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.

Well if "micahcircuitry" did not like this one he will definitely not like "THE NIGHT BEFORE THE NIGHT BEFORE Christmas"..

It is a shame.

"jlf-7" and I both like this one.

If you drive around Colorado between US 50 and I-70 you will definitely find a few places like this one…

This is a good study of people. Check out the men sitting at the lunch counter.

I loved the Toy Store owner. He may be grumpy but he has a positive outlook that the Toy Store will reopen.

Easy, light, touching, heart-warming and fun!

Highly rewatchable annual Christmas fare. Underrated. Without "Christmas" in the title, doesn't get the Christmas exposure it should on Hallmark..should have been titled: "Christmas in Nowhere." Need more Rick Roberts anywhere!

He is golden. Lauren Holly too? (Obviously just after some plastic surgery.) Big star power in this little movie. Love her, ever since The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. Her massive red hair & styling here is gorgeous. The only weak point is the grating daughter & writing for her..ugh..FF thru it. (The guy who plays "Coleman" - genius. Check him out beautifully stealing the entire episode of Monk, 'The Lottery' in a tiny roll.) This cute and timeless Nowhere film deserves to be included in every Christmas programming collection for viewers to enjoy. ###

If you're looking for an Oscar-winning blockbuster then you'll be sorely disappointed but if you're looking for a feel-good, family movie that reminds all us gadget-orientated, money-obsessed individuals that the truly important things in life are the people we live with and that true happiness comes from giving (of yourself) not taking, then you'll like this cheesy movie. The acting isn't great, but it's good enough; the script is predictable and not clever but it works. It doesn't promise to be anything other than what you'd expect from a made-for-t.v. movie- and that's its attraction. If you watched this then posted a negative review, then you have no soul and have more in common with The Grinch than Santa Claus.