Northpole (2014 TV Movie) User Reviews

Not bad ...

[tforbes-2 · 5/10 · 13 December 2014]

"Northpole" is not a bad Christmas special. It's not totally memorable, but it is definitely better than the 1994 version of "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Frosty Returns."

The story seems a little scattered, but as it progresses, we end up with a major plot twist which throws things for a loop. Fortunately, of course, things get straightened out.

The music is decent, and the location shoots in both Quebec, Canada and Portland, Maine are terrific. The cast is excellent--but with one exception. I don't consider Robert Wagner's casting as Santa Claus as the best. His voice alone detracts; it's like having Jonathan Hart with long white hair and a white beard. Never mind his negative press over what happened with his late wife, Natalie Wood; he does not seem to project warmth for the role. He might have been better off playing the role of the mayor or the developer. Richard Bradford, who was still alive in 2014, or even Robert Morse would have been better choices for the role, since they have more physicality for the role.

And as for Jill St. John, it is her first acting role in 12 years, and she was there because of her husband. She pulls off her role much better than Mr. Wagner, since I could hear the age in her voice.

As said earlier, the rest of the cast is great and they carry the special. Very typical of so much of the Hallmark specials out there, and definitely worth a watch.

Well put together.

[adamjohns-42575 · 7/10 · 2 December 2021]

This film was not actually the sickly sweet, irritating thing I thought that it would be.

The magical/fantasy/mythological element was quite tame and thus made it easier for it to blend in with the real world side of things.

It's the same old story when it comes to the romance element, but the young lads adventures with Clementine the Elf help to move it forward.

As for the love interest, there is just something about Josh Hopkins. He's a little weathered now, but he still has a sparkle in his eyes that bodes mischief and sauciness.

The cast do a fair job making it easy to watch. I'm sure Robert Wagner got paid more than the rest of the entire cast for his cameo, but I liked his interpretation.

The moral of the story is actually quite relevant. There are so many people who have lost their way when it comes to the care of our fellow humans, animals and planet, myself included. I don't necessarily believe that our kind acts and belief in the season will power Father Christmas' sleigh or anything like that, but surely it can power the world to make it a better place, full of better people? Behaviour breeds behaviour, do unto others, Etc. Karma must surely come back around? Mine must be taking the long way, but I know it will get here one day.

7ish?

Very pleasant especially for kids

[Christmasmoviewatcher · 7/10 · 16 December 2021]

An oldish story told again, with a couple of little twists, but generally a very nice little film which is more about the Christmas spirit than loads of CAD trickery. Certainly worth a watch.

If you aren't expecting Elf, it's a winner

[soberlyf-591-110279 · 16 November 2014]

I have seen almost every big Christmas movie and the marginally noteworthy ones, Northpole is dead center between the two. In the opening scene on my 60" HDTV, I'd have bet money this was actually a big budget Hollywood blockbuster. The view of "Northpole" was as colorful and bright as any Christmas movie I've ever seen, and that's high praise for a Hallmark Channel production. Mind you, I am not a fan of most Hallmark Christmas movies. They almost always feature Hollywood has-been's, one-hit-wonders who's 15 minutes passed long ago or "never-was's". They're abysmally formulaic, unimaginative and they always look like they had a budget of $12. Here is the entire script of 90% of all Hallmark Christmas movies; There is a jaded woman who's lost her faith in love, a single mom who meets an unassuming man with a heart of gold (like this guy would be single). He rekindles her faith by restoring something in the town, some building or Christmas tradition, or he finds a way to reach the woman's son who has emotional baggage, a disease or he's in a wheelchair...how'd I do? Northpole doesn't break any new ground, and the storyline fits my stereotype more than not. It stars Tiffani Thiessen (Saved by the Bell) and Bailee Madison (Once Upon a Time)who is just charming in everything she does, and a host of actors you've never seen before. This movie won't become an annual classic, but you won't likely change the channel either. Take it for what it's worth, a better-than-average made for TV holiday flick and Merry Christmas.

Charm up north

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 8 February 2022]

Have always absolutely adored Christmas and great/classic festive films are many. The quality of Hallmark's festive films do vary, have implied that in other reviews of some of the films seen as part of my Hallmark/Lifetime etc. Festive films quest. Some surprised me, being genuinely likeable and an easy watch without being cheesy or too sentimental regardless of how predictable they are. Others made me cringe, went too far on the sugar, lacked any surprises or anything even and were of bad quality.

'Northpole' is one of those films that is somewhere in between. As far as Hallmark's 2014 Christmas output goes, it's not one of the best or one of the worst. Pleasant enough if unexceptional middling if anything. The concept did sound very nice and it was interesting seeing Robert Wagner and Jill St John on screen after so long. 'Northpole' turned out to be nice enough and inoffensive, but there is also not much that is extraordinary about it.

