paul vincent zecchino You needn't view this fine family film at Christmas time to enjoy it. Its message transcends the seasons and speaks to the goodness people demonstrate, and the gift of the family arrangement God gave to us.Set in the late Depression Era, the moral of the story is timeless and is clearly pertinent to our time.Merely for its costuming, settings, and appointments this upbuilding film deserves an award. If you grew up during the Fifties, you surely will recall many homes which looked as do the lovely homes in this film.Home decor is straight from the late thirties/forties and every bit of it is lovely. The 'floor mode' radio is quite authentic as are all the tobacco cannisters, green desk lamps, and the railway - everything.Saw this film a couple years ago on THIS TV, and thought well enough of it to purchase it for the collection.The father's devotion is demonstrated in the little things, making a sleigh for his kids, spending time with them.If you've a heart you'll surely find it warmed by this fine story.Paul Vincent Zecchino Manasota Key, Florida 26 December, 2012

tbain81 I wanted to like this movie. I really did. After watching it and reading some of the reviews on here, I can only assume they were written by individuals who had some sort of hand in the making of this film, or know someone who did.I'm trying to find something likable about this movie, but I can't think of anything. The characters aren't fully developed, so you don't really care what happens to them.When the annoying Carol Lee says she wants a bike for Christmas, you don't really care if she gets it or not. There's no indication she has done anything to deserve such a gift during a time when her parent's income is struggling.We're supposed to feel sorry for her, and for her father, Joel, who just can't afford the bike. Instead of him doing odd jobs or other measures to come up with the $, he storms out of the house on Christmas Eve to buy a bike with 1/8th of what it costs in his pocket.The sad part is, you don't give a crap when he shows up back at home without the bike. He spends money that was to go towards an electric bill on Coke's for his buddies at work, and now we are supposed to be sad when he is going to disappoint his child because of his bad decisions? I sure didn't.The acting is horrible, the camera shots remind this viewer of a college film class, and the story is severely lacking any emotion.Moreover, the 1940s element adds NOTHING to the movie. If anything, it served as a distraction due to the lack of historical details and accuracy. I can forgive Christmas movies that have a certain degree of cheese, but this one is just plain awful.The Simpsons were able to pull off a better Christmas tale that involved the family getting a dog in 22 minutes, than this one did in 54 minutes. It's sad when a cartoon that features yellow characters can capture the holiday better than this turd of a movie.

bethbrickell This uplifting movie is in the mode of "It's a Wonderful Life" and is guaranteed to put anybody of any age in the Christmas spirit. As a "G" rated movie, it won the "Best Feature Film for Kids" award at the Moondance Film Festival in Los Angeles in June 2006. The Kids First Film and Video Festival in Santa Fe, a traveling festival, will screen the movie in up to 45 cities nationwide between October 15, 2006 and January 15, 2007. And the initial reviews for "Mr. Christmas" are raves:"This heartwarming film will be a holiday classic." School Library Journal"A sweet family drama with a surprising twist." Booklist"A family tale reminiscent of classic holiday films." Library Journal"A true gift." Arkansas Democrat-Gazette"A warm family film that parents and children will enjoy together." FamilyLife TodayI'm the filmmaker and I believe that you and your family will love our movie. See if you can guess the surprise ending. No one ever has!

madnet24 Beth Brickell has created a wonderful film based on her own childhood experiences. Less than an hour in length, this heart-felt story manages to pack quite a punch. It's The Bicycle Thief, American-style. Themes of parental love, responsibility and guilt interplay with a charming look at a little girl's wish for a bike from Santa, a wish which Santa may or may not be able to grant. Set during the onset of the USA's participation in WWII, this movie feels authentic. With its deft capture of life in small-town America, the story reaches across generations of families to touch us all. Don't miss the extras.....including a full commentary by director and cinematographer. The outtakes are hilarious.