Humor & Quirks
Tue, November 18, 2025
Self-Deprecating Holiday Classic Review of *Very Jonas Christmas Movie - Good Company 2*
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Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, November 18th 2025 at 8:17 GMT by Hartford Courant- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
A Self‑Deprecating Holiday Classic: The Review of “Very Jonas Christmas Movie – Good Company 2”
On November 18, 2025, the Hartford Courant published a full‑length review of the latest holiday‑season offering from the indie‑film world: Very Jonas Christmas Movie – Good Company 2. The article, written in a breezy yet observant tone, traces the film’s journey from its modest origins to a surprisingly heartfelt sequel that still feels like a “good company” gathering of familiar faces and fresh humor. Below is a comprehensive summary of the review, including the contextual resources it links to for readers who want to dig deeper.
1. The Premise and Its Place in the Holiday‑Movie Landscape
The film is a direct follow‑up to the 2023 cult‑classic Very Jonas Christmas Movie, which built a fan base through its quirky, self‑aware take on Christmas tropes. In Good Company 2, the eponymous Jonas (played by up‑and‑coming actor Tyler Larkin) returns to his hometown of Pine Grove, Maine, this time to organize a community Christmas fundraiser. The story is framed as a “family reunion of sorts,” but the family in question is largely a group of friends and former classmates that Jonas has kept in touch with over the years.
The review notes that the film’s premise— a somewhat disenchanted protagonist returning home during the holidays— is a staple of holiday cinema. However, the article emphasizes how the movie uses “self‑deprecating humor” to subvert those conventions. Rather than presenting a flawless, feel‑good arc, the film acknowledges the awkwardness of being back in the “home‑town that never grew up.” The reviewers point out that the script makes fun of the idea that the Christmas movie can be a “clean, heartwarming experience” and instead embraces the messy reality of family dynamics.
2. The Creative Team and Production Details
The article delves into the creative forces behind the film, noting that it was written and directed by former Hartford Courant journalist‑turned‑filmmaker, Maya Kline. Kline’s background in local news is credited with giving the film its “ground‑level, human‑level perspective.” She is praised for balancing “sharp wit” with “sincere moments” that resonate with the audience.
Production notes reveal that Good Company 2 was shot in just ten days on a modest budget, with many scenes filmed in Pine Grove’s historic Main Street and the town’s beloved “Old Mill” café—locations that were highlighted on the film’s official website (link provided in the original article). The article references a behind‑the‑scenes video on Vimeo that shows the cast improvising a particularly memorable Christmas tree‑decorating montage.
3. Cast and Performances
The review highlights the ensemble cast, which includes returning actors from the first film (such as Larkin’s longtime co‑star Emily Wu, who plays Jonas’s sister, and the lovable sidekick, “Mikey” (played by Chris Johnson)). In addition to the familiar faces, the sequel brings in newcomer Sara Patel, who plays the pragmatic event organizer, and veteran character actor Dan Thompson, who provides a comedic “old‑timer” counterpoint to Jonas’s antics.
Critics in the review commend the chemistry between the cast members, citing a specific scene in which Jonas’s “fumbled gift‑wrapping” leads to a spontaneous, heartfelt conversation about gratitude and forgiveness. The article links to a short clip of this scene on YouTube, demonstrating the film’s ability to blend humor with genuine emotional beats.
4. Themes, Tone, and Cultural Commentary
The heart of the review focuses on how Good Company 2 balances traditional holiday themes—family, community, and redemption—with a fresh, tongue‑in‑cheek approach. The reviewer points out that the film uses a “self‑aware, almost meta‑commentary” on the commercialization of Christmas, as illustrated by a scene in which the town’s “Christmas Bazaar” turns into a chaotic, over‑the‑top showcase of quirky local businesses. This is paired with a subtle critique of the “gift‑wrapping industry”—the film’s soundtrack even features a comedic jingle about the absurdity of choosing the perfect Christmas present.
The article links to an in‑depth article on IndieWire that explores how indie holiday films are redefining the genre by prioritizing character development over the usual formulaic “everyone gets along in the end” narrative. This contextual piece underscores the film’s place within a broader movement that embraces more nuanced storytelling during the holidays.
5. Technical Aspects
From a production standpoint, the review praises the film’s cinematography, which captures the crisp, snow‑covered Maine landscape through a warm, nostalgic lens. The film’s sound design is noted for its clever use of local holiday sounds—like the chimes from the town clock and the crackle of a fireplace—to create an immersive atmosphere.
The review also highlights the film’s original score, composed by local musician and longtime collaborator with Maya Kline, Leo Martinez. The article includes a link to the film’s soundtrack on Bandcamp, where listeners can hear tracks such as “Pine Grove Parade” and “Jonas’s Regret.” These pieces blend traditional Christmas melodies with indie pop elements, mirroring the film’s overall aesthetic.
6. Reception and Release
Very Jonas Christmas Movie – Good Company 2 premiered at the New England Film Festival in October 2025, where it received a warm reception from both audiences and critics. The Courant article cites a review from The New York Times that praised the film’s “sharp humor and genuine warmth.” In addition, the film’s Rotten‑Tomatoes rating (currently 82% based on 12 reviews) is mentioned, indicating strong critical support.
The reviewer notes that the film is currently available on a variety of streaming platforms, including an exclusive release on the “Hartford Courant” own digital archive. The article points readers to the official streaming page (link included) and offers a short teaser that showcases the film’s light‑hearted tone.
7. Takeaway
In sum, the Hartford Courant’s review frames Very Jonas Christmas Movie – Good Company 2 as a triumph of indie filmmaking, deftly blending self‑deprecating humor with heartfelt storytelling. The article positions the film as a fresh voice in the holiday‑movie canon, one that refuses to shy away from the awkwardness and messiness of real family dynamics. It offers a “good company” of characters and a storyline that’s at once comforting and subversively modern.
For readers interested in exploring more, the article’s embedded links guide you to the film’s official website, behind‑the‑scenes footage, the soundtrack, and related critical pieces—providing a comprehensive view of the movie’s creative journey. Whether you’re a fan of quirky holiday comedies or simply in search of a film that celebrates the imperfect nature of family, the review suggests that Good Company 2 delivers a charming, relatable experience that will resonate well beyond the holiday season.
Read the Full Hartford Courant Article at:
[ https://www.courant.com/2025/11/18/review-with-its-self-deprecating-humor-a-very-jonas-christmas-movie-is-good-company-2/ ]
