Netflix’s «The Merry Gentleman» Takes Top Spot Amid Mixed Reviews

Netflix‘s latest holiday film, «The Merry Gentleman,» has soared to the top of the streaming giant’s holiday movie rankings. The film has drawn comparisons to festive staple films due to its contemporary twist on a classic romantic comedy theme. However, its reception among viewers and critics appears to be mixed.

The movie features actress Britt Robertson as Ashley, a dancer forced to leave her job in a big-city Christmas show due to her age. Returning to her small town, Ashley discovers that her parents’ bar is in financial trouble. To rescue the venue, she creates an all-male Christmas-themed dance revue, enlisting local carpenter Luke, played by Chad Michael Murray, to participate. The storyline unfolds with lively dance sequences and a developing romance between the two leads.

Critically, «The Merry Gentleman» has so far garnered a tepid response. Without an official score, early reviews suggest a split in opinions. Archi Sengupta of Tom's Guide praised the film’s goofy but engaging moments, saying they keep audiences entertained. However, other critics like Benjamin Lee were less impressed, noting the film’s lack of originality in a crowded genre of Christmas rom-coms.

Reviewer Sarah Musnicky pointed out the film’s creative attempt to modernize the holiday narrative with the male dance revue, while others felt it fell short of providing the familiar festive magic. Samantha Bergeson remarked that, despite the leads’ efforts, the film fails to capture the necessary holiday spirit that could make it memorable.

Although «The Merry Gentleman» delivers on the cozy charm expected of holiday rom-coms, it has not stood out dramatically in its category. Its appeal might rest more comfortably with dedicated fans of light-hearted Christmas romances rather than with broader audiences.