Some films are diminished by predictable story lines. This is not one of them. Rather, the very fact that one could almost call out what was going to happen, scene after scene, was in some strange way suspenseful: would I guess right? Yes! Oh, I am so glad!
Maybe this was due in part to the unfamiliarity of seeing Roma Downey playing the heavy for a change. Then again, it was not only her scenes where this happens. She came across as believable, once I got over the fact that here, she's no angel. It was nice to see her with a character that has a bit of growing to do. Another definite plus: the boys from the home played off each other nicely. I got the impression that these young actors truly cared about each other, as much as their characters did.
This is not a movie to get one's teeth into. It is a bit of a schmaltzy tear-jerker, with which to warm your soul on a cold winter evening. It is comfortable and delightful, with just the right touch of romance and the Christmas spirit.
