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This was a typical Hallmark Hall of Fame movie: warm, fuzzy, slice-of-life Americana, and I think everyone pretty much knew how it was going to end. Nothing wrong with that, however; we all need a certain amount of that to keep our spirits up. I liked that it wasn't too formulaic--you know, the crusty, closed-down father who really loves his son but can't show it, etc. That wasn't the case here. Bruce Greenwood's character kept a few things close to his vest (Vietnam, the loss of his dogs), but he was certainly not closed down, and was capable of giving and showing affection. Clearly he had a stable, loving family. I loved his relationship with his son, the way he would tease him and the son's mock-indignant responses, which both knew were all part of the game, and the matter-of-fact way he and his wife raised him: firm but loving, realizing he had special needs but not wanting to coddle him too much (a little overprotective at times, perhaps, but who wouldn't be?). The scene where they get out of the car to walk to the shelter and Todd holds his father's hand--not out of physical need but out of love--was one of those little moving touches throughout the movie.

I also liked the fact that Todd was completely accepted, not only by his family (even his young nieces and nephews), but also by his rural community. Everyone treated him with respect and affection without forgetting that he was developmentally challenged. There was no doubt that he was the way he was because of his loving home life. Yet he wasn't cloying because he wasn't perfect (hated to clean his room, for example).

And Noel Fisher deserves a lot of credit for his performance. I'd seen him in "Law and Order Special Victims Unit" where he played a really creepy psychopath and I barely recognized him as the same actor. He was able to capture the sweetness and simplicity of Todd without being condescending or going over the top: the wonderment in the eyes, the way his mouth hesitated sometimes before speaking as he tried to process what was going on, even the way he moved, like a child in a man's body. I loved the fact that he was so uninhibited about showing happiness and affection. I wonder if the actor knew or studied such people in real life, because he seemed to understand so many subtle aspects of how they behave--but all done very respectfully and realistically.

I tend to be wary of sentimental made-for-TV movies in general, but I have to say I was pleased with this one, predictable though it was.

George McCray (Bruce Greenwood) is a farmer who had served in Vietnam and suffered a limp in one of his legs. He also had a couple of dogs. One as a kid-Tucker-and one during the war-Charlie. Having lost both, he's hesitant of letting his last-born adult offspring, Todd (Noel Fisher)-who's a little handicapped, have one permanently, making him promise to return this temporary holiday adoptee to the shelter after Christmas which becomes the dog's name. His wife, Mary Ann (Linda Emond), knows what he's been through and disagrees with him, though respectfully to the point of not pushing it. I'll stop there and just say this was quite heartwarming which is what you usually expect from a movie presented on "Hallmark Hall of Fame" but not cloyingly so. I mean, all those Christmas party scenes with the relatives and Todd's bonding with the animal and...well, if you don't mind feeling warm inside, this movie is definitely for you. But, yes, there are some compellingly dramatic scenes like those flashback ones of George back during the war or one on the farm later on in the movie. Nice use of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel" (which I just watched her perform on a "Dancing with the Stars" results show) and another song written and sung by leading man Greenwood himself near the end. And seeing the author, Greg Kincaid, with his own adopted dog Rudy in a spot asking for anyone who'd like to get a pet for the holidays was a touching plea. So on that note, I recommend A Dog Named Christmas.

Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary. Evident from a number of positive reviews for the Christmas output of Hallmark and Lifetime. The premise for 'A Dog Named Christmas' did sound quite interesting and seemed at times like it was trying to do something a little different and had a more serious subject compared to Hallmark today.

Over the past two years or so, my Christmas film completest quest (made up for primarily those from Hallmark and Lifetime) has been very interesting but also hit and miss. Some were very charming, easy to digest and lovely watches with good casts. Others were very dull, cheesy, too sentimental and badly written and acted. 'A Dog Named Christmas' is in the former category, though it is far from perfect or quite my definition of a great film but it is the complete opposite of a dog.

Maybe a little slow to begin with.

Did feel that the music at times could have been toned down and used more sparingly.

However, 'A Dog Named Christmas' does so much right and the best aspects are pretty brilliant. What is especially good is the poignant and brave performance of Noel Fisher, seldom better as a very relatable and inspirational character that resonated with me on a personal level. Bruce Greenwood is also movingly understated and Linda Edmond does sympathetic compassionately. Loved the honesty of the cast chemistry and that the characters were so relatable with very realistic feelings that are true to life for anybody in the same position or similar.

