La mélodie de la vie

It is Christmas time and someone is unhappy with their life. Something out of the ordinary happens and forces them to change and with the change comes some sense of redemption.

OK, you've seen this dozens of times, I could name several movies where the same thing happens, why is this movie any different and any better? The answer is the wonderful chemistry between Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere. They argue, they fight, they come together. Can you believe it! I am recommending a classic chick flick to everyone. But I have to admit it, I am sending a copy of this film to all my brothers and sisters for Christmas.

I have only seen this movie once but was extremely touched by it. The original concept of having a character's past self being able to relate to the present self is terrific. I enjoyed all performances, but I have to say that Hayden Panettiere left a lasting impression. The movie comes to a satisfactory conclusion, leaving a "what-if-I..." flavour with the viewer. Using the Suzie character as part of the rest of the family created a more believable scenario than simply presenting her "as is". I wondered if we would recognize ourselves as children if in the same situation. I tended to think it would be impossible not to - but then again, having seen lots of photos of family and friends as children, I realize it might be possible to see a similarity without instantly identifying oneself in another. This turned out to be a gentle and satisfying little Christmas movie which left room for thought when it was over.

Susan, a book editor, has just been through a bitter divorce. Her work is suffering and her boss gives her a new client with some misgivings. More importantly, Susan has turned into a jaded soul who has alienated herself even from her immediate family in recent months. When she slips on the ice near Christmas, her "inner child" magically appears and becomes her constant companion. But, can the Susan-that-once-was make any changes in the life of Susan today?

This darling and heartwarming movie has so much to give to viewers. Ally Walker displays a wide range of emotions as the adult Susan while Hayden Panettiere, as the young Susan, is winning and joyful without a touch of hamminess. Tom Amandes shows up as the perfect potential love interest. Don't wait until the holidays to seek out this gem. Spread the glow of this film with your family tonight.

On a sunday morning when I should have been up an at it, I caught the start of this movie while still in bed. Now I've a lot of sympathy for Scrooge, but this little gem had me enthralled. I've never seen Ally's work before, but if she never does anything else again, she should be proud of this. I guarantee success if you bring this movie to the attention of your friends. It has many of the qualities that made 'groundhog day' so good.

OK, I'm a sucker for fairy tales with a happy ending, and, I like the understated, lively portrayals by the two lead actresses, especially Hayden Panetierre as...our unhappy heroine as a child. The "fairy godmother" as a ten-year-old with attitude - excellent.

Not Academy Award stuff, but definitely a movie I'll watch with a date next Christmas. I gave it a 9.