Excellent but underrated film

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.

Northpole is without a doubt one of the best Christmas films of 2014 and one of Hallmark's best films.As far as the plot goes, it's far beyond what we see in other Christmas productions. A city at the North Pole called Northpole is on the brink of demise due to lack of Christmas spirit from the people down South. One elf (played by Bailee Madison) decided to seek help from one boy who still believes in Christmas and with help from his reluctant mom (played by Saved By The Bell's Tiffani Thiessen) and his teacher, they decided bring Christmas cheer the boy's new hometown.The plot was good though some parts could used more work. I will admit, I did feel uncomfortable at the moments where the mom disbelieves her son about Northpole though she did regret her actions quickly. When you're an adult, it gets hard to believe in everything.The acting from the actors was all right. The special effects were great. It looked like Hallmark spend a fortune on the Northpole scenes.Despite a few minor flaws in the story, Northpole is still an enjoyable Holiday film. Some people may love it, some may not love it, but hey, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I personally recommend this film for those that love Hallmark Channel and its Christmas films.

Wow! The preview scenes were spectacular! And the daily countdown to the movie's airing increased anticipation! OK, finally the movie is airing, and we all ready to enjoy this super fantastic, magical story! Right?Uh-oh! Instead, it immediately begins its continuous and permanent downward plunge!1st Awful: casting the long ago "has been" Robert Wagner...and then his talentless real-life wife, Jill St. John...to play Santa and Mrs. Santa. Additionally, the "has been" Santa was wearing totally black(??)...to cover his skinny body...in the Santa suit as well......and obviously he couldn't even fake a decent, believable "Santa voice" if he tried...so he didn't try. 2nd Awful: Bailee was too old / mature and too tall to play a believable elf with a sweet child-like nature. And she towered over the boy, which gave a clumsy, detracting appearance.3rd Awful: the Plot. I will only say it's was too far-fetched for a young boy to be SO concerned and SO depressed over the town's Christmas tree issue.4th Awful: the enticing preview scenes were unfortunately the majority of "Northpole" scenes..as well as magical effects.There are so many more "Awfuls," so I will say the ONLY good part was: it ended! Apparently, the movie's makers did not consider the possibility that this pathetic movie would be a flop. They never considered being embarrassed either. So they unfortunately went ahead to make a sequel...which I don't believe for a moment will be any better.

"Northpole" is not a bad Christmas special. It's not totally memorable, but it is definitely better than the 1994 version of "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Frosty Returns."The story seems a little scattered, but as it progresses, we end up with a major plot twist which throws things for a loop. Fortunately, of course, things get straightened out.The music is decent, and the location shoots in both Quebec, Canada and Portland, Maine are good. The cast is excellent--but with one exception. I don't consider Robert Wagner's casting as Santa Claus as the best. His voice alone detracts; it's like having Jonathan Hart with long white hair and a white beard. Never mind his negative press over what happened with his late wife, Natalie Wood; he does not seem to project warmth for the role. He might have been better off playing the role of the mayor or the developer.And as for Jill St. John, it is her first acting role in 12 years, and she was there because of her husband. She pulls off her role much better than Mr. Wagner, since I could hear the age in her voice.As said earlier, the rest of the cast is great and they carry the special. Very typical of so much of the Hallmark specials out there, and definitely worth a watch.

Well, this has never happened before. NORTHPOLE's elaborate magical thesis involves happiness as a magical fuel, the Northern Lights, a huge company town called Northpole which looks like a shopping mall with Christmas decorations, eleven-year-old Max Charles, described as a "little boy" by his teacher, and his reporter mother Tiffani Thiesson investigating the big story of why their town's tree-lighting ceremony has been cancelled for the year. Plus she worries Max is delusional.I don't blame her. The story is a mess and it's only the fine, professional acting, Pierre Jodoin's cheery, brightly-lit camera-work, and Annie Ilkow's brisk editing that keep things moving along. James Gelfand's score is fine; I've been annoyed by the tweedly, manipulative score that a lot of these Hallmark movies sport. Mr. Gelfand's score supports the show, which it is supposed to do. I would never have noticed it if I hadn't been listening for it. Robert Wagner and Jill St. John show up in small roles as Mr. & Mrs. Claus for us old folks who like old stars. Candice Glover shows up to sing the last two bars of "Angels We Have Heard on High" and and "Silent Night".I'm sure this movie will please many of the people who watch the Hallmark Christmas movie festival. I think it tries for a whimsical tone, but fails because it is too elaborate.