CHRISTMAS ANGEL
"Christmas Angel" was released in 2009. The main stars are Bruce Davison, K.C. Clyde, and Kari Hawker-Diaz.
This is one of my all-time favorite movies. It’s a true story of the human spirit, suffering, failures, successes, and generosity of spirit. I love it more each time I see it. I hope you’ll watch it and let me know what you think.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
There are two things that really make this movie special to me. The first is relationships. It mirrors how we as people can be at different stages of life and in different circumstances and how the people around us affect us so profoundly if we let them. The second is the spirit of giving. If Christmas could be summed up in one word, I believe that word should be giving. In this movie it’s about giving without credit and for selfless reasons.
This movie is about Ashley, Nick, and Will. They each have similarities and differences and we get to see how their interactions with each other make a deep impact on their lives.
A quick summary of the premise is that Ashley feels alone at Christmas as she searches for a job. Her neighbor Nick offers her a job as his assistant in the best work: helping others. There's one catch, she can't tell anyone that her new boss is a sort of Secret Santa. William (Will) is a reporter who has been taken off writing because of issues with fact checking an article. He wants to date Ashley but also write about Nick to restart his career.
Let’s get to know the three main characters.
Ashley is lonely and guarded. She has learned not to trust or rely on anyone. She has built up walls to protect herself. It took her a long time to let Nick into her life and he is the only person in her life, plus her dog, Dash. Nick hires her to be his personal assistant and help him with giving to others.
Nick is a wealthy man. He is divorced from a wife he still has affections for but knows his zealous search for wealth is the reason she left him. He learned that money isn’t the answer to happiness. At least, the possession of it. He moves into a very cheap apartment and secretly, with a bunch of helpers. like a priest, helps people in the community who are in need. We learn partway through the movie that Nick didn’t just give Ashley the job because he needed help. He gave it to her because he knew that it would help her and when he died, he needed someone to continue his mission of giving.
Will is a reporter who has been demoted to fact checker after embellishing a story. He puts his career before people. We didn’t know as much about him at first. Interestingly, we get to know him as the movie goes on but he’s also changing who he is, thanks to Ashley.
Now let’s dig a little more into the story.
Ashley and Will meet when they run into each other, literally. They accidentally end up with each other’s cell phones. They meet up to exchange cell phones. Nick encourages her to get to know Will.
Will’s interested in Ashley as a potential romantic interest. Unfortunately, he’s also searching for a story to regain his status as a journalist at the paper. He recognizes Nick as a famous CEO who just seemed to disappear from the business world. He sees this as a story. This is where it gets complicated. He wants to spend time with Ashley, but Ashley is trying to protect Nick’s secret as Will tries to uncover it.
Nick slowly helps Ashley by getting her to see the people around her. Helping others gives her the pick me up she needs during the holidays. A time that makes her sad because she’s alone. By noticing others and focusing on them, she’s finding happiness.
When Nick becomes ill and has to be hospitalized, Will helps her with her giving projects. Ashley is heartbroken at the thought of losing Nick and seems torn between whether she should let Will in. Luckily, Nick comes to the rescue. He agrees to meet with Will and gives him permission to write the story about him being Secret Santa. He also tells him about Ashley’s past and how he wants Will to not give up on her.
You’ll have to watch to see how it ends. It’s a very special movie. The writing and acting are so superb it really creates emotions that you can feel with the characters. It will make you sad, it will make you happy, and it will make you feel the spirit of Christmas. Overall, the movie is about people, hearts, and the Christmas spirit of generosity and selflessness.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
THE CHRISTMAS CALENDAR
“The Christmas Calendar” was released in 2017. It stars Laura Bell Bundy and Brendan Zub.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
Emily, a lawyer, comes home to take over her deceased grandmother’s bakery. She quickly finds out the college fund her grandmother used to pay for Emily’s education was really a loan against the bakery and her home. Gerard is a baker who is working at the new chain store across the street giving Emily’s struggling bakery competition.
One day a package arrives. It’s a beautiful advent calendar. It looks like a doll house with tons of doors. Behind each door is a note. The question is, who gave it to her. Assuming it’s a secret admirer, the local residents become obsessed with finding out the identity of the sender.
