A Made For TV Movie

Network: Hallmark Channel

Release Date: November 20^th, 2011

Cast: Kristy Swanson, Edward Herrmann, Tess Harper

Synopsis:

When Martha Evans (Kristy Swanson) finds herself homeless with her two young daughters and stepson just a week before Christmas, she puts her trust in a new town full of friendly strangers and prays for the best.

Martha’s no good husband, Cal (Bart Johnson), has left her for the last time, emptying her bank account and disappearing without a word. Hopeless, Martha takes the kids to a sleepy town where she moves into a motel and begs the owner of the local diner, Trudy (Tess Harper), to hire her as a waitress. Taking a chance, Trudy decides to help Martha and her children, even as things go from bad to worse when Martha’s car breaks down and her bills start piling up. Then, as Martha begins to meet more of the locals, including handsome sheriff Joe (K.C. Clyde), perky teenage babysitter Jeanie (Danielle Chuchran) and grumpy but warm-hearted diner regular Les (Edward Herrmann), Martha finds her faith just be restored—-until Cal returns. Can the town still give Martha the merry Christmas she needs, or will her past prevent her from the happiness she’s found this holiday?

Movie Review:

There was no magical or mystical being in this film; no angel from heaven trying to earn their wings or Mr. and Mrs. Claus trying to restore someone’s Christmas Spirit. True Christmas magic was reflected in this movie in a different form; through ordinary people in an ordinary town.  This film emanated Christmas spirit; through the power of love, giving, kindness, support, encouragement, friendship, human connection, taking chances, faith and God’s love. Some parts of this film made me cry because it reflected some of the things I crave and some of the things I’m thankful for at this point in my life. It showed me that Christmas magic is not in the Christmas tree or gift wrapped boxes under the tree, it is the love in our hearts and how we show others our love and gratitude for them; as well as how we reflect God’s love in showing kindness to strangers. It’s also in the power of forgiveness, hope and knowing God loves you no matter, where you have been, the choices you made, who you are, what you have or what you have done. This movie, even though the acting was a little on the low quality side with the less seasoned actors, has a powerful message, one that reached my heart and for that reason I’d give it five golden glistening stars.

Bible Verse Reference:

¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? ¹⁵ Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶ If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷ In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:14-17 NIV

Rating: * * * * * (5 Stars)