Le père Noël prend sa retraite

The last quarter of 2019 saw me starting to watch and review many relatively recent Christmas films. As part of a quest to see as many as possible that had not already been seen and still favourites. A quest that still is being undertaken nearly two years on. It did turn out to an interesting experience, took me time to get through it though and am still watching and reviewing, but like all completest quests it proved to be a very variable one with a mix good, bad and in between films.

'My Santa' is one of the in between ones. It is not a great film, and at times not even particularly good, but it was watchable, well intended and sweet. A pleasant enough diversion as long as one doesn't expect too much, that does a fair share of things right. Even if the traps that festive films can fall into, and frequently have done, are not completely avoided. Other festive films have fared far worse in what 'My Santa' has wrong with it though, which is actually quite a lot.

Am going to start off mentioning the flaws. The story is formulaic and doesn't really have anything new or special to it to make it stand out, also not always being completely focused. Many Christmas films end too tidily and that is the case with 'My Santa', as well as it being resolved too quick. The dialogue doesn't always sound natural and could have done with more flow and less cheese and sugar, some scenes do contain howlers for lines.

Do agree that the family in need and explanation for not liking Christmas scenes are embarrassing. With one exception, the supporting cast is pretty terrible. Especially in the family in need scene.

Luckily the two leads are a lot better. Samaire Armstrong is an immensely engaging lead and really charms the viewer. Matthew Lawrence isn't as consistent, he could have toned down the smile in use and how it came across, but he also has a lot of appeal. The chemistry between them is easy-going and genuine, developing at a realistic rate. Julie Brown is a joy in the best friend role and the only good supporting cast member.

The production values are pleasing on the eye, the scenery has an authentic Christmassy feel and the photography doesn't try to do too much while not being claustrophobic. The soundtrack is also suitably festive without being overpowering in volume or over-utilised. Enough parts are amusingly light-hearted and there are some heart-warming and charming moments without being too saccharine.

Overall, watchable but not great. 5/10.

I loved Samaire Armstrong in Heavenly Match in which she played an Episcopal Priest and she did not disappoint in this one. She was adorable and a nice match with Mathew Lawrence, who was also well cast in this movie. I usually do not like Santa's offspring themed movies, but this one was the exception to the rule. I loved Mathew's sweet innocence as Santa's son who has to find a wife by Christmas. Yes, it's pretty formulaic as all these are, but the slow burn romance was sweet, and the scene where Jen, our single mother heroine was finally convinced he was on the level was touching.

I don't know what fuse this movie lit under Christmas "I Have no agenda" Reviewer, but to call this the worst Christmas movie this year?? To nitpick address numbers and the expensive homes the characters live in? I've never seen a Hallmarkesque movie that the homes weren't way too much for the probable income of the occupants. I challenge anyone to offer an example where the home matched their income level. To say that cute Samaire Armstrong looks 10 years older than Mathew Lawrence when she is almost a year younger in real life? Come on. Since Lawrence looks about 18 in this movie there are very few adult actresses who wouldn't look older .Except this actress doesn't in my opinion. To call the little kid actor, who was perfectly competent "creepy" and like "Chucky? " Steady the machete. Pick on someone your own size, lady.

This movie is moving and at times made my cry, very touching. At first, going by the title of the movie, thought it was going to be one of those empty, sappy movies, but I was wrong, glad I was, too!

It really gets you into the Christmas spirit.

I saved the movie on disk as it was that good. I don't usually save movies, but made an exception with this one. It's so special.

ION TV always has the best Christmas movies, I look forward to them every year!

I recommend this movie for the family to watch. It's a real feel-good Christmas movie.

the Christmas spirit saves all. the mediocre films, the social relations, the holidays. and that film who could be a lovely fairy- tale, not special but enough nice for a comfortable evening. love, miracle, a child and a change. good ingredients for an adventures without great ambitions. a film about family and that could not be a surprise. interesting, maybe seductive for the fans of Samaire Armstrong and Matthew Lawrence - not the best choice for the lead character but that is only a detail. film for a holiday, it has all sins and virtues of genre. soup for soul, pink poetry, common and not brilliant. but useful for celebrate, in a not great manner, the joy of the Birth of Jesus.

My Santa (2013) -

It's a sweet story, but it's very treacly and some of the actors were far too over the top. It contained some cute moments and had a nice Christmas vibe to it, although it did suggest that only seeing was believing, which we all know isn't how Father Christmas works.

'Mrs Doubtfire's' (1993) son (Matthew Lawrence) grew up to be a very handsome young chap, playing the lead male in this film, Chris, although it was hard to believe him as a mall Santa, because he was still so young and baby faced. However, he did have a spark about him that could make you believe in magic.

Samaire Armstrong, as Jen however, was just a bit whiney and not the best Mum if I'm honest, although the kid seemed to like her, jumping up every time she walked in the room and hugging her.

I personally thought that Chris could do better.

It wasn't one of those with that special something that makes me want to watch it every year, but I wouldn't turn it off. It did what it set out to do and wasn't offensive in any way.

5.5/10.