Christmas in Homestead (2016)

[bunniefuu]

Yeah, there she is! Over here!

Hey, guys, good to see you, as always.

Jessica! We just saw Vince Hawkins arrive.

What's it like doing another film with your ex-boyfriend?

Ex-boyfriend, key word "Ex".

It's gonna be a great film.

Bye, guys.

Jessica! One more--

Jess, come on, one more, one more, one more!

Let's see! Let's see! Come on!

Jessica, what can you tell us about Vince?

Is he inside there? The proposal rumors true?

Jess, come on! How about an exclusive?

One more! One more! Come on, over the shoulder, please!

Jess, oh, you're stunning, stunning.

Stunning, Jessica.

Hey, Jess! What do you think?

Rosalie, what is that?

It's a Christmas tree.

Yes, it's beautiful. Why is it in my house?

Because it's almost Christmas, and everyone needs a tree.

We're spending the next ten days in Iowa... sh**ting a Christmas movie.

I'm gonna see plenty of these trees.

Okay... well, your co-star awaits you for the meeting... and Barbara just texted, she's two minutes away.

A director that runs late... great.

All right, let's get this thing going... so I can get on the road and pack.

I'll wait for Barbara.

You and Mom are going where?

A river cruise in Europe? What about Christmas?

Jeez-- what are we gonna tell Sophie and Zoe, Dad?

Tell me and Sophie what?

Mom and Dad are skipping Christmas... to go on a river cruise.

Cool! Give it to me.

All right, here's Zoe.

Dad... yeah, we're very happy.

Yes, even Matt is happy, too. Aren't you, big brother?

I'm not-- ow! Ow, stop!

Yes, I'm very happy, Dad. See?

No, Dad, stop worrying about the lodge.

It's why you left the business to us... so you and Mom can go gallivanting around the globe.

Catch 'em!

Stand back!

Hey, Soph...

Prepare for battle!

Sophie... hi. What are you watching?

"The Asterlight Chronicles, Part Three... The Fires of Smeed!"

That's the one about the dragon?

Dad, it's not really about dragons.

It's about this girl, Helena Asterlight, who saves the world!

Who's that?

That's Jessica McEllis!

She's like the most famous, prettiest actress in the world.

And she's gonna be staying here, in our lodge!

Isn't that cool?

Yeah, it's cool. Could you turn this off for me, though?

I gotta talk to you.

Dad! Daughter!

Thank you.

So, Grandma and Grandpa aren't coming for Christmas this year.

But they're going to miss--

I know, Christmas morning, presents in our PJs, everything.

No! They're gonna miss Jessica!

That's a nice tree upstairs. Whose is it?

What do you mean, whose is it? It's mine.

Yeah, right, since when do you get a tree?

Since... I... felt like it.

Oh, okay.

Who needs a tree... when they're going to Fiji again for Christmas with--

With my best girlfriend?

Vince, you and I broke up.

Jill's going in your place this year.

Ouch.

Good for Jill, though.

So does that mean we have to keep things... strictly professional on location?

This is my first time producing a movie.

My first big thing after the Asterlight series... and I can't have anything messing that up.

Classic Jessica. What does that mean?

Means you have every detail planned always.

No, I don't! You do so!

Oh, excuse me, Mr. Play Everything by Ear!

You know, if this were a movie, this is when we would kiss?

Do you see a camera?

I do... bam!

Just a little peck on the cheek, as a truce.

It'd be a great PR for the movie.

Vince!

That is going to be great on Instagram.

That's not funny. I'm not kidding, delete that right now.

Oh, come on. Now.

Okay, okay, I'm deleting it right--

Delete it.

I'm not deleting that.

What was that? Be happy for Mom and Dad.

I'm happy for them.

Ow! Would you stop pinching me?

I am, I'm very happy for them, I am.

You're just not good with change.

That's not true at all.

Is this about the movie?

No--

Melanie?

I know this was her favorite time of year.

I'm fine with change... as long as something needs changing.

Oh, come on, we gotta get going.

The mayor can't be late for his own town hall meeting.

So we found this cute, little lodge.

That's where we're sh**ting. Yup.

And that's a nutcracker. Uh, that's a candy cane.

Barbara's here. There's Santa--

Trevor, I don't care that she's making fun of your turtle.

Your turtle doesn't care, either. No, he doe--

I love you. Bye. Sorry.

No worries.

How are your kids gonna handle you going on location?

Oh, that's gonna be my husband's problem.

It'll be "Lord of the Flies," for sure.

But my problem is going to be ten days of outdoor shoots... in December in Iowa.

Right.

Wait, the travel memo says you're arriving tomorrow.

Yeah, my character grew up in the area.

I just want to get a feel for the place.

I don't need to get a feel for the place.

I'm playing an inn keeper, it's not rocket science.

I know because I played a rocket scientist who saved the world.

I did.

So, who else is in this movie?

Vince Hawkins, the action star.

Dad, you should know this.

I should-- I can't keep up with all this stuff.

I'm busy raising a daughter, running a lodge, being mayor.

They're staying at our lodge.

You should know everything about them!

I don't know everything about any of our other guests.

Dad, if you embarrass me in front of the movie stars--

Don't worry, Soph...

I'll make sure he doesn't do anything dumb.

So are there-- are there any dragons in this movie... that they're sh**ting here?

I just can't.

We'll need to be done by the 23rd.

I think my family's gonna notice... if I'm not home on Christmas Eve.

Hey, what about Christmas with your folks?

Rosalie, I'm taking Jill to Fiji.

She just broke up her boyfriend.

All right, I'm just asking.

I'm sure your folks would love to see you.

And I'd love to see them, too... but I bring too much drama with me.

I already told them I can't come.

Hey, um, are we good with the town?

Someone said the mayor wasn't happy.

Yeah, they have these Christmas events... and he doesn't want us in the way.

But that's why we want to film in this town.

Yeah, I would think they would be excited.

Think of the publicity. Right?

We don't want that publicity. We don't want--

Mr. Mayor--

Pete, I've known you since I was born. Please call me Matt.

Mr. Mayor... this issue has already been decided by the town council.

I just have to--

The lighting of the tree, the snowman competition... the sleigh rides... these are our traditions.

It's our job to protect these.

Okay, what's more important?

