'Christmas Above the Clouds' retells 'A Christmas Carol'
Category: Television and Streaming
In the most recent retelling of the classic Christmas story A Christmas Carol, Christmas Above the Clouds brings a fresh look at the tale that has inspired generations to make changes in their lives for the better. Erin Krakow stars as Ella Neezer, a high-octane CEO workaholic whose mentor once explained that “distractions are the enemy of success.” And Ella took these words to heart. She wanted with all her heart to be a big success, and she is.
This woman who could be described as as The Devil Wears Business Suits, is no-nonsense, bottom line, get it done at all costs, providing the costs are low. On Christmas Eve she tells her employees they must work through the holiday to finish their job. Bah Humbug.
To skip Christmas, a holiday she used to love but that now she finds sad and unnecessary, she books herself on a non-stop flight from New York to Sydney, Australia, thus, with the time/date change, skipping December 25th all together. It is fortuitous that on the same flight is her ex-fiancé Jake (Tyler Haynes), the man she still loves but who she threw over in exchange for the job of her dreams. But dream jobs come with consequences, as Ella soon finds out.
While on the flight Ella is visited by three spirits, and that does not refer to the alcoholic kind. She is taken to her past where she learns about people and circumstances that helped create the woman she is today. Then when she is taken to the present and when she learns how others think of her, she is flabbergasted. How did she end up where she is? Yes, she has the dream job, but that is all. She has nothing else in her life.
Finally, when she is taken to the future Ella sees the light. She is told “It’s never too late to change.” After seeing what might be, she immediately decides to do just that – change. She finally gets the Christmas spirit back that she lost so long ago.
For a woman who was “the antithesis of Christmas,” Ella Neezer finally welcomes the joys of the holiday, friends, and family.
There have been so many retelling of the classic Christmas tale. It seems like every year there is a new version. So, what makes one more interesting than another? The actors and situations. Hallmark stars Krakow and Hynes are among the most beloved in their stable of regulars. They have been part of the Hallmark family for years and continue to shine in the many films in which they star. The pairing of these two is a delight, and one their fans will enjoy.
Christmas Above the Clouds is now streaming on Hallmark+.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 30 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites and is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.
Image courtesy Hallmark/Crown Media