Weihnachten in Conway

I don't know if my previous review went through so I'm going to have to write again. Andy Garcia not only is handsome and Charming and very approachable but he has a way about pulling at the Heartstrings and making women feel emotional. It's from his emotional presence. He knows how to cry and show his emotions and he's not afraid to show his emotions he wears his emotions on his shoulders. This is very unusual and it's very unusual for an actor to be this incredibly gifted and skilled to draw in the audience and make them emotionally vulnerable and bring up tears and you see people crying left and right. He's A Gifted Man love him.

This film is certainly a departure from what a recent viewer to Hallmark Christmas movies might expect (introduce the characters, draw characters close, introduce conflict one, resolve conflict one, introduce conflict two, resolve conflict two, happy ending). I think that's what makes it stand out and also what makes this a very special selection. Contrary to what one reviewer stated, I don't believe the overriding theme is terminal illness. I think that misses the point. What I found the overriding theme to be is love and redemption that shine in the face of a terminal illness. Which are perfect themes for a Christmas movie. I do agree with the reviews that the movie isn't one of the best acted. Even with the star power on board. So it doesn't wear as well as some. However, the story still stands well and I hope Hallmark has the good sense to keep this film in its Christmas rotation for a long time to come.

This was very good, a little heartbreaking if I'm honest but I appreciated that it wasn't the usual cheesy or corny Christmas movie. A surprisingly great cast here too; Andy Garcia, is fantastic, Mandy Moore, very believable as the home care nurse and Mary-Louise Parker is suitably sick. They all do a great job telling the story of a grumpy (heartbroken) man who goes about building a Ferris wheel for his ailing wife in their backyard as a reminder of the night he proposed to her.

There are some very heartfelt moments here and a bit of a romance hinted at between Moore and the landscaper which is left a little vague. I could have done without the brief attempts at humour from the neighbourhood Grinch woman and the cowboy junkyard man. A beautiful ending here too which at first left me surprised -what, that's it? Because I was so engrossed in the story. But then when I thought about it I realized I didn't really need to see anymore. 12/22/14

Mary Louise Parker is excellent. She doesn't really seem sick (she even has her hair) but it's just that her character is so strong and won't give up. And no matter what, she shows concern for others.

I didn't recognize Andy Garcia, though he looks like Mitt Romney in this. Garcia is nothing like his past roles, but he is very good here, providing the perfect balance between bitter curmudgeon and loving but sad husband.

Mandy Moore is sweet and caring, and determined to do whatever is necessary.

Riley Smith is likable as Tommy.

I didn't know Cheri Oteri but I sort of remember her from "Saturday Night Live" prime-time specials and clips. She provides most of the desperately needed humor.

Mark Jeffrey Miller also stands out and gives us a few more laughs, showing a mix of bitterness and caring as the former carnival worker.

I have only one complaint. They obviously didn't film this movie in the real towns. The movie was set in Conway and it has the Spanish moss that helps make the town so attractive. As the couple rode to Myrtle Beach, they crossed an attractive bridge which I've never seen. Conway has a real nice bridge they should have used. The Riverwalk was mentioned but I don't think the real one was shown, because I have visited it for the past six years and it didn't look quite like that. I have passed Family Kingdom amusement park in Myrtle Beach many times and may have gone there (whatever it was called then) as a child nearly fifty years ago. I don't think that was the real Family Kingdom either. And Moncks Corner is not as close to Conway as they made it look, and nowhere near a freeway.

This is a family movie, but it doesn't shy away from the reality of terminal illness.

But this is a worthy effort for the Hallmark Hall of Fame.

For those who love these movies it's enjoyable. Face it, Hallmark shows are not made for academy awards and Emmy's they are made to share warm sentiments and enjoyment for those that like them. It's enjoyable and should be viewed in that way.

Garcia gives a good performance as do most of the actors. It is nice to see some of these actors I have not seen in a number of years.

A man who loves his wife and is trying to deal with her mortality and their dreams ending. To those who have lost loved ones way too soon, it is a respectful view into how people deal with loss and forgiveness. To many this will mean a great deal.