Once Upon a Main Street

Amelia Lewis (Lachey) dreams of opening a year-round Christmas store. Her dreams are almost a reality, until her realtor shares that there is a competiting bid on her location. The other bidder is Vic Manning (McPartlin), who immediately clashes with Amelia. They learn that the decision about the property belongs to Elder Dubois (Duffy).

Amelia and Vic drive to Elder's house to plead their respective cases: her Christmas store and his gourmet chocolate shop. Elder recently lost his wife and wants time to make the decision. He also needs to focus on a town decorating contest with all of the small businesses versus a neighboring town.

Amelia and Vic offer to help with the contest. Elder invites them to stay at his house while they work. Each tries to impress and sway Elder with their unique skills. They also have their hands full wrangling the small-business owners. Can both Amelia and Vic make their dreams come true, while helping Elder?

This is a Lifetime Christmas movie. Director Polly Draper also portrays pottery shop owner Rowena Marson. 

The Good:

Vanessa Lachey and Ryan McPartlin work well together. Both are charismatic actors and work well together. Patrick Duffy is heartbreaking as Elder.

The Bad:

The side characters - shop owners and Amelia's friend - are one-note. They have minimal to no personality and are mostly forgettable.

Other Comments:

-The film is fine... entertaining in the moment, but forgettable. I watched this film because I enjoy Ryan McPartlin and wanted to see him work with Vanessa Lachey. 

Once Upon a Main Street (2020) 87 minutes

Director: Polly Draper

Starring: Vanessa Lachey as Amelia Lewis

Ryan McPartlin as Vic Manning

Polly Draper as Rowena Marson

Scott Takeda as Billy Woo

Patrick Duffy as Elder Dubois