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).

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.

I think this movie was no worse than any other made for TV Christmas movie. It was predictable, yes, but still a cute movie nonetheless. It was definitely a great movie for kids to watch without fear of inappropriate scenes or language. The acting was fine, I certainly wouldn't call it horrid...let's try remember that this was not billed as a blockbuster, it wasn't "profound" but I loved it anyway...and Lauren Holly looked beautiful as always. I guess it's easy to be a critic when you aren't the one in the movie. It entertained and was definitely a 'feel good' story. There were several funny lines. It was a good little Canadian made film. Great job Stephanie!

From back when Hallmark used to get some mainstream names in their Christmas movies, we get Lauren Holly as a former Broadway chorus girl who gave it all up for a family.

To start the movie, a family of four breaks down in the mountains in a snow storm, and wind up stranded in a small, failing town while the town's mechanic has to wait for parts for their SUV.

With no cable, no cell service, and no internet, the family is forced out of their motel room and have to start interacting with the remaining people in the town ... in a town where most have given up hope.

Each member of the family makes connections and seeks to give the town an emotional shot in the arm.

Recommended, and for us its a repeat watch. This year makes our third viewing.

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.