Hollywood coming in here and taking over the whole town... and movie stars and-- or our family?

I want the movie stars.

Meeting adjourned! Let's go light the tree!

Yeah!

What if I mess it up?

What if I'm always just the pretty girl... who did the Asterlight movies?

Hey! You are more than just the pretty girl.

You're Jessica McEllis, slayer of dragons.

Slay this one.

Homestead Choir, everyone.

Thanks so much. Beautiful as always.

Ready? Yes?

Let's kick off the Homestead holidays... with the lighting of the tree!

Doing the honors this year, none other than my daughter...

Sophie Larson.

So do you think she'll be nice? Who?

Oh... Jessica McEllis?

Yeah.

Ah... yeah, I don't know.

I don't know... I think she will be.

Do you think she'll like me?

Soph, that's a no-brainer. Who's not gonna like you?

Hailey Sheppard doesn't like me.

Wait, I thought she was your friend.

That's the other Hailey. Hailey Sheppard doesn't like me.

Well, she should, you're smart, you're cool.

Dad!

I think Jessica is gonna love you. Here.

I'm not supposed to eat sweets before bedtime.

Well, luckily, I know your father.

Yeah. Yes!

Hey, guys, I gotta run over to the bakery to grab those pies.

You want to come with me, Soph?

Okay. She's a bundle of Christmas joy, isn't she?

Be back in a sec.

I am Asterlight.

Look at all the Christmas stuff.

Wow, the crew has done a great job with the set decoration.

Jess, the crew doesn't get here until tomorrow.

Wait, so all of this is-- Yeah.

The town did all of this?

They really like Christmas.

Oh, hey! Gavin, pull over.

What are you doing? It's a bakery.

I want to get something for the crew.

Ooh, cupcakes!

Whoo.

Merry Christmas, Pauline.

Morning, Matt. Are you here for your pies?

Yes, ma'am.

It isn't Christmas without Pauline's famous pumpkin pie.

You are so sweet. I've got them in the back... but I've got a little something extra for Sophie.

Don't you do that. Stop that. You spoil her.

You help yourself to some coffee, okay?

Thank you.

Oh, hi. Can I get, like, a hundred cupcakes?

Oh, I'm sorry, I don't--

Chocolate, vanilla, red velvet. Do they have red velvet in Iowa?

You must be with the movie.

Yes, yes... do you want an autograph?

Uh, no, thanks.

Oh, come on, don't be shy. There you go.

Don't go selling that on Ebay!

Why would I sell this?

So, the cupcakes... can they be ready on Monday?

That would be amazing. I'll pay extra.

Look, you have to talk to--

I'll send someone back for them. That would be great.

Thanks! Bye!

Jessica. Jessica, Jessica, Jessica!

What's going on with you and Vince, huh?

You've got to be kidding me. Where's the rest of the horde?

It's just me so far. What about an exclusive?

Sure, you can have an exclusive up-close look at my bodyguard.

Oh, oh, all right, all right, Gavin. Stand down.

Jessica, I'm just doing my job.

You have a lousy job, Ian.

Tell me about it.

You're welcome. Have a great day.

Hi, welcome to the Homestead Lodge.

Hi, checking in.

Two under Evans and one for Williams.

Yep, we are all set. Let me just grab your paperwork in the back.

Watch out!

Whatcha' watching?

Dragon Wars.

Huh, is it any good? It's not the best one.

It's not?

The Dark Forest is better.

But my all-time favorite is--

Whoa. Oh, man... oh, man!

Oh, wow, oh, man!

Hi, I'm Jessica. What's your name?

Sophie Larson! I've seen all your movies.

Well, not all of them.

Dad wouldn't let me see "The Heavy Heart"... because of the kissing... but I've seen the "Asterlight" movies a billion times.

A billion? Wow, that's a lot.

I can't believe it's really you!

I can't believe it sometimes, either.

So, are you staying here?

No, I live here, on the other side of the lodge.

Do your parents own the lodge?

My dad and aunt do.

Oh, nice.

Hi, there. How are you?

Dad! Look, it's Jessica McEllis!

Oh... okay.

The whole autograph thing makes a little more sense now.

Wait, you got her autograph? Where is it? I want to see it.

So you don't work at the bakery?

No, no, I was just there picking up some pies... for the lodge.

That you own. Got it. Sorry.

No, it's okay, I didn't know who you were either, so we're even.

I'm Matt, and that's my sister Zoe.

Hi, Zoe.

This is my daughter Sophie right here.

Hi, I'm Jessica's publicist Rosalie and this is Gavin.

Nice to meet you. You, too.

Gavin... pleasure. Nice to meet you.

Welcome to the Homestead Lodge.

Thank you, it's really beautiful.

Thank you, I appreciate that. We take a lot of pride in it.

Um, Zoe has your keys, yeah? Zoe, hey, hey--

Yeah.

And, uh, if you guys need anything else... don't hesitate to ask, okay?

Oh, actually, could you help me maybe get in contact... with the town's mayor?

I hear he's a bit of a stick in the mud... and doesn't want us Hollywood types ruining Christmas.

Dad is the mayor.

You're the-- Stick in the mud, yeah, hi.

Well, wow-- I'm so sorry.

Why don't we set up a time for you two to talk tomorrow?

Maybe you can give us a tour of the town? -00 AM?

Sure. Yeah, that'll work.

Perfect.

Thank you.

And listen, we are not gonna be in your way at all.

We don't want to change a thing.

You won't even know we're here.

Hi, Gavin!

Hello.

You're Jessica's bodyguard, right?

I think I should get a bodyguard.

I mean, it's not like I have crazy fans... but it would make Hailey Sheppard jealous.

She thinks she's special because she has a horse... but I'd be all, "Big deal, I have a bodyguard."

Have a seat.

I won't need you all the time... just like for school and when I go to my piano lessons.

Do you think Jessica will mind if I borrowed you?

Um...

Last Christmas, I got the Asterlight Chronicles books... like the whole set of real books.

Which is so cool... and I read them all, but I think the movies are better.

Weird, so do I.

Good morning, Jessica. Good morning, Sophie.

Dad said I could go on the tour as long as I don't bug you.

You could never bug me.

Hey. Good morning.

Good morning. Good morning.

Everyone ready for the tour?

Absolutely. I can't wait.

All right, great. Let's get started then.

