Humpty-Dumpty2
Most Christmas stories tend to focus on the holiday aspect and minimize religious/doctrinal overtones. This film, on the other hand, is overtly religious, complete with quotations from the New Testament, such as "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son" (John 3:16), and exhortations such as "Faith, is believing in something that you can't really see", as if that's a good thing. The overt religious plug in this film can be quite off-putting for the non-religious.In contrast, 'Miracle on 34th Street' (1947), also starring Maureen O'Hara, succeeds in telling a warm and sweet Christmas story without plugging religion.By the way, you will notice that the little girl in 'The Christmas Box' is a dead ringer for Natalie Wood in 'Miracle on 34th Street'. I don't think that's accidental.
OllieSuave-007
This is a made-for-TV Christmas movie starring Hollywood legend Maureen O'Hara as Mary Parkin, a widow who is being cared for by ski-shop owner Richard Evans (Richard Thomas) and his wife, Keri (Annette O'Toole). They moved into Mary's estate after Richard struggles to balance his family and career life.As with many families, there is a husband or wife who seem to put work over family. This movie beautifully depicts Mary giving the career-oriented Richard several lectures in having a healthy family life and has him guessing what the greatest gift one could have is - as it is revealed by the end of the film.There are quite a few sappy moments, but the characters were well-acted for the most part and the plot was quite solid, giving us a pretty captivating film with many heartfelt dramatic moments. In addition to the drama, there is also a touch of fantasy elements that give the film a bit of suspense and intrigue. Overall, a good one to watch during Christmas time.Grade B
Neil Doyle
This is a handsomely produced tear-jerker, nicely played by MAUREEN O'HARA, RICHARD THOMAS and ANNETTE O'TOOLE and obviously aimed toward the Christmas market with a sweet tale about a mysterious Christmas BOX residing in the attic of an old lady's mansion.Maureen O'Hara is still a pleasure to look at and listen to in the role of a rather crotchety, firm-minded elderly lady who is in need of household help and accepts Thomas and O'Toole, along with their young daughter, when they apply for the job. Thomas needs the extra money to run a ski shop but is not exactly fond of O'Hara and her ways. It's his daughter, Jenna, who eventually does establish a bond with the woman and more revelations soon come about with respect to the mysterious Christmas box in the attic and O'Hara's past.It's strictly sentimental stuff, so be advised that the pace is on the slow side as the character revelations are gradually made clear. But if you like warm-hearted tales of Christmas (or any of the holidays for that matter), you can't go wrong with this one.Summing up: Handsomely produced with fine performances, well worth viewing.
Soledad-2
I cannot understand the low rating of this movie. I have truly enjoyed The Christmas Box and believe it's a marvelous holiday movie. The acting was excellent and, once again, Maureen O'Hara proves that she is a true star. The Christmas Box is a film that could rival A Season for Miracles and It's a Wonderful Life. I highly recommend this movie, one of Hallmark's best films. Don't miss it!
AD
