Mr. Christmas (2004 Video) User Reviews

I like the dog

[GMGoodwrenchGirl · 4/10 · 31 December 2020]

So, I like Christmas movies, I used to visit Eureka Springs as a kid in the 70s and early 80s, and I like movies set in the past. This I didn't care for, and I really wanted to.

The older girl, Carol Ann...I just cringe at the shrieking loudness. The Mom clearly had some sort of imbalance going on...sweet one second, total B the next. The Dad was going to stone little faux Baby Jesus and beat a dog, all in front of a church (to be fair, he DIDN'T, but he wanted to).

The kid thing was an issue because, as another reviewer mentioned, the way the older girl acted...spoiled, ignoring her parents when they told her to do or not do something, and being SO LOUD...I just don't think kids acted that way in the 40s, because parents didn't put up with that $*** back then. Her behavior in the movie made me glad she didn't get her freakin' bike for Christmas. None of the characters made me feel any empathy at all.

I'm an Arkansan, so I enjoyed pausing and reading the reproduction Arkansas Gazette headlines from 1941/42. And the dog was good, as most dogs in movies are. That's pretty much it.

Good effort

[jrw-77348 · 6/10 · 7 March 2024]

This is a nice enough family movie for home viewing over the Holidays. I liked the fact that many locals had small roles in the film and I think they added some charm and believability. I found the ending to be a nice change and a good concept for a Christmas movie.

As for the main characters, I thought the male lead was up to the job, but the female lead had nothing to work with! Granted, this is not intended as a deep character study but at least the male got to show a little range. The female role was one-dimensional and came straight from some old misogynistic playbook. It wouldn't have taken much to turn her into a genuine human, and someone you could imagine as the partner of the male lead. I liked the twist ending as it redeemed the older child from being a copy of her self-involved mother into a child with some heart.

Then I watched "special features". First of all, I hope that poor dog was rescued immediately and found a caring home. The way the director instructed those kids to manhandle that poor dog was abusive. No owner should have allowed it. I'm amazed no child was bitten. You could see the stress in the dog. Then there was the crabby, ill-tempered way the director barked orders at two clearly distracted or tired kids. Note to the director: If you're going to show out-takes, include some where you're showing skill or humor, not just the places where you appear completely incompetent.

In summary, it's ok but could have been less offensive in places Also, do yourself a favor and skip the special features.

Appallingly worse movie I've seen in a long time.

[stilelt · 1/10 · 18 December 2006]

If this movie is meant to be an example of a fine, family movie extolling good values or virtue, I'm appalled. Today I was privileged to meet with a mother who just lost her second son in the space of a year to a terrible disease, and whose grandson was murdered, yet was a true model of grace, beauty, and strength of character in the way she faced these things. Then I watch this movie, which, in contrast was so shallow in its characters and message. The mother in this movie came off as self-centered, angry, abrupt, aggressive and abrasive, with no real strength of character, very unsupportive of her husband. Even her reaction to the supposed "miracle" showed no hint of redemption of her character. I'm certain she continues to be a terror to her husband. I can't remember the last time I struggled so hard to like a movie. Hen-pecked father with a tyrant wife, with spoiled children. Don't get me wrong, I can see that what we are "supposed" to get out of this movie is that the father is trying to support and uphold a child's simple faith and goes to great lengths to try to make it happen. But I never got a believable sense of a depth of struggle from this child. Instead, I felt I was watching a child from today's spoiled culture, who insists on getting her own way (all she had to do was watch how her mother treats the husband, and she's set for life on a course of manipulation) Set against a backdrop of a country at war with Japan, with hard times to overcome, the family seemed more in keeping with today's Yuppie family's children values (pampered, never satisfied, self-pitying, always expecting to get what they want). I can't imagine a family in the 1940's behaving this way. There wasn't any depth, or feeling of genuine, believable emotion. It was shallow. The acting was mediocre. In regards to the technical aspects of the movie, this was a "B" movie from the opening frame. The camera work reminded me of a home movie, made by an amateur. Many times it just seemed the camera was just set in a room from a distance and turned on, and the whole scene was shot from this one, distant view (which added to the shallow feeling of the film). There was even one scene where it appeared the camera operator didn't realize that the actor had one more line to say, and was moving the camera away, but swung it back to catch him saying his last line. I could forgive the poor technical points of the film if the story had any real depth. I wrote this review because I was, first of all, astounded at how bad a film it was, and secondly, equally astounded that there were reviewers giving this film a glowing review.

