Ira Finkelstein's Christmas

A humorous and heartwarming tale about the true spirit of Christmas that both children and adults will love.

Wonderfully captures the character and quirks of Christian and Jewish (Christmas & Hannukah) season celebrations and beliefs about themselves and the other... The joyous innocence, hope and longings of younger children celebrating the season set off against the fault lines of teenage self pre-occupation, cynicism and alienation... the ultimate triumph of love and humanity that is the true spirit of Christmas.

Expect this movie to be a staple of families with young children for many a Christmas season in the years ahead. Plan on lot's of laughter and moist eye at the end for the redemption and reconciliation of all by the end of the movie.

Sue Cochran has done it again! "IRA" is one of the absolute funniest, family friendly films I've seen in years! Finally an entertaining movie I can take my grandchildren to without blood, guts, aliens or violence. This movie displays humor, family values, adventure and understanding without gratuitous violence, slick tricks or overwhelming special effects. A poignant storyline, well portrayed by all. The actors were stellar, from the Hollywood veterans to the local talent. Wonderful to see DeLuise and Gould working together. A shout out to Ira's mother,played by Seattle theater star, Angela DiMarco. Awesome to see her on the big screen with her impeccable comedic timing. This film is well rafted. This film is well written. Thank you Von Piglet, well done!

Hubby & I both enjoyed this one, as it wasn't a typical Christmas romance film, and It's one that celebrates Hanukah as well as Christmas. A seasonal winner all around!

A strong cast and delightful plot line drive this family Christmas story with a Hanukkah twist (or is it a Hanukkah story with a Christmas twist?).

The young leads--Ira and Mikey, played by Elijah Nelson and Justin Howell--charmed their way through their scenes, and their interaction with the adults--especially Mikey and his grandfather, played by Elliott Gould, showed wonderful chemistry.

But the show stealer was Jennifer Cameo--a washed up (dare I say 'touched'?) middle-aged actress played by Julianne Christie. From the opening scene, the film's comedic element was driven by her, setting a lighthearted and slightly off subplot to the movie.

This was a movie for the whole family, and a delightful holiday treat.

This is a fun and rather off-beat movie. Instead of the usual Christmas message, it delivers more of a message of getting along, showing that kindness and love wash across all religions and beliefs. Great scenes of Christmastown USA (AKA Leavenworth, Washington) and nice use of the local folks in Leavenworth.

This film is at the same time typical and not typical of the Christmas genre. We get the fighting family, the typical clueless grandparents and the parents that just don't get it. Good guys and bad guys but in the end, a story of family, caring, and a plea for harmony.

Production values are high and it is fun to see some fresh new faces making their appearance in this film. Good for the whole family.