Once again, I have seen a Christmas romcom where the lead female is cynical and the supporting cast is better than the leads. I'm not familiar with Samaire Armstrong but she is quite pretty and does a good job, even if she is sometimes too serious. I like her enough, and she has one really good moment as an actor, even if it is an unpleasant scene for the audience. I do wonder how a single mom in an ordinary job can have such a nice house.
The standout actors are Julie Brown (when has she ever not stood out?) and Jim O'Heir as the man you think should be Santa Claus, if he just added the suit and a beard. Julie is the quirky best friend with an attitude, but a more positive attitude than her friend has. O'Heir is the voice of reason when his Santa Claus isn't being logical.
Paul Dooley is the curmudgeon of a boss, but someone we can like in spite of that. Channing Chase is his potential romantic partner, and while intelligent, too quick to be what he wants her to be.
Matthew Lawrence I know as one of the Lawrence brothers. Maybe I'm remembering incorrectly, but I don't think they're known for their talent. Matthew has a nice smile and is likable enough, but he's not that good. He has some good scenes, mainly when he's not happy. The writing for his character is good but better than he is. And he seems like a teenager, a little young to be in the role or a possible romantic interest for Jen.
Gabe O'Mara is quite likable as the 7-year-old son, even if he looks a little old to still believe.
Ben Gavin is the stereotypical ideal man, but do we really want him to win? Likable enough, I suppose, but too ideal.
The photos of the kids with Santa early in the movie are great.
One positive message involves a family which is having a hard time. Like the Whos who had their holiday stolen by The Grinch, they choose to be happy anyway, because the holiday isn't just about things.
The ending is impossible, but when there is a Santa Claus, why not?
I want to say this is a great movie for kids, but there is one scene that is really concerning. Michael Waite is quite convincing in a flashback as the angry husband and father who has had it with whatever is going on. He isn't exactly violent, but it is disturbing to watch him and maybe something like this was unnecessary. He could have been written as a more sympathetic character, who just couldn't make his marriage work.
Other than that, I would say this is a good movie for kids.
There isn't a mention of the Christian meaning of Christmas, but the family with problems did have a church food bank, and familiar Christmas hymns are included in the background instrumental music. On the subject of music, I wasn't that happy with it, especially with the closing credits music which at least was short.
I would say this is pretty good.