I can't imagine how this could get any more awkward.

Hey, hey, hey!

Hi. Hey.

So where's everybody off to?

I'm freezing, Micky, that's how it's going.

Yeah, I got a few of Jessica and some of Vince... but nothing interesting.

Oh, trust me, you will be the first to know.

Thanks. Bye.

Hm.

Ah, so, yeah, there's the Homestead Cafe right there.

They have the best hamburgers.

Who doesn't love a good burger?

You don't. You hate hamburgers.

No, I don't.

Yes, you do.

Remember that time we took the jet to Martha's Vineyard?

We got out at that little diner?

So, Matt, did you grow up here?

Yeah, born and raised.

And the lodge?

Ah, that belonged to my parents... and then they retired, went to Florida... and so my sister Zoe and I took it over.

Keeping it in the family, how sweet.

Yeah, absolutely.

You know, Jess and I stayed at this amazing inn... one time in Budapest, hon, you remember that?

So, you're the mayor, as well! It was an actual castle.

That's so impressive.

Wow, you must really love it here.

I do. Morning, Mayor!

Well, I can see why. It's just got that small-town charm.

Yeah.

It's uh-- it's really quiet here.

Housekeeping.

Miss McEllis?

What?

Hey!

Whoa, whoa, whoa!

Oh, gosh... oh, my gosh. Ouch.

We have the best Christmases of anyone.

There's a big tree and carriage rides... and the snowman competition is tonight!

Yeah, and then it all culminates in the Festival of Lights.

Points coming through... points. Oh! Watch your head! Okay.

Yeah, you gotta be careful around here, honey, all right?

Um, it's Christmas Eve and you know... there's Christmas lights everywhere, it's--

Yeah, they don't do Christmas lights in Fiji.

Remember that one year, we were down on the beach...

Christmas, we were in our bathing suits--

Hey, Vince, can I talk to you for a second? Excuse us.

Yeah, sure.

Hey, what's going on?

What do you mean?

What is with this walk down memory lane all of the sudden?

I don't know, it's just the holidays... and I don't know, I'm gettin' nostalgic, I guess, is all.

Okay, cut it out. I'm trying to get this guy to like me.

You want this guy to like you?

Come on, not like that.

I just-- I'm trying to convince him that we're not stuck up... movie stars and your stories about us traipsing around... the globe aren't helping.

We need to find some common ground.

Okay! Why didn't you tell me? Gotcha... I gotcha.

Hey, Matt.

Hey, man... I'm playing an inn keeper in this movie.

Just like you.

All right, yeah... how's that for common ground?

Here you go.

Thanks.

How can you do that?

How do you go around invading famous people's lives like that?

That's their privacy.

We all have our jobs to do. What's yours?

Are you a maid here or...?

My brother and I own this place... and it's called housekeeping.

Aren't you a little young to be a business owner?

I plan on having a chain of these lodges... around the country by the time I'm 30.

Aren't you a little old to be climbing trees?

Touché.

Well, I better get going.

No rest for the wicked and all that.

Just a warning, I will call the sheriff... if I see you around here again.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Thanks again.

And thanks for the ice pack.

I know this looks like a lot, but once we get it all set up... it'll be a lot less intrusive.

Okay, good, good.

I mean, this is the town square... this is where we do the tree and the Santa.

Where's Santa? Where's the tree?

We had to strike them, they weren't working for us.

They struck Santa?

Oh, sweetie, no... it just means that they had to put him away for a minute.

Everyone, this is Barbara McKeevers, our director.

Hi, Barbara. Hey, I'm Matt Larson, I'm the mayor.

What's going on here?

Don't worry... Why did they have to-- we're going to put them back before we leave.

Excuse me. If you'll excuse me.

Is that-- where-- No, give him back his turtle.

Jessica! Vince!

Any truth to the rumors you're getting back together?

Any truth? Come on, anything you can give me, just a little bit.

Tell me, tell me. Vince, I see that smile.

Come on!

Hey, uh, look out, Santa's coming through!

Santa is gonna be okay, honey.

Mm-hm.

You think Jessica and Vince Hawkins... are gonna get back together again?

No... why?

Oh, nothing, it was just something I heard... one of the photographers say.

You know, they just--

She can't come in here and just take over the town.

I don't care how famous she is.

Being famous can't be easy.

Right, no, you're right.

The mansions, the private jets, it's gotta get tiring.

It's gotta get really tiring.

What about the constant spotlight... people climb trees to get pictures of her?

They climb trees? Mm-hm.

I'm just saying that... So are you upset about the tree?

...underneath all that movie star stuff is a person.

You're right. You're right.

I'm not gonna let it bother me.

Tonight's the snowman competition... and we are going to win this year.

Because it doesn't look like a snow blob every year.

A what? A snow blob?

It's like-- the body's like... meh--

If the body moved like that, I think we'd win, actually.

Do you think the kiss scene works?

What do you mean?

I mean, it's like... it only happens because... she's nostalgic for the kind of Christmas she had as a kid.

Well, when you get to it, try something new.

Improvise.

Yeah, I don't improvise.

Trevor, hold on. Can I come in?

Of course.

We have a problem. We got a camera down.

How long to get it fixed?

About an hour, but we're supposed to be done at 7:00.

So we sh**t with one, and it'll just take longer.

Okay, but then that's gonna delay... the snowman-building competition.

Oh, well, then no. We can't-- we can't do it.

Not after the Santa and the Christmas tree.

Jessica, if we cut now...

I don't know where we're gonna make up the time.

We are already pushing to get to the 23rd.

Yeah, you're gonna go over budget.

Don't worry about the budget. I'll take care of the budget.

We'll figure something out, okay?

I promised them no more surprises.

Okay, you're the producer.

Great.

Trevor... no, honey, I don't want to talk to his turtle, no--

I think our snowman should have blue eyes, so he'll be special.

Well, he's always special.

Dad, it always looks like a blob.

Don't look at me. I don't know where she gets it.

You don't, no idea?

No. None? One guess.

I'm looking at you. How about that? It's a hint.

Hey, Gavin, we're going back to the lodge.

Can you pull the car around? Great.

Okay, everyone, everyone... can I have your attention, please?

Ssh, here we go, here we go.

We will be starting promptly at 7:00 o'clock.

This is your 15-minute warning! Okay?

