"Chad Michael Murray's Dance Debacle in a Small Town Christmas"

Chad Michael Murray's Dancing Abilities

First things first, the burning question on everyone's minds was whether Chad Michael Murray could actually dance. Well, the answer is quite clear - not really! Despite the initial anticipation, seeing our beloved early 2000s heartthrob grinding shirtless is more of a novelty than a true display of dancing prowess. It's a sight that might bring a smile to some, but perhaps not in the way he would have hoped.

His lack of rhythm becomes quite evident as he takes the stage with the all-male dance team. He is completely upstaged by the random bartender and cab driver who seem to have a natural talent for dancing. It's almost as if Christmas magic has bestowed them with these extraordinary skills while leaving Chad a bit behind.

The Plot and the Struggle to Save the Venue

Like many male stripper movies, The Merry Gentlemen focuses more on creating a certain vibe than on a tightly woven plot. Ashley, played by Britt Robertson, is a big city dancer who finds herself back in her small town after being fired. Realizing the importance of saving her parents' struggling performing arts venue, she recruits our man Chad (a handyman named Luke) and some local talents to form an all-male dance team.

The journey to raise funds and save the venue is filled with challenges and unexpected moments. The chemistry between the characters is evident, but the lack of a solid plot sometimes makes the story feel a bit disjointed. However, it still manages to keep the audience engaged as they root for the team to succeed.

The Lack of Sexiness

One of the biggest criticisms of this film is its lack of sexiness. With the concept being "Magic Mike but in a small town," one would expect more of the Magic Mike charm and less of the small town simplicity. These men, with their dehydrated and shredded bodies, seem to be doing themselves a disservice by only removing their shirts.

The dancing is watered down, and the relationship between the central characters is chaste, barely reaching first base. It leaves viewers wondering who exactly this movie is intended for. Is it for tweens who might find it a bit too innocent? Or is it for the horny female fan base that was marketed to? The answer remains a bit unclear.

The Casting and the Saving Grace

The saving grace of this movie lies in its casting. Millennials will get a kick out of seeing familiar faces. Alongside Chad Michael Murray, Gia from Full House (Marla Sokoloff) stars as Ashley's older sister, Marie, and Aunt Zelda from the OG Sabrina the Teenage Witch (Beth Broderick) plays Ashley's doting small town mom. These familiar actors add a touch of nostalgia and charm to the story.

Their presence helps to make the movie more enjoyable, even with its flaws. It's a reminder that sometimes, the cast can make or break a film, and in this case, they bring a certain level of entertainment value.