Why do I think this movie is special? It has heart. True and relatable experiences. Yes, there are some corny scenes and the behavior of the chain store manager is silly but that only adds to the joy of the movie.
From the very beginning, there’s something about Emily that has me rooting for her. Having a character or a situation to root for helps me feel more invested in the movie. I wanted her to keep her bakery and her grandmother’s house. I also wanted to see who her secret admirer was. I really wanted it to be Gerard. Even though they had some ups and downs, I kept hoping for (and expecting) a happy ending.
A bonus in this movie is the very eccentric cast of characters playing the townspeople. They’re like people you know but a little exaggerated.
The movie is a very delicate balance of romance, comedy, and a pinch of drama. It’s light-hearted fun. It’s one I watch when I need a pick-me-up.
If you haven’t seen it I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
CHRISTMAS EVERLASTING
“Christmas Everlasting” was released in 2018. It stars Tatiana Ali, Dondre T. Whitfield, Dennis Haysbert, and Patti LaBelle.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
The main characters are Lucy, a successful New York attorney, her sister Alice, who has some special needs after a brain injury, their uncle Barney, and Lucy’s childhood sweetheart Peter, who is also an attorney.
Following Alice’s passing, Lucy has to spend time in her hometown. She’s been avoiding it because she blames herself for the accident that caused Alice’s injury and ended her career as a violinist. While there, Lucy learns more about her sister and her sister’s life.
The story has multiple levels to it that make it so special and evokes emotion. The first is Lucy’s personal journey and evolution. Seeing her realize that it’s the people in her life and doing the right thing that matter most makes you reflect on the people and relationships in your life.
There’s also the story of Alice, Lucy’s sister. Both Alice’s life and Lucy’s absence from it. Lucy has always felt sorry for Alice. That’s a pretty common view of people with disabilities. What Lucy learns is that while Alice’s life was different, and she needed some help, she had an amazing life. She had people who truly loved her and she knew happiness. While Lucy is a wealthy and successful attorney, she realizes that Alice is the one who was successful at life. I love that they emphasize that.
The women who make up the FOA, friends of Alice, are amazing. They are so loving and they envelop Lucy and are there for her as she processes all these emotions and grieves. Of course, the rekindling of Lucy’s friendship then romance with Peter brings a lot more emotion. Uncle Barney rounds it out.
I’ve written and re-written this for days. I can’t seem to capture the feelings in words. It’s as if we are, inwardly, traveling on a parallel emotional journey with Lucy while also being with her on hers. It’s something special.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
CHRISTMAS GETAWAY
“Christmas Getaway” was released in 2017. It stars Bridget Regan, Travis Van Winkle, and Teryl Rothery.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie focuses on Emory Blake, a travel writer, who is booked in a cabin to write about Christmas. It also focuses on widower Scott Hays and his daughter Katy who are double-booked for the same cabin. They finally end up deciding to share the cabin until the weather clears up enough for Emory, and her older troublesome car, can safely go home. They are eventually joined by Scott’s mother Marilyn and a mother and son from Katy’s school. The mom clearly has eyes for Scott. As the movie goes on, Emory and Scott fall for each other.
What’s special about this movie? The main characters, Emory and Scott are both flawed and damaged from past hurt. Scott from losing his wife and Emory from losing the man she thought she’d marry. They both heal and learn to love again, with a little help and a push from Katy.
Scott and Katy are at the cabin at Katy’s request because she wants a Christmas like she had with her mom. This includes all sorts of fun Christmas traditions including building a snowman. Emory, who has pushed everyone to the outer part of her heart as she writes about life without living it, learns to live again. Katy’s love of Christmas rubs off on Emory.
I really love seeing characters evolve organically and move past pain that’s blocking them from living their full lives. When you get knocked down you get back up. It gives us hope that we can do the same. Hope is a big part of Christmas spirit and season.
Overall, it’s a movie about family, those we’re given and those we choose. It’s about seeing what you have and focusing on a better tomorrow instead of being stuck in yesterday and what you’re missing. It’s about living, dreaming, and hoping.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER
“A Christmas To Remember” was released in 2016. It stars Mira Sorvino, Cameron Mathison, Steve Bacic, and Kevin McNulty.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie focuses on Jennifer Wade, a TV personality similar to Martha Stewart, who crashes her car in a blizzard. When she wakes up, she has complete amnesia. She is found by John Blake, a local veterinarian and widower with two children, while wandering on the highway. She spends the next week with John and his children. The reason it takes so long is her car is stuck on the side of the road in snow. Although, given her being famous, you have to let go of wondering why not one person in this whole town or who got her photo from the sheriff knew who she was.