Hello...

Hey.

What's wrong?

Nothing, everything is great.

Michael and I got back together...

so I just want to let you know that--

So, you're not going to Fiji with me.

No, I'm going to Florida...

with Michael to his parents' house.

Please be happy for me.

Babe, yeah, of course, I'm happy for you.

JILL I promise, I'll make it up to you.

Um, hey, Jill?

They're calling me back to set. I gotta-- I gotta go.

Okay? Love you, bye.

Love you, too--

Mr. Mayor?

Please, it's Matt. Don't-- Got it.

Listen, I just wanted to let you know... that we're gonna be done any minute now.

Jessica insisted on it.

She did? Yes.

She's gonna make sure that there aren't any more problems.

I really appreciate that. Thank you.

Yes, thank you.

Hey, hey, will you hold this for a sec, I'll be right back.

Wait, where are you going? The contest is going to start.

Just going to check on something.

I'll be right back, okay?

What?

Hi, I--

Hey!

Oh, I'm so sorry. I don't want to-- I don't want to bother you.

No, no, no! Please come in. Have a seat.

Okay.

Are you okay?

Yeah... I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I'm fine, I--

How can I help you?

I, um... wow.

Sorry, I'm sorry. This is nice, though.

Uh, I just wanted to thank you.

Your publicist told me that you had gone out of your way... to take care of us... with the snowman thing?

Please, it's nothing.

I mean, I know all of our Christmas traditions... probably seem a little silly to you--

I mean, to anyone who's not from here.

I don't think they're silly.

In fact, I wish I had some.

Oh... hey.

I'm sorry. I don't usually cry in front of strangers. This is--

I've done much worse in front of strangers.

Like what?

Karaoke.

Karaoke? Really?

Yeah, I was--

It was pretty soon after my wife passed away... and I was in Chicago.

It was a travel industry thing, anyway.

There was a small karaoke bar there... and I started to feel very strongly about singing... a Celine Dion song.

Come on, really?

Oh, yeah... yeah, yeah, yeah. This is all true.

Fortunately, no videos have surfaced on the internet yet... so I think I got away clean.

But now you know about it.

You're the only one who knows about it.

Well, your secret is safe with me.

Thank you... yours, too, with me.

Your-- your crying secret.

Right.

Anyway, thank you again for helping us out.

You have some very, very grateful snowmen out there.

Good luck with the competition.

I think we're gonna need it, that's what I'm told anyway.

Hey, uh, I just want to say thank you for talking to me.

Made me feel a lot better.

Hello.

Gotcha.

Anyway, so... good night.

Do you want to go with us?

I mean, it's just me and Soph, and my sister... we're building a snowman.

Uh, sure, yeah, give me a minute to change?

Yeah.

More snow, guys. Yeah.

Guys, we need more snow for the base.

Wait.

I thought this was the head. No way.

That's the head. It's the base.

Oh, right.

How could this be the head?

We're in so much trouble. No, come on.

No, we're good, we got this. We got this.

Let's just work on the body.

No, that's the head. Oh...

Yup. Okay, time check, time check.

We got 20 minutes.

What? We're in so much trouble. No, we're not, we're not.

Wow, this would be so much easier if it was an actor.

Then we could just cover up all his flaws... with hair and makeup and... wardrobe.

Let's go!

Excuse me! Oh, my god.

Coming through.

Take whatever you want. Cool.

How about these?

Look at me.

That's amazing, it's amazing.

Wait, guys!

Christmas sweater. Blue hair?

I love it.

Oh, my god! Cool.

Guys, we gotta go. Yes, I love that!

That's a winner. Yeah?

Yeah, that's it, okay. How much time do we have?

We have to go! What about this?

No, we have to go!

Perfect.

Nice.

Good craftsmanship.

Well done, team!

Impressive.

We have a winner!

All right, Soph, time for bed.

Okay. Goodnight, Jessica.

Thanks for making our snowman better!

My pleasure.

Okay, come on.

Put that trophy somewhere safe.

Okay, I will.

I'll be right up, guys. Okay.

I think she's going to sleep with that thing tonight.

Tonight?

When I won my Golden Globe, I slept with it for a week.

You won a Golden Globe?

Wow, you really don't know who I am, do you?

No, I do. No, no, no, no, I do.

You were in that movie... with the dragons and the other.. Right.

...movie with the dragons. Dragons, mm-hm.

Who could forget that one?

You're right. I don't know who you are.

I'm Jessica McEllis.

Matt Larson.

Nice to meet you. Nice to meet you.

Jinx.

That's what Sophie always says anyway, I don't know.

I'm not really sure what it means.

Hey, you two, what are you doing?

Hey. Hey.

We're just um-- we're celebrating our win... from the snowman competition tonight.

That's great. That's really great.

Matt, you should teach me how to build a snowman.

Sure.

Hey, I'm... ooh--

I'm gonna hit the hay. We have a really early call tomorrow.

You should, too. Goodnight, guys.

Goodnight.

I should get going... but thanks.

Thanks again for inviting me.

Of course. Yeah, I had fun.

Good.

Look out! Look out! Look out!

Watch out!

No! Look out!

I am Asterlight.

No, no, that's great, Mickey. Yeah.

Okay, yeah, keep me posted. Bye.

Hey, hey, Zoe!

My knee is much better, by the way.

Well, you owe me an ice pack, by the way.

I'll add it to my shopping list.

Okay.

Stop! Stop.

Oh, come on. Stop.

I need some good stuff for my next show.

Wait a second, you do shows of your celebrity photos?

No, I take pictures of regular people who inspire me.

Okay, stop, seriously stop.

Oh... that one's definitely going in my next show.

Bye, Zoe.

And action!

I'm freezing!

I'm gonna get you a parka for Christmas.

You're gonna get me a present? Yeah, why not?

We haven't seen each other since...

Since we dated in high school.

It's not my fault you went off to be a movie star... after I broke up with you.

You didn't break up with me! I broke up with you.

That's not how I tell it.

I think you're misting the--

Cut!

Misting the point here. Misting, really?

Cut! Sorry.

Can you give us one second, please?

Hey. Hi.

Do you remember what I got you on our last Christmas together?

You remember? Earrings.

Whoa... nice. Yeah... mm-hm.

Yes, I did, antique earrings.

