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Hamilton

It Takes a Christmas Village: Heartwarming for the Holidays

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There’s something about the holidays that invites Christmas romances. Whether it’s the warm feelings of family, hope or just the egg nog talking, the ‘Christmas movie’ has become a time-honoured tradition.

Now, with It Takes a Christmas Village, we are introduced to mayor Alex Foster (Brooke Nevin) as she attempts to prevent some inconvenient construction from putting her town’s shops out of business over the holidays. With only six days until Christmas, Alex comes up with an idea: a Christmas market where local businesses can get their materials to the public. However, the only location available is on the Hawkins’ farm… and tensions over past business failings have not been forgotten by the local town folk. As Alex approaches reclusive Darcy Hawkins (Corey Sevier) about the project, she potentially sparks a new romance but also fans the flame of old family feuds in the process.

Directed by Corey Sevier, It Takes a Christmas Village is a heartwarming and simple romance that fits very neatly into the holiday season. Without question, this is the time of year when television holiday films are often defined by Hallmark romances and certainly, this definitely falls into that category. Anchored by warm chemistry between Sevier and Brooke Nevin, Village‘s simple storyline moves along well. What’s more, because the film was shot in the cold Hamilton, Ontario winter, the visuals feel particularly grounded in their holiday realism. (Though most films like this shoot during the summer months, there’s absolutely no fake snow here.) Like many others before it, Christmas Village leans into the nostalgic elements of the holiday while also offering a rather straight-forward formula with its script. However, that’s not a criticism. 

In fact, it’s precisely the point. 

In all honesty, there’s something beautiful about the simplicity of this Village. Written by Kate Pragnall (who is also Sevier’s wife), the film may have a familiar premise but so too does it also feel like a cup of warm cocoa on a cold winter’s evening. The stakes seem high and noble—saving the small businesses of the town at Christmas!—yet somehow seem manageable as well. (Mayor Alex’s Christmas Market is literally assembled in less than a week, despite its massive size and scope.) The romance moves relatively quickly after a chance ‘meet/cute’. Family rivalries are put aside over a snowball fight. While there are those who would criticize this style of storytelling, these films consistently maintain a wide-reaching audience. And with good reason.

Without question, this is comfort cinema. 

However, it’s also worth noting that the film delves into conversations surrounding moving forward from your past. Because their business decisions damaged the town many years earlier, the Hawkins name is associated with pain and hurt. Despised by the community for the actions of his father, Darcy chooses to stay out of sight and lives as a recluse with his grandmother. Complicating matters is the fact that Alex’s father struggles to see past his experiences with the elder Hawkins as well. 

Even so, for Darcy and Alex, they refuse to be bound by events that took place many years ago. As a result, despite their families maintaining a rivalry that has lasted a generation, Alex and Darcy are attempt to right those wrongs. Whereas Alex’s father believes the Hawkins name cannot be trusted, Alex does not agree. At the same time, Darcy still (albeit reluctantly) opens their family’s farm up for the city to use for their Christmas market. This is a story which reminds the viewer that the sins of the (literal) father must not be bestowed upon the next generation. Regardless of what came before, Alex and Darcy can look forward to building something new. 

Together, they can chart a new path.

Heartfelt and warm, It Takes a Christmas Village is an entertaining piece that feels like a family affair. At its heart, Village is a feel-good romance that simply wants to invite you to enjoy it with those around you. There is a sweetness inherent to its storytelling that manages to charm, even in the midst of its formula. In addition, the genuine affection sparking between Nevin and Sevier makes this one of the more enjoyable additions to the Christmas holiday calendar.

So, grab a hot cocoa and enjoy. 

To hear our conversation with star Brooke Nevin and director/star Corey Sevier, click here (YouTube) and here (audio).

It Takes a Christmas Village is now playing on Super Channel and will be available on VOD/Digital on December 22nd.

Vivo: Dancing to the Beat of Your Own Drum Together

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Set in the heart of Havana, Cuba, Vivo follows a kinkajou named Vivo (Lin-Manuel Miranda) who spends his days performing with his dear friend and beloved owner, Andres. When Andres receives a letter from his former flame, the famous Marta Sandoval (Gloria Estefan), he is overjoyed and plans to meet her in Miami, Florida for her final show. However, after tragedy strikes, Vivo takes it upon himself to make the trip and deliver one last love letter to Marta in the form of a song. In order to make the journey, Vivo must team up with Andres’ grand-neice Gabi (Ynairaly Simo), a creative young tween who is determined to express herself.

Written and directed by Kirk DeMicco, Vivo is a delightful animated story about what it means to celebrate life and individuality. Partnering with Lin-Manuel Miranda, DeMicco offers a story that elevates the cultural vibrancy and importance of the LatinX community, especially through its incredible music. With his own unique style, Miranda has carved out his own legacy in pop culture. As the creator of such iconic soundtracks as In The Heights, Moana and, of course, Hamilton, Miranda’s voice and style are recognizable and often leads to success. While Vivo will not offer any new instant classics (Beat of My Own Drum is easily the closest), the soundtrack certainly has enough bounce to entertain and keep the story driving forward. Miranda has a way of bringing the film’s local culture to life through music and he allows Cuba and Miami’s flavour to burst forth with vigour.

There’s more to Vivo though than just the music. Featuring some truly exceptional animation, every environment pops to life with vibrant colour. From the neon energy of Miami to the warm pastels of Cuba and the lush greens and blues of the Everglades, each segment has its own life-giving spirit and unique qualities, whether it’s the surrounding structures or wildlife. These vivacious spaces pop onscreen with life and are a treat for the eyes.

