bgajunkie
Mostly every other reviewer has already reviewed the film adequately so I don't need to repeat that. I enjoyed the story and it made a good romantic holiday movie, light on faith, but strong in the bonds of fellowship with friends & family.The only part of this story that seemed original and true to the situation though, was the fact that Cody spent night after night in the lumber yard workshop making the wooden bench for the area at Luke & Rosie special place, as a celebration of love. It seemed to me that apart from falling in love with Faith, and Nevada City; Cody wanted to leave something substantial behind when he returned to Afghanistan. The romance seems believable and heartfelt, and is an all-round feel good family Christmas movie. The veteran / serving soldier elements feel a little misplaced in this movie and should only be considered as a prop to build the plot on.
Heather
Although it has every cliché you've ever seen in holiday movies, this movie does a better job of it than most. Usually, the leading lady's boyfriend is a terrible person, which destroys the happy mood and makes the woman look like a fool. The boyfriend in this one is nice and clearly has strong feelings for his girlfriend, but they have nothing in common, he expects too much from her, and he makes big decisions without consulting her because he thinks big surprises are romantic (romance movies lead people to wrongly believe it is romantic). The new love interest is normally a funny, charming guy who is too shy to say how he feels. The one in this movie is a military man, so he knows life is short and always says what is on his mind. He's pretty serious, but he's helpful to everyone he meets and is a hard worker. He doesn't fall in love with the leading lady because of her beauty; he is touched that she writes holiday greeting cards to soldiers. Ordinarily, the family in holiday movies have some weird holiday-related family business and live in a creepily happy fake town. This movie takes place in Nevada City, CA and was filmed on location. The family has a logging business, so they do sell holiday trees (among other things like sawdust), but in a small town in the mountains this seems like a logical career. I also liked that there is a music score the whole time.
adoptshelterpetstoday
I think this movie had a very unique plot and location...and both were very refreshing!.....It flowed very nicely from one scene to the next........ All the players were well-casted.......The lines with drama, intensity, and humor were carried out appropriately.............However, I found it odd that a father would be so over-whelming...practically obsessed...about being a match-maker for his daughter...as well as the uncle.....while the mother was totally opposite......but that's what made the movie what it is.............I've seen this movie several times and look forward to seeing it again this year.....but I don't see it scheduled.
andrew s
As a person that does not like or celebrate Christmas, it is a personal choice and it is mine. Those people who do, I hope you have a wonderful time. I put this film on as there was really nothing else to watch. I believe that fate or whatever, does this to people, which is why this film was a complete surprise for me, its not a film I would have looked twice at in the TV listings. The fact it was heartwarming film, more than it was Christmassy, about core family values (something that is missing in my own life), neighbours, strangers in a far away land, and not about the giving of gifts. This made it watchable and enjoyable. The actors are all very good, the scenes are beautiful and the snow is great to see. There are a few more to check out, hop you enjoy: 1) Its A Wonderful Life. (George Bailey - James Stewart) 2) A Christmas Visitor. (George Boyajians) 3) Scrooge (1951)(B/w version). (Ebeneezer Scrooge) 4) National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.(Clark Griswold) 5) Scrooged (Frank Cross). I have just put a spoiler alert.I notice a glaring mistake in the movie. Here goes.After Cody and the Spellman family leave the hospital, Faith arrives home with Cody just behind her, she tells him to put his cycle next to 'Pops', which he does. After he has settled in he goes to the living room where Rosies cousins have come to see the family, Cody is introduced to them. Rosie asks Cody to go and fetch 2 folding chairs for the boys. Cody goes to the garage with Luke. Luke shows him the sleigh that he built for Rosy as she finds it romantic. Cody then asks if the hog is also for Rosy? How can it be for Rosy when he was told that it's 'Pops' by Faith?. Its because of this I am marking it down to 8/10.
AD
