The Christmas Bunny

This little-known Christmas movie is pretty cute. It comes off as a bit low-budget, mostly because the acting by most of the adults is less than impressive, but the little girl does a good job of playing the gloomy foster child in need of security and affection. Florence Henderson is also fun to watch.

All of the rabbit care described in the movie is surprisingly accurate. Whoever wrote the film obviously has experience with rabbits. They did a wonderful job of illustrating how sensitive these animals are, and that they frequently do not belong in the hands of young children, especially without some firm guidance.

There are some heavy Christian overtones in this movie. I am not religious, but that doesn't bother me in movies. However it is a bit silly/over-the-top at some moments.

This story is pretty refreshing; it confronts a lot of family issues that are not acknowledged in a lot of holiday movies. Definitely worth watching for animal-lovers, people with children who are animal-lovers, and pretty much anyone who can appreciate a simple, cute family movie.

I just love rabbits and bunnies. I have had my share of pet rabbits over the years. This film has Florence Henderson as Betsy Ross aka the Bunny Lady in Michigan. The film unfolds as a young foster girl named Julia is sent to a rural town to live with a struggling family, the Coopers. They have a son, Billy. The film was shot entirely on location in Michigan so there is lots of snow everywhere. The film takes place around Christmastime. On Christmas Eve when the boys shoot a b.b. gun at the rabbit, the family seeks to rescue and heal it. The veterinarian recommends the bunny lady aka Betsy Ross who helps him heal at her place. Henderson is completely unrecognizable as Betsy Ross. She played her perfectly in this film. The entire cast does a remarkable job in their roles. The film doesn't try to be overly preachy, corny, or sentimental at times.

Let me make one thing clear from the start: This is aimed at a young audience, it is very slow with an idea that is not original and was most likely made for TV. Those are factors you have to let flow into your vote and/or summary of the movie. You cannot compare this to big time cinema. I can still see that some people would have trouble and seeing this as a waste of their time.

After this foreword (or warning if you will), I can tell you, that as someone who loves animals in general and bunnies more specifically, you will enjoy the movie. You'll probably yearn for more bunny time, but you won't get more. The story might be a bit more out there and not as kid friendly as some might expect either. Still the overall message is clear. The girl actress is really good, which only really is being revealed when you watch the Outtakes on the DVD. Plus the old lady is based on a real person (as you can witness on one of the short features of the Disc)

I usually hate movies like this, but I actually enjoyed this one. Probably because it was a little darker than I expected. Not as "uplifting" as a Hallmark movie, but not as melodramatic as standard Lifetime fare. The cinematography has a nice indie feel to it rather than a sterile TV movie look. I thought the gloomy Michigan winter nicely framed the uncertain financial prospects of the dad and also the isolation of the girl. Though I wish the relationship between the rabbit lady and the girl had been developed a lot more since they were both so emotionally shutdown. Nevertheless, Florence Henderson did a great job in a role that played against her usual chirpy persona. I actually didn't recognize her until I saw the credits.

Sophia Bolen does a great job. She doesn't have to say much, and when she does talk, she shows a wide range.

If you're looking for Carol Brady, look somewhere else. Florence Henderson does an outstanding job but looks her age at long last; Betsy has made no effort to look good. Her personality is more Martha Raye or Sophia Petrillo than what Henderson has given us over the years. And that's fine. She is kind and loving in her way. This is not a sweet movie, but it is touching, and Betsy has a lot to teach about responsibility.

Faith is included in this movie as well. Patti has it but Scott is about to lose his.

While the movie had a TV-G rating, that doesn't mean it is without concerns. Julia's mother did abuse her, though she hits a camera showing Julia's point of view, not the girl. She is dressed for a hot date, but some of what is said about her suggests she was a prostitute. Plus she sold drugs. In addition, Julia, having been abused, also abuses.

Overall, this is a fine family film.