Northpole

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.

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.

As a Christmas movie aficionado, I thought this one was fabulous. I loved the storyline, the drama and the actors. Some of the reviews are kind of harsh, but Hallmark is a FAMILY company - I wouldn't expect their movies to run so deep, include splatters... there are some really badly acted Christmas movies - great story lines, but nothing I would want to watch again or purchase. I would purchase this one. Northpole 2 was not as good as the first but I'm hoping for a 3rd.

This film was not actually the sickly sweet, irritating thing I thought that it would be.

The magical/fantasy/mythological element was quite tame and thus made it easier for it to blend in with the real world side of things.

It's the same old story when it comes to the romance element, but the young lads adventures with Clementine the Elf help to move it forward.

As for the love interest, there is just something about Josh Hopkins. He's a little weathered now, but he still has a sparkle in his eyes that bodes mischief and sauciness.

The cast do a fair job making it easy to watch. I'm sure Robert Wagner got paid more than the rest of the entire cast for his cameo, but I liked his interpretation.

The moral of the story is actually quite relevant. There are so many people who have lost their way when it comes to the care of our fellow humans, animals and planet, myself included. I don't necessarily believe that our kind acts and belief in the season will power Father Christmas' sleigh or anything like that, but surely it can power the world to make it a better place, full of better people? Behaviour breeds behaviour, do unto others, Etc. Karma must surely come back around? Mine must be taking the long way, but I know it will get here one day.

7ish?

I swear that Bailee Madison could light up Northpole with her own smile and happiness! This girl is a pure delight in just about everything she does. I enjoy the "Good Witch" series with her as well. She's the main reason to watch this film, despite excellent performances all around.

Bailee is Clementine, an elf who is concerned about the diminishing happiness around the world that is having a profound affect on the city, Northpole. She decides to do something about it.

Clementine finds a spark of hope in Kevin Hastings, a young boy who also believes that happiness and the Christmas Spirit is still alive despite evidence to the contrary.

Kevin, in a "Pay if Forward"-type scenario, decides to do something about it after his teacher assigns the class a holiday project.

Clementine ends up teaming up with Kevin to reignite the spark of happiness that is missing.

Besides a good cast and a decent story, the other reason this movie works so well is because it's not the typical "Hallmark Christmas Movie Template" that most of their films have. It stands on its own with its uniqueness.

So, if you're look for the non-typical Christmas film that will dazzle, delight, and even touch your heart, this is a good one to go with.