What’s special about this movie? It’s interesting when you have a person with amnesia. I think they become their true selves. They forget who they’re supposed to be, who they’ve become. All that baggage is gone and what’s left is just them. Their heart and spirit.
Maggie, the name they gave Jennifer since she doesn’t know her name, is a creative, kind, loving person. Seeing her well up as memories of her with her mother as a child is so sweet. Her kindness and earnestness as she asks John about his wife and talks to the kids about her makes you feel like she is still a part of the family.
Seeing John struggle with his feelings is done in a way that makes you want to reach out and hug him. He knows he’s falling for Maggie/Jennifer but he knows that once they find out who she is she may leave.
The children are, of course, a precious addition. Their unconditional love for Maggie/Jennifer is magical. They embrace everything about her and approach her with open minds and open hearts.
Overall, it’s a movie about family and about finding who we really are underneath the career and our day to day lives. What kind of person are we?
The movie is wholesome and charming. The townspeople, the winter scenery, and all the Christmas make it something very special.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
HELP FOR THE HOLIDAYS
“Help For The Holidays” was released in 2012. It stars Summer Glau, Eva LaRue, John Brotherton, Dan Gauthier, Izabela Vidovic, Mason Cook, and Steve Larkin.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie is about parents, Sara and Scott, who hire a nanny to care for their two children while they’re busy with their Christmas store. It is also about an elf, Christine, who wonders about the world. Santa sends Christine to be the nanny and bring back Christmas spirit to the family including children Ally and Will and their uncle Dave.
What’s so special about this is the magic of Christmas. Santa sending an elf, of course he chooses her for a reason, to go help a family. She experiences the real world for the first time. We see as she figures out things about the world including a new kind of love.
Christine has an energy and love for Christmas, as well as the kindness you’d expect in an elf, that are contagious. She tackles everything with a sense of innocent. Seeing her as an adult with a childlike love of all things Christmas is something I can relate to. I think a lot of people feel a little like the child they were at Christmas.
We also get to see parents who have become so wrapped up in their store that they aren’t seeing their children. They aren’t seeing their wants and needs. They are focusing on what has to be done and just getting through each day. So many of us get stuck in this rut. Christine helps them open their eyes with some help from Uncle Dave.
I also adore watching Christine fall in love. I won’t say how they resolve it, as she’s a North Pole elf and he’s human.
The movie isn’t super deep or dramatic. It has the feel of a light romcom. It’s one that you can watch, see tons of Christmas, and just relax and enjoy. Summer Glau does such an amazing job. I really love watching it.
If you haven’t seen it I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
IT HAPPENED ON FIFTH AVENUE
“It Happened on Fifth Avenue” was released in 1947. It stars Don DeFore, Ann Harding, Charles Ruggles, Victor Moore, and Gale Storm.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie a homeless man, Aloysius McKeever, who moves into the mansion of the second richest man in the world, Michael J. O’Connor, every winter when O’Connor goes to his other house in a warmer climate. This particular winter, McKeever meets Jim Bullock, an army veteran who has recently been evicted from his apartment and offers to share the mansion with him. It's not long before the mansion has a few more guests, including: Jim's army buddies and their wives and children; runaway heiress Trudy; and even Michael J. O'Connor, himself.
What’s special about this movie? It’s the perfect combination of humor, kindness, love, hope, and pretty much all the feels. It’s got drama but still stays light enough to just enjoy it. There are a lot of characters but it’s easy to keep track.
It’s just funny how McKeever taking in Jim snowballs into this bizarre combination of people. O’Connor in disguise in his own house is really funny.
Due to when it takes place there are veterans of WWII. That may make it a little confusing for children who don’t know about WWII but I think most children are familiar with the term veteran. The movie isn’t rated so use your judgement.
The main messages are that the true value of things are not in their price tag and friends are invaluable. What could be better at Christmas than to be reminded to be grateful and appreciate the people in our lives?
