Thanks for the memories!

From my favorite movies..

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

I wanted to like it more than I actually did... But much of the humor totally escaped me and I walked out only mildly impressed.

This was a Lifetime Christmas movie in 2015. Gabe Hogan (Heartland's Peter) and Hilarie Burton were a good pair for the leads and the little girl was adorable. They did a good job in matching the pair. The interaction of Hogan and the little girl was well done. Burton was in Christmas in the Bayou-2013 and I thought the black hair and outfits made her look better here. Great to see Jayne Eastwood playing a rather different kind of Mrs Claus (we've seen her in many shows and she's always good). Yes I spotted Derek McGrath (Dr Hebert on Doc) as Santa. Two elves and a pilot provided some great humor. There was not really a dull moment in this movie. Really didn't think the movie would be this good. It was funny in parts as well, even though it was not listed as a Comedy. Enjoyed the reindeer.Here are a few criticisms. This is supposed to be taking place in Alaska at Christmas. I have never been there, but isn't daylight kind of scarce that time of year? We had lots of daylight in this movie. Yes, the great reindeer preserve is a small pen of 12 reindeer you feed a handful of hay to. It was OK though.

Prancer is in need of some hoof repair. When Santa's stable hand, John Stockman, informs him that there is a crack in Prancer's hoof, Santa is immediately alarmed since that means that he won't be able to fly. Not delivering the toys in time for Christmas is not an option, so Santa insists that John find a replacement. Things are looking up for John when he comes across Frankie, a beautiful reindeer that belongs to a charming 8-year-old girl. Now, John just has to convince the little girl's mother, Annie, to allow him to use Frankie as a sub. Convincing Annie to allow him to take Frankie up to the North Pole is not as easy as he thinks.Not the Best Christmas film you will see but not the worse. Small children might enjoy this. The film isn't boring. The cast is enjoyable. I would not go out of my way to see it again but I wouldn't ever ruling out watching it again.

I don't like Santa Claus movies in general, but this one was a winner. Hilarie Burton was particularly appealing and sympathetic as the feisty no nonsense Annie who is eventually won over by the shy, fish-out-of- water stable-master, John. Jayne Eastwood as Mrs. Claus, was a hoot. Clearly the brains of the operation, She was the ruthless mob boss, willing to send her minions to steal a little girl's pet reindeer so millions of little children aren't disappointed on Christmas morning. Yes kids, sometimes the end does justify the means. Lots of laughs, a poor single mother trying to save her farm from evil big business, a sweet little romance. and some charming fantasy. Overlook the forced conflict between the two lovebirds, and the questionable ethical issues, and you'll have a good time with this one.