One Christmas Eve

I have been searching to see when Hallmark will show the movie again, sadly not the Christmas of 2017. Compared to the political climate this year, we need a break and this movie was a break for me and my family. It is 2 weeks before Christmas and this movie along with the family stories of the unusual things that happen at Christmas helped my kids smile a little bit. Too bad the general population spoiled that for us. I am just a grandma trying to make my grandkids smile a little.

A couple of janitors working late on Christmas Eve have a puppy dumped on them. They try to leave in on Anne Heche's doorstep, but one of them breaks his leg fleeing... and that's just the first disaster in this remarkably funny comedy from the Hallmark Channel's annual Christmas season of original movies.

Jay Russell directs his cast in wonderfully straight-faced performances as they struggle to get through this particular calamity, only to break an arm or be robbed at gunpoint in a snowstorm. Miss Heche's just-keeping-it-together-for-the-kids demeanor is very funny, and the mildly incredulous way Brian Tee as the doctor who keeps seeing the same bunch of shlemazels return to his emergency room yet again is fine. There aren't many laugh-out-loud moments, but no one tries for them. You will smile a lot as people manage to get through big and small problems and still be happy.

I love this tender Christmas madcap crazy movie. It has heart, soul, compassion and it is cast beautifully with a diverse ensemble of talented actors. It's 2014 and it's about time we start watching movies that accurately represents the U.S.A. Kudos for the great casting! Carlos Gomez is perfect as the widower and father of a daughter stationed in Afghanistan. Loved it all! And, as a bona-fide dog lover, well, it's a home run!

Hallmark Channel movies are great but I hope to see more stories with diverse cast. Anne Heche is also great as the frazzled mom who probably wishes she could have a do-over and start the day all over again. Ever have one of those days where everything goes wrong from the moment you wake up? One Christmas Eve is one of those days. You'll laugh, smile, and rejoice in turning it all around... if only it could be.

This film is a wild, wild ride. It's all around family friendly fun, but is quite atipical for a Christmas movie. Go watch it blind, your kids will love it.

I don't get the bad reviews here. If anyone tunes in to the Hallmark Channel looking for Oscar material, they're nuts. Most are produced by Larry Levinson and follow the same basic plot. Geez, even my husband recognizes this and asks when did the boy get the girl or vice versa. That said, I love the escapism that Hallmark movies provide, and thoroughly enjoy them. Face it; most of the plots are rip offs of other theatrical releases. That said, this movie is likely the most original, entertaining, and funny plot line I've seen out of Hallmark for a long time.

Just sit back and ignore the negative; enjoy a little feel-good laughter!