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHARM
“A Little Christmas Charm” was released in 2020. It stars Ashley Greene and Brendan Penny.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie focuses on Holly, a jewelry designer and Greg, a reporter. Holly finds a charm bracelet in the pocket of a coat that was acquired by her friend for her vintage store. Holly realizes it is special and wants to find the owner. She runs into Greg, and he decides to work with her to find the owner so he can write it up as a story.
What’s special about this movie? It’s not a typical romance. The characters are so focused on the mystery of the bracelet they don’t realize they’re falling for each other. The mystery is a big part of the story. As Holly explains, a charm bracelet isn’t just any piece of jewelry. It’s like a time capsule commemorating your special life events.
We get to watch as they go on adventures as they figure out what each charm is and what it represents. The adventures are the best part. They help the story unravel slowly enough to enjoy it but are interesting enough that the movie doesn’t feel like it’s lagging.
The best friend’s pregnancy and story are merely backdropping to show us Holly’s heart. Despite that, I feel that they round out the story and complete it.
When they find the owners of the bracelet, they ask for the stories behind it. The owners point out that their adventures in finding them took Holly and Greg on a very parallel journey to that of the owners.
The movie is a Christmas romance and I know there are tons of them. This one is special. The relationship and the bracelet mystery make it feel fresh.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
MATCHMAKER SANTA
“Matchmaker Santa” was released in 2012. It stars Lacey Chabert, Florence Henderson, John Ratzenberger, and Robert Pine.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie is about Melanie, a young baker, who is stranded in a small town with her boyfriend’s assistant, Dean. Meanwhile, Melanie’s boyfriend, Justin, is trapped in their cabin with an old girlfriend.
I’ve decided to change how I do these spotlight movie blogs. Rather than just giving you a rundown of what happens in it, I’m going to tell you why I love it so much.
Too many of us don’t see the magic around us anymore. They think of magic as Harry Potter or something similar. Magic can be in the subtlest forms. Some call it fate, others call it destiny. Sometimes it’s the effects people have on our lives, even with the smallest acts.
Here, Melanie gets on a plane with a man who looks like Santa. She and Dean end up giving him a ride to the town where he’s playing Santa because it’s on the way to her boyfriend’s home. Then, the car breaks down. One thing after another keeps them in the town and keeps the boyfriend and his ex from going to pick up Melanie and Dean.
Call it magic, call it Santa, call it fate, or whatever you wish. The movie lets you make that decision. Personally, I believe they lean towards Santa orchestrating it all.
I love the townspeople. They are quirky and funny, but they also have heart. Their fundraising and giving to others is truly the spirit of Christmas.
Watching Melanie and Dean blend in and become as involved in the town as the town people. They help with baking, play elves, and make friends everywhere they go. We see them falling in love even though they are fighting it trying to be good people. Melanie doesn’t want to hurt her boyfriend and Dean doesn’t want to betray his boss.
The best part of the movie to me is the magic. It’s subtle but it’s there. It’s a movie that always makes my heart feel a little lighter after watching it. I hope you give it a try.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
THE MISTLETOE PROMISE
“The Mistletoe Promise” was released in 2016. It stars Jaime King, Luke MacFarlane, and Lochlyn Munro.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie is about two strangers, Elise and Nick, who don't enjoy Christmas. They meet and to avoid being lonely during the holidays, make a pact to deal with holiday events together. But as they get to know each other they are able to begin enjoying Christmas. They soon realize that their contract may lead them down a road that neither expected resulting in questionable feelings.
I think we can all relate to these characters. Elise, who is divorced with an ex-husband trying to take the business she built and Nick wanting a promotion but feeling he is being overlooked because he is single, and the boss wants married executives. We’ve all had issues with exes and bosses.
Seeing Elise and Nick participate in all these events and their immediate support of each other is so sweet. Shopping together, snowman building contests, and other Christmas activities. The dearest moments are when they are vulnerable and share their stories with each other.
I like watching them grapple with the dishonesty of the agreement and how they manage it. They show true character and values which makes them all the more likable. When you compare them to Elise’s ex, Dan, who is a real jerk, you like them all the more.
The movie made me smile, made me laugh, made my heart break for them, and pretty much all the feels. It doesn’t follow the pattern of predictable movies where everything goes their way and is perfect. I enjoyed that what happened was more realistic.