Furthermore, 'A Dog Named Christmas' looks good. The scenery is truly attractive and photographed with a lot of love. The script is cohesive and doesn't come over as awkward, it also takes itself seriously without being dreary and the sentimentality doesn't become too much. The story is pretty conventional, but its endless charm, its good nature and warm heart more than more up for that. As well as how tactfully and touchingly it handled a serious and very relatable subject that connected me personally, as someone who has disabilities too. Same with the very honest and never preachy messaging, messaging that is also relevant and important.

In conclusion, very well done. 8/10.

Hallmark as done it again. This was a wonderful first Christmas movie for the 2009 year and I intend to purchase the DVD.

I turned off the lights, turned on the Christmas tree lights, and my wife, our two sons and I sat, caught up in this wonderful, heart-touching story.

Of course, the Hallmark commercials were an added touch.

Yes, I'm sentimental and go for these types of things...but I'm not ashamed.

The young man who played the young boy was so dead-on in his portrayal.

The mom and dad were spectacular in their portrayal as well.

Thank you Hallmark, for this wonderful presentation.

Great story that will engage the interest of all who love animals and hopefully change the views of those who are not animal lovers. As Anatole France said, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." This movie demonstrates love for animals, family and is a great advocate for the learning disabled. This movie will help us all understand this quote from Mahatma Gandhi,"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Hopefully it will encourage people to adopt from our overcrowded animal shelters and to participate in spay/neuter programs also. This movie will be added to the classic Christmas movies our family watches every Christmas.

I agree completely with Kjirstin-1. I'm glad she pointed out the "errors" (for want of a better word) in sdquinn2-1's post about Bruce Greenwood's age and the Viet Nam postage issue. I thought bringing that into the film was perfect; it was a great way to explain why George didn't want to bond with another dog.

And for those of us who are around the same age as Bruce Greenwood, it was even more powerful to see how his character looked during the war and how he looks now. Something we can 'relate' to, which made the movie that much more powerful and moving. On another note, I adore Bruce Greenwood, and again, in agreement with Kjirstin-1, he could play pretty much any character. He is an incredible actor, and he was perfect for that role. Noah Fisher was also incredible. I've seen him in a few TV shows (Law & Order SVU) where he was good; but he was so believable as the 'challenged' Todd. Not just any actor could perform that well in such a role.

To say that the actor dog who played Christmas was phenomenal is an understatement. This was another aspect of the film which made it so great.

So to sum up, this was just a wonderful film in every sense of the word. And last but not least, the gentleman who wrote the book upon which the movie was based expressing the need for people to adopt homeless dogs for Christmas not only added to the poignancy of the movie, but hopefully, planted a seed in the viewers' minds about adopting a pet.

The movie begins with a voice I believe to be George McCray narrating, following the adventures of a dog who won't stay in one place, but has to keep going until he finds the perfect home he was meant to have.

In the community of Crossing Trails, Kansas, George's farm has been in the family for many generations. His wife Mary Ann teaches at a local school. They have four children; all except 20-year-old Todd have grown up and moved out. Todd is disabled but seems very capable and responsible.

The local animal shelter wants people to adopt dogs just for the Christmas season, to give the shelter employees a break. Todd, who raised sheep for 4H, is very excited about the idea, but George doesn't want him to have a dog. He believes Todd will want to keep the dog after Christmas, which of course the shelter employees hope some people will do. George has had dogs, as we see in flashbacks, but for some reason he is very opposed to the idea of having another one. Perhaps it has something to do with what happened to Charlie, who was his canine companion for a time as he served in Vietnam.

George finally gives in and lets Todd have a dog, but he makes it clear the dog will be Todd's responsibility. Todd goes to the shelter and looks at many dogs before he finally finds THE ONE. Someone has trained this dog well; he responds to the usual commands. He has no name yet, so Todd names him Christmas and takes him home.

Todd's two brothers are married and celebrate Christmas with their wives' families, so the big family Christmas, which includes some friends who are not relatives, takes place several days early. Todd, his parents and his sister Hannah will have a smaller celebration on the big day. For the early event, the various families show up and have a good time before finally sitting down at the table in a real Norman Rockwell scene.

And what happens next is pretty amazing.

We all know how this movie will probably end, but it will be a lot of fun getting there, with all the twists and turns and doubts about whether it really will end the way we think.

Noel Fisher does a wonderful job. Todd has been taught to be responsible, and unlike most TV children, he really is. He's easy to like and everyone in the movie likes him. No one treats him as if he is disabled, and sometimes it seems as if he is not.

Bruce Greenwood is very good as a loving but stern father who wants his son to succeed and won't coddle him. George knows the value of hard work and what it takes to run a farm, and even though we see his injury in Vietnam still bothers him, it doesn't stop him from doing anything.

