A Grandpa for Christmas

At the age of 90, Ernest Borgnine turns in a wonderful performance as a grandfather discovering that he has a granddaughter. Problem is that he has been estranged from his daughter for many years. The daughter sided with her mother in a messy breakup between her parents. It is only after the daughter becomes injured in an accident that the grandfather takes temporary custody of his grandchild.

Even the granddaughter has been brainwashed into thinking that grandpa is an ogre. That all changes when Borgnine shows tender loving care and takes charge in her life.

It's a wonderful story again emphasizing strong family traditions. It is most appropriate for the holiday season.

A sweet story to watch while sitting in the glow of a Christmas tree, and sipping some hot chocolate.

The cast are wonderful. Ernest Borgnine plays a senior named Bert who learns his long-estranged daughter was involved in a car accident, and he is the only relative of a granddaughter he didn't even know existed. Now the lonely old guy, used to playing chess in the park with his friend, or hanging out and reminiscing with his group of former movie folks at a local cafe, is asked to take the child in while his daughter recovers from her severe injuries.

Juliette Goglia, as Becca, Bert's granddaughter, is a gem. She and Borgnine play off each other very well, trading playful barbs right and left, and their growing affection is showcased sweetly. Goglia's portrayal of an awkward tween, who brightens with the encouragement of Bert, is really well done. There are themes throughout the story of bonding, forgiveness, understanding, healing, and other issues families deal with. Look for Kris Nelson, Jamie Farr, and some other familiar faces in the cast; an appealing group who all do well in their roles, and looked to be enjoying working together and having fun making the film. Nice Christmas traditions are incorporated into the film in wonderful ways, even things as simple as tree-trimming and a Christmas Eve pageant. Goglia has a wonderful singing voice, by the way.

This was a pleasant Christmas treat, with a very touching and uplifting sentimentality.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE FILM. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST!

Bert (Ernest Borgnine) is a retired Hollywood actor who has been estranged from his only daughter Marie (Tracy Nelson) for many years. When she ends up in the hospital following a car accident, Social Services places her 10-year-old daughter, Becca (Juliette Goglia), with the grandfather she has never met. The generation gap is apparent as Bert and Becca try to adjust to their new lives together.

The film feel very authentic. I love how Ernest house looks on the inside and out. It looks like a home you would see in the San Fernando Valley. The cast of supporting players is 1st rate.

Now this film is ABOVE THE AVERAGE HALLMARK FILM. When this comes on watch it. You won't be disappointed. Ernest Borgnine is terrific. He plays against his persona. He plays someone very vulnerable who you just can't help loving.

I was very impressed with the overall quality of the acting and plot lines. I found Ernest Borgnine to be quite a lovable character. I believe that Juliette has a tremendous future in not only acting but especially as a singer. I look forward to her debut album. I had a fun time recognizing many of the players in this drams without looking at their names first. The plot line is very well done and believable. I look forward to seeing this show as a holiday tradition. It leaves room for a sequel as well to show how things progress. I am 58 years old but this movie had me crying and teary eyed at the ending. I also enjoyed Katherine Helmond in her role of Roxie. She played it as if it was her own persona. Thanks for a great production. The plot revolves around a retired thespian who has lost touch with his daughter until an untimely accident causes him to find out he has a granddaughter he never knew about. He ends up having to take care of this granddaughter since he is the only living relative. The changing of this relationship from a have to situation to a very loving one makes for a great story. Ron Tuell Sr

This is one of the best Christmas movies I have ever seen. Of course, Earnest Borgnine and Jamie Farr are two of my very favorite actors. I can hardly wait until this comes out on DVD for home purchase!!! The story line of this movie is excellent. A man who "lost" his daughter to very difficult circumstances and was made to look as a "bad" person by his x-wife who actually ran away from him but who took care of his daughter without any credit all her life. Thankfully a friend told her and they were able to make up their differences and become a family. Borgnine may be 90 years old but it doesn't show one bit. He is excellent in every scene and carries a wonderful story to an excellent conclusion.