Pete's Christmas

Surprisingly good film, which keeps you interested throughout. Had there never been Groundhog Day, it would be 1 or 2/10 more than this vote. As there has been Groundhog Day, on a similar premise you cannot help but compare them. This is not as good as that was, the lead boy in parts can be a little peculiar as are the family and grandad for the earlier part of the film.

But the film doesn't always go exactly as you will expect and it is never dull and comes together well in the end.

6/10

Everyone in the family (except for the grandparent) were so annoying, they were driving me mad! At the end is Ok.

Pete Kidder (Zachary Gordon) is having a bad Christmas. He makes a bad first impression with new neighbor Katie (Bailee Madison). He can't do anything right. His dad got downsized. His grandfather is judgmental. His mother's cooking has gone wrong. His brothers are annoying. Then Christmas day starts again.

This has some good adult actors (Bruce Dern, Molly Parker, Rick Roberts). The filmmaking is lackluster. The kid is rather average. That's both fitting and a little bland. The first repeat should have done more. Instead, the movie skips a lot of it and it keeps skipping. He keeps doing the same thing for far too long. It's not that hard. This Groundhog Day premise should have faster progression and Pete is just too whiney. He's also a little bit of an idiot and not the funny kind. I can't believe that the older kids are still talking about Santa with respect to the presents. Grandpa should not be tried so early. He should be left all to the last act to finish the movie. There is a better progression to be done. The premise could work with better writing.

Family safe - no bad language or encouragement to lie, cheat, steal, or mock This is one Christmas movie that doesn't need fake snow (although there's enough of that too). Partly filmed in Ontario, Canada, on the shores of the Great Lakes, it's got plenty of the seasonal white stuff around in all the outdoor shots. The actors don't look too hot in their heavy winter clothing, and their breath sometimes frosts quite naturally. It's refreshing.

Zachary (Wimpy Kid) Gordon doesn't quite have the comedy chops of Bill Murray, but he's believable and sweet as a teen caught up in his own family's version of the day that keeps repeating until he gets it right. He's supported by some strong Canadian talent - Molly Parker as his overworked mom and Peter DaCunha as his too-perfect little brother - as well as Americans recognizable from a good range of decent television. Bruce Dern gives a solid performance as grouchy Grandpa.

Some slapstick and pratfalls but a lot of the humour is sweet rather than mocking. This is a series of small stories framed by, rather than tightly focusing on, Pete gaining maturity enough to see what he truly does want most for Christmas.

This is a made for TV movie about a teenager who has a terrible Christmas day but gets to re-live it again and again. He gets the opportunity to change the way Christmas pans out.

It's a good natured tale and is very entertaining and while not laugh out loud funny, there are plenty of good light hearted moments. In addition there are also a few poignant moments. The setting is great but what makes this a well above average TV movie is the talented and likable cast. Whilst many TV movies suffer on this score, this one has a cast that features no weak links at all. Zachary Gordon is great as the teenager coming to terms with groundhog day and Bruce Dern adds class as the grumpy grandad. Bailee Madison also shines as the girl next door, putting in a very natural performance.

The usual Christmas messages abound but are dealt with here without the usual schmaltz. This has the feel of a much higher budgeted movie and is one of the best Christmas TV movies I've seen.

This is one of those films that is much better than you think it will be. As an easy to watch Christmas film this really hits the mark.