Christmas for a Dollar

The kids didn't notice the prop, costuming, set, acting and other faults in this movie. The values that it enforces make it worth the watch, and the kids liked it. After a full day of shopping, lines, traffic, and decision-making this movie was a good ending to a "consumer" day. Nice way to wind down after "Elf" and "Rudolph".

Way better than I was expecting. At first, I was thinking "these are some pretty modern hairstyles for a bunch of people living in the depression", and "look at all these well kept homes that these look more like This is the Place state park than the dust bowl". But it didn't take long for the story to suck me in and even bring me close to tears a couple of times, and I'm a stoic dude. I knew it wasn't just me when my 9-year old had to leave the room because he couldn't bear to watch the developing conflict in the story line. Obviously, this isn't a high budget production, but if you can suspend your disbelief for a bit, you and your family will be entertained while learning some valuable lessons in the process.

This movie will probably never get two thumbs up or great reviews from critics. It has no big name stars, no eye dazzling special effects, no twisted, convoluted plot and no violence or nudity, What it does have is a story of a family that works together under bad circumstances to have a Christmas of love and caring for each other. Yes the plot is a little predictable and much can be guessed ahead of time but don't let that stop you from enjoying this unsung gem. If you want to sit the family down for a couple of hours of popcorn and hot chocolate with everyone from 4 to 94 having a good time without being insulted by foul language or risqué scenes then by all means watch Christmas For A Dollar. it will be worth the time you take and will boost your holiday spirit!

During the Great Depression, the Kamp family struggles to get by after Mrs. Kamp passes away. The children expect another Christmas without presents until their father brings home one dollar for them to spend on gifts.

The film is very enjoyable. It is one of those films you don't want to end. It reminds me on "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Waltons". If you like family safe films then please watch this film. Its so well made.

The film was made for "UP" cable channel. If you don't get that channel then buy it on DVD. After you are done loan it to friends.

The acting wasn't that great and the homes as everyone else keeps mentioning are well kept for poor people during the depression. The home that the Kamps lived in was very nice and large for a poor family with 5 kids. However, the story line was the true meaning of Christmas. I am one that doesn't look for perfection in movies. I look at the meaning. I am very sappy.

My son is a literary agent and every since he went to Film School, I have learned more about what goes into rating films than I ever wanted to know. He would have not liked the poor quality or the acting of the film. I liked the film because of the substance. I look at all the Christmas movies on Hallmark and UP every year (over and over) and all the others I can catch on other channels and I like them because I am a sappy person. I gave it an 8 because of it's substance. Had the quality been better it would have rated a 10. That is just my sappy take on it.