Opened: December 2, 2021

Directed by: Michael Mayer

Starring: Michael Urie, Philemon Chambers, Luke Macfarlane, Barry Bostwick, Jenn Robertson, Madison Brydges, Alexandra Beaton, Dan Finnerty, Steve Lund, Melanie Leishman, Gryffin Hanvelt, Viggo Hanvelt, Stefano DiMatteo, Victor Andrés Trelles Turgeon, Jennifer Coolidge & Kathy Najimy

Though corny like many of the Christmas rom-coms of the past, Single All the Way can be forgiven for its depiction of gay characters on-screen.

After a breakup, Peter (Michael Urie) is dreading going home for the holidays to see his family as the single one. He convinces his best friend Nick (Philemon Chambers) to be his fake boyfriend, but Nick bails once Peter’s mom Carole (Kathy Najimy) announces she set Peter up on a blind date with her spinning instructor James (Luke Macfarlane).

It’s refreshing to see gay characters as leads in a Christmas film, especially with Chambers not being white. Too many holiday films are filled with straight, white characters, and this film gives a chance for more people to see themselves on screen in a loving and supporting way.

Final say: Forget the clichés and enjoy representation. ★★★★☆