MovieMan1111 Billy Ray Cyrus can Act! I was hesitant to watch a movie carried by Billy Ray Cyrus, but within minutes I was watching Daniel Burton and was submersed into this film.The concern for his young son DJ's biggotry and the parenting skills he utilized to overcome his son's views were genius.The rest of the cast was great, the two young boy's had excellent chemistry, the hatred turned friendship was very believable! I really enjoyed the scene when Rodney tricked DJ into thinking he had consumed Skunk Stew - DJ's reaction to the news and subsequent sprint to the balcony had me laughing for minutes. The grown up version of the boys was well cast,the friendship blossomed to include Rodney as(family) which was very moving.Watching a period piece is often overlooked as it lacks the high tech distractions offered in today's films, but Christmas in Canaan delivered thought provoking content and was a surprise holiday hit for me! I even ordered the DVD from amazon! ENJOY

Michael Morrison Leery of TV Christmas movies, I watched this one on the Hallmark Channel recently (December, 2010) with my finger on the channel changer.But I'm glad I didn't leave.First, it is a wonderful story, just what we need to remind us that, despite politicians, such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama, playing such hob with the economy, tough times don't last and tough people do."Canaan" is also another reminder that a movie can be good even with a cast of -- at least to me at this viewing -- unrecognizable actors.Every player, even the youngest, was thoroughly believable.The script avoided clichés or, if seeming clichés were unavoidable, used them to creatively further the story.Sure, it might make any good-hearted person cry, but there is nothing wrong with that, especially around Christmas time.

claudiapatx This is a beautiful story of an unlikely friendship between two young men, who would have never been friends if not for a great dad. One is white and one black, a highly unusual friendship for the time. It depicts the hardships of blacks and the poor rural whites of that time. There is a scene where because they are so poor, the dad(Billy Ray Cyrus) gives everyone pictures instead of real gifts for Christmas, because that's all he could afford. I cried watching it. It was so sweet.The movie gets into some touchy areas, like the black struggle to vote back in those times. And the attitudes that went along with that struggle.This is a really touching, beautifully made movie. I do highly recommend to all.

jlynrobertson I was so privileged to be invited to attend an advanced screening of this film and absolutely loved it! It's such a breath of fresh air to know that quality content like this is going to be on TV. Billy Ray was absolutely wonderful as the dad, and the kids all did a great job as well, I thought. For those of you that haven't read it, I also recommend checking out the book after you watch the movie this weekend :) It's a very easy read, extremely touching and has a great message.I recommend this movie to everyone...young and old...I think we can all learn something from it!