Many of the leading actors also do a very good job. That includes the dog, of course.

This is a movie the whole family can watch, as are most Hallmark Hall of Fame presentations. There are a couple of scenes that might bother younger children, one in Vietnam and one in the present day, but neither scene is that bad.

It's a wonderful holiday film.

Animal lover Todd McCray (Noel Fisher) is mentally-challenged. He finds and takes care of wounded wild animals. The local animal shelter is asking for volunteers to foster dogs while the staff is away for the holidays. Todd's parents (Bruce Greenwood, Linda Emond) finally agree and he names his dog Christmas.

This is a bit before able-bodied actors were challenged for portraying disabled characters. Nevertheless, Noel Fisher does a fine job. It's a sweet movie... with plenty of animals. Only well after the first act does the movie introduce a wartime PTSD element. I wish they do that a bit sooner and let it simmer more.

One of the most heartwarming beautiful movies I've ever watched. It is on my watch list every year for Christmas. Finally I managed to record it so I can watch it any time I want. I love animals and I love the way that boy never gave up on the idea to not only save and have one but help more dogs find a home during the most beautiful time of the year.

And the boy who played the mentally challenged kid did a wonderful job. Watch it during the holidays and you will feel the same way. Of course I am a sucker for Hallmark and Lifetime movies, but really, you gotta watch this one :-) I don't own a dog, just a cat, but if anything ever happens to me, I hope someone takes my sweetheart in like this boy did with Christmas

Okay, here's my critique of A Dog Named Christmas. Two years ago, there was another Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that came out at this time of year and that was Pictures of Hollis Woods and I have to say that this movie falls incredibly short. Now, I don't mean to get off on a rant here, but while A Dog Named Christmas is a sweet movie about a stubborn man who doesn't want to get close to another dog, the problem is, I am left wondering why I should even care. I mean to really like this move you have to be a dog lover and get over the fact that there's nothing new or original, nothing that pops out at you and tugs at your heart strings. There are no special moments that almost if not actually bring tears to your eyes, such as in Pictures of Hollis Woods. To like Hollis Woods all one has to do is love people, love children, love humanity in general. This is one reviewer who has a soft spot in his heart for orphans. Kids who don't know, have never known, or have lost that all too important connection that a family brings into their lives. From Punky Brewster to Annie and now to Hollis Woods. There's something beautiful about that moment in those programs when that child finds a home, and a family to love them. Hollis Woods subject matter is more important and hard hitting than that of A Dog Named Christmas, including the subplot of a woman's plight with the onset of Alzheimer's. Still, don't get me wrong, A Dog Named Christmas is good for what it is, a movie about a dog, but unfortunately it falls dramatically short of the emotional, heartfelt beauty that is Hollis Woods or many other Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. The acting in A Dog Named Christmas is fair but not spectacular. The only good actor whose character we really get to know is the father played by Bruce Greenwood. The only problem is this viewer had a rather difficult time liking him on account of his stubborn and contrite attitude. The rest of the cast of characters gets left out in the cold or at the very least become stagnant and unimpressive. While in Hollis Woods, every single character including Beatrice, Josie's friend, is important and seems to come alive on the screen. The most impressive being that of the title character, Hollis Woods. Jodellle Ferland is an extremely talented young actress that takes what she is given and goes all the way with it. While most of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie are marvelous in presentation, the only other of these movies that this reviewer has seen that comes close to being as emotional and heartfelt is Follow the Stars Home starring Kimberly Williams. Another beautiful movie. So all in all A Dog Named Christmas is a sweet but unimpressive film that will be easily forgotten. Furthermore, it falls short of the usual splendor that is A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. At least that's my opinion, I could be wrong.

I thoroughly, enjoyed this movie. The actors/actresses did a wonderful job, in their characterization. It is just so nice, that Hallmark makes and shows family orientated movies, so that, any age group can watch.

I was especially, impressed with Todd the son, the father and mother. Neil Foster did an awesome acting job, as Todd, who is mentally challenged and his acting was totally believable. Bruce Greenwood was superb as the father. However, I must admit, I seem to always like Greenwood's films. Linda Emond was wonderful as the mother. She captured the right essence of motherhood, who has a child that is mentally challenged, protective, yet, does not coddle.

I could go on and on, about this wonderful, feel good movie ... However, I can only hope that, those who haven't seen it yet, give this movie a chance, by watching it. For those, who have seen it, I bet you watch it, almost every time it comes on. I know that, I do.