I’ve seen this movie more times than I can count. I always feel like there’s hope for all of us. That friendship, and love, is out there. We just have to be open to it. I hope you give it a try.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
MIXED NUTS
“Mixed Nuts” was released in 1994. It stars Steve Martin, Madeline Kahn, Robert Klein, Anthony LaPaglia, Juliette Lewis, Rob Reiner, Adam Sandler, Liev Schreiber, Rita Wilson, Parker Posey, Jon Stewart, Joely Fisher, and Gary Shandling.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie take place on Christmas Eve in Venice Beach, California. A serial strangler is on the loose. A crisis hotline, staffed by three inept counselors, faces eviction. Each of the three is lovelorn. They and their non-profit program need a miracle. Their paths cross those of Gracie and Felix, penniless lovers who are fighting with each other and are about to become parents; Chris, an unhappy man in drag; Louie, their loopy song-writing neighbor; a man walking his dogs; a veterinarian; and, their landlord.
What’s so special about this is how unbelievably funny it is. You can tell by the caliber of the cast that it is well done. The characters are all exaggerations of how most people are but without becoming silly or caricatures.
I find it hard to explain why it’s so funny without giving an in-depth description and spoilers. Even then I couldn’t communicate it because so much of it is physical comedy. There are people like Mrs. Munchnik played by the very talented Madeline Kahn. She’s a woman who takes her job seriously but is the most normal of the group. She keeps trying to leave to go to her in-laws for Christmas Eve but blunder after blunder keeps her there.
I know this is very short and you may think it isn’t telling you much. I’m just asking you to watch it yourself and you’ll understand. It’s just too funny.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
NO SLEEP TIL CHRISTMAS
“No Sleep ‘Til Christmas” was released in 2018. It stars Odette Annable, Dave Annable, Brittany Bristow, Charles Michael Davis, and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie is focused on two main characters. The first is Lizzie, a party planner, who lives with and is getting married on Christmas to Josh, who has a mother who plays a big part in his life. Lizzie is a super organized and hyper focused person. The second is Billy. He works at a bar and is hoping to open his own one day. He’s like a big teenager who likes fun and just going with the flow.
What’s special about this movie? It’s unlike any Christmas movie I’ve ever seen. The concept is truly unique and innovative. It’s truly a wonderful comedy. While Christmas is merely a backdrop and barely featured, it’s so good it’s worth watching.
Basically, the story is that Lizzie can’t sleep because she’s so stressed about the wedding. Billy hasn’t really been able to sleep since his dad took off one night while he was asleep. One night Lizzie goes for a drive to try to get sleepy while Billy goes for a run. They literally run into each other. Lizzie offers him a ride to the hospital. They are bickering the whole time. Their banter is a great part of the movie.
Once there, they sit in the car a minute. Next thing you know they’re on gurneys and being checked out by paramedics and it’s the afternoon. They realize they both slept. Really slept.
After not being able to sleep again, which is affecting her relationships, her job, and her wedding, Lizzie decides to make Billy an offer. If he will sleep near her so she can sleep, she will loan him the money to open his bar. He can’t walk away from that.
Watching the two of them going back and forth as they adjust to the situation is really funny. Then, the fiancé finds out. He takes them to a sleep clinic and sees that they really do sleep near each other. It hurts him that she can’t sleep by him when they’re getting married so soon. Lizzie decides to end her arrangement with Billy.
Shock surprise, they realize they have feelings for each other. I won’t spoil how they get together but, like the rest of it, it’s funny. I love how much I laugh during this movie. It’s also smart and has heart. It’s definitely a good remedy when you need a pick me up.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
THE SANTA CLAUSE
“The Santa Clause” was released in 1994. It stars Tim Allen, Judge Reinhold, Wendy Crewson, Eric Lloyd, David Krumholtz, Peter Boyle, and Jayne Eastwood.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie is about Scott Calvin, a toy executive who is most likely on the naughty list. He and his wife, Laura, are divorced. She is remarried to Neal. Scott and Laura have a son, Charlie. Charlie is spending Christmas Eve with his father Scott. When they hear a noise on their roof and Scott goes outside to investigate, he inadvertently makes Santa fall off his roof. To humor Charlie, he puts on the suit and the reindeer start pulling them in the sleigh. Scott delivers the toys until the reindeer take them to the North Pole where Scott finds out that by putting on the suit, he became the new Santa.
