah celebration Hanukkah on the Rocks. It begins with a themed drink and lights the menorah every evening, then strikes on to Hanukkah video games, pleased hour, and Jewish velocity courting.
Sam’s love of the vacation and Tory’s party-planning expertise convey pleasure to this movie because the group comes collectively to rejoice. The group scenes are a few of the finest within the film.
Sam is the center of Rocky’s Bar, and nobody needs him to retire to Florida, which implies Jay has a combat on his arms. Will he see the attraction of this quirky bar the place everybody loves his grandfather?
Hanukkah on the Rocks Contains a Gifted Forged and Crew
Sam (Marc Summers) is the movie’s MVP. Summers usually hosts sport exhibits, however his humor shines by as he acts reverse Kagasoff and Farber.
It rapidly turns into obvious that Sam needs to match his grandson and Tory, and he’s a type of older males who says no matter he thinks.
One other enjoyable deal with was that Hanukkah on the Rocks reunited Stacey Farber and Cora Matheson, who visitor starred on The Spencer Sisters.
This time, she portrays Tory’s older sister, Becca, and they’re acquainted as they banter.
The last word deal with was that Julie Sherman Wolfe wrote the script.
She’s like Hallmark Channel royalty and has written quite a few movies, together with Vacation Landing: A Chiefs Love Story.
In 2022, she additionally penned Hanukkah on Rye, so she is versed in combining these traditions with household relationships and blossoming romance.
Hanukkah on the Rocks is about discovering new prospects when life tries to take you down. After you watch the movie, please remark right here or on social media together with your ideas.
Hanukkah on the Rocks premieres on the Hallmark Channel on Friday, December 13 at 8/7c.