Netflix is unquestionably having some enjoyable this 12 months with its vacation lineup. Lacey Chabert’s Sizzling Frosty offered some “cheeky, wanton lust,” critics stated, whereas Christina Milian led the good vacation romp in Meet Me Subsequent Christmas. Followers can also’t wait to see Lindsay Lohan return to the Netflix film schedule later this month. Earlier than that, although, we’ve acquired The Merry Gents, which stars Britt Robertson and Chad Michael Murray in what seems like Hallmark meets Magic Mike. This flick is on lots of people’s radars, and fortunate for us, critics acquired an opportunity to display the film early to offer us an concept of what to anticipate.
The 2024 Christmas film encompasses a tried-and-true story a couple of dancer (Robertson) who goes dwelling for the vacations to assist save her dad and mom’ enterprise. There’s no bake sale or Christmas tree-decorating contest this time round, as Ashley phases an all-male dance revue to boost the cash. Sadly, in response to IndieWire’s Samantha Bergeson, The Merry Gents is not sufficient to fulfill even probably the most obsessive about Chad Michael Murray. She grades it a D+, saying:
It’s actually saying one thing when probably the most peppy and heartfelt scenes in The Merry Gents come from the grandmother character [played by Beth Broderick]. Murray and Robertson really feel drained as leads, and whereas Murray is making it work onstage, the extra standard scenes all really feel like they’re lacking some vacation spice (amongst different issues). Not less than this film is fairly to take a look at, which is greater than you may say about most Netflix Originals.
Anna Menta of Decider is perplexed by Netflix’s makes an attempt to rebrand male nudity as family-friendly vacation content material, and the mix of Hallmark and Magic Mike ends in a “uniquely sex-less type of sexiness.” However what we actually wish to know is whether or not we must always put the youngsters to mattress earlier than or after we pour the wine and hit Play. Menta says:
Don’t get it twisted, these beefcakes could also be fairly, however they gained’t be flashing anybody. They’re simply taking off their shirts! And thrusting their pelvis. And stroking their crotches with Christmas lights. And, okay, positive, possibly very briefly flashing their ‘Naughty Elf’ boxer-clad booties. It’s undeniably sexual. And but, by some means, the film by no means strays from its TV-PG ranking (a ranking that usually signifies that content material is suitable for anybody over the age of 10).
Sarah Musnicky of However Why Tho charges the upcoming 2024 film a 6.5 out of 10, saying that Chad Michael Murray tries his greatest to develop chemistry with Britt Robertson’s character, however Ashley stays fairly one-dimensional. Its enjoyable male revue premise isn’t sufficient to make up for the shortage of spark, Musnicky writes:
As a movie with the hook of bare-chested males dancing to save lots of a enterprise across the holidays, The Merry Gents is aware of the viewers it’s gunning for. It’s me. I’m the viewers. Nevertheless, regardless of its witty title and glossy trappings, its embrace of the shallow additionally extends to its romance. For a film tapping into the sensual dance stylings ala Magic Mike, the chemistry between the 2 leads is so stiff that no quantity of stretching out can heat up this in any other case frigid begin to love. And that’s not with out Chad Michael Murray‘s greatest efforts.
Isabella Soares of Collider provides The Merry Gents a barely higher 7 out of 10, writing that it’s a little bit of a spicy spin on the ever-present vacation romance however nonetheless hits all of the clichés. Whereas there’s a bit extra pores and skin than you’d usually see on Hallmark, the dancers’ act is just too hilarious to ever be thought of sensual. The critic says:
For these eager for extra merriness within the lead-up to December’s celebrations, this Netflix authentic is the go-to amusement to maintain you firm. It encompasses a predictable love story with two charming leads, spicy however comical all-male performances, and a fast-paced plot that may move you by. Beware, this is not a groundbreaking watch by any means. It’s simply one other cozy title to maintain you in excessive spirits whilst you sip sizzling chocolate and management the urge to unwrap presents earlier than Christmas Day.
Ben Gibbons of ScreenRant, nevertheless, agrees extra with the primary critic, saying that there’s not a lot that makes The Merry Gents really feel like a vacation film, and the story isn’t all that fascinating. The extra lighthearted moments are pressured and really feel extra corny than comical, however in case you’re simply right here for a gyrating Chad Michael Murray, it may not be a nasty selection. Gibbons charges it 3 out of 10, writing:
The story lacks depth or creativity, and the comedy is undercooked, however if you would like a senseless Christmas film with a obscure Christmas-adjacent plot and a few shirtless gyrating guys, then this film shouldn’t be the worst selection. For all the failings and every thing the film lacks, it is a tacky and goofy Christmas film, and for no matter motive, that feels prefer it matches into some form of transient.
The critics are fairly blended on the subject of The Merry Gents, and it sounds just like the unusual mixture of a G-rated TV film rom-com and the R-rated Magic Mike resulted in a narrative that doesn’t utterly fulfill both viewers. Nevertheless, I don’t assume there’s something critics may say to maintain some viewers away, so in case you want a dose of shirtless CMM in your life, this film is out there to stream now with a Netflix subscription.