Mon père Noël secret

Let's be honest T Ali is not top billed material, but I like her and dug her TV show, so figured I would come out and support. When I saw Bill Cobbs, E Hudson and Larmorne, I figured it would be entertaining to say the least.

This movie was dry, humorless and ended up being a weak attempt to siphon from The Lake House.

This movie was a major waste of talent and example of why more Afrocentric material isn't produced. Anyone attached to this movie should be embarrassed and I'll never understand how a script like this gets green-lit and a director continued to work.

1 star is generous, this is doo doo to the 12th degree.

Much has been made in previous reviews (from 5 users and 1 critic) of this film being a rip-off or a sequel of "The Lake House" (2006) (which I haven't seen).

If that's the case, I would submit then so is "The Edge of the Garden," a TV Movie from 2011.

On the other hand, however, I would further suggest that "The Lake House" and the others could all be copies of sorts of "The Love Letter," a TV movie from 1998, or who knows what before that?

In any event, I liked it, especially that it employed several actors who are familiar to me.

The basic synopsis may sound quite formulaic and not much new, but when hearing and reading about the film, 'Dear Secret Santa' actually did sound like it was trying to do something different with a premise that may come over as typical to some. Tatyana Ali has been watchable and more in everything seen of hers so far (more to say) and was interested in seeing 'American Idol' winner Jordin Sparks in an acting role to see how a good singer would fare as an actress.

'Dear Secret Santa' turned out to me as a winner. While not one of my all time favourite Christmas films, it is one of the better faring made for television Christmas films from 2013 and one of the better ones seen recently. Have been on a Christmas film completest quest for a couple of years now and of a hit and miss but intriguing experience 'Dear Secret Santa' compares favourably. Those who like Ali won't be disappointed in her performance here.

It's not a masterpiece by all means. Despite it seeming like it was going to do things differently with something typical, there is not much that is original (as has been noted there are too many similarities with 'The Lake House' and it could have done with more imagination.

Some of the dialogue seemed on the ropey and awkward side and it is a little bit of a slow starter.

A lot works though. Ali is immensely engaging and full of charm in the lead role, while Ernie Hudson does sympathetic and dignified so well. Sparks is certainly much better than Kellie Pickler, another 'American Idol' contestant who has done some work for Hallmark and has not fared well in any of it), when it comes to the acting stakes. And Della Reese is a blast. The chemistry came over as genuine and at ease and the characters didn't bore or irritate.

Furthermore, it looks quite good, especially in the slick photography and beautiful locations. The music has varied in quality in all the recently seen Christmas films, 'Dear Secret Santa' fares better than most here. The soulfully uplifting and moving quality gave the film depth. Enough of the script flowed naturally and didn't come over as excessively cheesy, so it was easy to take things seriously, or too schmaltzy that it felt like overdosing on sugar. The story is not exceptional, but it did have charm and warmth and did appreciate that it did cover some mature themes and handled them with honesty and heart.

Bottom line, nice film. 7/10.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . I HAVE REVIEWED 400 FILMS WITH NO AGENDA!

Now I did not see "The Lake House" and I never will. I saw this film because I am a sucker for a "Christmas Film" and just like Santa this film delivers. I went into this film not knowing what is was about. After I was done I saw people said this is a rip-off of "The Lake House" (and it could well be) however this film it least has a cast that can act. (The Lake House Not SO Much)

In this film a young woman returns home because her father lives alone and just took a tumble putting up Christmas lights. The woman who is single makes a "Christmas Wish" to find true love a Christmas and she does.

To tell you much more would be a crime. However a bigger crime would be for Hallmark Channel to bypass Tatiana Ali when they make their new round of Christmas movies! She is a delight! She carried the film with ease! I look forward to see what she does next.

Just discovered this one and I absolutely loved it. Don't believe the scrooges, this story is entertaining, charming, and reaches into the heart of anyone who's ever felt love and joy for another person. Tatyana Ali is superb as always and the late, great Bill Hobbs is always a pleasure to see. Jordan Sparks also does a phenomenal job as the story takes us into unexpected and incredible directions. I also loved getting to hear Tatyana Ali sing. She's an all around talented artist who has become my favorite go to for the holiday themed films. So get into the Holiday spirit and show some love for Dear, Secret Santa!