Christmas movies hold a special place in our hearts, often delivering heartwarming tales of love, family, and holiday cheer. Among the festive films that stand out, A Gift Wrapped Christmas (2015) has become a beloved favorite for many. Recently, while watching previews for The Secret Gift of Christmas, striking similarities emerged, drawing immediate comparisons to this cherished gift wrapped christmas movie. It felt like déjà vu, prompting a closer look at just how closely these two holiday films mirror each other, and why the original still holds a unique charm.
Comparison of opening scenes from The Secret Gift of Christmas and A Gift Wrapped Christmas movies
Striking Similarities: Déjà Vu in Holiday Movie Form
The opening scenes alone are incredibly telling. Observe these screenshots side-by-side:
Opening scene from The Secret Gift of Christmas featuring similar jaunty walk as A Gift Wrapped Christmas
Opening scene from A Gift Wrapped Christmas showcasing the original jaunty walk
The resemblance is uncanny, isn’t it? Beyond just similar walks, the core premise of both movies revolves around a cheerful and energetic woman working as a personal shopper. These aren’t just any shoppers; they cater to high-powered clients – business owners and corporate figures needing to impress during the Christmas season.
As both narratives unfold, the parallels deepen. Both Bonnie (The Secret Gift of Christmas) and Gwen (A Gift Wrapped Christmas) are deeply passionate about their profession. They are dedicated to discovering the perfect, thoughtful gifts that will truly resonate with recipients. Intriguingly, both are hired by widowed, workaholic single fathers who struggle to connect with their children, still grappling with the loss of their wives and emotionally closed off.
Initially, both male clients instruct the personal shoppers to play it safe, opting for generic, uninspired presents like plants or mugs. However, both Bonnie and Gwen disregard these instructions, instead curating exceptionally special and personalized gifts. These thoughtful presents generate immense goodwill, profound gratitude, and significant business success for their initially skeptical clients. Slowly but surely, these men are won over by the shoppers’ dedication and insight.
The transformations don’t stop at professional success. Both women even take on the task of revamping their clients’ dull wardrobes, injecting personality and style. More importantly, both Gwen and Bonnie build genuine connections with the children, playing a vital role in mending their family dynamics. Soon, the fathers’ relationships with their children are blossoming, and their once-stuffy demeanors begin to melt away.
Adding another layer of similarity, both Gwen and Bonnie have supportive sisters who encourage them to seek more than just career fulfillment. They also share a common thread of absent parents, albeit for different reasons. And, predictably for a holiday romance, sparks begin to fly between the clients and the personal shoppers. This burgeoning romance, in both films, attracts the unwelcome attention of a jealous rival, creating conflict and misunderstandings that must be overcome.
Key Differences: Nuances that Set Them Apart
While the similarities are undeniable, there are enough distinctions to prevent outright replication claims. Bonnie’s shopping habits in The Secret Gift of Christmas are depicted as a coping mechanism for the loss of her mother and a strained relationship with her father. Gwen, in A Gift Wrapped Christmas, is simply portrayed as exceptionally gifted at understanding people and finding the ideal presents, with a free-spirited, globetrotting mother.
The resolutions also differ slightly. Gwen journeys to her client’s cabin to deliver his son’s most desired gift wrapped christmas present – a sled. In the 2023 movie, Patrick, Bonnie’s client, rediscovers and returns a cherished angel necklace she believed was lost forever. Bonnie’s character arc also involves a touch of self-discovery, as she verges on being a shopaholic and learns the valuable lesson that “presence” outweighs “presents,” a message delivered with a touch of Christmas magic via a Santa Claus cameo. Gwen, on the other hand, is presented as inherently radiant and doesn’t undergo significant personal growth, at least not that is explicitly shown.
Performance Analysis: Meredith Hagner Steals the Show
While The Secret Gift of Christmas is a pleasant watch, A Gift Wrapped Christmas remains the superior film, largely due to Meredith Hagner’s unforgettable performance as Gwen. Meghan Ory, while doing a commendable job channeling Hagner’s energy as Bonnie, simply couldn’t capture the same lightning-in-a-bottle charm. Hagner’s Gwen wasn’t just a breath of fresh air; she was a whirlwind of holiday spirit and genuine warmth.
However, The Secret Gift of Christmas does have a strong point in Christopher Russell, who is consistently charming and genuinely sweet as the male lead. For fans worried about missing him in a Hallmark Christmas movie this year, his presence is a definite highlight. Additionally, the actress playing Christopher Russell’s daughter deserves praise for her balanced portrayal, evoking both sympathy and admiration without resorting to negativity.
Final Verdict: “A Gift Wrapped Christmas” Retains its Crown
Overall, despite the striking similarities and the enjoyable performances in The Secret Gift of Christmas, A Gift Wrapped Christmas remains the more captivating and memorable movie experience. It earns a solid 10 out of 10, while the newer film, while well-executed for what is essentially a re-imagining, scores a respectable 7.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating for “The Secret Gift of Christmas”: 7 out of 10.
September 26, 2024
PS: It’s worth noting that the story writer is indeed the same for both films, though the scriptwriters are different. This credit information became available after the initial reviews were published.
