The Heart of Christmas

I see many other reviews have praised the acting but I don't understand why. It's awful acting and in many parts, awful writing too. I appreciate it's based on a true story and I don't want to take anything away from it, but I agree with one reviewer who said it's like a commercial for the hospital. If you're looking for a tear-jerker, there's way better films out there.

I'm not a "pearl clutching" type but my oh my, the venom being hurled at this film as being "just a commercial", well, no it's not just a commercial it's a movie and yes it's also trying to raise funds for....sick kids and desperate parents, what's wrong with that?

Then there seems to be this bickering over the acting with some feeling they have to praise it and others ripping on it. Reality is, the acting was acceptable and got the job done, really not the point of the film.

So, how about I actually review the film itself eh? I don't want to spoil stuff but I'll just say I popped it in a few Christmases ago not super paying attention at 1st cuz figured it was gonna be another standard fare Candace/Hallmark film - which I enjoy them - but just saying I had no idea how serious this was going to get.

I do recommend this film and won't give away specific plot details but will "forewarn" parents, this does deal with the often harsh realities of children getting sick, there's no graphic surgeries shown or anything like that, but this is about a real childrens ward and not all the characters are going to have a happy ending.

The whole movie plays out like a giant St. Jude hospital commercial.

While i feel the acting is good and draws the viewer in for an emotional movie experience, it seems like the screenplay was written for just that purpose. The writers create an emotional roller coaster where the only option is to donate money to St. Jude. The movie follows a family's struggle with a terminally ill child, but with frequent references to the St. Jude hospital's staff and general medical care it's hard to get lost in the plot. Next time i'd rather just watch their late night infomercials and skip the movie part of it. Not my ideal movie watching experience.

I felt like I was right there with them all. So real and professionally acted. You feel moved by the emotions and want to see them get through their trials. The child actors are tops in their field! I couldn't imagine how these tots could take such complex directing so well. And their filling the roles of their little charactors was so impressive. Directing, music, camera work, editing, and cinematography are spot-on. My faith, and appreciation, were greatly bolstered.

Review Date 5/19/2019

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Megan Walsh is a successful businesswoman who does not seem to have enough time for her husband and two children. While taking her children trick-or-treating during Halloween, she encounters a confusing situation in which many families are decorating for Christmas (which is nearly two months away). Their explanation is that they are trying to provide one last Christmas for Dax Locke, a toddler in their neighborhood who is dying of a rare form of leukemia. Curious, Megan reads Dax's mother Julie's blog and learns about the Lockes' journey. Inspired, Megan examines her own life and priorities

There is not one false moment in this film. Every progresses in logical ways. It makes you at the end cherish your own life. One of the best "Christmas Films" you will ever see!