Ed's Review Dot Com

August Heart Entertainment,

Taryn Manning, Lin Shaye, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Eric Roberts, Shiri Appleby, Beverly D’Angelo, Spencer Locke, Emily Alyn Lind

Cindy (Taryn Manning) is a single Mom with 3 kids from 3 different Dads. She’s trying to get by having fun, sleeping around, and isn’t doing very well for herself. Three ghosts come by to visit to try to make her realize the errors of her ways, and work toward a better future in this “white trash” version of A Christmas Carol.

Anyone who knows me knows that I am hooked on Charles Dickens “A Christmas Carol”. I have watched every version and every knockoff of this film that I have ever been able to find. I have always thought of this as the most absolutely perfect story ever written. I didn’t think it was possible to do a bad version of this story. I’ve been through the silent films, and watched everyone from the Jetsons, to the Flintstones, to Mr. Magoo, to the Muppets, to Mickey Mouse, and dozens more. Even Sam Kinison pulled it off on a Christmas episode of Married With Children. This is, I believe, the story that has been made into film more than anything else. I had my doubts about this version however. It was rather pathetic, in it’s own way. These people are such stereotypical white trailer trash cutouts that it had to be horrible. Well, it turned out not to be a awful as I thought going into it. After the first fifteen minutes or so I was debating on turning it off, but I kept up with it, and it somewhat redeemed itself as it went on. There are some good actors in this movie, and though the story is a bit thin, with this kind of talent, it worked out much better than I expected. I had to get into what they were really trying to do, and I realized that it was supposed to be lampooning the story. Once I caught on that they were not trying to make a serious film, but it was all tongue in cheek (No one can be that bad), I was able to get into it a little bit. If you’re a fan of the TV show “Raising Hope” (which isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, trust me) you’ll probably get this movie as well, as the feel was very similar to that show. It a caricature of people living that kind of life style in the same way. Though I thought this film was more or less a waste of time, I guess it’s just like pizza. There’s no such thing as a bad Scrooge.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

When Angels Sing,

Harry Connick Jr., Connie Britton, Chandler Canterbury, Fionnula Flanagan, Lyle Lovett, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Dana Wheeler-Nicholson, Eloise DeJoria, Dylan Summerall

Michael Walker (Harry Connick Jr.) hates Christmas. As a boy he did not, but the sudden death of his brother on Christmas Day and the fact that he blames himself for his death makes him despise anything Christmas, but it seems to be everywhere. Through a bit of trickery, he ends up buying a house on a well known street that is the Christmas Light destination of people from all over the country. His wife, Susan (Connie Britton) tries her best to understand, but the pressure from the neighbors is tremendous. But they appear to have the only house on the street that is not decorated. But when his son endures a tragedy of his own, Michael has to come to grips with what has made him into the Grinch he is now.

This Christmas on TV movie from 2013 has a great many surprise cameos in it. It’s who’s who of Country music as well as full of stars. This is a heartwarming film, and it was a pleasure to watch. It’s fun and lighthearted, but also very touching. The wacky neighbors are fun, and Michael’s family is very kind. Through flashback, we get to see the events that turned Michael into the guy he is. It’s a perfect role for Harry Connick Jr. as he’s a kind and sweet and soft spoken guy who simply has blocked out the awful thing that happened to him that ruined Christmas. He is kind and gentle enough to pull this off, as he’s not really mean, and his redemption seems really totally sincere. I was happy to see this film on TV this year, and it’s being shown throughout the season, so if you haven’t seen this one last year, it’s well worth watching.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Pinewood Studios, Big Book Media, Impact Productions LLC,

Hans Matheson, Samantha Barks, Lesley Manville, Sylvester McCoy, Susan Boyle, John Hannah, Barbara Flynn, James Cosmo

David Richmond (Hans Matheson) is a modern young minister in the year 1890 who arrives at the small countryside town of Gladbury. The times are changing, and new wonders, such as electric lights, are coming to the town. But the local townsfolk have a legend that every 25th year, and angel appears and blesses one special candle, The Christmas Candle” and whomever lights it and says a prayer will have their wish come true. The Reverend doesn’t believe in the legend, and tries to teach the people of the town that miracles happen through love and hard work, and helping each other, but when the candle turns up missing, the town goes into a panic. But what looks like a disaster turns gradually to the most fantastic and magical Christmas the town has ever had.

