The Christmas Bunny

This little-known Christmas movie is pretty cute. It comes off as a bit low-budget, mostly because the acting by most of the adults is less than impressive, but the little girl does a good job of playing the gloomy foster child in need of security and affection. Florence Henderson is also fun to watch.

All of the rabbit care described in the movie is surprisingly accurate. Whoever wrote the film obviously has experience with rabbits. They did a wonderful job of illustrating how sensitive these animals are, and that they frequently do not belong in the hands of young children, especially without some firm guidance.

There are some heavy Christian overtones in this movie. I am not religious, but that doesn't bother me in movies. However it is a bit silly/over-the-top at some moments.

This story is pretty refreshing; it confronts a lot of family issues that are not acknowledged in a lot of holiday movies. Definitely worth watching for animal-lovers, people with children who are animal-lovers, and pretty much anyone who can appreciate a simple, cute family movie.

I won't go into story or plot details. I will say this movie reveals enduring truths in an artful, unadorned way. It is thoughtfully written, well-acted, and beautifully filmed. Florence Henderson, in particular, is a joy to watch. The arcs of each character contribute to and reflect the theme. The theme concerns the ways in which we close or open ourselves to the power of love (both giving and accepting), and how that impacts our becoming fully who we are meant to be. Yes, it's a Christmas movie in a thematically serious way. The story is a call not to hold ourselves removed, self-concerned, isolated and separate from others. It's a meditation on the love of Christ for us, and a beckoning to open our hearts to the reality of that love, that we may respond to it, act on it, and be elevated and redeemed.

Sophia Bolen does a great job. She doesn't have to say much, and when she does talk, she shows a wide range.

If you're looking for Carol Brady, look somewhere else. Florence Henderson does an outstanding job but looks her age at long last; Betsy has made no effort to look good. Her personality is more Martha Raye or Sophia Petrillo than what Henderson has given us over the years. And that's fine. She is kind and loving in her way. This is not a sweet movie, but it is touching, and Betsy has a lot to teach about responsibility.

Faith is included in this movie as well. Patti has it but Scott is about to lose his.

While the movie had a TV-G rating, that doesn't mean it is without concerns. Julia's mother did abuse her, though she hits a camera showing Julia's point of view, not the girl. She is dressed for a hot date, but some of what is said about her suggests she was a prostitute. Plus she sold drugs. In addition, Julia, having been abused, also abuses.

Overall, this is a fine family film.

This is a charming family film about a recently fostered young girl who has trouble communicating until she finds an injured rabbit.

The film explores the problem of loneliness through the eyes of both the young girl and an old lady who cares for injured animals. The film steers clear of the usual schmaltz served up in most Christmas movies and is realistic in it's portrayal of how children actually behave.

The script and performances of the cast are far above most made for TV movies. What struck me most was the cinematography which was superb. It seemed like a much higher budget film.

It's not a film that will change your life but it is more than worth a watch with the family in the run up to Christmas.

Really loved the film- only wished the girl had been a little more grateful to the lady who looked after her rabbit.I'm not sure about the realism of feeding Candy to a rabbit as I never would dream of it plus I don't believe many bunnies would even want it. It reminded me of my own emotional connection to a bunny I used to have and it also very moving that it enabled them to create a family. Was quite distressing and emotional in places. I wasn't sure about the decision not to get another companion for the rabbit. From my own experience of keeping rabbits, they can get very lonely and aggressive if left alone regularly.