Sacré Père Noël

My expectations were low when I started to watch this film. The premise seemed OK and from watching Home Improvement I knew the lead actor had some charm about him.

I can happily say that I didn't need to worry because this film is good family entertainment, that also manages to be a good Christmas film.

Sure, it's far fetched and the plot doesn't hold up to much, but it's also full of funny moments and has its heart in the right place.

It's a shame that Jonathon Taylor Thomas didn't go on to make more films after this one because he was likable and had good comic timing.

This is one of those films that you see on the shelf every Christmas. Why not give it a go?

Well, I'd give this a 6 out of 10 because I love Christmas, but really the plot was fairly thin and wasn't this same idea run through in John Hughes "Dutch (aka Driving Me Crazy) - kid doesn't want to go home (for Thanksgiving in that movie), but then he has all sorts of adventures on the road on his way home and learns his lesson, etc, etc.

The only problem with this movie is that, unlike "Dutch", I honestly didn't feel that JTT had learned his lesson at all, he was still a scam artist at the end. Disney should really learn some lessons from John Hughes / Chris Columbus, they really know how to make a kids live-action movie!

I was so disappointed because it sounded like a really fun idea, but turned into the plot of a so-so TV movie.

It's worth seeing, but go on cheap Tuesday, or with free tickets, you'll feel less ripped off!!

I'll Be Home for Christmas is a holiday movie worth watching on a cold, snowy day. Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays "Jake", a college student in California, who's bribed by his father to come home, in New York, for Christmas. Jessica Biel plays "Allie", who is Jake's love interest in the movie. Jake drives, hitchhikes, flies, and finally rides his way back home in a one horse open sliegh. Along his journey home, Jake learns the true meaning of Christmas. In my opinion, I'll Be Home for Christmas is the best Christmas movie that I've seen in a long time.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas plays Jake, a college student in California who hasn't come home to New York for the holidays since his father remarried. The father makes Jake a deal he can't refuse: get home by 6 p. m. Christmas Eve, and he can have the Porsche they rebuilt together. One problem: Jake helps some athletes cheat on a final exam, but his plan is sabotaged, and 'Eddie and the boys' leave him in the desert wearing a Santa suit, with nothing but a note they signed. Eddie sets out to take Jake's girlfriend home. Jake calls her but there is a problem with her answering machine. Jake calls home for help but he has lied and schemed too many times before. It is his ability to lie that gets him on the road making progress toward his goal, but also into new jams. He sees Eddie several times (what are the chances?) but his girlfriend doesn't see him until the fourth time, and that doesn't turn out well. Of course, Eddie and Jake's girlfriend don't get along too well in their travels east. It's a fun film if not great. Jake helps several people, including himself, learn the true meaning of Christmas. Lots of great scenery in the first half of the movie, and a lot of the music is good, with styles including jazz and bluegrass. And the situations Jake gets himself into are quite funny. Have you ever seen a 5K race where all the entrants are dressed like Santa? It's a family film with a little off-color humor (I saw the edited version, so no bad language to speak of).

Well intentioned Christmas film, just a little undercooked.

Jonathan Taylor Thomas is the lead of 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' and he's pretty good, especially at playing the cocky school kid. I feel his arc is satisfactory, though it would've been nice if there was a longer spell of him realising/correcting his behaviour.

Still, I feel there's enough in there to justify the (predictable) happy ending. I, also, like the road trip elements. Elsewhere on the cast, a young Jessica Biel appears as Allie. She's solid, as is Adam LaVorgna as Eddie. It's also noteworthy to see Gary Cole involved.

It's nothing impactful or anything, but it's fine festive viewing.