Eine Mami vom Weihnachtsmann

"Holiday" theme films get a bad rap. That's too bad because I enjoy many of them and this one is near the top.

The description of this film on IMDb doesn't really isn't accurate. What I will say is that the film is self aware not to send the audience into a diabetic coma.

IN this film a reporter must do a Christmas story after her boss forces her into it. She all work but to call her hard nosed is 100% wrong. She is not hard at all. She is not mean to anybody at all. Even her jerk-off boss she is nice to. She is however disappointed that she always has to do this "Soft news" segments. Her contract however is up and if she doesn't deliver a good story she maybe out of a job. Cynthia Gibb plays the reporter.

Now I am a huge Cynthia Gibb fan. I loved her work in "Fame", "The Karen Carpenter Story" and she more than held her own in the film "Gypsy" playing opposite Bette Middler.

The story she must do is a story on a man who is a single dad at Christmas. Now you may think you know what is going to happen BUT there is some nice surprises in this film.

If you can't find this playing on television during the holidays then buy it. Its worth the $10. Buy it and share with friends.

This is another feel-good Christmas movie that is made for TV, where nine year old Felice (Jenna Boyd) writes a letter to Santa Claus asking for a mommy. Her father is widower Joel Wallace (John Schneider) who is a workaholic and lets reporter Mary Maloney (Cynthia Gibb) get the scoop of Felice's story inside their home. She soon learns that miracles can happen.

Schneider and Gibb make a great duo and had great on-screen chemistry. Much of the acting was spot-on and the story was mostly entertaining, if a bit too slow at times. But, there is a nice plot twist to the story.

It's another nice movie for Christmas time, providing you with some good, clean entertainment and with some heartfelt moments that will make you feel good.

Grade B

While it may seem that this film is just another version of Miracle on 39th St, it adds so much more. The writer drops hints that you probably wont pick up on until the very last.I enjoyed the somewhat suspenseful story line. I thought I had it all figured out until the last scene. And it was definitely worth waiting for the final scene. All of the actors do a splendid job. I was impressed at the natural air of the production. By that I mean all of the actors, even those not in the forefront of a particular scene gave the impression that this was a real story happening right then. John Schneider and Cynthia Gibb do a superb job in portraying their characters. And Tom Bosley carries his character's suspense right to the very end.

It is just a great film. I may wear my copy out and have to buy a new one. I believe this will be a modern classic, with the likes of "A Wonderful Life" and Miracle on 39th Street. I have shown the film to several people because I want to hear and see their reaction at the end. So far reactions have been fairly consistent with a surprised "Oh!" For anyone who wants to see something great happen to someone else they can experience just that with "Mary Christmas".

This is the best Christmas movie I've seen for many years; Best since "The Christmas List".

I thought all four of the principal actors demonstrated great personalities consistent with their characters and the storyline. Situational dialog between all character was great; and included many enjoyable scenes of Christmas spirit, sentiment, and humor.

I'd strongly recommend viewing of "Mary Christmas" to become an annual holiday season tradition for everyone; especially busy and lonely people, plus families large, small, or fragmented. It will remind them of hopes (past and present), and brighten their spirits (present and future).

Toastmaster Joe

Wasn't expecting much, but this TV movie presses all the buttons for a great Christmas movie With a really good cast and a wonderful Dickensian plot this has that X factor that so many movies miss. Gives you a warm glow. Very soppy but very enjoyable from a 50 year old bloke.