La lista di Natale

Movie based on an old sitcom trope, as a partly-overheard, misunderstood conversation leads to hijinks, and hopefully, a happier, closer family if it all works out in the end. Unfortunately, it just isn't very funny overall, and the acting isn't the best, especially considering the presence of Marion Ross and Richard Karn. Karn was particularly underused. Not that the writing gave anyone much to work with. The few touching bits, an orphanage scene and a fun supermarket musical bit, are diluted by scenes where the cast just seems bored or uncomfortable. One bizarre scene in the middle of the film should have been cut entirely. The mother and grown daughter dress in black and commit felony theft of the top eight feet of a newly planted gigantic pine tree at a mall. It may have been intended to be funny, but it comes off as being so out of place as to be very jarring and even disturbing. The family acts like it is perfectly normal to commit felony theft and they never mention it again. It doesn't seem to fit in. Surely they could have padded the run time with something that didn't make the family seem like antisocial psychos. I docked this film about two stars for the scene, leaving it with just three. That's how badly the two minutes or so ruins the intended spirit of the movie. Blows it to smithereens. I was half expecting them to maybe kidnap or steal from some orphans, too. Take away that one scene, and it's a solid 5. All in all, like many of the made for TV Christmas movies, it seems fine for having on in the background while baking cookies, wrapping presents, etc. It certainly doesn't deserve your undivided attention.

Predictable and boring plot, forced romance, mediocre performances, and incredible lack of originality, I don't recommend it.

Ellen Hollman has great stage presence but I don't think the character fit her well- especially with how she played her romantic interest. Liked her as the author and the daughter. Home Improvements "Al" played a nice dad but was not a major character. Marion Ross played the grand mother in a supporting role and it wasn't quite right. The mother's role was the most unusual and maybe the most memorable. The greatest take away from the movie was the friendship developing between mother and daughter.

I might not mind watching the movie again and I did not fall asleep. The most memorable scene was mom and daughter in a musical dance scene dressed in mini skirt Santa outfits collecting money for the orphanage.

Review Date 6/2/2019

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

As her dying wish, Evie tasks her daughter and granddaughter, Sara, with a list of festive accomplishments to do together before Christmas, hoping it will repair their relationship. Along the way, Sara discovers an adventure of her own.

What was nice about this film is that it shows us that we all make mistakes and that forgiving and understanding is part of life and we all must be willing to make amends when needed.

People that have had complicated relationships with parents should give this ia try.

It's a toss up between which is worse, the acting, the script or the background music.