Our Christmas Journey

7.1 stars.

A teenage boy has autism, doesn't speak, not certain of the severity of his condition. Over the holidays, his parents take him to a special school for people with this or similar conditions. The staff must have him for several days to see if he's a candidate to attend in the future. It's difficult for the family to spend the holiday in this unfamiliar place, coupled with the father who has been out of the picture for a while. The lead female, who is in many Hallmark films, does a wonderful job of portraying an overprotective mother, and her daughter and mother also act out their parts to perfection. I get the feeling this is what a family would be like in this situation. I was impressed by the skills of all the actors, including the inn owner and her son. Not much else to add, because this is a story about people dealing with disability and the difficulties that accompany that situation, and so this is not a romance or exciting, but it's very encouraging and uplifting.

This is an unusual story for a Hallmark Christmas movie, but what makes it work are the really fine performances by the entire cast. It also evidences just what an excellent actress Holly Robinson Peete can be when she is cast in a complex role such as the mother here, who is coming to terms with the fact that her autistic son is growing up, and when she is surrounded by other talented actors like Lyric Bent and Aloma Wright, who play her character's ex-husband and mother. The other characters have their issues, too, and it is interesting to see how they get worked out. All in all, a fresh and endearing Christmas story that leaves you feeling good that you spent two hours with all of these charismatic characters.

As I've said many times, most people know that these movies often have little acquaintance with realism, but I still have to say this. The confrontation between mom and the institution is ridiculous. Any institution experienced with dealing with autism would have gone way overboard in informing and preparing the entire family before they ever got there. Much of the early conflict would NEVER have been allowed to happen. Routine is vital for families with autism. Changes in that routine would take place with great care and preparation. Their rules make total sense, but they would never spring them without meticulous preparation. I found these issues in the movie to be greatly distracting sapping potential enjoyment until the story got past those issues. It does eventually fade away.

Much of the focus of the movie is on the family. Mom and Dad dealing with their past issues. Sister struggling with being the "other" sibling. The house for family members is run by another mom with a child who seems a little more functional.

I never really fully got into the rest of the move, so I can't say more.

6/10 - I consider myself a Holly Robinson Peete fan and having followed her on Meet the Peetes and her social media, I know that this was a passion project for her and while flawed, I think everyone should watch this movie if you know anyone on the autism spectrum or not.

Watched the movie with my girlfriend ONLY because Lyriq Bent is in it. Huge fan of the SAW franchise and was very surprised that I saw him still acting which is awesome. To be honest, for a Hallmark movie, it was really good. Family movie for everyone, unlike JiGSaw lmao. Merry Christmas guys!