I was two steps away from a full food coma from a Friendsgiving feast when one of my friends suggested we cap off the night with a movie. “Chad Michael Murray is in it” was enough reason for me to watch her pull the movie up on Netflix. When I caught a glimpse of him shirtless and in suspenders, I knew I was in for a wild ride.
What happens when you take the classic Hallmark formula and throw Magic Mike into the mix? You get an explosive package in “The Merry Gentlemen.”
Ashley Davis is a Broadway dancer in a Christmas show called “The Jingle Bells.” She makes a misstep on stage, then is swiftly replaced by a new recruit for the sake of “keeping things from going stale.” Devastated, she visits her hometown of Sycamore Creek for the holidays. Her parents own a nightclub called the Rhythm Room known for live performances, but attendance has dwindled in recent years.
With a debt of $30,000 hanging over her family’s heads, Ashley is determined to save the local favorite by having her brother-in-law, a taxi driver, and the frustratingly charming Luke star in a “male dance revue” (it brings a lot more attention when her sister Marie pointedly advertises it as male strippers).
Truly, I had no idea what to expect from this movie. First, it had a PG rating, which I could barely wrap my head around. There were no swear words thrown around, but the HD ab-shots had me questioning whether we should update parental guidelines for movies.
Thankfully, I wasn’t with my family while watching, and was with my friends instead — which made the experience for me. I had the time of my life predicting the lines and tropes the movie was about to pull, laughing when I got them right, and shrieking during the dance numbers.
However, being predictable doesn’t make a movie bad. These tropes and storylines are well-loved for a reason, and there’s comfort in watching something that pulls on your heartstrings exactly the way you thought it would.
If you’re looking to spice up your holiday movie watchlist, “The Merry Gentlemen” will be a beyond-entertaining addition!