Les Oubliés de Noël

If you're looking for an Oscar-winning blockbuster then you'll be sorely disappointed but if you're looking for a feel-good, family movie that reminds all us gadget-orientated, money-obsessed individuals that the truly important things in life are the people we live with and that true happiness comes from giving (of yourself) not taking, then you'll like this cheesy movie. The acting isn't great, but it's good enough; the script is predictable and not clever but it works. It doesn't promise to be anything other than what you'd expect from a made-for-t.v. movie- and that's its attraction. If you watched this then posted a negative review, then you have no soul and have more in common with The Grinch than Santa Claus.

From back when Hallmark used to get some mainstream names in their Christmas movies, we get Lauren Holly as a former Broadway chorus girl who gave it all up for a family.

To start the movie, a family of four breaks down in the mountains in a snow storm, and wind up stranded in a small, failing town while the town's mechanic has to wait for parts for their SUV.

With no cable, no cell service, and no internet, the family is forced out of their motel room and have to start interacting with the remaining people in the town ... in a town where most have given up hope.

Each member of the family makes connections and seeks to give the town an emotional shot in the arm.

Recommended, and for us its a repeat watch. This year makes our third viewing.

Santa may be making his list and checking it twice, but I've been watching just about every holiday movie this year that I can so I check them off my list. Although the plot may be trite (as most holiday movies are), I've seen more than a dozen, maybe two dozen, in the last couple weeks, and this one is one of the best put-together ones of the lot. And because it stands out from the crowd, I may be rating it higher than it deserves.

On the plus side, this flick is helped by a relatively tight script, decent direction, and worthy performances by its veteran stars, Lauren Holly and Rick Roberts.

Standouts in the supporting cast include the luminescent Stephanie Belding as the waitress who coordinates the Christmas pageant opposed by her mayor husband, owner of the restaurant where she works; the actor whose name I can't pin down as the barber who also "knows cars" (it seems the principal characters in town have two jobs, while most of the town is out of work); as well as the two who play the Benson kids (especially the son).

This was a wonderful movie. To those who ripped it, what were you thinking? I wanted to give it a 10, but I've given out too many this season. The story was so enjoyable, the cast was great and it looked as if the cast had a great time doing this movie. All I can say is to watch this and enjoy it for what it is and the message it sends.

Easy, light, touching, heart-warming and fun!

Highly rewatchable annual Christmas fare. Underrated. Without "Christmas" in the title, doesn't get the Christmas exposure it should on Hallmark..should have been titled: "Christmas in Nowhere." Need more Rick Roberts anywhere!

He is golden. Lauren Holly too? (Obviously just after some plastic surgery.) Big star power in this little movie. Love her, ever since The Adventures of Ford Fairlane. Her massive red hair & styling here is gorgeous. The only weak point is the grating daughter & writing for her..ugh..FF thru it. (The guy who plays "Coleman" - genius. Check him out beautifully stealing the entire episode of Monk, 'The Lottery' in a tiny roll.) This cute and timeless Nowhere film deserves to be included in every Christmas programming collection for viewers to enjoy. ###