I could go on and on about some of the things people have written but it would be silly. The simple fact is this is a perfect family film. If you love dogs, you will love this. It is actually pretty deep and well thought out. But, even the hardest person will tear up at points because this is a very passionate film. If you don't like dogs, you may not get this. If you live in the country, love dogs, have kids, you will love this. I mean, really love this. Life changing film? Maybe. While the theme of the movie is missed in the first part of the film, it is really developed over the last half of the film. The father figure is an incredibly deep character that is very hard to understand until the end of the film. The mom is perfect and the learning disabled young man plays his role perfectly. Give it a couple hours, you won't be sorry you watched this!

Noel Fisher deserved an Oscar for his performance in this truly superb family drama.

My wife and I recently watched this movie and loved it, and we are going to watch it again over Christmas.

Noel Fisher's performance was an Oscar Winner. Uplifting. Everything about this movie was uplifting.

I had never heard of Noel Fisher until I saw this movie. I am not saying anything about this movie. Suffice to say that Noel Fisher's performance was truly fantastic.

If you reading this, don't like this film for any reason, you neither have a heart, or a soul.

And no, I'm not joking.

Sentimentality is frowned on today in the so called civilized Western World.

Grown men will want cry when they watch Noel Fisher's performance. If you do cry, don't feel ashamed. I didn't feel ashamed.

Noel Fisher if your reading this, well done.

Please ignore negative comments in lower rated reviews. This movie is one of the best movies I have seen in years, and I have watched so many I lost count! If you aren't moved by this heartwarming tender story, you don't have a heart! Noel Fisher deserved an Oscar for his performance! I am disappointed that Hallmark Channel nor Hallmark Movies and Mysteries don't air this great movie every year, instead of some of their overall lower rated ones. However I have the dvd so I can watch it anytime.

Just watched this film and had to look it up, because I really enjoyed it.

Had to laugh, though, at the comment from sdquinn2-1, who claimed Bruce Greenwood was "too young" to have played a Viet Nam Vet. Excuse me? He's an actor, and a good one. He could probably portray someone of 80 with the right makeup. My husband is 57 and would, but for the grace of God, have been a Viet Nam Vet. He looks so much like Bruce Greenwood's character in this film, they could have played brothers. Kudos to Hallmark's casting director for getting it right. So many assume these Vet's are ALL like the guys on skid row holding signs that say, "Will Work For Food" then drinking whatever cash they receive. Hallmark did a great service to all the good looking, law abiding Vets who did serve, and continue to serve their communities as Ham Radio operators, Boy Scout leaders, and in many other volunteer efforts. Some of these men are still quite handsome. Perhaps some magazine should have a "Hottest Viet Nam Vet" contest. I could nominate several men. ;)

The stamp may not have been a mistake either. Families who had APO addresses were able to send letters directly to their servicemen and women, but girlfriends (like me) often had to send letters through regular mail to our serviceman's family, and have them forwarded to the trooper. I bought plenty of postage stamps to mail letters to my friends serving in Viet Nam.

All this aside, Sdquinn, the film was based on a book. Was the lead character in the book a Viet Nam War Vet? Authors hate to have their stories changed too much just to simplify a film.

Thanks, Hallmark, for once again providing excellent family films. I wish you'd make one about a talented opera singer, and cast my daughter. ;) /nm1965004/

Noel Fisher puts in a very distinguished performance as a 20 year old man named Todd with obvious learning difficulties. The storyline which brings together a wandering dog (Christmas) together with Todd is also quite heartwarming however for me that's as good as it gets. The whole film set has a slightly 'budget' look about it so the small cast were always going to have to put in strong performances, however apart from Noel Fisher, I thought the two other lead roles, Linda Emond and Bruce Greenwood (Todd's parents) were very poor. Bruce Greenwood was particularly monotone and wooden throughout with Linda Emond only marginally better. What was worse was the complete lack of on screen Chemistry between the two, I don't know if it was poor directing or whether they just plain didn't like each other!! So when I noticed the set wobbling (stairs banister), I totally disengaged from the movie, which was a shame as Noel Fisher and indeed Christmas the dog rallied to give it at least some feeling of warmth. Had it not been for those two I would have scored zero!! One to avoid.

Decent family film, all ages will enjoy it.

But it started with the dog running away from home, this had nothing to do with the story. Just something they to fill time maybe? But apart from this time waster beginning it was a good movie.

I always want to know the name of the canine actors who play the lead Dog, some are in the credits and some are not. But he did an excellent job, really captured the essence of dog.

My advice - watch it with your family, make it a yearly event.

This cast deserves an oscar. Don't forget the dog, he can have two.