Charlie believes it all but Scott doesn’t. He develops an affinity for sweets, keeps gaining weight rapidly, and his Santa beard grows immediately back after shaving. Eventually Scott realizes this is real. This causes Laura and Neal to take custody of Charlie but Scott takes him to the North Pole. After a police search and a big adventure, Scott brings Charlie home where Laura and Neal realize he really is Santa.
What’s special about this movie? It has all the magic of Christmas and Santa that you would want. It also gave us the line, “Seeing isn’t believing, believing is seeing.” We get to see a magical and beautiful North Pole.
Charlie is like the wonderful thread woven through the movie. His belief in Santa and that his dad has become Santa never waivers. It doesn’t matter what he is told. He holds solid in his belief. It’s that belief we all had as children. When I was told there was no Santa, I refused to believe it. There’s a part of me that still believes in Santa. Believing in magic, love, hope, and goodness can’t be bad.
The movie also has plenty of humor to go with the drama and heart. It’s a wonderful movie for families. It’s got things for everyone to be entertained. I’ve seen it countless times and I still enjoy it. I’ll be adding blog entries about parts 2 and 3.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
A SEASON FOR MIRACLES
“A Season For Miracles” was released in 1999. It stars Carla Gugino, Kathy Baker, David Conrad, Laura Dern, Patty Duke, Lynn Redgrave, and Mae Whitman. It is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie is about a woman trying to save her sister’s children from foster care by taking them to a small town where she is mistaken for a missing heiress. While there, a miracle occurs with the help of an angel.
Why do I love this movie so much? It’s the emotion. I can’t help but feel connected to the characters. It’s like I’m on the ride with them. It’s also how human and flawed the characters are and how well the actors communicate this.
Emilie and her sister grew up in foster care which is why she is so desperate to keep her niece and nephew out of foster care. Her sister is under arrest but in the hospital because of drugs. This is a repeating pattern in her life. Her children love her but she isn’t capable of loving them back. This makes watching the children blossom and learn to love and trust so very special.
I love seeing the angel intervene here and there while, for the most part, allowing the characters to set their own path. She’s there to guide and help but not control.
It is rated G but I don’t think young children will understand it. Other than that, I think it would be a great movie for families to watch together. It’s also a reminder to be thankful for all we have and the importance of our community.
If you haven’t seen it I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
THE THREE GIFTS
“The Three Gifts” also known as "The Christmas Gift" was released in 2009. It stars Dean Cain, Jean Louisa Kelly, Mimi Kennedy, and Reginald VelJohnson.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
This movie is about Jack Green who inherited a southern Californian horse ranch and an all-natural toy factory in the barn. With his wife Cherie, he accepts taking in the three 'holy terrors', Henry, Mike and Ray, from his bossy aunt Rita's orphanage during renovations, until the holidays. Resourceful Mike and his buddies, Henry and Ray, prove handfuls, but Jack proves father-potential. The trio even goes on best behavior after overhearing the couple considers adopting, but that also means rivaling, resulting in trouble for everyone.
What’s special about this movie? Having been a teacher for over 20 years and working with children in foster care, I have a special place in my heart for older children in foster care. Seeing the story of these three boys, believed to be too old to be adopted, is such a special message for everyone to see.
Despite the fact that you know the ending within five minutes or so, it’s a lovely film. It’s about togetherness and relationships. Jack and his aunt Rita, Jack and Cherie, Rita and the boys, and the three boys together.
The stories of the boys will break your heart. One survived a car accident his parents didn’t. The fact that they make a new family with each other shows the type of resiliency we all strive for. There are scars, but they still have optimism and are giving and kind.
Getting to know Jack and Cherie is another part of the puzzle. They don’t have a lot of money; in fact, they’re struggling. They don’t have children although they wanted them. Yet they’ve built a life as a pair. They are walking through life together.
I know this sounds like heavy and dramatic subjects, and they could be, but the way the movie is done it is light-hearted and a feelgood movie.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
A TIMELESS CHRISTMAS
“A Timeless Christmas” was released in 2020. It stars Erin Cahill and Ryan Paevey.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
Charles Whitley is a wealthy inventor in 1903. He is engaged to Eliza despite them not really being in love. Due to a Christmas clock, Charles magically time travels to 2020. He is in his mansion which is now a museum. Megan, is a historian, who helps run the museum which includes tours with actors in costume playing the roles of Charles, Eliza, and the household staff, which includes Rosie whom Charles was very fond of. Megan is a descendent of Rosie’s.
