As I've stated in other reviews, Nicole de Boer is probably my most favorite actress ever--and this films helps show why. She is at the top of her game here, in her portrayal of a workaholic mother who feels forced to reconcile with her estranged father (also played by an excellent actor). In addition, this film has Patrick Mulhoon in a supporting role as a diner owner who takes a liking to the heroine.
Like most Christmas films, "Christmas Town" has a rather simple storyline--involving the heroine's struggle to come to terms with her lack of Christmas spirit. Still, I feel it has a great deal of heart-- due in no small part to the lovable innocence Miss de Boer brings to the role. It would be so easy to play the character as a bitter "female Scrooge" type--frankly, I think most actresses would have done exactly that. Thank heaven, Miss de Boer refuses to go that route, playing Liz McCann more along the lines of "It's A Wonderful Life's" George Bailey. (I admit...this hasn't been the first time I've compared Nicole de Boer to Jimmy Stewart....)
And so, the character of Liz McCann is extremely likable...and is really fleshed out in the scene when her father sadly reflects on past Christmases with her late mother. That scene is beautifully acted by Miss de Boer--well, by both actors, really...but Nicole really established a lot about her character through how she handles everything in that sequence. Driven to near tears, Liz unconsciously hugs the tree angel like a little girl--and ducks into the other room, to be alone. Nicole is giving us the impression of a woman who, on the inside, never truly grew up...and we see that little girl within her, struggling to come to terms with herself.
Frankly, I can't help but watch her journey through the film and see something of a Christian allegory--she notes that she prefers not to "believe" in or have "faith" in anything...and Mulhoon's character helps her see that all that leads to is a life without any joy, or fulfillment. Of course, it could be argued that most Christmas films that deal with "Christmas spirit" are similarly allegorical....
Perhaps my only real complaint with the film is the often irritating antics of the son. Be prepared for some annoyance, from that circle. Still, the films actually makes sure to channel this into understandable frustration for poor Liz--she shares the amused irritation with us.
Also. the humor often borders on the absurd--but to her significant credit, Miss de Boer similarly manages to balance that with her constantly bewildered reactions to the madness. This signals to us to sit back and enjoy--we're SUPPOSED to react this way. In effect, we are taking the journey of acceptance along with her.
Overall, I love this film, and highly recommend it.
Like most Christmas films, "Christmas Town" has a rather simple storyline--involving the heroine's struggle to come to terms with her lack of Christmas spirit. Still, I feel it has a great deal of heart-- due in no small part to the lovable innocence Miss de Boer brings to the role. It would be so easy to play the character as a bitter "female Scrooge" type--frankly, I think most actresses would have done exactly that. Thank heaven, Miss de Boer refuses to go that route, playing Liz McCann more along the lines of "It's A Wonderful Life's" George Bailey. (I admit...this hasn't been the first time I've compared Nicole de Boer to Jimmy Stewart....)
And so, the character of Liz McCann is extremely likable...and is really fleshed out in the scene when her father sadly reflects on past Christmases with her late mother. That scene is beautifully acted by Miss de Boer--well, by both actors, really...but Nicole really established a lot about her character through how she handles everything in that sequence. Driven to near tears, Liz unconsciously hugs the tree angel like a little girl--and ducks into the other room, to be alone. Nicole is giving us the impression of a woman who, on the inside, never truly grew up...and we see that little girl within her, struggling to come to terms with herself.
Frankly, I can't help but watch her journey through the film and see something of a Christian allegory--she notes that she prefers not to "believe" in or have "faith" in anything...and Mulhoon's character helps her see that all that leads to is a life without any joy, or fulfillment. Of course, it could be argued that most Christmas films that deal with "Christmas spirit" are similarly allegorical....
Perhaps my only real complaint with the film is the often irritating antics of the son. Be prepared for some annoyance, from that circle. Still, the films actually makes sure to channel this into understandable frustration for poor Liz--she shares the amused irritation with us.
Also. the humor often borders on the absurd--but to her significant credit, Miss de Boer similarly manages to balance that with her constantly bewildered reactions to the madness. This signals to us to sit back and enjoy--we're SUPPOSED to react this way. In effect, we are taking the journey of acceptance along with her.
Overall, I love this film, and highly recommend it.