MattyGibbs A predictable but satisfying film about a boy who adopts a dog for Christmas.The acting is above par for a made for TV movie and there are enough tear jerking moments to lift it above the average. Yes it's predictable but it's a Christmas family film and it does exactly what it says on the tin. My only gripe is that the secondary story featuring the dad's experiences as a soldier could have been handled better. Whilst the idea was good it didn't really add to the movie in the way it should have. Definitely a film to enjoy with the kids in the run up to Christmas.

mlterry-712-657883 Great story that will engage the interest of all who love animals and hopefully change the views of those who are not animal lovers. As Anatole France said, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." This movie demonstrates love for animals, family and is a great advocate for the learning disabled. This movie will help us all understand this quote from Mahatma Gandhi,"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Hopefully it will encourage people to adopt from our overcrowded animal shelters and to participate in spay/neuter programs also. This movie will be added to the classic Christmas movies our family watches every Christmas.

suzigard I agree completely with Kjirstin-1. I'm glad she pointed out the "errors" (for want of a better word) in sdquinn2-1's post about Bruce Greenwood's age and the Viet Nam postage issue. I thought bringing that into the film was perfect; it was a great way to explain why George didn't want to bond with another dog.And for those of us who are around the same age as Bruce Greenwood, it was even more powerful to see how his character looked during the war and how he looks now. Something we can 'relate' to, which made the movie that much more powerful and moving. On another note, I adore Bruce Greenwood, and again, in agreement with Kjirstin-1, he could play pretty much any character. He is an incredible actor, and he was perfect for that role. Noah Fisher was also incredible. I've seen him in a few TV shows (Law & Order SVU) where he was good; but he was so believable as the 'challenged' Todd. Not just any actor could perform that well in such a role.To say that the actor dog who played Christmas was phenomenal is an understatement. This was another aspect of the film which made it so great.So to sum up, this was just a wonderful film in every sense of the word. And last but not least, the gentleman who wrote the book upon which the movie was based expressing the need for people to adopt homeless dogs for Christmas not only added to the poignancy of the movie, but hopefully, planted a seed in the viewers' minds about adopting a pet.

kjirstin-1 Just watched this film and had to look it up, because I really enjoyed it.Had to laugh, though, at the comment from sdquinn2-1, who claimed Bruce Greenwood was "too young" to have played a Viet Nam Vet. Excuse me? He's an actor, and a good one. He could probably portray someone of 80 with the right makeup. My husband is 57 and would, but for the grace of God, have been a Viet Nam Vet. He looks so much like Bruce Greenwood's character in this film, they could have played brothers. Kudos to Hallmark's casting director for getting it right. So many assume these Vet's are ALL like the guys on skid row holding signs that say, "Will Work For Food" then drinking whatever cash they receive. Hallmark did a great service to all the good looking, law abiding Vets who did serve, and continue to serve their communities as Ham Radio operators, Boy Scout leaders, and in many other volunteer efforts. Some of these men are still quite handsome. Perhaps some magazine should have a "Hottest Viet Nam Vet" contest. I could nominate several men. ;) The stamp may not have been a mistake either. Families who had APO addresses were able to send letters directly to their servicemen and women, but girlfriends (like me) often had to send letters through regular mail to our serviceman's family, and have them forwarded to the trooper. I bought plenty of postage stamps to mail letters to my friends serving in Viet Nam. All this aside, Sdquinn, the film was based on a book. Was the lead character in the book a Viet Nam War Vet? Authors hate to have their stories changed too much just to simplify a film.Thanks, Hallmark, for once again providing excellent family films. I wish you'd make one about a talented opera singer, and cast my daughter. ;) /nm1965004/