With little sapphire insets, your birthstone.

They are lovely.

Thank you.

You're gonna love what I got you this year.

Come on. No, no, no, no, stop.

I know I shouldn't have gotten you anything at all, okay? but I saw this and you said you wanted it once... and I-- I had to get it.

Wait a second. You remembered that I liked something... and then you got it for me?

Wow. Hah-hah-hah.

Yes, I did. You're horrible.

I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding.

Do you want to have dinner tonight? You and me?

Tonight? I can't tonight.

I'm going on a sleigh ride with the Larsons.

Going on a sl-- the who?

The people that own the lodge. You know, Sophie and Zoe--

And Matt.

Yes... Matt.

Mm-hm. Mm-hm.

Cool, yeah, it's gonna be fun. Yeah.

We'll do it another night.

All right, are you good?

Yeah. All right, we're going again.

Quiet, everyone! Yeah, we're great.

Roll sound!

Hey, Jessica, did you know that Hailey Sheppard... this girl in my class, she has a horse.

I did not know that.

We're not getting a horse.

Well, of course not! That would just be copying.

We need something special, like a zebra.

Ooh, a zebra. A zebra?

Where would we put a zebra? A zebra would be cool.

Oh, here we go!

Thank you. You're welcome.

Ooh, here we go!

Hey. What's this?

Hot chocolate.

Thanks. You're welcome.

No marshmallows?

Come on.

What's Christmas like in Hollywood?

Well... warmer than this.

Oh... here. Oh.

There you go. Thank you.

Do you spend it with movie stars?

Christmas? Sometimes.

Yeah, there's usually a party going on somewhere.

Not this year? No.

No, I could spend it with my family, but...

I tend to mess up the holidays for them.

I feel like they should be able to enjoy them... without the burden of paparazzi or fans.

You can spend it with us.

Soph...

It's a lot of fun.

We have the festival of lights on Christmas Eve... and then I go to bed early, so I can get up... and then we can open presents by the tree.

Wow, that does sound like fun.

Sophie, I think Jessica has better things to do... than spend her Christmas here in Homestead.

What's better than Christmas in Homestead?

Look at it. It's like... perfect.

Yes, it is.

So, what was Christmas like when you were growing up here?

Loud, it was loud.

No, there was always people everywhere.

Family, always singing and eating lots of food... and opening presents, it was just always crazy.

Yeah, that's the kind of Christmas I would like to have.

For sure.

So, why don't you.

Oh! Here we go, almost done.

It's over already?

Just about. Aw, man.

Unless you want to-- do you want to go around again?

If you're not too cold.

Let's go around again.

Okay, yeah, let's do it. Yeah, all right.

Hey, guys! Vince!

Hi! Room for one more?

Hi, Vince, yeah.

Sit here. Cool.

Yes, please.

Hi. Hi.

Hey, there. Hello.

You're better than you think you are.

You're a good teacher.

You got this, there you go. Hold on.

Keep your hand there, it's okay.

And... cut! We're gonna have to do it again.

Can we reset, please?

Again? They've already gone an hour past.

Relax, have a good time.

Hey, guys, we're almost done here... and then everyone can join in.

Oh, good, I'll tell everyone.

Okay, great. I'm sorry we're running late.

Oh, no, no, no, it's fine.

It looks like everyone's having fun anyway.

Are you going to skate? Who, me? No... no.

Come on! You have to. No, no, no, no.

Know your limits, that's what I always say.

I'm surprised you haven't heard me say that.

I always say it.

No, I asked Santa Claus for coordination, we'll see.

He's very busy.

What did you ask Santa for?

I don't know, I haven't really thought about it.

I'm-- I'm pretty lucky, I have everything I need.

It's not about what you need, it's about what you wish for.

It's about...

Family.

Yeah, yeah, family.

Yeah.

Hey, everyone!

All right, Vince!

Jessica, we're ready.

Yeah, okay.

Yeah. Don't... fall.

So, this is my room.

Wow. This is cool.

Thanks.

Look at that.

I look so strong in that picture!

You are strong.

Well, I play a strong character.

What's the difference?

Well, a strong character makes a movie great.

Strong people make the world great.

When I grow up, I want to be strong.

And famous!

Famous for what?

Just for being me.

Well, luckily that's why they created the internet.

So where are you going to spend Christmas this year?

At home... in Los Angeles.

Why?

Because that's where I live.

That's not what you said.

What do you mean?

The Dragon's Lair" you said...

"Home isn't where you live, it's where you love."

It was my mom's favorite one, too.

It was?

Uh-huh.

She went to heaven when I was little... so I don't really remember... but Aunt Zoe told me that she really liked your movies.

And now I do, too.

You know, just because somebody isn't around... doesn't mean they aren't thinking about you.

Really?

Sure.

Look at Santa Claus. He only comes around once a year.

The rest of the time, he's thinking about you... and keeping track of whether you're naughty or nice.

I'm nice!

Of course, you are.

And he knows that, too.

So when he comes for Christmas... he can bring you the perfect gift.

Okay. That's cool.

Do you know what you want for Christmas?

I think so.

What?

I can't tell you.

Christmas wishes are just between you and Santa.

Got it. You're absolutely right.

Well, whatever it is, I'm sure you're gonna get it.

Hey, Dad.

Hey, what's going on in here?

Jessica and I were just talking about Christmas.

Christmas?

Okay, you all know the rules.

It's just like dodge ball, try to avoid getting hit.

If you do, you're out.

The last team standing wins! We know.

May the best team win in three, two, one...

Snowball!!

Don't you dare. Don't you dare!

Baby, Mommy's gotta go hurt someone right now.

Zoe, no... no, no.

This is a very expensive camera.

You come to a snowball fight, you better expect to get hit.

Why do I keep falling into snow?

Karma, that's why. Are you okay?

Yeah.

Wait...

Do you hear that?

That's my phone. Where is it?

Oh wait... here.

Oh, no, it's wet.

Sorry, that was rude of me. I shouldn't have read that.

They're willing to double their offer on the picture of Jessica?

What picture?

I haven't sold it yet.

Okay, well what is it of?

What are they so willing to double their offer for?

It's a picture of her kissing your brother.

Kissing?

No, wait, what are you talking about? He didn't kiss her.

I've got the picture to prove it.

