Northpole

Have always absolutely adored Christmas and great/classic festive films are many. The quality of Hallmark's festive films do vary, have implied that in other reviews of some of the films seen as part of my Hallmark/Lifetime etc. Festive films quest. Some surprised me, being genuinely likeable and an easy watch without being cheesy or too sentimental regardless of how predictable they are. Others made me cringe, went too far on the sugar, lacked any surprises or anything even and were of bad quality.

'Northpole' is one of those films that is somewhere in between. As far as Hallmark's 2014 Christmas output goes, it's not one of the best or one of the worst. Pleasant enough if unexceptional middling if anything. The concept did sound very nice and it was interesting seeing Robert Wagner and Jill St John on screen after so long. 'Northpole' turned out to be nice enough and inoffensive, but there is also not much that is extraordinary about it.

There are plenty of good things here in 'Northpole'. The scenery is colourful and picturesque as well as photographed beautifully, never drab or over-saturated. Not to mention that the editing is very professional and the special effects are slickly done. The music is another big strength, it captures the festive spirit in an affectionate way without intruding too much and the film is directed in a competent manner (not exceptional but with nothing done disastrously). The script isn't too awkward and has enough amusing and sweet moments without being on the wrong side of cheesy or cloying.

Story is far from perfect, but it does charm enough, is nostalgic and isn't dull. The Christmassy and nostalgic atmosphere is done beautifully. The acting on the whole was not bad at all, Bailee Madison's immensely endearing performance dazzling most and she is wholly successful in making her character easy to root for. St John brings grace to the picture too.

Wagner was less good though, he doesn't fit the role of Santa physically or in voice (sounding more bored than jovial) and he goes through the motions. There are times where the film does get on the too corny side.

Other than the concept, which was different for Hallmark, there is nothing here that's unique. It's all pleasant and correct enough, but also too safe and there is very little freshness to the material, which makes it not stand out that much. The ending seemed a bit hurried.

In conclusion, didn't wow me but there was no regret watching at the same time. 6/10.

Northpole is without a doubt one of the best Christmas films of 2014 and one of Hallmark's best films.

As far as the plot goes, it's far beyond what we see in other Christmas productions. A city at the North Pole called Northpole is on the brink of demise due to lack of Christmas spirit from the people down South. One elf (played by Bailee Madison) decided to seek help from one boy who still believes in Christmas and with help from his reluctant mom (played by Saved By The Bell's Tiffani Thiessen) and his teacher, they decided bring Christmas cheer the boy's new hometown.

The plot was good though some parts could used more work. I will admit, I did feel uncomfortable at the moments where the mom disbelieves her son about Northpole though she did regret her actions quickly. When you're an adult, it gets hard to believe in everything.

The acting from the actors was all right. The special effects were great. It looked like Hallmark spend a fortune on the Northpole scenes.

Despite a few minor flaws in the story, Northpole is still an enjoyable Holiday film. Some people may love it, some may not love it, but hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I personally recommend this film for those that love Hallmark Channel and its Christmas films.

An oldish story told again, with a couple of little twists, but generally a very nice little film which is more about the Christmas spirit than loads of CAD trickery. Certainly worth a watch.

I have seen almost every big Christmas movie and the marginally noteworthy ones, Northpole is dead center between the two. In the opening scene on my 60" HDTV, I'd have bet money this was actually a big budget Hollywood blockbuster. The view of "Northpole" was as colorful and bright as any Christmas movie I've ever seen, and that's high praise for a Hallmark Channel production. Mind you, I am not a fan of most Hallmark Christmas movies. They almost always feature Hollywood has-been's, one-hit-wonders who's 15 minutes passed long ago or "never-was's". They're abysmally formulaic, unimaginative and they always look like they had a budget of $12. Here is the entire script of 90% of all Hallmark Christmas movies; There is a jaded woman who's lost her faith in love, a single mom who meets an unassuming man with a heart of gold (like this guy would be single). He rekindles her faith by restoring something in the town, some building or Christmas tradition, or he finds a way to reach the woman's son who has emotional baggage, a disease or he's in a wheelchair...how'd I do? Northpole doesn't break any new ground, and the storyline fits my stereotype more than not. It stars Tiffani Thiessen (Saved by the Bell) and Bailee Madison (Once Upon a Time)who is just charming in everything she does, and a host of actors you've never seen before. This movie won't become an annual classic, but you won't likely change the channel either. Take it for what it's worth, a better-than-average made for TV holiday flick and Merry Christmas.

This Hallmark movie delves into fantasy more than most, and it comes off really well. A nicely entertaining movie with a good story and good actors.

In this story Santa and the North Pole community and toy factory are real. However things are going downhill a bit. In a theme that might have been borrowed from the movie "Elf" more joy is needed to power the Northern lights and revive the Christmas spirit.

Meanwhile in a small town a teacher and her young son want to help the town revive its own Christmas traditions, the tree lighting ceremony. She is a reporter, she suspects there is something amiss in the dealings between a wealthy man and the town's mayor.

One of Santa's elves "borrows" one of the reindeer and a small sled to travel to the town and ultimately help the boy and the town revive its own Christmas traditions.

A really nice Holiday movie, my wife and I enjoyed it at home streaming on Peacock.