Moonlight & Mistletoe (TV 2008)

In 'Saint' Nick Crosby's old-fashioned all-year Christmas village Santaville, working as a mere elf on Christmas preparations all year killed his daughter Holly's seasonal spirit. So she ... See full summary »

Director:

Karen Arthur

Writers:

Joany Kane (teleplay), Duane Poole (teleplay),

Stars:

Tom Arnold, Candace Cameron Bure, Barbara Niven

Cast

Credited cast:
Tom Arnold	...	Nick
Candace Cameron Bure	...	Holly (as Candace Cameron-Bure)
Barbara Niven	...	Ginny
Matt Walton	...	Ben Richards
Allan F. Nicholls	...	Earl (as Allan Nicholls)
Kaily Smith	...	Brenda
Bruce Bouchard	...	Mr. Covell
Richard Waterhouse	...	Mr. Jennings
Taylor Ampatiellos	...	Willy
Lillian Pritchard	...	Young Holly
Ari Larson	...	Young Peter
Parma	...	Nick's Dog
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Christopher Wiehl	...	Peter

Storyline

In 'Saint' Nick Crosby's old-fashioned all-year Christmas village Santaville, working as a mere elf on Christmas preparations all year killed his daughter Holly's seasonal spirit. So she moved out, feeling neglected since ma's death, to become a Boston toy firm's hardest-working sales executive. When Nick makes a bad fall, she returns to help out. She finds Santaville outdated, near bankruptcy despite much generous help, especially from shy Peter. She tries to save it, counting on a plan proposed by charming financial advisor Ben Richards.

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Plot Keywords:

christmas eve | love | christmas fair | christmas | present | 

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Genres:

Drama | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 November 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

La città di Babbo Natale

Filming Locations:

Chester, Vermont, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hallmark Channel, The, Edgewood Entertainment, Dog Run Productions

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Soundtracks

"Jingle Bells"
Arrangement by Lawrence Shragge (uncredited)
Performed by Debbie Kee

User Reviews

Sentimental, minor flaws

Overall, a pretty good story for a Christmas season diversion. A year round Santa's village type place is suffering budget problems, and nearing bankruptcy. Tom Arnold stars as the owner/operator of the sentimental amusement center, but his dedication and festive spirit are not matched by any business sense. The place has fallen from better times, and is now nearing extinction through bankruptcy or sale.

Tom Arnold is usually an annoyance in any movie he appears, but he was pretty good this time out. He plays Nick as confused and frustrated yet faithful to his dream. Nick feels lost, as the world doesn't seem to care about this Arctic fantasy wonderland any more, even though several locals express fond memories of the once popular resort. He maintains that childlike hope that the crowds will soon return. To him, the era of this magical place is not over; it never will be over.

Enter Nick's daughter, a shrewd businessperson, who Nick fools into returning to her home town. She thinks she's there to tend to her ailing father. The only thing that's sick is the business, with thousand of dollars worth of unpaid debts, and creditors closing in. The shrewd businesswoman relies more on a sentimental approach, appealing to people to rally together to save the landmark institution. The sparks over their different approaches to Santaland, and a mysterious visitor to the town who woos Nick's daughter, provide for the main conflicts.

Some events seem just a bit too convenient for the story, but with enough Christmas spirit like Nick has, the movie works. Acting and direction are up to par for this style of movie. There's a nice spirit and message to it, and plenty of heart.