Review: A Keller Christmas Vacation is Hilarious and Heartwarming

There’s something for everyone during Countdown to Christmas on Hallmark Channel, and A Keller Christmas Vacation is one of those movies that can be watched with anyone and everyone this holiday season. I had a chance to screen the movie ahead of its premiere and it’s a rare gem that’s equally hilarious and heartwarming. 

Brandon Routh, Jonathan Bennett and Eden Sher star as Keller siblings Cal, Dylan and Emory. Despite leading busy lives, the siblings come together when their parents invite them on a Christmas cruise down the Danube. It may not be the smoothest of sailings, but this trip through the idyllic European landscape at Christmas is one that the Keller family will never forget. 

Since we’re keeping things spoiler free, I’m going to focus on the Keller siblings and why I loved them so much, and why I think you’ll love them, too. At the start of the movie, we get a picture of where each sibling is in his or her respective life. They’re not perfect but they’re all out there doing their best to live their best lives. That said, they don’t spend as much time together as a family as they’d like. Hence their parents’ desire to bring everyone together on a cruise, where close quarters will force some forced proximity, if you catch my drift. 

Eldest child Cal is used to being the one in charge. Routh is in his element as the leader of the siblings, and he’s not above drawing from his immense life experience — both the high points and the low points — to help guide the way. Middle sibling Dylan is at the top of his field and he’s trying to focus on two of the biggest deals of his life and he’s looking for some inspiration. Bennett is charming as always, and he infuses an equal portion of comedy and vulnerability into the role. Emory, their little sister, is used to being pushed around by her brothers as she tries to find her place in life. Sher’s comedic timing is pure perfection.

A Keller Christmas Vacation is as heartwarming as it is hilarious. You’ll laugh and you’ll cry, and if you’re like me you’ll get to the end of the movie and feel like your spirit has been lifted with a hearty dose of holiday magic.  

Could this be the start of a new franchise? It’s anyone’s guess, but if I had my way there would be at least one sequel set during Christmastime a year later. The Keller siblings, like the Three Wise Men franchise’s Brenner brothers, are a lot of fun to watch and they all have more stories to be told. Hallmark, if you’re listening, please put another Keller family movie under the tree next year!

A Keller Christmas Vacation premieres Sunday, November 9, at 8 pm ET/PT on Hallmark Channel.