This was a very good movie but there are too many questions left unanswered at the end. In fact, the last two minutes go by so fast you have to look quick to see what is happening. They were not done very well either. It's like being served a big juicy steak and then forced to swallow it whole.
In Mr Schneider's commentary he says "The purpose of the movie is to raise questions, then answer them at the end". What happened? Was he late for dinner or did he run out of film?
All the wishes were granted and there were no "bad guys" but why didn't the director add a few minutes to answer some of the many questions left unanswered. To me, we were cheated out of a complete ending.
Did Mary go home on Christmas eve? What were the conservations after the miracles? What did Mary include in the "At Home For Christmas" final program? Did Mary get her job promotion and become a part-time mother? Did everyone accept the miracles and become an instant family with Mary becoming a full time mother? These are just a few questions that come mind. I haven't been able to find a book that may furnish the answers. If the viewer must figure out his/her own endings there are going to be a lot less buyers of films.
It's too late to fix this movie because Jenna Boyd would be too old now, but there could be a second movie that starts out with some explanation. Again, this is a good movie except for the "rushed" and "incomplete" final minutes. Still, it's worth the money.
a perennial
I bought this movie a month ago and have watched it four times already! It stands up to it. This is a rare find. The story has a touch of Santa-magic about it, but is not ridiculously unreal. And the underlying story--about a child who wants a mommy for Christmas--is compelling and heartwarming. The remarkable thing is that this is done so well. None of the hostility and bad casting that add a sour note to other Christmas movies. Also, if the mother-daughter story is especially poignant for you, read the novel A Thanksgiving Miracle). This movie will renew your faith in just about everything and give you a positive outlook to face another day.
a lovely little christmas film
as a lover of all things christmas, this dvd caught my eye at the rental store where i work. i was surprised how much i enjoyed the story, especially the acting of young jenna boyd and tom bosley.
this is a sweet film and looks especially good for 'made for tv.'
i also enjoyed the commentary by director john schneider... it was mostly technical but i found hearing about his tricks to work under time constraints and a small budget interesting. he mentions his feeling that we need more family friendly movies... and i wholeheartedly agree. i'll take a little syrupy sweetness that uplifts over something that brings my spirit down any day.
i'll be adding this to my christmas film collection.
We bought ANGEL DOLL after reading about it in a piece for the St. Jude's Children's Hospital in Memphis (the film has a connection to this facility). Our expectations were not high, but the film was quite a pleasant surprise. There are no big stars in the movie, but the performances are solid and believable. I've seen my share of similar plot-lines (i.e., poor kid or family overcomes hardships to appreciate the true meaning of Christmas or friendship or loyalty or whatever. But Angel Doll does not cross into hokeyville. It manages to remain true to its themes and entertaining to the viewer. For the price, it's a wonderful value for any video collection. More Info about this DVD Director(s): Alexander Johnston DVD Release Date: Released the 11 November 2003 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $9.99 Your Price: $9.99YOU SAVE $0!
Buy it
I just love this movie. I saw it first on the Hallmark Channel when I was channel surfing, then I purchased the DVD. Each time I've watched it, I find I like it more and more. However, I would have loved to have seen more story/character development and a little more romance, perhaps even a wedding between Tyler & Jordan (reason for 4 & not 5 stars). For instance, the scene outside the barn after Tyler has turned away & ran from Jordan, he says ".. I never expected this" It's not clear at first exactly what it is he wasn't expecting. You realize later that he never expected to fall in love with her. Would be great if a sequel follows!??? More Info about this DVD Director(s): David S. Cass Sr. DVD Release Date: Released the 27 May 2003 Usually ships in 24 hours
List Price: $5.98 Your Price: $5.98YOU SAVE $0!
Buy it
I love Christmas Movies and I also love to read romance books and this movie is based on a Christmas themed romance book called A Christmas Love by Kathleen Creighton though the title of the movie was changed to A Holiday to Remember. I have the book this movie was based on but haven't read it yet but I did peek at a couple of pages in the book and it looks like Carolyn and Clay didn't know each other in the book until they were adults but they changed it in this movie that they had known each other in their past and were getting married after they had finished high school but she jilted him and left him standing at the alter. Though I didn't read the book except to peek at a couple of pages and I can't really compare them I can say that the movie was good and the acting was very good... More Info about this DVD Actor(s): Randy Travis DVD Release Date: Released the 18 October 2005 Special Order
List Price: $7.99 Your Price: $7.99YOU SAVE $0!
Buy it
