Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love

I understand that "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" is based on something that happened early in Dolly Parton's life. It tells the story of how little Dolly and her siblings, growing up dirt-poor in rural Tennessee, made some extreme sacrifices to get their mother a gift one Christmas. Parton herself co-stars as a sort of guardian angel to the young Dolly. I was surprised to see that the director is Stephen Herek, who has directed movies as different as "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" and "Mr. Holland's Opus".

It's not any sort of masterpiece, but I liked how it affirmed that despite the numerous hardships, this was a close, loving family. Dolly Parton is one person who makes clear that not all rural people are ignorant yahoos. As she once said: "I may be a country bumpkin, but at least I'm a smart country bumpkin."

Perhaps based on true life events, but it appears that it may be also be a semi-fictional fable as well. I will leave it up to the viewer to make that determination. It all revolves around the school's Christmas Pageant of the Nativity, and the whole family pitching in to buy Mama a gold wedding ring. Daddy risks life-and-limb to work in the dangerous coal mine to make enough money so he can buy the ring. The 2 main dramatic moments involve a mining disaster and the entire family trapped inside of a snowbound house. It's a Christmas miracle. Dolly makes an appearance and I am not sure if it is meant to be her future self or a "painted lady" in the town. Truly great family entertainment and justly nominated for an Emmy. (Rated 3 hankies)

A follow-up to Dolly Parton's 'Coat of Many Colours'. This time it is a Christmas theme. As usual the tale was told from young Dolly's view. The Parton family is readying for the festival. The list is long what everybody wants for Christmas. But time to sacrifice for something more important for family than individuals. Everybody contributes, yet does not meet the requirement. So the extra adventure begins, on one end the father takes a risky job far away from home and Dolly decides to sing on the streets. The remaining story is to tell how it all ends.

I saw it when the Christmas is just 30 days away. A perfect season to watch such film. But it was an okay film. Being a Christian film, the previous one did not bother me. But this one went out of the control, like it became a fantasy. Yeah, the end was un-believable for a film based on the real. I always like to see on the screen how a family struggles against the odds, but being reality is most matters. It just slipped away in a few occasions, including at the end twist. Still a nice film for families. All the cast had returned and they all were good. Directed by the same filmmaker. One time watchable film.

6/10

This was another feel good holiday film from Dolly Parton, who is generous enough to share autobiographical and inspirational stories from her youth.

Heavy message about sacrifice, thinking of others, and leaning in to one's faith.

Good cast. Great performances.

Leaves you feeling good about life and others the way every holiday movie should.

This movie, "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love", as a sequel to "Coat of Many Colors" really stays true to the concept of the first one -- it brings to life the childhood of Dolly Parton and emphasizes the special events and moments that shaped her life. Through both movies, she draws us into an era where life was simple, but hard, and the love of family, combined with faith, proved to be a powerful combination that could stand the tests of life. The cast has been superb both times; this sequel was flawless in its transition from the first movie. It felt completely natural and I was instantly drawn back in to the story line. Ms Nettles surprised me once again at how gifted she is as an actress, and Alyvia Alyn Lind further established herself in my book as the best child actor to appear on the scene in a very long time. I personally feel honored to have these special glimpses into Dolly's life, and I believe her stories were definitely worth telling, and I'm so glad they have been. When I was growing up, when "9 to 5" came out, and she was in her prime as a country star, I had a completely different perception of Dolly Parton, and these movies have made me feel like I have been invited into her intimate life and can understand the amazing woman she really is. I have a huge respect for her now, and I'm thankful she has blessed us with these heartwarming stories that bring us back to what life is truly all about, when all the chaos and fluff are stripped away. These movies make me have the same warm, feel-good, aftertaste that I always had from Little House on the Prairie. Triumph over tragedy, faith in God, the importance of family, and that love always wins in the end -- the basics never fail us. If you have never seen "Coat Of Many Colors", I encourage you to watch it first.