Le Village du père Noël

I haven't seen it for several years but have looked out for it every year since 2002 perhaps. I thought it was "magical". It is a fantasy movie so just bring a little willing suspension of disbelief to the table and this movie is wonderful. I cant speak to the individual performances at this point because it has been too long, but I seem to remember everyone's performance in this movie as being on the money. I don't recall Richard Thomas being bad in this movie, he is what he is, and I have always liked him and his work, just because of him. I personally felt this movie was always underrated, but maybe not everyone can connect with it, just like not everyone could connect with Richard Thomas' characters' theories in the movie! If I can find it on DVD I will be a happy camper.

The Christmas Secret was touted as a wonderful film, but I was truly disappointed. They even sold VHS and DVD copies of the film when it was over, which leads me to think the producers were really proud of this project. As a screen actor myself I felt most of the performances were phoned in, although Beau Bridges, as Nick, did have a moment or two. If I were Richard Thomas I would not put this film on my otherwise fine resume. It was an embarrassment. I had been a fan since his Waltons days, but have found myself untempted to watch any of his subsequent work, so poor was this offering.

In defence of the actors, the directing was stilted, mechanical, and thoroughly amateurish.

I hope this is not considered a spiteful review and negative assumptions made about my qualifications as a critic. I turned the movie on because it had a good cast and I was prepared to enjoy the film. However I would challenge any one out there to watch this film and not wish for their money back, even though it was on T.V.

I liked this for the most part but Jerry was a bit annoying with how ignorant he was about wanting to exploit the North Pole. The ending was good.

What the previous reviewer neglected to mention is that the sets used for the film were magical, in particular Santa's village, perfect. just how you would imagine an old time Christmas village to be. The script wasn't great, the plot was a cute premise, but the sets were a triumph.

I personally found the film, despite certain flaws inherent to TV budget-level productions, to be completely delightful. I especially enjoyed Beau Bridges as St. Nick. I found the script to be well-written, and the story at least attempted to be somewhat plausible. The character interactions were excellent, and I feel that those who hated this film are also the same types who gripe about the problems of the Holidays in general.

Sure the movie is a bit trite in spots, but HEY! It's a movie about SANTA CLAUS! Suspension of disbelief or cynicism is mandatory before viewing such a movie.

This movie really does have something for both kids and adults, and I'm proud to have a copy of it on my shelf. If you love Christmas, you'll probably love this movie. I do, and I did!