Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

Let's be realistic.

What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie and its upbeat themes. Quite a bit of the Civil Rights struggle was unpleasant and this film doesn't skip over that. However, the main theme is that through a bit of wisdom and goodwill, we can all change for the better. All the characters in this movie display a dark side to their character but in the end their good sides prevail. The only exceptions to this are Billy Ray Cyrus' character who is a little too "Atticus Finch" and the unrepentant redneck bigot who tries to burn down the meeting tent and ends up running over Little Bobby.If there is one flaw to this movie it's that it was made on the Canadian West Coast instead of Texas. The first tip-off that this is a made-in-Canada movie is the truck that the Burtons tool around in. It looks like a Dodge but it's a 50s Fargo, a badge-engineered Dodge sold only in Canada, never in Texas. Also, the Canadian West Coast doesn't look anything like the dryland farms on the Oklahoma border. If Hallmark didn't have the budget to make this in the US, they should have made the movie in Southern Alberta, most of which looks like the Texas dry lands. Also, Southern Alberta has enough bigots and rednecks that casting that part would be a snap.If you ignore the defects and enjoy Billy Ray Cyrus' music, this is a feelgood that actually makes you feel good.

Leery of TV Christmas movies, I watched this one on the Hallmark Channel recently (December, 2010) with my finger on the channel changer.But I'm glad I didn't leave.First, it is a wonderful story, just what we need to remind us that, despite politicians, such as George W. Bush and Barack Obama, playing such hob with the economy, tough times don't last and tough people do."Canaan" is also another reminder that a movie can be good even with a cast of -- at least to me at this viewing -- unrecognizable actors.Every player, even the youngest, was thoroughly believable.The script avoided clichés or, if seeming clichés were unavoidable, used them to creatively further the story.Sure, it might make any good-hearted person cry, but there is nothing wrong with that, especially around Christmas time.

First, I agree with jlynrobertson's comment about compassion being on the TV; it's refreshing to know there are still TV shows out there that we can value with our children and loved ones...my son (12 yrs. old) watch the movie with me and he had tons of 'why' and 'how' questions and I was so glad that he realized there was a true meaning behind this movie...and hope there are enough shows like this to last him a lifetime that he can learn from - as opposed to being in such a hurry and snubbing people off like we see so often in real life and the violence we even see even in cartoons now.Second, I agree with claudiapatx's comment that the part about the pictures from a catalog as Christmas gifts - made me cry too! (and wouldn't you know, that's when my sister calls on the phone LOL Excellent, excellent movie!!!

I was so privileged to be invited to attend an advanced screening of this film and absolutely loved it! It's such a breath of fresh air to know that quality content like this is going to be on TV. Billy Ray was absolutely wonderful as the dad, and the kids all did a great job as well, I thought. For those of you that haven't read it, I also recommend checking out the book after you watch the movie this weekend :) It's a very easy read, extremely touching and has a great message.I recommend this movie to everyone...young and old...I think we can all learn something from it!