Again, this movie, like all movies presented by Hallmark was an excellent movie. Lots of sentimentality and family values. The writers needed an excuse to bring a dog from the fathers past into the movie, so they put the dog into Viet Nam, where supposedly, the father served. If a movie is going to drag Viet Nam in, the writers need to hire a veteran to proofread the script. To start with, this man is too young to have served in the principal part of the war. Bruce Greenwood was born in 1956. No one born in 1956 served in the Vietnam War. The war ended in 1973 when he was, at the most, 17. He is shown walking patrol and finding the dog. Walking patrol in Viet Nam was over when Bruce Greenwood was 16. Then he is shown reading a letter he had sent his wife from Viet Nam. The envelope has postage on it. All Viet Nam veterans know that letters from Viet Nam were free, just like the letters from Iraq today. Once again, let me reiterate, there were no stamps on letters sent from Viet Nam to the States. To mail a letter, all a soldier had to do was write the word "FREE" in the upper right hand corner. Got that kjirstin-1? Once again, letters from Viet Nam did not, and I repeat DID NOT, have stamps in the right hand corner. The movie was good, let's just leave Viet Nam to the Viet Nam vets shall we.

"A Dog Named Christmas" is a Hallmark movie that is clearly NOT for the more cynical viewers. It's quite schmaltzy and predictable...but also very sweet and most enjoyable. I score it an 8 because of some excellent performances...especially by Noel Fisher as 'Todd'.

The McCray family own a farm and have three adult children. However, the youngest, Todd, is intellectually challenged and continues to live with his parents. Todd is an especially kind young man, as he has a strong desire to help and care for animals...including an injured hawk he rehabilitated. One day, Todd hears an ad from the local animal shelter asking for people to foster a dog over the Christmas holiday...and he's eager to do so. But his dad, George (Bruce Greenwood), is no dog lover and he insists that the family cannot allow any dog into their home. At the same time, George's wife clearly thinks that Todd would do a wonderful job with fostering a dog and she and Todd work their wiles to convince dad to let a dog come home with them. Eventually, they succeed.

Todd is excited to be fostering a lab named 'Christmas', but he has a huge heart and worries about all the other dogs who have not been spoken for...and the holiday is fast approaching. So, the man begins talking to everyone he knows...getting them to also agree to foster a dog. He's so successful that soon the TV news visits and interviews Todd...and he, in his own way, is a hero for getting ALL of the dogs into various homes for the holiday. What's next and will Todd actually be able to KEEP Christmas?

I'll cut to the chase....the film IS predictable and ends the way you'd hope. But this didn't bother me at all because the journey there was well written and the acting so good. My only complaint, and it's a minor one, is that the whole PTSD/Vietnam angle really seemed unnecessary...and I would have left it out and just said dad didn't like dogs and leave it at that. But it's such a fine family film, this complaint is very minor and the story is heartwarming and sweet.

I almost didn't watch this movie because the name sounded so sappy. Thankfully, I listened to the strong recommendation of my sister-in-law...

If you love dogs (animals in general), loving family dynamics, country living, generous spirits, and a warm holiday story - this movie is for you. It will evoke a wide range of positive emotions - empathy, joy, resilience, and passion for helping animals and people. To help viewers develop empathy, it shows the "why" behind actions that might be viewed as selfish or negative. And, the ending is as happy as you would wish for a Christmas story.

Yes, the story is a bit formulaic and predictable, but the lovable characters are talented and well-cast. We very much enjoyed watching it this year. I'm sure it will not be our last time to enjoy it.

20-Year old Todd (Noel Fisher) has his own way of thinking about things. He is the youngest child of George (Bruce Greenwood) and Mary Ann (Linda Emond) McCray. They live on a farm and Todd loves animals, and also cares for injured ones.

When Todd hears about an Adopt a Dog for Christmas campaign by their local shelter, he is excited about the opportunity. Against his better judgment, George agrees, but on the condition Todd understand the dog has to be taken back to the shelter the day after Christmas. George, meanwhile, is still fighting his inner demons as the dog brings back painful memories.

If ever I've seen an uplifting and inspirational movie, this is it! I absolutely loved every single character and every moment of this delightful film. It is simply beautiful, and the dog is so adorable!! It was also interesting to see how badly Todd wanted the dog, yet it was George who found solace through the dog. Yes, dogs are Man's best friends, and 'A Dog named Christmas' could not have been a better example! This was stunning.

Bruce Greenwood, Linda Emond and Noel Fisher deliver emotional and affectionate performances.

Would I watch it again? Yes, every year at Christmas!! This is going to be a new Christmas favourite.