Un Noël de folie

This isn't drastically different from the multitudes of other Christmas TV movies out there, but this one is just a little different and special somewhere to me. It's grown on me a lot over the years and I've strangely found myself watching it every year, it gives me the kind of wholesome old-fashioned warm genuine Christmas vibes that aren't really something I get very often from movies like this anymore. When I was a little boy, I used to think that Christmas was so super-magical, all of the festive atmosphere and little precious ceremonies all made me feel so happy and it was like proof that the world could be a bright happy place, when I'd feel sad as a kid I could just talk about Christmas to cheer myself up! Anywho this film isn't what I'd call overly sappy and to me it doesn't have the kind of overly-dramatic dialogue that gives TV films a bad name. And while it's nothing amazing, it really worked for me and I loved it, I thought it was genuinely heartwarming. I liked the woman and her kid and the way it established how they were going to have to make do with a really poor Christmas because they didn't have much, it made me care about them as characters. Howard Hesseman was brilliant and a real hoot as the eccentric rich old man with the answer to their prayers as he hires her as a chauffeur to drive him around New York on Christmas Eve while causing a media sensation with the random drive by acts of wild generosity by throwing wads of money to all around him for no other reason than sheer manic kindness and to spread the joy! All of the scenes where he does that really tickled me and made me smile because if there was ever one thing to really get any crowd ground going anywhere, ever, it would be free money! He is for all intents and purposes this movie's Santa Claus and while he does have an ulterior motive in helping her it's nothing too heavy.. The story does get a bit hectic at the end and I don't care for the pointless romance subplot that's thrown in, but overall it's all harmless sweet fun that projects a good image and theme of Christmas joy and family togetherness, and it has an endearing tone that I can only describe as cosy, it's a very nice uplifting picture to lighten the mood around the icy year's end. Thanks everyone, happy holidays to you X

I'm a sucker for a good Christmas movie; I really wish I'd seen one last night.

Even the prospect of an attractive female lead didn't save this movie from becoming increasingly annoying as it progressed. Howard Hessman's character was at first lovably eccentric, but then excessively weird. The token cute little moppet (the son) wasn't so cute. There was little to no chemistry between the two leads - instead of romance, I felt more like they were about to establish a limited liability partnership for tax shelter purposes (after all, she's studying for the CPA exam!). And, the heart-tugging revelations at the end just didn't tug my heart.

Move along, people. There's nothing to see here.

Andrea Roth was cute as the Ghost of Christmas Present in Chasing Christmas. She is just as cute here, but has a very different role. Seems she is trying to raise her young son and barely scraping by as her cheating husband ran off with his dental hygienist. Isn't that always the story? But, don't worry, as cute as Roth is, I am sure that Santa will send some cute young man to fill her stocking.

The story here is about Howard Hesseman. I remembered him from Police Academy 2, but where I really remember him is "WKRP in Cincinnati." It's been a long time, Howard. He plays a crazy old gazillionaire that is giving away all his money. Hundred dollar bills to everyone, sometimes a handful; of them. Spreading that Christmas cheer around. But he has a secret or two, and one of them involves Roth.

It is a sweet and tender story about family and giving and what is really important in life.

Check it out.

It seems that Christmas films are on every Cable Channel from November -December. Many film titles "Sound alike". Many films share the same type of story lines. I think I have seen 3 Rip-Off version of "Groundhog Day" last year alone. Also I notice is many "Class Reunion" films take place around the Holidays. (Who would really plan a class reunion at Christmas time?) I have seen many version of "A Christmas Carol" and Frankly the best version of that story was the 1938 MGM VERSION.

Today film studios no longer make films about real people. It seems that only films they make are about "Vampires" "Hobbits" "Wizards" "Superheroes" or "Tarzan".

Well anyway my review: On Christmas Eve, A struggling single parent Shannon McManus (Andrea Roth) is stuck driving around a wealthy and eccentric millionaire client (Howard Hesseman) who is giving away large sums of money. Why? Who is he? One hungry reporter sets out to find who is this "Secret Santa"?

I need to add that this film has very plausible dialog. The story is a little far-fetched but it is really well done. By only complaint is the ending felt a little flat. Had this been a theatrical film that ending would most likely re-worked! Howard Hessman carries the film and Andrea Roth more than holds her own.

The film is family safe and the story is about family and the hard choices we have to make throughout life. Kids might get bored but if you find this film popping up on TV watch it! If you love Christmas Time you will love this film!

I'm a sucker for sentiment. And this is a throwback to those sensibilities that are devoid of today's cynicism. This is post-9/11 and astonish that they would even make this type of movie. For that...they deserve high praise for sure.

Andrea Roth plays a single mother working as a limo driver who is struggling to make due with a young child after the father had run off with another woman. She keeps upbeat, despite the financial struggle she faces. Especially trying her hardest not to disappoint her son on Xmas. I buy it. The kid isn't one of those types who say "it's okay Mom, I know we have no money". NO. The child is honest. Painfully disappointed about the have-not. And to me, that is honest. That should ground you to the rest of the movie, since...it is about doing good deeds. Howard Hessmann is that guy. An eccentric gazillionaire that, with a snap of his fingers, could put you in the lap of luxury. But that isn't enough. He has secrets. And it includes Andrea's character. What could be a stupid syrupy tale, turns to some poignant moments of family interaction during the warmest of holidays. We're not suckers. We believe the people would react the way they do.

What I notice a lot about Xmas movies is that they want it to be a classic. Totally. These sentiments should be year in and year out. But it works best, because it is Xmas. In "It's A Wonderful Life" you think George Bailey really lives happily ever after? Maybe. But he's still got an uphill battle in a dying town. For Andrea and her child, she is thrusted into a new world that she isn't accustomed to. Who cares? We know she's a good person...if only for a moment.