AniInterview Sorry, this movie sucks

InformationRap This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

martingreg-80339 The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is full of emotion and meaning. This movie is, also, entertaining and has some very funny moments! This is a rare movie, that is suitable for all ages, but it is not just for kids by any means. There are some important messages in this movie for adults. I am trying to write this review, without giving away how it goes and concludes. Christmas is not Pish Posh and Jonathan Toomey learns this through Thomas and his sweet mother. If you want a Christmas, that shows love, compassion, forgiveness and the wonderful results of this, please buy this movie for yourself and for others, too! This is definitely a movie, that will cheer and warm your Christmas season.I really love this movie! Get some popcorn, or pumpkin pie and celebrate Christmas early with this cute, uplifting film!

Ed-Shullivan What a nice warm and cozy film to watch around Christmas time. Tom Berenger plays the crusty Jonathan Toomey who lost his wife and young son through a tragic accident. Mr Toomey begrudgingly agrees with a recently widowed woman Susan McDowell (played by Joely Richardson) to let her 10 year old son Thomas (played by Luke Ward Wilkenson) watch Mr. Toomey carve out a replica wooden nativity scene that the young lad mistakenly left a family heirloom behind in a train station.Gradually young Thomas wears down Jonathan Toomey's edgy personality and together young Thomas McDowell, the widower Susan McDowell and crusty Jonathan Toomey realize while meeting at Jonathan's home each night they begin carving out the wooden pieces of the nativity, that kindness and sharing in the true spirit of Christmas can brighten everyone's lives including people who have lost their most loved family members. It is a beautiful sad story with a happy and simple Christmas themed ending. We loved it.Watch for a young girl named Celia who is smitten by the bereaving Thomass McDowell when he moves in to the country to live with his mom and his auntie. The young Celia is actually Saoirse Ronan who went on four years later to star in the rock em sock em action flick "Hanna"

classicsoncall Most theatrical films today don't enter the realm of traditional values or refrain entirely from using words that make you feel uncomfortable with young children watching. Nor is there ever a product placement for Coca Cola very far away to remind us of crass commercialism. I picked this film up at my local library given it's Christmas themed title, and I don't know if I would ever have become aware of it otherwise. In many respects it's a melancholy tale dealing with heartache and loss, but counterbalanced by scenes of the young Tommy (Luke-Ward Wilkinson) making new friends in a new town and getting involved in the kind of mischief a youngster often finds himself in. The nativity set that serves as the dynamic for bringing the McDowell's together with Jonathan Toomey (Tom Berenger) also inspires the hermit woodcarver to re-evaluate his own life given the personal loss that's only alluded to briefly at the very beginning and end of the story. The attentive viewer will come away reminded that there are such things as happy sheep, proud cows and important angels that can help us connect with fellow travelers on this mortal coil. Set aside an evening for a family viewing of this heartening tale to recapture that Christmas spirit one more time.

qwer80-1 This under-advertised DVD movie is a gem. It is suitable for all ages, and will be most appreciated by children and mature watchers. The players are all just excellent and I especially liked the work of the director. This is a heartwarming and uplifting tale, something we all need these days! Set at Christmas-time, the story shows how kindness and a strong,loving spirit can break barriers of loss and loneliness. The young actor playing the role of the son is outstanding and Mr. Berenger's genuine portrayal of the lonely recluse is moving and heart-felt. I believe this rather short film could become a Christmas staple and hope others who watch it will agree.