Natal em Conway

Mary Louise Parker is excellent. She doesn't really seem sick (she even has her hair) but it's just that her character is so strong and won't give up. And no matter what, she shows concern for others.

I didn't recognize Andy Garcia, though he looks like Mitt Romney in this. Garcia is nothing like his past roles, but he is very good here, providing the perfect balance between bitter curmudgeon and loving but sad husband.

Mandy Moore is sweet and caring, and determined to do whatever is necessary.

Riley Smith is likable as Tommy.

I didn't know Cheri Oteri but I sort of remember her from "Saturday Night Live" prime-time specials and clips. She provides most of the desperately needed humor.

Mark Jeffrey Miller also stands out and gives us a few more laughs, showing a mix of bitterness and caring as the former carnival worker.

I have only one complaint. They obviously didn't film this movie in the real towns. The movie was set in Conway and it has the Spanish moss that helps make the town so attractive. As the couple rode to Myrtle Beach, they crossed an attractive bridge which I've never seen. Conway has a real nice bridge they should have used. The Riverwalk was mentioned but I don't think the real one was shown, because I have visited it for the past six years and it didn't look quite like that. I have passed Family Kingdom amusement park in Myrtle Beach many times and may have gone there (whatever it was called then) as a child nearly fifty years ago. I don't think that was the real Family Kingdom either. And Moncks Corner is not as close to Conway as they made it look, and nowhere near a freeway.

This is a family movie, but it doesn't shy away from the reality of terminal illness.

But this is a worthy effort for the Hallmark Hall of Fame.

This film had quality actors playing roles with substance. Several plot lines and touching moments. They could have done without the buffoonish neighbor lady, but otherwise, I appreciated the love this man (Andy Garcia) showed for his wife in the last stages of her life. Mandy Moore was truly believable in her role as a hospice care nurse, and the relationship she developed with the dying Mrs. had depth to it. Probably a little on the unbelievable side, overall (building a ferris wheel in your back yard?), but I appreciated the fact that the end of the movie was their ride together on the wheel, and not her death.

Thumbs up!

This movie tries to capture some of the ugliness of the situation this woman and her husband are in. She is dying and they all know it. It is an awful place to be. As much ugliness as the movie captures, I'm sure it doesn't come close to the reality.

As a subplot, there is a vindictive neighbor who is just plain mean and she'd like to say she is doing it for the community, but she's just doing it for her self.

The cast does a marvelous job.

My rating should not reflect the quality of this movie. This Hallmark Hall of Fame movie belongs in that category. I just can't say it was fun to watch and as I sit here immediately after finishing it, I don't think I will watch it again.

I am a hospice volunteer sitter, and this movie was particularly inspiring to me. It gave a realistic picture of what hospice patients and their family members go through and also the compassion of people who work in hospice occupations. It reflected the message of what hospice is all about. Movie is sad but also contains moments of humor and the love and compassion from the most unexpected people. Great actors and great writing and storyline. Love to see movies that reflect caring people. Loved it and great acting! Highly recommend, especially to families that have had loved ones under the care of hospice. This movie would be a great training tool for employees to watch!

I love love love this movie. It's not the usual "cheery Santa Claus Christmas movie" It's a heartwarming classic! All the characters portrays the many different kinds of people there is that makes this world. I would watch this over and over. Hallmark has really done it this time with this awesome movie! It had laughter with the nosey-rosey high end neighbor, the cranky man, the lovable hospice nurse, and the bad-turn-good youth kid to the sheriff whom had a heart. I love love love this movie, I wish it never ended or a sequel to it. Such an awesome true love Christmas movie! Thank you Hallmark! Thank you to the awesome cast as well.