Help for the Holidays

My Christmas film watching and reviewing quest that began at the end of last year has been interesting. That is not to say that every film seen was great, or even good. The overall quality of the quest was actually very variable, as has been the case with a vast majority of my completest quests over the years. Haven't had any quest/project where every film seen has been consistently good or consistently bad, a lot of both extremes of good and bad and quite a lot in between.

That was certainly the case with this quest. Of which 'Help for the Holidays' was actually one of the standouts. In a good way, actually was not expecting to like the film as much (with it sounding slightly predictable and cheesy) as it actually transpired. Moderate expectations exceeded if you will. Is 'Help for the Holidays' devoid of flaws? No, and few films are (actually have had minor issues with some of the films rated 10/10, but overlooked because of everything else being so amazing). As far as all the recently seen Christmas films go though, 'Help for the Holidays' to me was one of the best and that is saying a fair bit.

Perhaps 'Help for the Holidays' could have done with more surprises, so that it didn't feel "know exactly what happens when you go along" or as convenient.

Also found Dave on the annoying and contrived side, but maybe that's just me. Am not blaming John Brotherton who does well as the character, but more how the character's written.

'Help for the Holidays' is beautifully filmed however, it's not drably lit, is cohesively edited and the locations are made good use of despite it being obvious that it was not shot at Christmas time. The film doesn't make the mistake that most recently seen Christmas films have done of having over-used and overpowering music, it is lovely to listen to and has a festive feel. The dialogue doesn't have too much cheese and doesn't fall into schmaltz, it's amusing and sometimes movingly delivered with spirit.

It was very capably directed too, not allowing the film to drag and always making the drama and such clear. The story is predictable, but is very light-hearted and heart-warming with more character depth and likeability than most recently seen Christmas films. There is a lot of charm and it really does live up to its well meaning title. Actually found myself liking the characters and their personalities and didn't find myself frustrated by any behaviours or questioning motivations (have seen too many holiday films that have been guilty of those). 'Help for the Holidays' is well acted, with two immensely appealing lead performances from Summer Glau and Eva LaRue. Both have grown a lot as actresses.

Overall, lovely film and enjoyed it so much more than thought, worrying that it would not be my cup of tea. Speaking as somebody who has always been encouraging with reviewing but also firmer over the years with ratings and putting opinions across, liking films etc. of every genre and decade. 8/10

This is one of the best new Christmas movies I have seen in quite awhile. I think Steve Larkin is the best Santa I have seen since "Miracle on 34th Street"! His laugh is contagious! I felt a more touching side of Santa. The fact that Santa also knew what his Elf wanted helped to bring the whole story up to a more of a loving caring level. Summer Glau (Christine Prancer) is a very cute Elf. I like the whole Elf ear thing, but don't want to include any spoilers here :) Christine Prancer's Elf friend Gabby (played by Jessie Lande) filled the best friend roll well. The story line is well written, and not just a typical Scrooge changing, Christmas, Love Story. The plot brings to light that Christmas is an important family time and that the spirit and enthusiasm for Christmas can be changed by even the smallest of the family members.

I'll admit I'm normally not a person that watches anything from "Hallmark" mainly because there simply not my movies, however this film is probably the only exception I'll make for them.

It's not exactly one of my favorite Christmas films nor a classic in my book, but all the same I like it because it has a fun charm to it as well as surprisingly made me care and feel good, but of course has an actress I really like is in it which makes it even better.

I like the story, it's a typical fish out of water story but it's one of those ones done right; it's almost a bit similar to the story in the claymation special "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" since that was about a Christmas character coming into contemporary reality and giving cheer where needed.

I really love the character Christine whom of course is played by Summer Glau. I'll admit what drawn me to the film is her since I've seen and a fan of "Firefly" and "Serenity", she is just fraking hot and a capable/underrated actress to boot. I really love her performance in this film, I bought she was an elf. Her character has charisma, has just this infectious charm that could just win anyone even by just a mere smile which on a side note is a great one, she's selfless, energetic and cheerful.

Two of the things I really like are how disoriented she is with real world customs, which makes sense since she is an Elf from the North Pole; and it funny how she tries to fit in which of course doesn't entirely work, from the way she behaves and certain things she does the supporting characters know she's a little strange. But just simply the humanity of her character which makes her three dimensional, the fact that she wants more in her life, which is a normal human trait with anyone. And of course she experiences both the ups and even the downs, when things are really down for her, you can't help but feel for her but that all the more makes us want her to win.

Supporting characters are solid, Eva La Rue also hot and yeah watched a little of "CSI Miami" her character Sara VanCamp is a mom whom is unfortunately all business, she is plenty successful in her career but shamefully doesn't equal toward her family life. She not a bad person the problem is her head is in the wrong place. She does care about her family but she doesn't spend enough time with them even when she should. And of course that mistake soon catches up with her. Her character also has humanity once this begins, she starts to let Christine in a little realizing she isn't happy and needs some help.

Another supporting is Dave Gariel (John Brotherton), I like that he doesn't look like a typical pretty boy, but handsome all the same. He's got a sort of rough charm to him, has some charisma, like that he's likes Chrismas just as much as Christine which is one thing they have in common. I do like the chemistry between both of them, it's not the greatest romance I've ever seen but I take it over any crap fest romance comedy/soap anytime. But both have a solid back and forth, I bought the developing relationship between the two sparks were flying, but I love the fact that he accepts her for what she is, sure Christine seems a bit strange but in a good way let alone she's not boring.

The film of course does have good messages about the importance of putting family first and also how everyone does deserve happiness.

Overall it's a solid simple Christmas film that's worth a watch.

Rating: 3 stars

At last! Hallmark presented a GOOD, new Christmas movie!...so rare anymore! I watched this movie several times and enjoyed it each time...and look forward to watching it again.

I like that it really stays focused on Christmas in all aspects: all the scenes...apparel...and make-up ...has magic...Christmas décor...and has a delightful, optimistic plot...with talented players. And the plot flowed very nicely!

"Christine" is absolutely delightful and believable...and she is what made the movie so extra nice to watch!

Santa looked, acted, and dressed as we expect a "real" Santa to be. (unlike some other movies.)

The little boy played his part very well!...not annoying at all.

Only slight downer: "Dave" ("Sara's" brother) was a bit too forward, too pushy trying to woo "Christine"...since he only knew her briefly. His approach should not have been over-bearing, but left to the viewer's imagination instead.

But anyway, I think the way this movie is...a Christmas movie with magic... is the way they should be...

...while some other Hallmark "Christmas" movies make attempts to combine Christmas and magic, they fall very, very short (one ex: the overly-hyped "Northpole")...as they stray from the point...to the point of annoying and boring since they include unrelated inner plots...while others have very annoying characters and/or unfit untalented players....and basically, have a lousy plot.

I have this odd semi-obsession with seeing, about once-a-week, another Christmas... and this happens year round no matter what month it is. My obsession continued with this Made-for-TV movie from the Hallmark Channel. Santa sends an Elf to bring the spirit of Christmas back to a family who has lost it. Summer Glau stars and as she brings Christmas to the screen she is simply a delight to watch. Overall, an average, but still one of the better, Made-for-TV Christmas movies from the past several years, methinks. Definitely worth it for those who love that Christmasy feeling... even if it does take place in Southern California.

5.6 / 10 stars

--Zoooma, a Kat Pirate Screener