Un héros pour Noël

I first saw this film a couple of Christmases ago and have since watched it again and I think it's pretty good. Granted, it's not the greatest film ever made but the leads give likable performances and I found the story believable and entertaining.

The main reason for writing this is in response to those saying the leads are too old for the parts they are playing.

Michael shanks was 46/47 when he made this film and Julie Benz was 44/45.

From what I was able to find out it appears the average age of a US Army Master Sergeant is 46.

Looks like they are both just the right age for their parts.

I am familiar with Ms. Benz acting in other movies and shows and I liked what I saw in her in this movie, more enlighten and spirited in her roll. Also, Michael Shanks showed so much enthusiasm in the roll he played as a wounded soldier. It about time to see him in a more a beautiful film. Between the both of them, they make a very good pair as roles in this film. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!

I thought this was one of the best movies I have seen in a long time. I absolutely love Michael Shanks and thought he was fantastic. I think the one that played Amanda was beautiful and played her part very well

Julie Benz and Michael Shanks take a well-written script and give nicely memorable performances in this story of two people with personal issues that they strive to resolve during the Christmas season. Benz is particularly believable and interesting as a military widow struggling with the loss of her husband while encountering (by chance) a soldier (played by Shanks) struggling with the loss of his comrades. This is not your cookie-cutter Hallmark Christmas couple, but rather, two intelligent characters whose emotions are sincerely felt and discussed. Nice pairing of these two very good performers. Supporting cast does well, too, particularly Jordana Largy as Lily, the newly widowed wife of a vet who had a connection with the soldier played by Shanks. The "One Year Later" sequence that is tacked on at the end is a little contrived but it doesn't detract from the charm of the story. We watch this one every year.

I hope I never become as cynical as most reviewers on this website. This is a beautiful story of loss and healing. The comments that the actors are too old for their parts are absurd. Not everyone is some shallow twenty-something.