Should be good but isn't

[bgwynnray · 1/10 · 30 December 2006]

I love Christmas movies of all kinds, and this looks like it should be a winner; but the dialog is so stilted, and the acting, directing, and editing are so bad that it's really disappointing. Despite having all the requisite ingredients, it is very very poorly done. The only saving grace is the costumes, which are wonderful, and very evocative of the period (the '40's). But everything else is so bad that it overshadows the one good thing.

The plot might be fine in other hands, but in this production it is almost completely obliterated by poor directing, performances, and editing.

I would love to at least LIKE this, but it was just really poorly done!

Awful. Just awful.

[tbain81 · 2/10 · 19 December 2011]

I wanted to like this movie. I really did. After watching it and reading some of the reviews on here, I can only assume they were written by individuals who had some sort of hand in the making of this film, or know someone who did.

I'm trying to find something likable about this movie, but I can't think of anything. The characters aren't fully developed, so you don't really care what happens to them.

When the annoying Carol Lee says she wants a bike for Christmas, you don't really care if she gets it or not. There's no indication she has done anything to deserve such a gift during a time when her parent's income is struggling.

We're supposed to feel sorry for her, and for her father, Joel, who just can't afford the bike. Instead of him doing odd jobs or other measures to come up with the $, he storms out of the house on Christmas Eve to buy a bike with 1/8th of what it costs in his pocket.

The sad part is, you don't give a crap when he shows up back at home without the bike. He spends money that was to go towards an electric bill on Coke's for his buddies at work, and now we are supposed to be sad when he is going to disappoint his child because of his bad decisions? I sure didn't.

The acting is horrible, the camera shots remind this viewer of a college film class, and the story is severely lacking any emotion.

Moreover, the 1940s element adds NOTHING to the movie. If anything, it served as a distraction due to the lack of historical details and accuracy. I can forgive Christmas movies that have a certain degree of cheese, but this one is just plain awful.

The Simpsons were able to pull off a better Christmas tale that involved the family getting a dog in 22 minutes, than this one did in 54 minutes. It's sad when a cartoon that features yellow characters can capture the holiday better than this turd of a movie.

Three stars for the dog

[RobinFlys · 3/10 · 15 December 2021]

I'm sure this was a high school play that someone shot with a movie camera. Dad pouts. Wife b!tches. Kids scream. Nothing fun at all. Lumps of coal all around.

The dog was right to struggle to get away

[sara-617-769346 · 1/10 · 25 December 2009]

This was by far the very worst movie I have ever seen. Terrible acting, terrible dialog, terrible camera-work, terrible soundtrack. That being said, it was also highly enjoyable BECAUSE of how terrible it was. My brother-in-law made a comment that this seemed like an amateur acting class's video documentation of a rehearsal. Overacting children, broody father, simply laughable "southern" accents, TONS of anachronisms - divine! By far the best part was the end, when the stray dog appears, is pulled around/clasped by the children, and is obviously struggling to flee. I recommend this movie after a few glasses of wine. Don't forget to pay attention to the scene in the beginning, when the mother is dressing her daughters for bed, and seems to be stuffing them into sacks. Ah, PBS.

This is a winner

[madnet24 · 9/10 · 19 December 2005]

Beth Brickell has created a wonderful film based on her own childhood experiences. Less than an hour in length, this heart-felt story manages to pack quite a punch. It's The Bicycle Thief, American-style. Themes of parental love, responsibility and guilt interplay with a charming look at a little girl's wish for a bike from Santa, a wish which Santa may or may not be able to grant. Set during the onset of the USA's participation in WWII, this movie feels authentic. With its deft capture of life in small-town America, the story reaches across generations of families to touch us all. Don't miss the extras.....including a full commentary by director and cinematographer. The outtakes are hilarious.

Mr. Christmas: wholesome Christmas addition!

[claudela · 10/10 · 2 February 2006]

Wonderful little film with likable characters, especially the two little girls. Sure to be a Christmas favorite for children and adults alike. Set in rural America at the beginning of WWII, it paints a vivid picture of how small-town American families were having to struggle to make ends meet while the country was gearing up for war. A touching story with an delightful and unexpected ending! For film enthusiasts everywhere, this is a rare example of how quality films are now being made in rural America worthy of mainstream distribution. Lensed entirely in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, authentic locales like this are gold mines for filmmakers searching for unique period settings. This should encourage more production to rural areas all across the country.

Heartwarming!!!

[bluffbookie · 9/10 · 18 December 2005]

If you purchase any movie to watch during the holiday season, get this one. It's only 56 minutes long, yet it is a story that will be in your mind forever. Your whole family will enjoy it!! That goes for grandparents, parents and even the youngest of movie fans. I highly suggest that you also watch the extra sections after viewing the movie. To think that "Carol Lee" had never before acted was amazing. The two little girls....not related to the other....were wonderful.

