A Dog Named Christmas (2009)

I could go on and on about some of the things people have written but it would be silly. The simple fact is this is a perfect family film. If you love dogs, you will love this. It is actually pretty deep and well thought out. But, even the hardest person will tear up at points because this is a very passionate film. If you don't like dogs, you may not get this. If you live in the country, love dogs, have kids, you will love this. I mean, really love this. Life changing film? Maybe. While the theme of the movie is missed in the first part of the film, it is really developed over the last half of the film. The father figure is an incredibly deep character that is very hard to understand until the end of the film. The mom is perfect and the learning disabled young man plays his role perfectly. Give it a couple hours, you won't be sorry you watched this!

Todd McCray (Noel Fisher) is a mentally disabled twenty year old who lives with his parents in a rural area out west. His father, George (Bruce Greenwood) is stern but loving while his mother Mary Ann (Linda Emond) encourages Todd daily with hugs and praise. Since the farm has animals, Todd helps his father in the barn most days. In fact, Todd adores creatures and nurses wounded hawks back to health, among other activities. Unhappily for the young adult, however, is that his father refuses to let his son have a dog, which is what Todd desires most. George, you see, was in a combat zone and cared for a stray dog in the company. After George was wounded, the dog disappeared and he never saw the canine again. Thus, Mr. McCray's deep-rooted sorrows are the reason for his stubbornness. One holiday season, however, Todd learns that the nearest animal shelter is encouraging folks to adopt an animal just for the Christmas season, as some of the staff will be traveling and such. George gives his consent for Todd to take a dog home but tells his son over and over that they will be returning the dog on December 26. This doesn't dampen Todd's excitement! He picks out a golden retriever and names the dog Christmas. Soon, the animal is doing tricks and following Todd everywhere. He even saves some barn animals from disaster. Will George truly make Todd give the dog up? This very beautiful movie will enchant anyone and everyone who sees it. The story is first rate, displaying strong doses of reality and love. Fisher, too, is absolutely wonderful as the disabled son while Greenwood, Emond and the rest back him up in fine fashion. Also, the setting is most lovely while the direction securely draws the viewer to watch avidly until the credits. There are many holiday films, indeed, to entertain potential fans. But, few are as terrific as this Hallmark Hall of Fame winner.

A predictable but satisfying film about a boy who adopts a dog for Christmas.The acting is above par for a made for TV movie and there are enough tear jerking moments to lift it above the average. Yes it's predictable but it's a Christmas family film and it does exactly what it says on the tin. My only gripe is that the secondary story featuring the dad's experiences as a soldier could have been handled better. Whilst the idea was good it didn't really add to the movie in the way it should have. Definitely a film to enjoy with the kids in the run up to Christmas.

Okay, here's my critique of A Dog Named Christmas. Two years ago, there was another Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that came out at this time of year and that was Pictures of Hollis Woods and I have to say that this movie falls incredibly short. Now, I don't mean to get off on a rant here, but while A Dog Named Christmas is a sweet movie about a stubborn man who doesn't want to get close to another dog, the problem is, I am left wondering why I should even care. I mean to really like this move you have to be a dog lover and get over the fact that there's nothing new or original, nothing that pops out at you and tugs at your heart strings. There are no special moments that almost if not actually bring tears to your eyes, such as in Pictures of Hollis Woods. To like Hollis Woods all one has to do is love people, love children, love humanity in general. This is one reviewer who has a soft spot in his heart for orphans. Kids who don't know, have never known, or have lost that all too important connection that a family brings into their lives. From Punky Brewster to Annie and now to Hollis Woods. There's something beautiful about that moment in those programs when that child finds a home, and a family to love them. Hollis Woods subject matter is more important and hard hitting than that of A Dog Named Christmas, including the subplot of a woman's plight with the onset of Alzheimer's. Still, don't get me wrong, A Dog Named Christmas is good for what it is, a movie about a dog, but unfortunately it falls dramatically short of the emotional, heartfelt beauty that is Hollis Woods or many other Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. The acting in A Dog Named Christmas is fair but not spectacular. The only good actor whose character we really get to know is the father played by Bruce Greenwood. The only problem is this viewer had a rather difficult time liking him on account of his stubborn and contrite attitude. The rest of the cast of characters gets left out in the cold or at the very least become stagnant and unimpressive. While in Hollis Woods, every single character including Beatrice, Josie's friend, is important and seems to come alive on the screen. The most impressive being that of the title character, Hollis Woods. Jodellle Ferland is an extremely talented young actress that takes what she is given and goes all the way with it. While most of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie are marvelous in presentation, the only other of these movies that this reviewer has seen that comes close to being as emotional and heartfelt is Follow the Stars Home starring Kimberly Williams. Another beautiful movie. So all in all A Dog Named Christmas is a sweet but unimpressive film that will be easily forgotten. Furthermore, it falls short of the usual splendor that is A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. At least that's my opinion, I could be wrong.