Un secret bien gardé

One Great movie, I've watched it several times. The music in the background is moving---it might not win any awards but if the spirit of Christmas is in your heart, you'll like this movie. I wish I could find the soundtrack.

I have seen this film twice and liked it even more the second time around. With so much commercialism of the Christmas holiday, this film promotes all that the season is supposed to be about, that people are more important than money, compassion for others in difficult situations, and finally, the ultimate and hardest lesson, that of true forgiveness. Many films have great scripts or excellent acting but this film was about the story and the lessons to be learned. I hope that it will become available for purchase in the near future.

This movie is one of the very best Christmas movies around. It has a good mystery along with a good lesson to be learned regarding the important things in life. Also, the love between the grandparents and grandson is very moving. Highly recommend this movie.

BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 300 HOLIDAY FILMS & SPECIALS. I HAVE NO AGENDA

A businessman Will Martin tries to uncover a family secret for his grandmother Ruth Martin after he returns to a small town to modernize his family's real-estate company. During thanksgiving dinner his grandmother Ruth tells him she has discovered a woman named Lillian in her husbands Warren's journals. He had visited her every Christmas Eve. Will sets off to solve this mystery.

Now this film is all talk. It's also very quite. Not much happens and the mystery is interesting my not enough to hold most peoples interest.

However what got me through this film was a game. The film had many familiar locations that have been utilized in other films. This film in Southern California and most likely in the Summer. I recognized several locations that were used in "Friday the 13th Part IV" and "Friday the 13th Part V". The Jarvis home from "Part IV". There is also a location from Part V that is used. You will see Neil Patrick Harris by gas pumps. This location is where Lana worked at a diner.

Anyway this film is not boring but its not very interesting. Even Debbie Reynolds scenes are almost limited to one location.

This was not a bad movie but it could of been much better.

I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The story, although predictable, is interesting enough to keep one's attention. This is good wholesome entertainment, something you aren't afraid to let the kids watch. These types of movies tend to be few and far between. But we must remember that this is a made-for-TV movie, and therefore, it is unfair to compare it to classical holiday theatrical releases such as It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Nevertheless, it is a good Christmas story that bears repeat viewing.

Neil Patrick Harris is the main reason this is a good movie. He tackles the rather lackluster script, bringing life to the whole film. He also out acts his poor supporting cast. One notable exception is Beverly Archer as the loyal employee Mrs Cook, who doesn't like Harris's plans for his grandfather's business. Harris, however, has obviously matured - in more ways than one - since his days as Doogie Howser. He brings a depth to his character, that is lacking in so many TV movies. I can only hope he will take his talent to the big screen more often in the future. Harris proves that not all child stars have to pass by the wayside the minute they reached adulthood.

The combination of Harris' commanding performance and his urgency to find out the identity of the mysterious woman his grandfather visited every Christmas Eve, make the movie enjoyable. Perhaps it is a bit overly sentimental, but after all it is a Christmas story.