There are plenty of good things here in 'Northpole'. The scenery is colourful and picturesque as well as photographed beautifully, never drab or over-saturated. Not to mention that the editing is very professional and the special effects are slickly done. The music is another big strength, it captures the festive spirit in an affectionate way without intruding too much and the film is directed in a competent manner (not exceptional but with nothing done disastrously). The script isn't too awkward and has enough amusing and sweet moments without being on the wrong side of cheesy or cloying.

Story is far from perfect, but it does charm enough, is nostalgic and isn't dull. The Christmassy and nostalgic atmosphere is done beautifully. The acting on the whole was not bad at all, Bailee Madison's immensely endearing performance dazzling most and she is wholly successful in making her character easy to root for. St John brings grace to the picture too.

Wagner was less good though, he doesn't fit the role of Santa physically or in voice (sounding more bored than jovial) and he goes through the motions. There are times where the film does get on the too corny side.

Other than the concept, which was different for Hallmark, there is nothing here that's unique. It's all pleasant and correct enough, but also too safe and there is very little freshness to the material, which makes it not stand out that much. The ending seemed a bit hurried.

In conclusion, didn't wow me but there was no regret watching at the same time. 6/10.

This Has a Nice Vibe

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 4 November 2016]

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE FILM. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM HONEST!

The magical home to Santa (Robert Wagner) and Mrs. Claus (Jill St. John), has grown into a huge city powered by the magic of holiday happiness around the world. Santa Claus and the North-pole are in trouble because people everywhere are too busy to enjoy festive time together. The Northpole gets its fuel by "Holiday Cheer" but since that is dwindling this cause the city to be in trouble. Who can help save the cherished traditions of Christmas? One young boy, Kevin (Max Charles), might have a chance if he can convince his protective mom, Chelsea (Tiffani Thiessen), to rediscover the magic of the season.

This film does everything right. The Special Effects enhance the story and not overtake the story. The cast is spot on and they all deliver. I have no major complaints about this film. It really does capture the spirit of child and Christmas. If you have small children watch it with them.

Now 1 year after this film was made HALLMARK made a follow up film "North-Pole: Open For Christmas"

Bailee Madison "Steals" this Enjoyable Christmas Movie!

[spasek · 7/10 · 24 October 2019]

I swear that Bailee Madison could light up Northpole with her own smile and happiness! This girl is a pure delight in just about everything she does. I enjoy the "Good Witch" series with her as well. She's the main reason to watch this film, despite excellent performances all around.

Bailee is Clementine, an elf who is concerned about the diminishing happiness around the world that is having a profound affect on the city, Northpole. She decides to do something about it.

Clementine finds a spark of hope in Kevin Hastings, a young boy who also believes that happiness and the Christmas Spirit is still alive despite evidence to the contrary.

Kevin, in a "Pay if Forward"-type scenario, decides to do something about it after his teacher assigns the class a holiday project.

Clementine ends up teaming up with Kevin to reignite the spark of happiness that is missing.

Besides a good cast and a decent story, the other reason this movie works so well is because it's not the typical "Hallmark Christmas Movie Template" that most of their films have. It stands on its own with its uniqueness.

So, if you're look for the non-typical Christmas film that will dazzle, delight, and even touch your heart, this is a good one to go with.

Oh No! Christmas is at Risk!

[boblipton · 3/10 · 16 November 2014]

Well, this has never happened before. NORTHPOLE's elaborate magical thesis involves happiness as a magical fuel, the Northern Lights, a huge company town called Northpole which looks like a shopping mall with Christmas decorations, eleven-year-old Max Charles, described as a "little boy" by his teacher, and his reporter mother Tiffani Thiesson investigating the big story of why their town's tree-lighting ceremony has been cancelled for the year. Plus she worries Max is delusional.

I don't blame her. The story is a mess and it's only the fine, professional acting, Pierre Jodoin's cheery, brightly-lit camera-work, and Annie Ilkow's brisk editing that keep things moving along. James Gelfand's score is fine; I've been annoyed by the tweedly, manipulative score that a lot of these Hallmark movies sport. Mr. Gelfand's score supports the show, which it is supposed to do. I would never have noticed it if I hadn't been listening for it.

Robert Wagner and Jill St. John show up in small roles as Mr. & Mrs. Claus for us old folks who like old stars. Candice Glover shows up to sing the last two bars of "Angels We Have Heard on High" and "Silent Night".

I'm sure this movie will please many of the people who watch the Hallmark Christmas movie festival. I think it tries for a whimsical tone, but fails because it is too elaborate.

One of the Best 2014 Christmas Films from Hallmark

[jacob-916-219982 · 8/10 · 5 July 2015]

Northpole is without a doubt one of the best Christmas films of 2014 and one of Hallmark's best films.

