I'll Be Home for Christmas

James Brolin is a pro on both sides of the camera. Giselle Eisenberg as Gracie is utterly captivating. Without her rate this one 6-7, with her give it a 10. The plot is somewhat formulaic, and the rest of the cast is made up of typically capable Hallmark Channel movie actors and actresses, but the viewer tends to stay tuned for Gracie's next scene.

I've watched this movie numerous times. It's definitely a feel-good Christmas movie. Touches on certain realities in life that happens with families with parents who serve as policeman & firemen, especially during the holidays, but James Brolin does a great job in balancing the storyline with a sense of humor also. The little girl is wiser than the adults, but this is ok in this Christmas storyline - it works. I'll continue to watch this movie as a favorite.

It is like my fifth or sixth Christmas film of the season and I must say that I'm not fully pleased. Sadly, this one stands at the last among those I have seen. I'm not bashing it, but the narration lacked the festival spirit. Everyone in the story seems kind of depressing. But that is how this tale was designed to be different from this theme that our television channels are crowded with at this time. So I enjoyed watching it, in the end, I did not like it much as an overall film.

A father, travelling around the North America in his RV had not seen his daughter for like a decade. But his surprise visit during the Christmas eve brings a mixed feeling to her. That's not the same with the rest of the town, who are very happy to see him again. When he adopts a dog, it causes even more trouble in a relationship with his daughter. But his granddaughter is very fond of him and together they do all the festival stuffs. The remaining is to cover how he's going to win his daughter back.

Expecting too much from a television film is very foolish, but that should not be a reason, even when a film is really does not stand up to the mark. The main plot was much better, and it was not fully exploited as it should have been. Especially, most of the parts were predictable and that's fine, but a couple of energetic and surprising events would have turned it around.

Still, I liked the actors, particularly the director in one of the main roles, and again in particular the little kid. She sounded like a very matured (child) actress, so I hope she makes big in the filmdom. Sorry to say, none others, including Mena Suvari looked like they are in the film. In some of the parts, the dog stole the show. So overall simply an okay film, but it can be watched once.

5/10

We've got James Brolin (76) as a Grinch/Grandpa, an eight year old outspoken grand daughter that steals the show, a beautiful smart daughter with a mismatched boyfriend and a dog. These combine for a great movie. As soon as I saw the interaction between Brolin and the grand daughter Gracie- I was won over. Loved those scenes. Brolin's gruff manner just makes the movie delightful to watch. Also loved Angela Asher with that deep voice.

This is definitely a winner. Not a dull moment in this movie. Lead actress was delightful. John Reardon role was also good. A touch of Beethoven destruction with the dog.

Contrary to many of the negative reviews of this film, my view is that this film is one of the better Hallmark films.

If more Hallmarks had such diversity, then perhaps there would be more of the regular population who would view them, not just the "sappy typical" females (and some males) that many view as the "chick flick" type!

The roles played may be of the same "title" as others, but the characters were more unique than the typical characters in too many Hallmark films. It is great to see diversity in the characters of the higher quality Hallmarks.

I highly recommend this film.

It illustrates humour, caring, and love with a little different plot and a pleasure to watch as the characters blend with each other to enhance each other's characters. We continue to learn from each other, right?

Enjoy!