Having studied Charles Whitley in great detail, Megan realizes it really is him based on a scar on his hand that he had left out of his portrait, done in 1903. She helps him acclimate to the new world. It’s funny, in an endearing way, watching him try to figure out what Megan means by an email blast and other things like that.
I happen to really like science fiction so the time travel part is interesting to me. I’m also a history junkie so I loved Megan’s fascination with history. An interesting part of Charles’ wrapping his mind around everything is finding out his fiancé, Eliza, married his business rival and sworn enemy. He also finds out that they were happily married for over 60 years and were very philanthropical and made the town what it was.
Another hurdle for Charles returning home is finding the Christmas clock that sent him to the future. Of course, I want him to stay with Megan. I want them to be so swept up they can’t be parted. The overly logical part of me is wondering what he’ll do for work, how will we he get the needed identification, how will the logistics go. Yes, I’m a nerd. He decides to stay in 2020 because he wants to be happy with Megan and he knows that he would be taking away Eliza’s happiness and all the good she and her husband did if he went back and married her.
I think the beautiful mansion and the period costumes lend an air of magic to the story. Even though this is a new movie, I’ve already seen is four times so far and I’m still enthralled by it. Cahill and Paevey have a great chemistry and are superb in their roles.
If you haven’t seen it, I hope you give it a try. If you have, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
WILL YOU MERRY ME?
“Will you Merry Me?" was released in 2008. The stars are Wendie Malick, Cynthia Stevenson, Vikki Krinsky, Tommy Lioutas, David Eisner and Patrick McKenna.
This movie is about Rebecca and Hank. They are ready to marry and must now meet each other’s families, who couldn’t be more different. Set during Christmas and Hanukkah, the couple must go through the anxiety-filled process of meeting the in-laws.
To read my review click here. I want to warn you this blog entry contains spoilers.
Rebecca Fine and her parents, Marvin and Suzie, are Jewish. Her parents live in Los Angeles. Rebecca lives in New York and works at a store. The only real reference to her job is that she designed a Christmas window. We don’t know what Marvin does other than Suzie referring to him as doctor.
Henry Kringle and his parents, Hank and Marilyn, are Christian. They take Christmas extremely seriously. They live in Dunston, Wisconsin and Henry’s father is an attorney. Henry lives in New York and is also an attorney. Henry has a brother who lives in San Francisco with his partner. His parents say they are just business partners but the movie lets us know they are romantic partners which may be why they don’t come home for the holidays.
Henry and Rebecca met when they were in New York using the obituaries to find apartments. They show up for the same one, which is large, and they decide to share it.
Six months later Henry is shopping for earrings as a gift for Rebecca. As he’s telling the jeweler the story of how they met, he realized he wants to marry Rebecca. He proposes that night.
Needless to say, since they had only known each other six months, both sets of parents are surprised and not sure how to handle it. Rebecca’s parents normally spend the holidays in Aspen to get away from all the Christmas everywhere in LA. Because of the engagement, Rebecca and Henry decide to go together to the Kringle’s house for Christmas. The Fines decide to make an overnight stop in Dunston to meet Henry and his parents.
Naturally, the Fines, especially Suzie, are immediately taken aback by the Kringles. Marilyn added what she thought were Hanukkah decorations to welcome them but it just made things more awkward.
After a difficult dinner, where things like not being married by the family priest or a rabbi where discussed, they went to the living room for dessert. Shock surprise, the power goes out. The Fine’s plans to stay at a hotel and catch an early flight out are ruined. With all their luggage at the hotel, they have to make do at the Kringle house.
As if things could not get worse, they couldn’t fly out. This forces the families to spend more time together. There are many missteps, including Suzie accidentally killing the town mascot, a reindeer. Eventually they begin to relate to each other and appreciate their differences.
This movie is so sweet and funny. It does respect the meaning of the holidays but doesn’t take itself too seriously.
I'd love to hear your thoughts on the movie. Happy Viewing!
