**Christmas Movies to the Rescue: Why *Hot Frosty* is the Ideal Holiday Retreat**

Christmas films have an exceptional talent for soothing us, particularly in challenging times. At their finest, they remind us of the inherent goodness in humanity, and even when they follow a predictable pattern, they exude happiness. While I won’t assert that *Hot Frosty*—Netflix’s newest festive film featuring a snowman who magically becomes a real man—will be counted among the classics such as *A Christmas Story*, *Home Alone*, *Elf*, *Love Actually*, or even *Gremlins*, I can assure you it is a delightful, cheerful adventure that will delight you for 90 minutes of holiday amusement.

Certainly, there’s no lack of Hallmark holiday films, and Netflix boasts an extensive array of Christmas content (complete with a virtual fireplace, should that appeal to you). However, trust me, when you need a respite from life’s chaos, *Hot Frosty* serves as the ideal remedy. It’s a charming mental getaway, brimming with whimsy and sweetness, guaranteed to evaporate your worries.

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### Yes, *Hot Frosty* Features a Dreamy Snowman Who Comes Alive

Crafted by Russell Hainline, *Hot Frosty* embraces the well-loved holiday rom-com clichés that audiences adore. Hainline, known for several festive films (*In Merry Measure*, *The Santa Summit*, and forthcoming titles like *Three Wiser Men and a Baby* and *Christmas Under The Lights*), skillfully honors these traditions with a playful touch. The story unfolds in the picturesque small town of Hope Springs, where everyone is familiar with Kathy (played by *Mean Girls* star Lacey Chabert), a warm-hearted widow who operates a diner and looks after her neighbors—and, as fate would have it, shirtless snowmen.

During a local holiday festival, a snowman is sculpted with flowing locks, a sculpted torso, and defined abs. Naturally, Kathy adorns him with a long red scarf, adding both warmth and a hint of modesty. However, there is something enchanting about that scarf because when she places it around him, the snowman becomes a real man named Jack (played by *Schitt’s Creek*’s Dustin Milligan).

Following a series of humorous misunderstandings, Jack finds his way to Kathy’s diner—and eventually into her heart. Jack embodies a non-toxic, masculine hero: kind, considerate, and radiating Golden Retriever energy. He’s the dream handyman for the town’s older women (who appreciate the eye candy), and his nurturing spirit makes him a perfect match for Kathy, who is still mourning her late husband. Plus, he often appears shirtless, bakes Christmas cookies, and has a fondness for cold pizza. What’s not to appreciate?

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### *Terminator* Meets *Hot Frosty*: An Unforeseen Source of Conflict

One of the film’s highlight moments is Jack’s transformation scene, which humorously merges the eccentricity of *Austin Powers* with a reference to *Terminator*. When Jack springs to life, he’s clad only in the red scarf, which cleverly covers him regardless of his movements. Much like the Terminator in James Cameron’s 1984 classic, Jack enters this world nude and in dire need of clothing—so he resorts to stealing!

After inadvertently exposing himself in front of an elderly couple, Jack doesn’t turn to violence to find an outfit. Instead, he breaks into a local thrift store, Reclaimed Rags, and “borrows” a pair of boots and a sleeveless denim jumpsuit that perfectly highlights his toned arms. This minor act of crime provides the most thrill Hope Springs has experienced in some time, and *The Office*’s Craig Robinson portrays the town sheriff intent on solving the mystery. Simultaneously, Joe Lo Truglio (*Brooklyn Nine-Nine*) lightens the mood as the bumbling deputy who offers Jack relationship advice.

However, Jack’s most significant challenge isn’t the law—it’s his tendency to melt when he gets too warm. Yes, the song cautioned us: Jack is cold to the touch, and warmth is his foe. So while he delights in the snow to maintain his shape, any romantic interactions with Kathy could be, well, a little frosty for her and potentially disastrous for him. But don’t fret too much about that—after all, this is a Christmas movie. The film wisely sidesteps such logistical dilemmas, leaving them for our contemplation instead of hindering the festive cheer.

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### *Hot Frosty*: A Himbo Holiday Treat That’s Nourishing for the Soul

*Hot Frosty* ticks all the boxes of a classic Christmas rom-com: a charming backdrop, endearing potential lovers, holiday tunes, and an abundance of seasonal antics. What distinguishes it is its cast of lovable, eccentric characters, who are surprisingly quick to embrace the notion that the town