This 2013 film is out on DVD this year. It’s very touching and an very beautiful story. The charming English countryside of 1890 is very beautiful and certainly brings a lot of joy to the film. It’s a good story, filled with wonder and majesty. There is some beautiful Christmas music by Susan Boyle who has her first acting role in this film. Hans Matheson brings a humbleness to the role of the modernistic pastor, and one scene in particular is quite memorable as he decides to make Christmas extra special by electrifying the church without the knowledge of the congregation. There are moments like this that are very memorable and funny at the same time. But mostly its a nearly perfect period Christmas film that brings us back to the olden days in a really special way. I was impressed with this movie and enjoyed it very much, and I can certainly recommend this film for your holiday enjoyment.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Edward R. Pressman Film,

Brandon Maggart, Dianne Hull, Scott McKay, Joe Jamrog, Peter Friedman

Harry Stadling (Brendon Baggart) was a child who was obsessed with Christmas. But when he finds out Santa doesn’t exist, he kind of snaps. He takes it upon himself to try to bring Christmas to as many boys and girls as possible. He is a toymaker after all. So he takes on the role of Santa himself, and things go well for a while. But he becomes obsessed on the “naught or nice” aspect, and determines to judge himself who’s been good and who’s been bad. As he slips over the edge, he begins to bring terror, fear, and retribution against those he feels are bad in the one of a kind, Christmas (Santa Claus) horror story.

This is probably the best in the “Christmas Horror” genre if there is such a thing. That’s not saying much, as it’s an awful movie after all. You may have noticed, if you’re a regular reader of Ed’s Review, that I try to explain why I find a film good or bad. I certainly don’t expect everyone to agree with me all the time, so I try to explain what it is about a film that made me enjoy it, and what was lacking if I didn’t like it. I try to be fair, and I understand that there are some people who love any movie at all for one reason or another. This one is hard to find much good about. The story is pretty silly, and this is a 1980 film, so it’s fairly dated. This looks like one of those VHS tapes you found in the discount bin at the dollar store for 99 cents. The quality is poor, the acting is very so-so, and the premise is a little off. I am used to the sweet and syrupy Christmas films on the Hallmark Channel, and this certainly won’t show up there. But for those who think they would be interested in a Christmas horror film, this does fit that category. Not overly scary or gory, it does deserve it’s R rating. Well, it’s not too bad, but you wouldn’t want to subject kids with this, (not that you’d pick a film called “Christmas Evil” for your kids anyway.) But it is one of a kind, and if you’re a big fan on campy B movie psycho movies, that’s what this is. Harry’s got mental issues. So it is what it sets out to be, and it’s not a good one in my opinion, but some of you folks might want to watch the DVD (it’s out now) just to see the dark side of the holidays.

EdG – EdsReview Dot Com – A Movie Review Blog

Seven24 Films,

Amber Marshall, Michelle Morgan, Graham Wardle, Chris Potter, Shaun Johnston, Nicholas Campbell, Helene Joy, Jessica Amlee, Kerry James, Cindy Busby

Lou (Michelle Morgan) finds her husband away before Christmas, and she’s set on making the perfect Christmas. Amy (Amber Marshall) is more of an impulsive person, and she feels like she’s messing things up for Lou, but when she learns of a team of horses trapped by an avalanche, she determines that the Heartland Clan must head out to rescue them. But they quickly find that they are in worse shape than they thought, and to top it off, the owner of the horses is an angry man who doesn’t want them rescued.

This is on the very edge of a Christmas film. There’s really only mention of the holiday a few times, and a Christmas song in the background if you are listening very carefully. If you’re familiar with the Heartland series, then you’ll know the characters, but aside from the fact that it’s billed as a Christmas movie with very little Christmas in it, it’s a pretty good adventure with the rescue of the horses and the issues with the cranky old man who owns them. All in all they bring in the home and the family, and wrap it around fairly well, even without the usually Christmas stuff. It’s not the most moving Christmas film I’ve ever seen, but especially if you’re a fan of the Heartland series, then you’ll want to check it out for sure.