Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Candace Cameron Bure | ... | Lauren Brunell | |
David O'Donnell | ... | Andy Holliday | |
Robert Pine | ... | Henry Brunell | |
Kendra Mylnechuk | ... | Billie | |
Brian Doyle-Murray | ... | Frank Holliday | |
Joyce Cohen | ... | Maggie Brunell | |
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James Gaisford | ... | Wyatt |
Page Petrucka | ... | Hattie | |
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Anita Rice | ... | Faith Holliday |
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Robert Bear | ... | Clay |
Bryce Fernelius | ... | Nate | |
Jacque Gray | ... | Melissa | |
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Jessica Villeneuve | ... | Nurse Joanne |
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Darren Ewing | ... | Lester |
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Christian Tyler | ... | Martin |
Resident doctor Dr. Lauren Brunell loses out on her dream Boston fellowship and accepts an offer to practice in Garland Alaska as a fill-in position until her "big-city" opportunity. But she unexpectedly falls in love with the quaint town and inhabitants, including handyman Andy Holliday and his jovial father Frank. Will she follow her life plan to Boston, or listen to her heart and stay?
Really nice and unpretentious Christmas romance. No convoluted "problems" with the love interests, for a change.
I like the fact that they made a movie that's just cheerful fun. It's a made-for-TV movie, and as such the little niggles like sunny dawns in wintery Alaska, snow that's not entirely convincing here&there (but thankfully none of that horrible "foam snow" they often use) didn't bother me to much.
The actors are adequate, but sometimes too sitcom-ish. Though, it has to be said that theater veteran Kendra Mylnechuk as the busy, joyous nurse Billie really jumps out.
The Utah locations are nice, but to me don't look a whole lot like Alaska. Still, as a background it was good enough for me.
It's just, basically, a movie with a wholesome, upbeat and positive vibe. Fitting for Christmas.