L'arbre des voeux

When I saw the rating and read some of the reviews, I almost deleted this one from my DVR without watching it. You see, I am on a Christmas movie binge this year. And there just is not enough time to watch every Christmas movie I have recorded. As it gets closer and closer to Christmas and for every Christmas movie I watch and delete, I record two or more more, I see the handwriting on the wall. I am having to become pickier and pickier over the ones I watch all the way through before moving on to the next one.

Since I know that movies on Up TV are under-rated compared to the ones on Hallmark, I gave this a chance and I'm glad I did. It is a charmer with humor and heart-tugging moments. The acting of the entire cast is great, especially Christine Taylor. She plays a cynical big city Christmas avoider, but who still manages to be respectful and kind to the small town people to their face. The one time she looses her temper, it is funny rather than cringe-worthy. She brings depth and humor to a role that could have been very stereotypical.

The romance is sweet and there are some parts and dialogue that border on almost edgy. It doesn't fall back on lazy fantasy to finally give us the answer to the mystery of Kris, wonderfully played by William Morgan Shepard.

I saw this movie several times, and each time I enjoyed it just as much. I liked the plot, scenery, lines, directing...all stayed focused on Christmas in a nice Christmas way (meaning: nothing boring, ridiculous, or depressing).......All the main players were well-casted, enjoyable, and nicely talented......except the only player that was annoying was the waitress. She was over-bearing with her over-zealous words and actions...always trying to stand out too much...and also touchy-feely......"Anna Wall," with her humbug attitude, was not miserable or over-powering or detracting...Her reason for it was totally understandable.......the Kris Kringle part was played out well......and "Mark Stafford" was ideal.....It has continuous good points...and a good flow...which I think makes it a better than average Hallmark Christmas movie...and therefore, enjoyable to watch again and again.

This IMDB synopsis refers to "an inspirational - albeit questionably delusional - man who parades around pretending to be the real Santa Claus". But the movie has a lot more depth and substance than this "on the surface" plot description might lead you to expect.

As the movie unfolds we learn much more about the backstory and motivations of the main characters, and an interesting, meaningful story it is. Well acted, believable, and very satisfying. (Can't say much more without getting into spoilers!)

This is one is of my Top 10 favorite 2022 Christmas movies of 2022. You can see my other favorite 2022 Christmas movies by clicking on my profile link above; then look for "2022 FAVORITE CHRISTMAS ROM-COMs" under "Lists".

There are some familiar story lines, but this story is put together a little differently. Kris Kringle has been Santa (not "playing Santa") for 50 years since his new wife died on Christmas Eve. A skeptical reporter is sent to blog about this man and the town of Mistletoe. Kris seems to know things that perhaps wouldn't be common knowledge, especially about the kids.

William Morgan Sheppard does a wonderful job as Kris. The other actors are passable.

The story, the production, the acting - there is nothing special except for Sheppard. To me, the story was forced. For one thing, the leading man doesn't have a conversation with the leading lady until 1/3rd of the film passes. People around them are hinting at romance before they have gotten to know each other at all. The movie is totally unconvincing as to why they should fall in love. Part of the problem with the romance is that this movie is just as much about Kris and it is hard to have time to do justice to both.

There are some heartwarming moments at the end which are probably worth persevering for.

A very pleasant little Hallmark Channel TV movie as Christine Taylor, a new-media journalist -- she blogs for a website -- goes to the town of Mistletoe to cover their Christmas festival and their renowned Santa Claus, who has been doing this yearly bit for half a century.

It's all about the healing power of good will, and the direction and performances are very good. Unhappily, the script is a bit below par as plot points are advanced by talking, including Miss Taylor's voice-over of her blog -- I'm a great believer that when you're looking at a movie, they should show you things happening, not tell you -- but William Morgan Sheppard makes as good a Santa as I've seen since Edmund Gwenn.