The made-for-TV movie “Christmas Cupid,” premiered Dec. 12 on ABC Family, and is an updated take on Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Although the story takes place in Los Angeles, the film was shot in Midtown Atlanta and at SCAD Atlanta’s main building, which allowed students to see the filmmaking process up close. Scenes that took place at the front entrance and throughout the building fit beautifully in the production.
Singer/actress Christina Milian plays Sloan Spencer, a fiery and driven PR exec that fails to see the error in neglecting her friends and family. Like the original Mr. Scrooge, Sloan is divinely inspired by the ghost of her late superstar client Caitlin (Ashley Benson), who urges her to reunite with her ex-boyfriend (Chad Michael Murray). Sloan learns that success alone cannot make up for the presence of loved ones in your life.
“Christmas Cupid” reminded viewers to be kind and generous. At times, the characters came off as over-sexualized, which overshadowed the “Christmas Carol” theme. The main focus was on Sloan’s relationship issues and that downplayed the moral repercussions of living a Scrooge-like life. This film was marketed as being family oriented, but I would not recommend this movie for children. One scene depicted Sloan in sexy lingerie, and I was turned off by some vulgar references and sexual innuendo. The screenwriter lost the focus of the film in some parts, concentrating too much on Sloan’s love life rather than on ways her character needed to change.
Overall, the movie was entertaining, and SCAD Atlanta looked great on the screen. If you don’t see “Christmas Cupid” for the holiday spirit, it’s still worth it for a few laughs.
To watch “Christmas Cupid” click here.
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