The Town Christmas Forgot

Santa may be making his list and checking it twice, but I've been watching just about every holiday movie this year that I can so I check them off my list. Although the plot may be trite (as most holiday movies are), I've seen more than a dozen, maybe two dozen, in the last couple weeks, and this one is one of the best put-together ones of the lot. And because it stands out from the crowd, I may be rating it higher than it deserves.

On the plus side, this flick is helped by a relatively tight script, decent direction, and worthy performances by its veteran stars, Lauren Holly and Rick Roberts.

Standouts in the supporting cast include the luminescent Stephanie Belding as the waitress who coordinates the Christmas pageant opposed by her mayor husband, owner of the restaurant where she works; the actor whose name I can't pin down as the barber who also "knows cars" (it seems the principal characters in town have two jobs, while most of the town is out of work); as well as the two who play the Benson kids (especially the son).

I am an incurable "anything Christmas" nut and look forward every year to my old favourite movies and hopefully some new ones. I watched this show last night and yes, I too noticed that the sun was shining during the storm at the beginning of the movie. I didn't recognize any of the actors' names and settled in to watch. Within minutes I realized this town named Nowhere was actually partially filmed 15 minutes from my home in a little town called Millbrook. This made the movie even more special as only a week ago I was sitting in a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop in Millbrook with the name "Nowhere Lodge" painted on its transom. We had asked the proprietor what the origin of the name was and he told us it was put there when a movie was filmed there not long ago. But I digress. Granted the movie is hokey. But there was no swearing that I could hear and no nudity. The kids' acting left a bit to be desired but they will improve with practice I'm sure. All in all, it was a feel good, family suited Christmas movie whose message seemed to be that it doesn't matter how much money you've got, decency, regards for your fellow man and the true meaning of Christmas are all that matters. If it's on next year I will watch it again. (For what it's worth, I never could stand "It's a Wonderful Life", so there you go - to each her own)

This was a wonderful movie. To those who ripped it, what were you thinking? I wanted to give it a 10, but I've given out too many this season. The story was so enjoyable, the cast was great and it looked as if the cast had a great time doing this movie. All I can say is to watch this and enjoy it for what it is and the message it sends.

Typical 'Hallmark' movie, it's not going to have Oscar winning acting, writing, or directing values. I don't know what people are expecting, some of the reviews I'm reading, I've paid for worse movies than this at the movie theater.

First of all, since it has not been mentioned the child actor who plays Nolan Benson is Lauren Holly's son Azer Greico, and I felt that Azer had some wonderful scene stealing moments, Lauren you're doing a good job and should be proud of him. And I grew up in Lower Bucks County, where Ms. Holly grew up at, we're all proud of her also.

As far as her appearance, she looks fine, she was in her late forties when this was filmed and will be 50 in October, in order to get work, most actress' have to have some cosmetic surgery done. The only thing she should never do is cut her hair again, no, no, no.

For the movie in general I found it cute and entertaining and watch it every time it's on. Loved Samantha Bee, the chemistry between her and Annie and Charles and Coleman you think they were friends forever and not total strangers who just met.

Azer's scene stealing Nolan Benson is what made the movie for me and I never knew it was Lauren's son until I read it on a PM over by an 'NCIS' Fanfiction writer who I was PM with. Azer does have a future in acting, he had a small part in an Adam Sandler movie last year.

For those who don't like low budget cheesy movies, don't watch. For the folks who just enjoy fun movies that the actors enjoyed playing their roles, this is treat for you.

Easy, light, touching, heart-warming and fun!

Highly rewatchable annual Christmas fare. Underrated. Without "Christmas" in the title, doesn't get the Christmas exposure it should on Hallmark..should have been titled: "Christmas in Nowhere." Need more Rick Roberts anywhere!

He is golden. Lauren Holly too? (Obviously just after some plastic surgery.) Big star power in this little movie. Love her, ever since The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. Her massive red hair & styling here is gorgeous. The only weak point is the grating daughter & writing for her..ugh..FF thru it. (The guy who plays "Coleman" - genius. Check him out beautifully stealing the entire episode of Monk, 'The Lottery' in a tiny roll.) This cute and timeless Nowhere film deserves to be included in every Christmas programming collection for viewers to enjoy. ###