My Christmas Hero

7.4 stars.

'My Christmas Hero' is another spin on the same theme, which is a mystery about how a WWII soldier died. I see some good chemistry between the leads, both of which are in so many films. He's been in a hodge podge of stuff ranging from two-bit parts in major shows and films, but what I remember the most by far is 'Heartland'. Candace is probably the family Christmas queen of, although half the people feel that Chabert wears the crown. I'd like to say they share it, but now to the movie.

I like the story, it's very inspiring, about a female doctor who is struck by love at first sight for a major in the army. She is also a major. He was also struck by the love fairy, but we don't realize this for several minutes (although we assume it). They work together to solve a WWII mystery of sorts, how did her Grandfather die in the war etc. I feel this theme has been done a few times, but it's still intriguing. It is a stretch finding actors who appear 95 years or older, because at this point anyone who was in that war would be.

The setting is a town I lived in for 30 years: Lacey, Wa. Interesting for me. They work at JBLM, which is only 20 minutes from Lacey and Olympia, Wa, so there is a bit of misinformation with the distances. I noticed that she tells him she might accept a job in Olympia and he responds by asking if she's willing to move that far, but it's literally 20 minutes at the most, so I'm not sure why he says that.

This is a Christian themed story and this station is not afraid to talk about it, unlike Hallmark.

As the daughter of a WW II B-17 pilot/Captain I was especially touched by this wonderful movie. Loved it from beginning to end. When we honor our military we acknowledge the great freedom they provide. Enjoyed the actors and script. Wasn't overly "sappy" but there were heartfelt moments throughout. Touched on PTSD issues our brave men and women face. Thought there was really good chemistry between all the characters. Of course, there was predictability as the story develops but it was still well done as it unfolded. Even my husband who is not normally drawn to these movies was drawn in. If you want a feel good patriotic Christmas movie this is it.

This won't be a movie I become obsessed with and watch a dozen times in a week. But I did really enjoy it for what it did well. It was a little clunky at parts where they tried hanging the lantern on certain topics but otherwise it was a well made film made better by the unashamed references to the real reason for Christmas which is Jesus Christ. Hallmark has gotten too comfortable claiming all these tertiary reasons on what Christmas is all about while ignoring that all those things are offshoots of the One who is truly the meaning behind Christmas. It's refreshing that Great American Family is bringing that message back.

And the cast was wonderful as well, great to see several familiar and favorite faces while adding a few new ones that also excelled. I can't remember the last time Hallmark made me cry but GAF did it with this one. No the ideas weren't 100 fresh but the way they were portrayed drew out the tenderness in my heart and I got teary eyed several times when other movies had me cringing. The character of Landon played his roll especially well and really touched my heart.

If you too are unashamed of the Savior of the world, give this one a try.,

I did like the showcasing of resources, sacrifices, and honor for the military, and liked seeing Ike from Tacoma FD starring in this movie set near Tacoma.

As someone who lived in Lacey for over 40 years, and has had access to JBLM and its medical facilities (Madigan Army Medical Center and McChord Medical Clinic, this movie's location elements made me cringe. There is no JBLM Medical Center, and Madigan, and its attached clinic, looks nothing like the facility shown. Also, the view of Mt. Rainier did not seem to match that from either Lacey or Madigan.

Additionally, all the snow shown on the ground at the Lacey event was so off from our weather. There is rarely any snow on the ground in December - if it arrives at all, it comes in January or February.

There were other issues re: historical timing and uniforms that grated (the upside-down rank on a soldier at the end really bothered my husband).

This was a mostly enjoyable Christmas movie, with a military theme. Candace Cameron Bure is in the leading role as well as being an executive producer in this movie made for Great American Family. The movie centres on military personnel, their sacrifices and how their life may be affected as a PTSD survivor.

Although I enjoyed this movie, I feel like Bure needs to start acting a little less like an ingenue in her roles. The scene when she went for a hot cocoa date and ended up with whipped cream on her face was a little too cutesy for someone of her age, unless she's determined to be cast as a perennial thirty-something actress forever. As a side note, Teryl Rothery who plays her mother in this movie is only fourteen years older than Bure.