In the world of Christmas movies, actress Jen Lilly brings a unique blend of faith, dedication, and dancing prowess to her latest film, “A Paris Christmas Waltz,” co-starring Matthew Morrison (“Glee”) now streaming on Great American Pure Flix.
For Lilley, “A Paris Christmas Waltz” stands out as a career highlight, even surpassing her Academy Award-winning film, “The Artist.” She expresses her love for the movie, highlighting the challenges of dancing and the joy of singing, elements that resonate deeply with her. Lilly praises the film’s classic charm, drawing parallels to the timeless romances of Hollywood greats.
“I think it really harkens back to, you know, Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, like it was just so classic. I mean, to me, it was what you would expect with a name like Great American Family, like Great American Christmas, it just hearkens back to everything, the movie industry in Hollywood,” she enthuses.
Lilley’s preparation involved an intensive dance boot camp, a stark contrast to Lilley’s usual routine of chasing her kids. Reflecting on the rigorous rehearsals with dancing pro Pash Kovalev (“Strictly Come Dancing,” she humorously notes her lack of regular workouts and how the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone.
As a “crazy Jesus lover,” Lilley sees these films as a source of hope, peace, and joy in a world overwhelmed by the weight of global issues.
“I don’t think that the soul and the heart and the mind, and the emotions of any human were meant to carry the burden of all of the world’s problems,” she notes. Lilley emphasizes the role of faith in providing purpose and strength in challenging times. She sees Christmas movies as a form of escapism that offers viewers a break from the overwhelming news cycle. She believes these films provide deep peace and serve as a unifying force during the holiday season.
“The Lord made us on purpose, and for purpose, for this exact moment in time,” she said. “And we are co laborers with the Holy Spirit. We are here for a reason. We are not meant to feel small, because we have God. And we are called to boldness, and we are called to love hard, and to do what we can and not be paralyzed by fear.”
She added, “I think that it’s really easy to feel paralyzed and to feel small, and to feel like you’re without purpose, when you get caught up in the news. And I think something that Christmas movies do that is so truly powerful, on a much bigger scale than people realize, is that it gives people hope, and it gives them peace, and it gives them joy. And it reminds them to take a breath. And thank God for little miracles. And thank God for the blessings that we do have, you know, there’s something about the Christmas season, that makes you slow down.”
Reflecting on her experience with a podcast on foster care, she shares that individuals from various backgrounds have expressed their love for Christmas movies as a form of reprieve and escape.
“They all said, ‘We love your movies.’ And even the homicide doctor was like, ‘This is all I watch.’ And same thing with like, there are some Supreme Court justices that are known for watching these movies. And it’s because they just want to know what’s going to happen. It’s their fairy tales for adults,” Lilly explains.
As audiences dive into “A Paris Christmas Waltz” on Great American Pure Flix, they can experience the culmination of Lilley’s dedication, faith, and artistry, making it a must-watch addition to the holiday movie lineup.