Watch A California Christmas: City Lights

A California Christmas: City Lights is a 2021 American romantic comedy movie directed by Shaun Piccinino and starring Lauren Swickard, Josh Swickard, and Ali Afshar. The movie is a sequel to the 2020 film A California Christmas, with the same cast and director, and is produced by ESX Productions and Resonance Productions. The story starts with Callie (Lauren Swickard) and Joseph (Josh Swickard) celebrating their first Christmas together as newlyweds in Los Angeles. Joseph's company, Landes Farming, is on the verge of bankruptcy, and he is desperate for investors to save it. Callie suggests that they pitch their business to her wealthy grandfather (played by David Del Rio), who has always been critical of Joseph and their relationship.

When they arrive at her grandfather's mansion, Callie discovers that her grandfather is planning to sell the house and has already found a buyer. The new owner is the charming and wealthy businessman, Owen (Ali Afshar), who has plans to demolish the mansion and build a new development. Owen is attracted to Callie and offers to help Joseph save Landes Farming if she agrees to spend time with him and show him around the city.

As she spends more time with Owen, Callie starts to question her feelings for Joseph and her loyalty to their shared dreams. Meanwhile, Joseph struggles to keep the farm afloat and gains the support of the local community, including his best friend, Manny (played by Gunnar Anderson).

The movie has a lighthearted feel with some comedic moments and is set against the backdrop of a Californian winter, with palm trees decked out in Christmas lights and surfing Santas. The chemistry between Lauren Swickard and Josh Swickard, who are married in real life, is palpable and adds to the movie's romantic charm. The addition of Ali Afshar's character, Owen, brings a love triangle element to the story, with the audience continuously guessing which way Callie's heart will turn.

The movie explores themes of loyalty, family, and the pursuit of dreams. There are some heart-wrenching moments that tug at the audiences' emotions, such as Callie's strained relationship with her grandfather, but ultimately the movie is a feel-good romantic comedy that leaves the audience with a warm and fuzzy feeling.

The cinematography and score are exemplary in capturing the essence of the holiday season in Los Angeles. The scenes showcasing the city's landmarks, such as the Santa Monica Pier and Griffith Observatory, add to the movie's charm and authenticity.

Overall, A California Christmas: City Lights is a delightful romantic comedy that is perfect for the holiday season. The chemistry between the cast, together with the witty dialogue, delivers a feel-good cinematic experience that will leave you with a smile on your face.

A California Christmas: City Lights is a 2021 romance movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.6.