Stephen Abell This is better than most of your Christmas films, which seem to bog themselves down in sentimentality and Christmas Spirit. This isn't a bad thing since that's what Christmas is about. However, when you get a film like this which is set in more realistic situations it's a nice break from the over cheeriness of the usual Chrimbo fodder.What also make this a movie worth watching is the acting, which, by and far, is superb. They actors did a great job and must have taken more than a few notes from the cameo "Stars" in the film, as this was the intended purpose of the Television Festival for Young People.That said, the film could've done with a bit better script and direction, there were times when my attention would stray, and the acting wasn't enough to keep me glued to the gogglebox.I recommend this film to all and we need more Christmas films like this - and more films helping young actors to come forward.

nina_glyndwr For a low-budget film that uses a lot of non-professionals, this is a really good film. A pleasing plot. Very neat. And the children are great actors.I'm glad I watched it. I almost didn't - because of the low rating.I had watched a big-budget children's film before it and that had the same rating. I gave it a 4. It was dire. This film, however, is so much better. No special effects, no professional child actors, but just so much better.

zdarov Based on other reviews, I watched and I'm glad I did - it was good! I have no idea why the overall rating is poor. The acting was excellent - children and adults - the scenery's lovely, and the story is pertinent - economic development. (I learned that the Irish say 'nigh' for now ;) which is either pronunciation or a different word - I plan to use it more often!) The story is completely clean, no harsh enmity just conflict. ..Although Pierce Brosnan insults his worker, and the worker insults his son - not great but not awful. This may be best for ages 8-9 and up, since there might not be enough action or shiny things for small tots. If you like this, also see Journey to the Christmas Star (Norway). That makes two great finds for me this season, I'll be watching this movie and that one again this year, and onward. Thanks, Netflix!

TxMike I found this movie on Netflix streaming. I watched it with my wife on Christmas Eve, as we both were suffering with very bad head and chest colds. Bah, humbug!The story focuses on young Erin Galway-Kendrick as Noelle O'Hanlon, so named because she was born on Christmas day and, because her dad had vehicle issues, she was born in a manger of sorts and delivered by an older woman who had only delivered calves before.Noelle grows up much like all her friends in their small sea-side town, but she finds she has a talent, the ability to perform "small miracles". Usually manifest this way, when two people were quarreling she could look at them, squint a bit, and all would become happy and cooperative.The drama comes when Rob James-Collier (the nasty guy on Downton Abbey) as Pat McKerrod comes back to town. He grew up there but obviously with great disdain for the place and its struggling snow globe factory. He has returned to represent himself as their savior, he will buy the company and assure jobs for all, but he is lying to them. He is working for Pierce Brosnan back in the States, who literally phones in his role as Mr. Shepherd, a tough businessman who only cares about himself.So the resolution of the various stories requires Noelle and her young friends to discover the truth and to point it out so that her small town and its snow globe business can be preserved.It is all fairly trite and over-simplified but I don't believe the filmmakers ever thought they were making an award-winning movie. It is just a small movie with a Christmas theme and entertaining for those in the right frame of mind for it.