Heather The main character, Rocky, is a blogger, so he makes vlogs, stop-motion videos, etc. Thus, there are stop-motion transitions throughout the movie that add some kitschy charm. Rocky is written as a realistic young adult; not moody and reclusive or syrupy sweet, like you normally see in holiday movies. He'd rather Skype with his friends and coordinate group collaboration projects than bond with his father where there's no wifi, but it's not like he's mean to his father. The plot is different from other holiday movies and it has a holiday flair without saturating you with the holiday spirit. The movie isn't too optimistic and doesn't have a lot of drama; it's just a son trying to win a contest in honor of his deceased mother. It's definitely one of the better holiday movies.

Kirsten Petersen I would like to know why they added the word "Mormons" in such a disgusting way? I also don't appreciate that they used Mormons so many times. There are Mormons all over the world. And they should be respected. Don't get me wrong I really enjoyed this move. But if the Utah and Mormons part was used as a joke it was not funny. Just like all religions and ethnicities they should not be made fun of in any situation, especially one that would be broadcasted through a movie. As a warning to all movies I hope they know that every one and thing in a movie should be respected. Thank you for allowing my comment to be seen. I really do appreciate it.

MartianOctocretr5 Most of the goofy flaws are contrivances designed to move the plot forward, though, so poetic license prevails. Not to mention the fact these minor problems are somewhat silly and therefore entertaining.OK, follow this plot: a teen guy who has a somewhat inflated assessment of how interesting his life is likes to video blog/chat with some cyber buddies. I got a kick out of the one who looks like a dozen Chia Pets exploded on her head. She's having a serious bad hair day. Make that a bad hair century.His dad is a widower (like all movies of this ilk), and they have dad/teen son tensions; who could have seen that coming? He wins a contest to have his tree become the new National Tree in Washington. His dad tells him "no" every time he opens his mouth, and that's a lot since this kid shoots off his yap constantly. All the while, he tapes his favorite video subject (himself), and posts it on the net. The movie would have you believe somebody is actually watching his videos, lol. All aboard as Dad and Rock (yeah, that's his name) set out from Oregon over 18 wheels to transport and hand-deliver the tree in DC. But fires, corporate nasties, a hitch hiking gf (not the Chia), a hip grandma, and more stuff awaits on the highway ahead. The final act and its result: only in a TV movie, folks.Much of this story is as stretch, but those parts are funny because of it; yet these awkward moments do not prevent the sentimentality that is intended. With all the contrivances, it's still worth a couple of hours if you're going to be home anyway.

bkoganbing The National Tree as a story hit home for me because I remember back in 1965 my mother planted a tree for my grandmother the same way that Andrew McCarthy planted a tree for his dead wife and the mother of Evan Williams. When in 1997 my brother and I sold the house the tree was still going strong. I've not gone back to Brooklyn to see if the tree is still there though. I hope it is.Which hangs the tale of The National Tree. That tree is saved because the President of the USA has chosen it to be the national Christmas tree to be lighted at the White House and replanted there. Otherwise it would have been scheduled to be bulldozed because Andrew McCarthy is selling off his property in Oregon. But since the tree is saved McCarthy and Williams are driving a big rig to Washington, DC to deliver it to the White House in person. Along for the ride are Kati Matchatt from the company who bought the property and are reaping the publicity and Paula Brancati a video chat room pal of Williams whom they meet in the flesh in Wyoming. In fact the scenes with Williams chatting with Brancati and his other pals around the world are the best in the film. In fact they are the hope of the world as young people make connections beyond national boundaries.The film is a pleasant two hours viewing with an easy to take cast and a story while not Citizen Kane is still entertaining.