Passable romcom

‘Meet Me Next Christmas’ packs in a Pentatonix treat this holiday season. A do-gooder, Layla (Christina Milian) holds the promise to meet the Mr Right of her life — James (Kofi Siriboe) — if only she can find a ticket to the sold-out Pentatonix concert. In comes a personal concierge, Teddy (Devale Ellis), not just leading her to the man of her dreams, but also ensuring he keeps his job!

The duo combs through the length and breadth of Manhattan — shopping, dancing, meeting the mum, cooking desserts and taking a buggy ride through the snowing Central Park. An unwavering believer in the universe, Layla keeps passing on the good fortune to those who deserve it more, while getting closer to Teddy. He not only happens to be a super chef, but a dutiful son and a resourceful concierge.

Is it airport James that the universe is directing Layla towards or airport Teddy? The plot gets more interesting as Pentatonix, the band, gets interested in their story and starts playing cupid.

This meet cute ticks all the right boxes. It begins with the magical Christmas, has a moment of ‘serendipity’, an inclusive cast and fabulous music, and all this plays out in Manhattan! Kind and considerate sure wins over wealthy and successful here. There is fate, New York traffic, a fairy godmother and a totally feminist stance — the woman gets to choose.

Alas, the lead pair, even though amazing, lacks chemistry. We know the plot, and are ready to embrace it every Christmas, year after year. But, if you have a dance-off, it better be something like the epic fun Hula Dance Battle between Jennifer Aniston and Nicole Kidman in ‘Just Go With It’.

It’s important to be invested in the story. We like Layla and Teddy, but feel little or nothing through their escapades. We want them to win the battle more for Jordy’s (Kalen Allen) pride than for themselves. The Rusty Cundieff directorial struggles to rise above the obvious cash grab that it’s made to be.

Things get slightly interesting when Pentatonix gets on stage — some good music there, and credit goes to the three-time Grammy winner a cappella group. For a moment, towards the end, you feel for Team Tayla. But one doesn’t know if it’s the film or your faith in holiday spirit!

However, holidays have surely kicked off, on Netflix at least!