Ian, you can't sell that!

We're talking about a lot of money.

And we're talking about my brother's life.

He has a ten-year-old daughter.

Do you know what stupid tabloids write about people like that?

Hey... please tell me you're not gonna sell that to them.

Please?

Okay.

Just, okay?

Yeah... okay.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Watch your step.

Thanks.

"No!" You said, "Go!"

I said, "No!" I heard "Go!"

As loud and clearly as I could, I said, "No!" And she took off--

Guys, give me a second. Take them to the car...

I'll be right back, okay? I gotta grab something.

I had like three or four at once, it was like slow-- No!

Oh my gosh.

Oh no, no, no, I have her phone! She asked me to hold it... for the snowball fight. I'll be right back.

Okay.

So... exactly how tall are you?

Tall.

Cool.

Jess-- Jessica.

I'm not acting.

You're-- I'm sorry, you're not what?

In our scenes.

When my character says that it's stirring up... all these old feelings and how much she means to him.

When he says "I love you"... I'm not acting.

Oh, Vince--

Listen, listen, I know that we said... we'd keep things strictly professional on location... but... no, just give me one more chance.

One more chance.

Vince, I can't.

Why-- why not?

VINCE] What, because of Mayor Matty?

No, no, it has nothing to do with him.

But you care for him... right?

I mean, it's pretty obvious.

I don't--

I gotta go.

Can-- can we talk tomorrow? I'm so sorry.

Pie. Yes, please.

Here, it's all you. I'm done.

You all right?

It's nothing.

It's, uh... just--

It's dumb. I'm dumb.

Well, most big brothers are.

What specifically are you being dumb about?

Jessica.

Jessica... you and Jessica?

You surprised?

Not as much as you might think.

I just thought I felt something... between us.

That was the first time since Melanie died.

And it's crazy-- I mean it's crazy. Right? It's crazy.

But Vince is here...

I can't compete with Vince. Just can't.

But even if even if Vince wasn't here, I don't know how... she would ever--

Yeah... so, what do I do?

Be careful.

What do you mean?

People like her-- they don't call them stars for nothing.

They have a gravitational pull.

It's easy to get caught up in that... but you have to deal with everything else in their orbit.

That's kind of a weird metaphor.

Excuse me, that is a great metaphor!

Stars. Movie stars! Come on!

No, I get it, I get it. Here, I need more pie.

No, get your own! That's mine, that's my--

No! Not after that. No.

Hey. How ya doing? Hi.

Sorry to interrupt, I just, um--

No, it's good, it's fine. You have my phone.

Oh, it's in my jacket. It's in my place.

You wanna come with me? Sure.

Okay, um... cup of coffee or anything?

That'd be great.

All right.

Hi. Hi.

Thank you.

Of course.

Wow, it is so beautiful here.

I could get used to this.

Really? Sure.

It's nice being out of the spotlight for a change.

I'm sorry.

You have a movie crew, paparazzi... security guard following you around all day everyday.

It's-- it's the spotlight.

Okay, all right, fair enough.

But none of that's here now.

What about Vince?

What about him?

He still loves you.

Yeah... and I love him.

But I'm not in love with him anymore.

You sure? Because he's pretty stiff competition.

I got nothing on that.

No... it's not even close.

I'm sorry. We shouldn't.

Yeah, no, no, I understand.

Look, you're leaving in a couple days.

Right...

What if I don't?

Don't what? Don't leave?

Yeah, maybe I should take Sophie up on her offer... and stay for Christmas?

See that Festival of Lights you mentioned?

Christmas ends.

Even here in Homestead, it does.

So, what then?

Look, I know that you don't think that the spotlight... is here, but it is.

It was meant for you.

It just wasn't meant for me.

Yeah.

Hello?

Mickey? What's up?

You-- you did what?

Mickey, no!

I told you, do not sell the picture!

It's already on the--

No-- no.

Rosalie Evans.

Hey, Barry, how are things at The Times?

Comment on what?

What picture?

Oh my goodness!

Jessica! Jessica!

What's going on? This!

You kissed him? No.

No!

Oh, boy.

Matt!

Hello? Who's this?

Sorry, I-- I can't really hear you.

I think there's a bad connection.

Matt! Hey, the picture, what picture?

Hold on, I'm gonna step outside--

Matt! ...get a better reception.

Oh, no, no, Matt! Matt!

Is that any better?

What's-- what's going on?

Sophie... no, no, no. That's him!

Agh... ooh.

Are you falling for this guy?

It doesn't matter if I am or not.

He's not falling for me.

How do you know that?

I offered to stay.

Stay? Here? Like forever?

No! Not--

I just-- I thought for Christmas.

It was stupid.

Look, Jess, I get it. You're stressed about the movie... and Vince and suddenly you have this warm and fuzzy...

Christmas story come to life with the beautiful family... sleigh rides and--

You're worried about my career.

No, I'm worried about my friend.

Give it all up and go live on a mountain and raise goats...

I don't care as long as you're happy.

But the story about the famous actress finding true love... at Christmas in a small town?

That's the plot of the movie, not real life.

So what am I supposed to do? Go back to LA?

Go back to Vince? No! Ooh, no.

Because if you do that then I'll go give it up and raise goats.

Ah...

I really do like him.

What am I going to do?

What's the town gonna think!

I mean, what are Mom and Dad going to think?

Of you kissing a movie star?

Gosh, they're probably already having it made... into Christmas cards.

Don't, stop, stop. This is what you warned me about.

The star's gravitational pull.

I thought you didn't like that metaphor.

Oh, it's really making sense now.

You know what? Maybe this isn't as bad as we think it is.

The phone has been ringing off the hook ever since... this thing came out with people wanting to stay here.

Maybe this is what launches the franchise.

Would you please stop with the franchise, Zoe... that's never gonna happen.

Why not?

We're a family-run lodge. That's what we are!

That's what we've always been.

It doesn't mean it has to be the same thing.

I don't like change, remember?

Matt, you know I always found the Christmas presents... before you hid and wrapped them?

What? No, you didn't.

Really? Because that cute watch you got me under the tree... over there begs to differ.

Are you kidding me?

The point is-- What?

You and I like to know what's coming next. I get it.

But the difference, is you always want it to be... the same thing, over and over.

What if you had to open up... the same Christmas present every year?