My sincere thanks and pats on the back go to Beth Brickell for her dedication and diligence in her writing, directing, and sharing memories of her life with the world.

Excellent Story!

[Dinohunter777 · 10/10 · 23 March 2006]

Mr. Christmas is a wonderful family film, and living proof that a good, family-based film can go a long way. Beth Brickell did an exceptionally good job casting the girls. Abigail Kinslow does an incredible job portraying her character, Babby. It's hard to imagine that this is her first film; she definitely has talent beyond her years. She was the perfect choice! Abigail helps build the story and gives it a very special touch. It is an excellent story, and the settings are breathtaking. The film will definitely send anyone a warm feeling to last throughout the whole Christmas season. It is sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!

Mr Christmas--A New Classic for the Christmas Season

[mcardw2626 · 9/10 · 31 August 2006]

Mr Christmas is a reminder of growing up in a less harried time. It offers its viewers a portrait of family life that is to be valued. The level of accuracy in portraying the time period with costume details & settings adds to the enjoyment. The cast, especially the girls, makes the story far more believable.

It can be enjoyed by the whole family as an addition to other Christmas classics. It brings to life an area and a time period that some of us enjoyed and remember.

As a former librarian I hope it receives a wide circulation. I am looking forward to viewing it again during the season.

Best Christmas movie I have seen in a long time....

[bremlon · 10/10 · 20 February 2006]

This movie can be enjoyed by the whole family. It is the best Christmas movie I have seen for years. Another reviewer was spot on when they said "To think that "Carol Lee" had never before acted was amazing. The two little girls....not related to the other....were wonderful." The little girl who plays Carol Lee is amazing - she has real natural talent and born to be a Star. Watch this movie and then listen to Brikell's director comments. Brikell explains why she choose little five year old Ireland Rose Maddox and this was an insightful move - with no experience - this young actress makes this movie what it is, charming, honest and sweet.

Brikell has to be applauded for casting this little star to the lead role. Perfect - whoever Carol Lee was - Ireland Maddox plays her superbly. Brikell great work and thanks for a great movie I can share with my family at Christmas.

This makes a great Christmas gift!

[AHillsmith · 10/10 · 31 August 2006]

Finally, this is a family story that all ages can enjoy. The characters are easy to identify with and the costuming and setting seem authentic for that era.

The story leaves you with a warm feeling and a desire to help others who are having a difficult time.

The story is very believable because of the events that occurred during the early 40's. In the depression Christmas gifts were very scarce and hard to come by.

I gave five copies as Christmas gifts last year and the recipients all seemed to enjoy the story.

It was a time machine back to when I was a kid!

[forums-97980 · 10/10 · 29 October 2022]

I can understand why many reviewers didn't like this movie. In a genre (Christmas) of unrealistic plot lines where miracles, magic, elves, divine intervention, or handsome strangers save the day, the simplicity of this movie clearly caught people off guard. Mr. Christmas is a believable story about normal, believable people having a believable serendipitous moment which they held in their memory for the rest of their lives. Then, somehow, I was able to share their exact experience through this movie. The period set decorations were for the most part very realistic - like the homemade wooden sleigh and reindeer on the roof, which I'd seen a dozen times as a kid. Watched the movie last Christmas, and then had to find it and see it again this year, just to confirm that I hadn't simply dreamed about it.

Great low budget Christmas movie

[1969VIETNAM · 10/10 · 19 January 2021]

This is an overall great down to earth film depicting the time frame from 1941. A hardworking father raising his family on $16.00 per week job is real in 1941. The Christmas decorations are perfect, the clothing and environment are exactly from 1941. Great job for the prop manager securing all the goodies depicting the 1941 looks.

A wonderful film

[blainefielding · 9/10 · 30 March 2007]

I found this DVD by happenstance at our library's children room and liked it so much I bought the DVD through Amazon. {Note that this film is more a television special than a feature film. It is only 56 minutes long.}The DVD has an excellent background commentary by Beth Brickell, the film-maker and some wonderful out-takes, of which more below.

The film is set in the last three months of 1941 leading up to Christmas day. The setting is Eureka Springs, a real small town in northernmost Arkansas, near the Pea Ridge National Park- a battlefield in the Civil War. Eureka Springs has maintained itself as a Victorian town with some wonderful period architecture.

The movie concerns itself with a young family, a husband and wife in their 20s and their two adorable young daughters about ages 5 and 6.