As far as the plot goes, it's far beyond what we see in other Christmas productions. A city at the North Pole called Northpole is on the brink of demise due to lack of Christmas spirit from the people down South. One elf (played by Bailee Madison) decided to seek help from one boy who still believes in Christmas and with help from his reluctant mom (played by Saved By The Bell's Tiffani Thiessen) and his teacher, they decided bring Christmas cheer the boy's new hometown.

The plot was good though some parts could used more work. I will admit, I did feel uncomfortable at the moments where the mom disbelieves her son about Northpole though she did regret her actions quickly. When you're an adult, it gets hard to believe in everything.

The acting from the actors was all right. The special effects were great. It looked like Hallmark spend a fortune on the Northpole scenes.

Despite a few minor flaws in the story, Northpole is still an enjoyable Holiday film. Some people may love it, some may not love it, but hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I personally recommend this film for those that love Hallmark Channel and its Christmas films.

what do you expect from Hallmark?

[PandoraProductions4 · 5/10 · 17 August 2015]

Northpole is about a boy in a town that has lost it's Christmas spirit. This boy hasn't lost his, though, and he attracts the attention of a Northpole elf (Northpole is a city where Santa and his elves live), who befriends him. Together they must find a way to spread Christmas cheer or else Northpole will lose it's power.

Basically they ripped off 2003's Elf. Never mind. Is the movie enjoyable? I would say it is, in general.

The best shot in the film is the first one, where the city of Northpole is shown, and then it zooms up to a cliff where Clementine (the elf) is watching the skies with a telescope. In fact, all the scenes in Northpole city look pretty cool. I like the design of it.

Unfortunately, most of the film takes place in the boy's town, which is very generic. And the town's not the only thing that's generic: the plot, the characters, and the dialogue are all pretty much standard fare.

It's like a Hallmark card; predictable, sentimental, but not overtly tacky.

I loved this movie!

[triciaguy-25702 · 10/10 · 20 February 2018]

As a Christmas movie aficionado, I thought this one was fabulous. I loved the storyline, the drama and the actors. Some of the reviews are kind of harsh, but Hallmark is a FAMILY company - I wouldn't expect their movies to run so deep, include splatters... there are some really badly acted Christmas movies - great story lines, but nothing I would want to watch again or purchase. I would purchase this one. Northpole 2 was not as good as the first but I'm hoping for a 3rd.

The bigger the HYPE...the deeper the plunge!

[adoptshelterpetstoday · 1/10 · 16 December 2014]

Wow! The preview scenes were spectacular! And the daily countdown to the movie's airing increased anticipation! OK, finally the movie is airing, and we all ready to enjoy this super fantastic, magical story! Right?

Uh-oh! Instead, it immediately begins its continuous and permanent downward plunge!

1st Awful: casting the long ago "has been" Robert Wagner...and then his talentless real-life wife, Jill St. John...to play Santa and Mrs. Santa. Additionally, the "has been" Santa was wearing totally black(??)...to cover his skinny body...in the Santa suit as well......and obviously he couldn't even fake a decent, believable "Santa voice" if he tried...so he didn't try.

2nd Awful: Bailee was too old / mature and too tall to play a believable elf with a sweet child-like nature. And she towered over the boy, which gave a clumsy, detracting appearance.

3rd Awful: the Plot. I will only say it's was too far-fetched for a young boy to be SO concerned and SO depressed over the town's Christmas tree issue.

4th Awful: the enticing preview scenes were unfortunately the majority of "Northpole" scenes..as well as magical effects.

There are so many more "Awfuls," so I will say the ONLY good part was: it ended!

Apparently, the movie's makers did not consider the possibility that this pathetic movie would be a flop. They never considered being embarrassed either. So they unfortunately went ahead to make a sequel...which I don't believe for a moment will be any better.

Wonderful feel good Christmas Movie

[jcheagney · 8/10 · 30 December 2019]

The movie is light hearted enough for children to enjoy, whilst still having enough context to make it entertaining for adults to watch. You can also buy Christmas items featured in the movie online which the children (ok and me lol) love! Perfect Christmas family movie 🎄🎅🏻

Whimsical fantasy, Santa's elf helps a town revive Christmas traditions.

[TxMike · 17 November 2022]

This Hallmark movie delves into fantasy more than most, and it comes off really well. A nicely entertaining movie with a good story and good actors.

In this story Santa and the North Pole community and toy factory are real. However things are going downhill a bit. In a theme that might have been borrowed from the movie "Elf" more joy is needed to power the Northern lights and revive the Christmas spirit.

Meanwhile in a small town a teacher and her young son want to help the town revive its own Christmas traditions, the tree lighting ceremony. She is a reporter, she suspects there is something amiss in the dealings between a wealthy man and the town's mayor.

One of Santa's elves "borrows" one of the reindeer and a small sled to travel to the town and ultimately help the boy and the town revive its own Christmas traditions.

A really nice Holiday movie, my wife and I enjoyed it at home streaming on Peacock.