An action-packed slog

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

I found this DVD by happenstance at our library's children room and liked it so much I bought the DVD through Amazon. {Note that this film is more a television special than a feature film. It is only 56 minutes long.}The DVD has an excellent background commentary by Beth Brickell, the film-maker and some wonderful out-takes, of which more below.The film is set in the last three months of 1941 leading up to Christmas day. The setting is Eureka Springs, a real small town in northernmost Arkansas, near the Pea Ridge National Park- a battlefield in the Civil War. Eureka Springs has maintained itself as a Victorian town with some wonderful period architecture.The movie concerns itself with a young family, a husband and wife in their 20s and their two adorable young daughters about ages 5 and 6.The film's first merit is its glorious photography that beautifully captures the town and home interiors. {I know nothing about filming movies, but I know what I like. The photographer has some interesting commentary on the DVD for those interested in the technical aspects.}Second, for those interested in Americana, this film rates a 10 of 10 for its attention to period detail. From Sears, Roebucks catalogues to beautiful period automobiles, the movie puts you back to an earlier and simpler America. Real newspapers and radio recordings provide even more authenticity. I have seen few big-production movies that have done as good a job of putting me in another time and place.{Personal note: Joel, the father, goes to a Firetown store to try to get Carol Lee a bike. My mother, then just out of high school, worked as a secretary at a Firestone store in Ohio at the very same time. I was born nine months later in Setember 1942!}The growing friction in the Pacific and the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor provide an historic backdrop to the young family's struggle to make it in an Arkansas that was still in the Depression. The young father is lucky to have a job at all, though it pays only $16 a week. One-in- three Arkansas men were still unemployed at the beginning of World War II. The film is excellent too in juxtaposing the small domestic story of the family's struggles with the global background of America's entering the world stage-however unwillingly.The next bonus is the two local girls who play the young daughters. There are adorable. I have seen few Hollywood child actors who are as appealing as these two. Abigail Kinslow plays the younger, "Babby", a proper young Southern lady already.The older girl, "Carol Lee", is also played by a local girl, Ireland Rose Maddox, whose in my view steals the movie. She wants a bike for Christmas, thinking her tricycle is for "babies". Her little sister will accept whatever she gets. But Carol Lee is heart set on a bike from Santa and will settle for nothing little. This wish and her father's efforts to satisfy it provide the plot.As played by Ireland Rose Maddox Carol Lee is a treasure. The out-takes showing Ireland Rose acting like Ireland Rose rather than her character Carol Lee are priceless. This is a little girl who knows her own mind ! I have a grand-daughter who is similar. She drives her parents nuts, but she is great for a grandparent. As Ms. Brickell makes clear in her commentary, Ireland Rose almost made her regret decision not to employ a trained child actor. Ireland Rose largely "acted" when and how she chose. Fortunately however, the result is that the two girls' naturalness is one of the film's prime assets, especially for those jaded by Hollywood's well-trained little robots.This is not a film for those addicted to Hollywood "production values". Rather, it is in the best sense a work of craftsmanship. Filmed largely with local help and local talent, it shows how modern technology now allows film-making to expand beyond Hollywood's formulas. The film is clearly a labor of love and has a personal intimacy that transcends any defiencies in costly "production values" that a big-budget movie would have had.I heartily recommend buying the DVD. A good investment that will double your pleasure in watching the film.

Finally, this is a family story that all ages can enjoy. The characters are easy to identify with and the costuming and setting seem authentic for that era.The story leaves you with a warm feeling and a desire to help others who are having a difficult time.The story is very believable because of the events that occurred during the early 40's. In the depression Christmas gifts were very scarce and hard to come by.I gave five copies as Christmas gifts last year and the recipients all seemed to enjoy the story.

Mr. Christmas is a wonderful family film, and living proof that a good, family-based film can go a long way. Beth Brickell did an exceptionally good job casting the girls. Abigail Kinslow does an incredible job portraying her character, Babby. It's hard to imagine that this is her first film; she definitely has talent beyond her years. She was the perfect choice! Abigail helps build the story and gives it a very special touch. It is an excellent story, and the settings are breathtaking. The film will definitely send anyone a warm feeling to last throughout the whole Christmas season. It is sure to get everyone in the Christmas spirit!

Beth Brickell has created a wonderful film based on her own childhood experiences. Less than an hour in length, this heart-felt story manages to pack quite a punch. It's The Bicycle Thief, American-style. Themes of parental love, responsibility and guilt interplay with a charming look at a little girl's wish for a bike from Santa, a wish which Santa may or may not be able to grant. Set during the onset of the USA's participation in WWII, this movie feels authentic. With its deft capture of life in small-town America, the story reaches across generations of families to touch us all. Don't miss the extras.....including a full commentary by director and cinematographer. The outtakes are hilarious.