‘CATCH ME IF YOU CLAUS’: A FESTIVE MISADVENTURE
Using the breaking news story with the jolly man in red trope, Catch Me if You Claus is one of those fun misadventure stories. But is it memorable?
Catch Me if You Claus (2023) Hallmark TV Film Review
Trying to live up to the shadow cast by her legendary mother, while also wanting to pave her way on her terms, Avery Quinn (Italia Ricci) has big dreams to earn the weekend anchor slot. She doesn’t get it, but then a twist of fate gives her a chance to anchor the Christmas morning broadcast. Her luck shifting, she has big plans to be in bed early, and be ready to go live by five in the morning. Things take a wild turn when Avery is woken by strange sounds and finds a man in her living room.
Managing to subdue him, when he comes too, the man has a weird claim: he says he’s Santa. Believing it far more likely that he’s the infamous Santa bandit robbing houses, Avery keeps Chris (Luke MacFarlane) tied up and under her watchful eye, little realizing what story this will lead her too.
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‘CATCH ME IF YOU CLAUS’: A FESTIVE MISADVENTURE. #ChristmasMovie #ChristmasMovies #LukeMacFarlane #Hallmark Share on X
This film is a fusion of many things. There’s adventure and cuteness (a requirement for Hallmark), and over-the-top silly. In many ways, I think this is intentional because otherwise the plot wouldn’t work. It’d be more “serious” which isn’t what the Hallmark Channel is known for this time of year.
The cast is decent, and there’s the familiar face Luke MacFarlane playing the lead male role. I generally like Italia Ricci in the roles I’ve seen her in, so seeing her lead Catch Me if You Claus is fun. There’s a whole ensemble of characters who come in and out of the lives of Avery and Chris as they navigate an unexpected middle of the night mystery. What I like most is the adorable opening credits, a creative addition of production that is rarely (if ever) in use anymore.
If you want something that’s less about romance and more about a silly little mystery adventure, then this may be your kind of movie. It reminds me of the ABC Family movie Holiday in Handcuffs or the lesser-known Christmas Catch. So, if you are familiar with those, then likely this will be one you’ll also enjoy.
Photos: Hallmark Media / Crown Media
Content: Catch me if You Claus is TV-G and has a few kisses. There’s references to financial crimes.
