TNT's new original holiday movie A Perfect Day brings about one warning that's always nagged at the back of my mind - be careful what you wish for. Fame? Fortune? What changes might they bring about and what might be the ultimate cost?
The story is a bit reminiscent of both It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol wrapped up in modern day tidings with a twist or two along the way.
Rob Lowe plays Rob Harlan, recently fired from his job and suddenly a best-selling book author. His fame and fortune come at the cost of his family and friends. All through the story, he's "stalked" by Christopher Lloyd who plays a character named Michael. To me, Michael's both the Ghost of Christmas Past and what will be the Ghost of Christmas Future if Rob doesn't get his act together and realize what's important in life.
And, what's that? Well, of course, love. Not the love of money, but the love of family, the love of friends.
As a writer-type, I've always had those dreams of fantastic success with a huge book deal that would change my life. So, the character of Rob Harlan hit a particular chord with me. The whirlwind book tours, the movie deals, and the fame! What wouldn't be wonderful about all of those things? Well, they wouldn't be so wonderful if they changed who I am, such as they did to Rob Harlan.
If it sounds a bit like the schmaltzy-holiday-family-love-returns films which proliferate during the holiday season and to an extent, it is one. However, I enjoyed it. It's a bit of a different take on the theme, and presents a believable and touching story. There's nothing wrong with the genre during the holiday season, for sure. Perhaps when we view a film like this, we can think of our own lives and take inventory of what we think should be important.
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