Faith, Fraud, & Minimum Wage

A NEW Christmas Story: I liked this movie a lot. Great little story about a religious hoax in a little Canadian town. Some really solid performances anchor a charming equation between a clever young girl, her dad, her boss, and her fella... I enjoyed the Stephen King-esquire villainy of "Uncle Bob"(having done retail in my younger years) and the unpredictability of the rest of the characters - they're painted as "stereotypes" on first glance 'til they speak and act like very real humans. Good writing and good pacing lead you to an ending you can't see coming - just like life. Callum Keith Rennie has become one of my favourite actors(Californication - c'mon..). He plays a man I've met many times ...clinging to old thoughts ...the past, and he is great. Martha MacIssac holds the film together with her Casey McMullen ...a consistent and smart performance, but Ricky Mabe kinda stole the show for me ...a pitch-perfect performance of that sensitive jock - a nice reminder that young or old - everyone stands for something. Andy Bush is really good and Matt Amyotte is hilarious. Do yourself a favour and watch this movie... Show a little faith - it's well worth it.