The film's first merit is its glorious photography that beautifully captures the town and home interiors. {I know nothing about filming movies, but I know what I like. The photographer has some interesting commentary on the DVD for those interested in the technical aspects.}

Second, for those interested in Americana, this film rates a 10 of 10 for its attention to period detail. From Sears, Roebucks catalogues to beautiful period automobiles, the movie puts you back to an earlier and simpler America. Real newspapers and radio recordings provide even more authenticity. I have seen few big-production movies that have done as good a job of putting me in another time and place.

{Personal note: Joel, the father, goes to a Firetown store to try to get Carol Lee a bike. My mother, then just out of high school, worked as a secretary at a Firestone store in Ohio at the very same time. I was born nine months later in Setember 1942!}

The growing friction in the Pacific and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor provide an historic backdrop to the young family's struggle to make it in an Arkansas that was still in the Depression. The young father is lucky to have a job at all, though it pays only $16 a week. One-in- three Arkansas men were still unemployed at the beginning of World War II. The film is excellent too in juxtaposing the small domestic story of the family's struggles with the global background of America's entering the world stage-however unwillingly.

The next bonus is the two local girls who play the young daughters. There are adorable. I have seen few Hollywood child actors who are as appealing as these two.

Abigail Kinslow plays the younger, "Babby", a proper young Southern lady already.

The older girl, "Carol Lee", is also played by a local girl, Ireland Rose Maddox, whose in my view steals the movie. She wants a bike for Christmas, thinking her tricycle is for "babies". Her little sister will accept whatever she gets. But Carol Lee is heart set on a bike from Santa and will settle for nothing little. This wish and her father's efforts to satisfy it provide the plot.

As played by Ireland Rose Maddox Carol Lee is a treasure. The out-takes showing Ireland Rose acting like Ireland Rose rather than her character Carol Lee are priceless. This is a little girl who knows her own mind ! I have a grand-daughter who is similar. She drives her parents nuts, but she is great for a grandparent.

As Ms. Brickell makes clear in her commentary, Ireland Rose almost made her regret decision not to employ a trained child actor. Ireland Rose largely "acted" when and how she chose. Fortunately however, the result is that the two girls' naturalness is one of the film's prime assets, especially for those jaded by Hollywood's well-trained little robots.

This is not a film for those addicted to Hollywood "production values". Rather, it is in the best sense a work of craftsmanship. Filmed largely with local help and local talent, it shows how modern technology now allows film-making to expand beyond Hollywood's formulas. The film is clearly a labor of love and has a personal intimacy that transcends any defiencies in costly "production values" that a big-budget movie would have had.

I heartily recommend buying the DVD. A good investment that will double your pleasure in watching the film.

Great family film anytime of year

[paul vincent zecchino · 8/10 · 26 December 2012]

You needn't view this fine family film at Christmas time to enjoy it. Its message transcends the seasons and speaks to the goodness people demonstrate, and the gift of the family arrangement God gave to us.

Set in the late Depression Era, the moral of the story is timeless and is clearly pertinent to our time.

Merely for its costuming, settings, and appointments this upbuilding film deserves an award. If you grew up during the Fifties, you surely will recall many homes which looked as do the lovely homes in this film.

Home decor is straight from the late thirties/forties and every bit of it is lovely. The 'floor mode' radio is quite authentic as are all the tobacco cannisters, green desk lamps, and the railway - everything.

Saw this film a couple years ago on THIS TV, and thought well enough of it to purchase it for the collection.

The father's devotion is demonstrated in the little things, making a sleigh for his kids, spending time with them.

If you've a heart you'll surely find it warmed by this fine story.

Paul Vincent Zecchino Manasota Key, Florida 26 December, 2012

Holiday Classic!!!

[bethbrickell · 10/10 · 17 June 2006]

This uplifting movie is in the mode of "It's a Wonderful Life" and is guaranteed to put anybody of any age in the Christmas spirit. As a "G" rated movie, it won the "Best Feature Film for Kids" award at the Moondance Film Festival in Los Angeles in June 2006. The Kids First Film and Video Festival in Santa Fe, a traveling festival, will screen the movie in up to 45 cities nationwide between October 15, 2006 and January 15, 2007. And the initial reviews for "Mr. Christmas" are raves:

"This heartwarming film will be a holiday classic." School Library Journal

"A sweet family drama with a surprising twist." Booklist

"A family tale reminiscent of classic holiday films." Library Journal

"A true gift." Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

"A warm family film that parents and children will enjoy together." FamilyLife Today

I'm the filmmaker and I believe that you and your family will love our movie. See if you can guess the surprise ending. No one ever has!