The film also features some fun performances, especially from young Ynairaly Simo as Gabi. As a girl who moves ‘to the beat of her own drum’, Gabi is a fiery young character. With joyful enthusiasm, Simo allows her individuality to shine while never losing her soul. Backed by some solid work by Zoe Saldana, Gloria Estefan and Michael Rooker, Simo is allowed to shine in virtually every scene. (Although, ironically, the performance that seems most flat might be Miranda who does his best but still somehow lacks as the rascally kapuchin, Vivo.)

Although Gabi’s journey within the film focuses on her own individuality, the heart of Vivo goes further than this. Instead of merely suggesting that everyone has value, the film also highlights the beauty that takes place when differing cultures and voices come together. Perhaps the best example of this comes in one particular scene when Gabi and Vivo are travelling through the Everglades. As they both sing in their own unique manners about their personal goals and frustrations, they eventually fall in sync with one another and create something new that honours them both. In moments like these, Vivo not only highlights the value of our differences but also showcases the beauty that can take place when we allow cultures and tones to unite.

Fun and fiery, Vivo is an absolute blast for kids and adults alike. Anchored by vibrant colours and music, DeMicco and Miranda have created another unique story that proves to have more substance than it first appears. By celebrating unique cultures and individuality, Vivo also points to an essential value for kids to learn: it’s okay to bounce to the beat of your own drum.

Vivo is available on Netflix on Friday, August 6th, 2021.

What’s the Deal With 2020? Hamilton, Cancel Culture & Legacy

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your sunday drive podcast

2020 is nuts. Pandemic. Polarization. Social upheaval. The election. We try to put our arms around where the year is and where it might head next, seeking how we might respond from a Christian perspective.

Everyone is talking Hamilton (again). We discuss this cultural juggernaut in terms of its artistic value, how it relates to our current climate, what it says about legacy, and more.

Come along for Your Sunday Drive – quick conversation about current events, politics, pop culture and more, from the perspective of a couple of guys trying to follow Jesus.

Hosts: Matt Hill and Nate Polzin. Presented by the Church in Drive of Saginaw, MI, as often as possible. Please visit churchindrive.com and facebook.com/thechurchindrive

Hamilton: Telling the Full Story

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I actually don’t know why I’m even attempting this post right now.

I mean, people have been praising the Broadway production of Hamilton since 2015. Being here five years later trying to say something new about it seems kind of silly. The only thing that I really need to say about the newest title on Disney+ is, it’s awesome. Watch it. The end.

But alas, I’ll give it a shot. (See what I did there?)

I was already slightly familiar with the music (to put it lightly), so I went into this knowing it’d be pretty amazing. However, I was admittedly unprepared for the power of seeing the action behind the words. While I imagine seeing it in-person and on stage is a sight to behold, being able to see the nuances of the actors as they brought the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton to life was moving. It was about more than the music for me – it was about how we tell hard stories in compelling ways.

Obviously, our history is both incredible and messy, and Hamilton’s version of past events acknowledges the good, the bad, and the ugly. While brilliant and persuasive, Alexander Hamilton was just as flawed as any other human being. He made major mistakes (a highly-scandalous affair for which he was extorted, for one), and played the political game at the expense of others. The characterization portrayed by Lin-Manuel Miranda is one of internal conflict, obsession with “rising above his station,” and an unwavering sense of self-preservation. 

Yet the acknowledgements of the messy aspects of Hamilton’s character doesn’t mean his goodness is any less notable. Willing to die for the idea of a free America, holding onto deep and abiding friendships, and witnessing to his own imperfections are all traits worth recognizing. And this is what is so compelling about the play itself. Hamilton doesn’t shy away from the complexity of early American history and the ones that paved away. 

The fact that the primary narration comes from Hamilton’s political frenemy Aaron Burr is an example of how history isn’t one-sided or only valuable when it comes from the victors or first-person perspective. History has multiple angles, and multiple story tellers. By going even deeper and highlighting the stories of those hovering in the background of the play, like Thomas Jefferson, Eliza Hamilton and Angelica Schuyler, and John Laurens, Hamilton creates a 360 degree view of one man’s story, and the ripples of impact he made not only on American history, but in his relationships as well. 

Now, I know this is ultimately a work of fiction, albeit heavily researched and based on both fact and historical interpretation. This is why I want to note that to get a more comprehensive view of human experience, we need multiple forms of storytelling. Plays and movies often engage a totally different audience as opposed to books and lectures, but clearly they can’t be the only source. Critical thinking, research, and participation are all key elements in our education. It’s ok to question the stories we’ve heard and learned. It’s ok to dig a little deeper.

And it’s ok to change how we view those stories once we get a bigger picture.

More often than not I’ve noticed people assuming that if I criticize something, I’m either attacking or wanting to erase the entire existing narrative. Like Eliza tried burning herself out of Hamilton’s story, I’m not able (or even desiring) to sweep the past under the rug. The intent is to bring to light that there are layers to all stories – even our own nation’s. And sometimes peeling back those layers hurt and make us uncomfortable. But even as I sat in the discomfort of Hamilton’s selfishness, I could look forward to the brighter future that would result from living into the whole story, because I didn’t shut my eyes… or ears… through the parts that hurt. 

Hamilton: The Musical is available now on Disney+