HOT FROSTY -- A Refreshing Rom-Com Twist on a Christmas Classic

by Jonathan Berk

If you celebrate Christmas, then you’re probably familiar with the story of Frosty the Snowman. The kids build him, put a magic hat on his head, and Frosty springs to life. The children have a blast with their new friend, the adults are understandably alarmed, and a jealous villain wants his magic hat back. Now, imagine if Frosty were incredibly ripped — dare I say, hot even. Netflix’s newest Christmas movie, Hot Frosty, delivers on that very premise.

Kathy (Lacey Chabert) has struggled to care for herself and her home since her husband passed away. Her friends encourage her to start moving forward and to put more effort into fixing up her house. On her walk home from her diner one night, she places a scarf around the neck of a hunky snow sculpture. To her surprise, Jack (Dustin Milligan) shows up at her diner the next morning, ready to thank her for bringing him to life.

Chabert has starred in countless Christmas movies since her Mean Girls days, with most of her titles in full Hallmark syndication. While she often brings charm to these Hallmark roles, she rarely seems to fully lean into her comedic potential. For Hot Frosty, however, Chabert taps into the peak of her talents, using her charm and comedic timing to make the movie shine among the available holiday-themed streaming options. Chabert’s wit and warmth are firing on all cylinders, making this movie stand out in the crowded world of Christmas rom-coms.

Chabert shares strong chemistry with her co-star Milligan, who brings new meaning to the film’s title as he struts onto the screen with nothing but a scarf (and an eight-pack). The movie leans into Milligan’s unique combination of raw sexuality and genuinely humorous appeal, leading to charming, laugh-out-loud moments. In one of the funniest scenes, Jack startles an elderly couple walking their dog — the husband is frightened, while the wife is thoroughly amused. Milligan’s blend of heart and humor is a delight, turning a frosty figure into a warm Christmas charmer.​

Fortunately, Milligan is more than just eye candy. His character brings loads of heart, a touch of Buddy-the-Elf optimism, and excellent comedic chops. He’s a joy to watch, as his innocence and sense of morality are shaped by TV and the people around him. Whether he’s fixing the roof, helping unstick a car, or making pizza, Milligan shines with every scene.

Director Jerry Ciccoritti’s film manages to balance the saccharine sweetness we expect from a Christmas movie with more traditional comedy elements. The film even ends with bloopers, reminiscent of the '90s comedies that we rarely see today. There’s enough romance here to classify it as a rom-com, complete with an extended montage that both cements this idea and serves as a fun homage to the genre. Notably, Lauren Holly, who appears in this film, starred in a ’90s movie that similarly paid homage to the same rom-com classic, which wasn’t lost on me.

Craig Robinson and Joe Lo Truglio also bring standout performances as cops, injecting comedic gold into every scene they’re in. One highlight is a sequence where Milligan and Lo Truglio discuss dating. What begins as an innocent chat escalates into a hilarious exchange of compliments, ratcheting up the laughter as the scene continues and we watch these characters bond.

That’s not to say Hot Frosty is an instant classic. The ending is a bit predictable, and a few scenes go on a bit too long or feel excessive. Still, the script is solid, with nearly every setup paying off meaningfully. The charm between the characters and the heartwarming holiday message create a feel-good experience perfect for the season. It is a fresh and funny Christmas comedy balanced with just the right dose of much-needed joy and holiday cheer. This might even earn a spot in my and my wife’s annual Christmas rotation.

Hot Frosty is streaming on Netflix on November 13.

Rating: 3.5/5