Love Always, Santa (2016)

The plot where the kid asks Santa to make her widow mom happy turns into a kind of You've Got Mail without the internet. They use that archaic almost extinct form of communication called the US Post Office. And then the Santa ghost writer decides to meet the mom. Another slightly unusual element is that the protagonists' friends are actually against the fantasy relationship, at least at first.Marguerite Moreau and Mike Faiola connect. I like this movie because you can actually see the two protagonists developing a relationship. They exchange a bunch of letters and when they meet they talk at an emotional level. Isadora Swann, as Lilly, is way too mature, but also quite cute and precocious.Don't forget the potato gun, or is it cannon, and the stupid poetry and Randy and Mike Sullivan which all add a comedic element.***SPOILER*** The part where one protagonist leaves, but comes back, is done in an unusual way. The ending is even a little silly and unusual and well done.

The letters between the two leading characters was very effective in establishing their character and their relationship. This was the best part of the movie and it was well done. The things they said to each other were very memorable and the movie should be watched just for that. The little girl was precious and contributed greatly to the success. I would guess the movie was pretty low budget and that did hurt its appeal. I spent most of the movie wondering if it was a foreign film that they just dubbed over the voices. Seemed the sound track was just a bit off to me. My family did not notice that and they liked it. We had real snow. I was not quite sure why the man was answering letters from Santa.

Okay, I am a chauvinist pig and proud of it. I was having a moment of weakness and watched this movie. Fearing the worst, my heart instantly melted watching the plot unfold.It is about a divorced man who receives a letter from a girl and her mother. And one thing leads to another and they want to know if it is meant to be. All the characters are very likable and if you want to watch a family movie, with romance and good natured fun, give this a look. The acting was pretty good and the plot is something that everyone can enjoy.I give it a 9 out of 10 and it will make you happy.

Above-average casting for a Hallmark movie, and a subject matter that is somewhat reminiscent of their excellent "The Christmas Card". The only technical flaw I found was the ending, and that snowmobile, but it's a minor quibble compared to the enjoyable story and characters worth rooting for. Basically, the story introduces us to a young girl, Lily, who writes to Santa, describing the effect that her father's death has had on her and her mom. Mom reads the reply from "Santa" and is moved to write back and a heartfelt connection between the two soon ensues. "Santa" wants to find out the real person behind the letters and, of course, neglects to share the fact that he is the "Santa" behind the letters. A happy ending, an abandoned snowmobile and a pleasant two hours - what more could one ask for?