The Christmas Choir

The other posters seem to have missed the point that this movie was based on a true story about a group of homeless people who formed a choir. THAT'S what makes it so heartwarming, whether or not these viewers felt it was 'real' enough. Big name stars weren't needed for credible performances, as noted, and may have been detracting.

The story is about forgiveness. About second chances. And about giving time and self to help others achieve their potential. Although the real-life choir wasn't named, they went on to make six CDs and performed internationally. That's the real story behind the story. And what makes this a true seasonal film, deserving of the awards it won.

This is an excellent and heartfelt Hallmark TV movie about a workaholic whose personal life has collapsed around him, who organizes and leads a Christmas choir of men living at a homeless shelter. Working my way through this intellectually, I find a lot of flaws in this picture: its episodic nature, its easy internal parallels, the cleanliness of everything and so forth, but the simplicity of the actors' performances work beautifully.

There are almost no big names involved in this production -- the closest to one is probably Rhea Perlman, who plays the cranky nun who runs the shelter. But it doesn't really matter. Very much worth your while.

Peter (Jason Gedrick) is a workaholic accountant who doesn't see his warped focus, truly, until his fiancee breaks their engagement. Citing his seeming want for "different things", the split, nevertheless, sends Pete to a drinking establishment. Its there that he listens to a fine pianist/singer, who invites the accountant to his home in an act of friendship. But, whoa, his "home" is a shelter run by determined Sister Agatha (Rhea Perlman) and the family is a group of down-and-out souls who have lost hope. As expected, Peter's eyes are opened and his evolution begins. Wanting to do something to better the men and earn them some money & a better self image, Pete starts a men's choir for the approaching holidays. Although only a few show up for the first practice, the number grows and a new lady of Peter's acquaintance suggests they sing in the subway waiting area. This runs afoul with city ordinances but, after an official tryout, the choir performs near the rails. But, with continuing estrangement from his own father and some ups and downs, can Peter and the chorus do good this year? This movie is the embodiment of what Christmas means, showing kindness to others and giving the gift of love not expecting anything in return. Gedrick is very nice as the changed man as is Perlman as the feisty nun. All other cast members, sets, script and direction are way above the average, too. If you need to rediscover the true meaning of the holidays, watching this film is an excellent way to begin.