Hey...

Is Jessica all right?

Yes.

Okay, what's going on?

She wanted me to check on you... and your daughter.

Sophie's fine, trust me, Sophie's fine. I'm the one... who wants to crawl under the bed right now and hide.

That's a... valid reaction.

But you're sure she's okay?

I think so.

You wanna go check on her?

Yeah.

Soph, you have a visitor.

Hi, Gavin. Hi.

Come on in.

Have fun. Thank you.

Have a seat.

I've been looking, but... they haven't posted any pictures of me, yet.

You want them to post pictures of you?

Doesn't everyone?

No.

Why not?

Because some people like to keep their private lives private.

I don't understand.

Why do you think Jessica needs me?

Why she needs a bodyguard?

Because she's a movie star.

No... because she's a person.

Just like you and me.

And sometimes she wants to do regular person stuff.

Like what?

Like, go to the store to get Christmas presents. Or--

The Christmas Parade?

She was gonna go with us tonight.

I don't think she can do that now.

That's not fair.

No, it's not.

You get a lot, being famous. But you lose a lot, too.

Bodyguards are with you always and they watch out for you.

So they're like your best friend, right?

Right.

Well, I know I was trying to get you to come... be my bodyguard, but you should stay with Jessica.

She needs you more than I do.

Yeah. I think you might be right.

But if you ever need help.

You call me, okay? I'll give your Aunt Zoe my number.

Okay.

Tea?

Sure.

Remember, pinkies out.

Pinkies out.

Mm... it's good.

Thank you.

Oh my god.

Matt... I'm so sorry.

No, it's not your fault.

A thousand photographers in your driveway?

That is the definition of my fault.

I guess the spotlight finally found us.

I'm going to fix this--

No.

I don't know how, but...

Maybe some other celebrity will do something dumb... to take the pressure off. I don't know.

Yeah, yeah, we can hope for that.

And it's just for a few more days.

Then we'll be gone and we can all get back to normal.

Yep, normal's good.

Yeah. Normal's good.

Yeah.

I better-- I gotta-- I gotta go to work.

Oh yeah, no, me, too.

Yeah.

Zoe! Zoe!

You promised.

I-- I didn't do it. My agent, Mickey did.

I didn't tell him to release those photos, I swear!

I don't believe you. Zoe, listen--

Get off of our property or this time I will call the sheriff.

All right, come on, let's go through this again.

Jessica, it's 3:00 in the morning.

Okay, but we have to figure this out.

No, I'm telling you, we're not gonna get this done in one day.

So how much more time do you need?

If we film until the sun comes up today... with one more night, we can maybe get it in.

That one more night is Christmas Eve.

We can't ask the crew to do that.

We can't ask the town to give up their Christmas Eve... so we can finish sh**ting our movie.

I can take care of the crew. They're a great group of people.

They will understand.

The town won't.

The Mayor won't.

So what do you want to do?

Honestly? Go back in time and stop myself... from saying I'd produce this movie.

Jessica, look, I know it's been hard with... with everything that's going on.

We all want that work-life balance.

But sometimes something has to come first.

And you-- you just have to decide what that is.

What it's gonna be.

I have an idea.

Yep.

Pete Steverson.

Hi, Pete? PETE Yes?

Jessica McEllis.

Order! Order!

This is crazy. You just can't let them film another night... especially if that night is Christmas Eve!

Well, if you look at the town charter, Mr. Mayor--

Pete, I swear if you call me "Mr. Mayor" one more time--

Look, any other night, if it were any other night... this would be a whole different conversation.

Order... order!

Completely--

Someone take away his gavel, please!

Everybody, please listen.

I know this is inconvenient, but we'll do our best... to not to get in the way.

But Christmas Eve is the Festival of Lights.

I know and we want you to go ahead with it.

In fact, we want to feature it in the movie.

Feature it how?

Barbara, our Director, will explain.

Well, when the festival lights come on... we want to sh**t our final scene between our movie star... and our innkeeper.

I mean, the characters in our movie.

We think it's going to be very special and your town... is going to play a huge part in it.

But, it's not just the town.

Guys?

Welcome, Homestead, hi. Hi, everybody.

Hello!

I'm Vince and this is Jessica.

Thank you, thank you, everyone for your support... it's been really overwhelming, thank you.

We couldn't have done it without you, but this final scene... that we're sh**ting on Christmas Eve is going to be amazing.

We just-- we need your help with one thing... we need extras.

Yeah? Who wants to be in a movie?

Ooh, I do!

Who wants to be in a movie? Come on!

All right, all right, I'll take all of you, all right.

Well, thank you, Vince and Jessica.

All right, well, thank you, Barbara... thank you, Vince, thank you, Jessica, thank you, Rosalie.

Wow, wasn't that fun. Okay, next order of business--

Matt! Matt, wait!

So, this is how you fix things?

I'm sorry, we're trying!

We're gonna take care of everything.

I'm gonna pay for the entire festival... so you can have the biggest one ever!

The festival we have has been just fine.

It's the one I grew up with. It's the one I take... my daughter to, it's the one I took my wife to.

Huh...

Matt, I'll personally make sure that nothing goes wrong.

Okay? Look--

Christmas Eve and then we're done. I'll be gone.

That's what you wanted, right?

Hey, that's them! All three of them, right there!

Hey, smile for the camera!

Matt, Matt, this way!

Come on, let us get a shot with all three of you!

None of this is how I wanted it to be.

Guys... move!

Hi, Mom!

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!

We missed you.

Hi, honey.

Of course, we made it. Can't spend Christmas here alone.

Hi, guys, Merry Christmas!

Hi, Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas, Jessica.

Give me a minute.

I need to talk to you about one thing in the script... but I need to spend time with them first.

Speaking of, I thought you said sometimes... work has to come first?

No, I said, sometimes you have to decide what comes first... and I did.

That's what I want.

Then go get it.

How?

Come on, Gavin, we both know how this movie ends?

If you don't like it... change it.

Improvise?

Okay, all of those can go.

Thank you.

Hey, Zoe! Hey, what are you doing?

What-- what's this?

I'm bringing food to the movie crew.

Sorry... is that like giving aid and comfort to the enemy?

Uh... it's fine.

It's very kind of you.

Well, that's what we do here in Homestead... we're kind.

