The Quill: Movie Recs #3

They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, and it is not hard to see why when movies like The Merry Gentlemen (2024) are made to celebrate the holiday. It is the perfect mix of Chad Michael Murray, so-bad-and-cheesy-they-are-good Hallmark movies, and Magic Mike  — all things that are amazing on their own and even better together. You might be skeptical of this, as was I when I first heard about this Netflix original. I debated not even giving it the time of day, but I fear Chad Michael Murray’s abs did the talking and persuaded me to give it a watch. The movie is definitely cheesy and has a few moments that you can’t help but cringe at, but it is full of goofy holiday cheer that makes it a decent watch.

So how on Earth do you mix Christmas and male strippers? Apparently by adding a Broadway dancer and a rundown nightclub to the equation as well. When Ashley is fired from her job as a Rockette (but not actually a Rockette because of copyright), she is forced to move back to her hometown, which she hasn’t visited in quite some time. When she gets there, she finds out the nightclub her parents own (which is mainly used as a performing arts venue rather than a a typical night club) is in shambles, and they are one missed payment away from losing it all together. Enter hot handyman Luke (HELLOOOOOOO, Chad!), a kind man who just wants to help Ashley’s parents out of the goodness of his heart. Of course, he gets on Ashley’s nerves for no reason in particular, and the pair seemingly dislike each other. Eventually, after many failed ideas, the two of them eventually decide that the best way to save the nightclub is to put on a performance of male entertainers each week to raise the funds needed to pay the rent and fix the place up.

I have no idea where this film’s train of thought came from, but I’m glad it did just because of how silly the whole thing is. I would recommend giving it a watch. It is goofy, cheesy, and just all around a good time. It is the perfect kind of movie to put on in the background while wrapping presents during the actual holiday season or packing your beach bag to change up the vibe this summer.

Available on Netflix.