A Christmas Visitor

I'd like first to address a few negative comments I read here. #1 this movie is anything but boring. It doesn't have car chases, nudity or foul language, nor is it suspenseful or tense. It is low key, and rightfully so, and has an inspiring, positive message. #2 Maybe the medals and other props aren't authentic, and the snow, always a problem for me in Hollywood movies, is obviously fake (real snow melts almost immediately when it lands on your hair, face or clothes). But the message is what's important here, not who sends it, or how it was sent! And finally #3 The acting is topnotch! Everyone was completely believable and this may be one of the best performances of Devane's career. Everything was very subtle in this film; nothing over the top as in some heartwarming films. I found the story very involving and engrossing. One small insignificant complaint of mine would be that a better method of phasing in and out of flashbacks would make it less confusing. But maybe that's my problem with attention spans. As for the ending, it is left for the viewer to determine its meaning. I agree it's not the greatest Christmas movie, but it's up there with the better ones.

This is a story about healing from loss. It is a little slow paced but full of feelings. Likewise there isn't a lot of depth to the plot, but again it is about feelings and family.

Part of the healing comes from a visitor to town and to the family who appears to be a complete stranger. There is a hint that this visitor is more than he seems.

The acting is good and the characters are appealing and sympathetic.

It is a good story for the Christmas season.

By far , one of the best heartfelt story for Christmas or anyone who somehow lost a love one and the saddest moment is to spend Christmas without that person... oh my .. it is hard for me to type this as it is...

Mystery started when the father hit his car on the road and met a backpack guy (Mathew) who helped him carry the Christmas tree ... and requested the guy to spend the night and to pretend that he knew his lost son john who joined the gulf war and died...

Now , when Mathew met the mother and the daughter , he pointed things out about john which surprises the father how come he knew things about his son...

Don't miss the last part.. i know i was definitely surprised ....

I just love TV-Movies .. they concentrate on the story line and the characters.. its as if you can feel the intense emotions from the actors... i just wonder ...if i were William Devan ( the father) i would have been so emotional i mean , i like his blank look but i was hoping some suppressed tearful acts will definitely moved the audience as he is the veteran star in this movie ...

But all the same , i loved this movie to death .. i kept a copy in my heart... i had to repeat the last part to hear what they say to each others...

This movie is not about action or thrills. Those seeking those kinds of thrills will not find this movie entertaining. It is a movie about life and the spirit of family, and it is a wonderful story. Every year I watch it with my family, and I always cry at the end, and I am a man of 40! I think the story is great, and I can actually relate with William Devane's character. I think he plays it perfectly. The mom is good, and the daughter plays a great part as well. You actually FEEL for these people, like, you know what they are going through. If you love a warm, good, story, about family, life, overcoming adversity, and just to Believe....then this is a must-see movie. The end alone is worth it.

A tremendous movie, extremely well-written, directed, and acted. The writing keeps the viewer in suspense as the story slowly blooms to an ending which settles viewers' guesses and curiosity about the characters and how they inter-relate. The director creates a genuine 50's/60's old-time (though the story takes place in the new century), big-on-emotional-connection small town setting that quietly makes evident the family's suffering without branding it on the audience, a family and their pain that is entirely believable and endearing. The actors are tremendous and use the smallest hesitation, the slightest glance at the ground or regretful, nuanced grimace, the most natural mumbling through a line of Christmas lyrics to make themselves genuine on every level.

And it is so much more touching the second, third and fourth time through...do not miss it. Especially if you are a parent.