Besides, they're our guests.

Well, they're not all staying with us.

Not at the lodge, but they're guests of the town.

Makes them family.

At least the paparazzi is gone for the day.

They'll be back tomorrow.

Unless some other celebrity does something dumb.

Wait, what did you say?

It was just something Jessica said. They'll stay here until... they find something juicier to go after.

Right... of course.

What are you doing? Where are you going?

I'm going to get something juicier.

What, wait, right now? Wait, what about the--

What about the food?

Hey, Pauline, it's Matt.

Hey, do you have anymore pies left?

Hey... do you feel badly?

What?

About what you did, do you feel bad?

Yes, of course, I never meant--

Great! That means you wanna help fix it, right?

Sure, but how are we supposed to do that?

It was your picture that started all this crazy stuff.

Wasn't it?

Yes, but--

So, do it again.

I-- I have no idea what you're talking about.

I do.

Okay, folks, I know we're all tired, but we can do this!

You're all doing a great job.

Thank you, everyone!

I don't know if we're going to pull it off.

Everyone is about ready to drop.

What else can we do?

Merry Christmas! Oh, thank you.

Hey!

Merry Christmas.

Oh, thank you.

You're welcome.

Did you do all this?

It's part of the job.

But... why? I mean, I sort of feel like... we're ruining your Christmas.

Unh-unh... no, this-- these people... this is what Christmas is all about.

Can I ask you something?

Sure.

If I wasn't me--

I mean, if I wasn't Jessica McEllis... could it have been different?

If you weren't Jessica McEllis, it wouldn't have been the same.

Merry Christmas, Matt.

Merry Christmas, Jessica.

Hi, Jessica! Do you want a Christmas cookie?

Yes, I would, thank you.

Oh, and a hug.

Come here. I wanna show you something.

Well, this is good news, Mr. Mayor.

Hm?

Looks like your little "scandal" may be forgotten... now that Jessica McEllis is moving on.

What are you talking about?

This is certainly a relief, isn't it?

And, action, guys!

I love you.

And I love you.

But sometimes we have to let go of the things we love... before the very act of loving them becomes too much to bear.

The kiss, the final lights come up, you exit, and good.

Good?

All right, gonna wait until night.

Okay, it's a long lunch!

Everybody back at 5:00!

I didn't realize how much of a drag this ending is.

Yeah, well, we're not making a romantic comedy... where everyone lives happily ever after.

Oh... oh, that's true.

Yeah.

Maybe they do, though. Right?

Maybe after the movie, maybe they both realize... how dumb they are and they wind up together.

How very sentimental of you.

Yeah... yeah. I guess even I have my moments, right?

Yeah. Right?

Speaking of, you haven't said a word... about my Christmas present yet.

What do you mean?

You haven't seen it?

What!? You haven't seen it?

No! You haven't seen it.

Oh, boy.

What! Why did you do this?

I had Ian Carter help me sell that photo to the tabloids... along with the story that we're dating again.

Why?

Because, everybody wants to know who J-Mac is dating.

And now, that bunch of photographers... is following me around and not Matt.

And we're headed back to LA in the morning.

A huge part of me wishes that this could actually be true.

But just because I don't make you happy... doesn't mean I don't want you to be happy.

Vince, I don't know what to say.

Dinner?

Hey, how about, Merry Christmas?

Merry Christmas, Vince.

Merry Christmas, Jess.

I'm gonna go.

Hey.

Looks like it worked.

Yep, we are paparazzi free.

May I have a seat?

Go for it.

What is that?

It's a present... for you.

For me? Mm-hm.

Goodness.

It's beautiful.

Yeah... it is.

There's something else in there.

It's a photo release.

It says that you're okay with me displaying this in a gallery.

There's one in Chicago that wants me to do a show.

Well, I don't have a pen, so--

There's one in the bag.

Of course, there is.

You were certain I was gonna sign this, weren't you?

Mostly hopeful.

You are something else.

Thanks.

Hey, come on, we gotta get going.

We're gonna miss the festival.

Hey, you can't be looking at this stuff.

Why not?

It's grown-up stuff.

It's not like it's real. Jessica doesn't love Vince.

And you know that how?

Can you keep a secret?

Of course, I can. What's up?

It's what I asked Santa for... for you to fall in love.

With Jessica?

No. Santa must have just figured that part out on his own.

But... you love her, right?

It's not that simple.

Shouldn't it be?

Hey! Wait up!

Okay, here we go. Last scene, we ready?

Picture's up! Here we go. Places!

All right, settle everyone!

Places! Here we go!

Hey, Jessica! Jessica!

Hey. Stay.

What?

Stay here... for Christmas.

Look, we've been making this much harder than it has to be.

I've been making it much harder than it has to be.

I was just so worried about keeping things the same... and I couldn't see that things could be much better... if they changed.

Jessica?

Matt, I--

Look, I know it's tricky with your career and with Vince...

I don't know how it's gonna-- we'll figure it out.

I mean, we have to try.

Jessica, I'm falling in love with you.

I am.

Choose me... choose us.

Stay.

Jessica, we're rolling!

I-- I-- um--

Sound speed.

Okay, we're just about to call action... on the scene, everyone quiet and watching the scene.

Okay, here we go. Okay, ready?

And... action!

You can stay here. You can stay with me.

There's nothing here for me.

I'm here. Isn't that enough?

There's no such thing as a Christmas miracle.

There is, if we make them happen. I love you.

And I love you.

I do, but--

But maybe that is enough.

Wow, I forgot what it was like to be loved.

What it's like to feel like I was part of something.

Part of a community. Part of a family.

I spend so much time keeping people out... that I forgot what it was like to let people in.

This is when we're supposed to be with the people we love.

That's what Christmas is really about.

Ask me again.

Ask you-- ask you what?

There's only one thing I want for Christmas and that's... for you to ask me again. Don't plan, don't think... just act.

Ask me to stay.

I will ask you over and over and over again... will you stay with me?

Yes! Yes?

Yes! Yes!

And... cut!

Oh my gosh, that was incredible!

She just improvised, all-- that was incredible.

Wow, wow, okay, but-- let's do it again, but this time-- this time I think you should kiss me.

I think it should end with a kiss.

I think it will.

Ask me again.

Stay.

Yes! Yes!

Great job! Woo!

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.