Off Season

This film could actually be a sequel to one of my seasonal favourites "Santa & Pete", where Hume Cronyn plays Saint Nicholas who gradually grows in to the Father Christmas we know and love today. It is quite possible that he is still going strong at the time of "Off Season/Secret Santa" and staying at the hotel where Macauley's little brother Rory meets him.

It's a charming little story that has twists and turns and isn't your typical made for TV Christmas film with it's focus on a romance. In fact it's not even set in December. The younger Culkin brother, similar in many ways to his brother as Kevin from "Home Alone" plays his part well as does Mr Cronyn, although he's not what you'd call a typical Santa.

There is humour and schmaltz and thoughtful moments. With a bit of Hollywood polish, it would make a great film for the big screen and could be made today, but this one does the job well enough. I wish I could write a story like this.