Magic Stocking

This was a different Hallmark Christmas movie, and I found that so refreshing. It has a pretty typical plot - a widowed mom struggling with Christmas, a pushy grandmother trying to get her to move on, and a little girl wishing for a puppy. But instead of just an unrealistic transformation of the actress to an oh everything's suddenly ok, you see a mom with real angst and emotion who is challenged by her mother to work through her grief and who wasn't afraid of the conflict that ensued. I loved the lead actress, Bridget Regan, who usually plays supporting actresses in Hallmark movies. She portrayed a much more realistic struggle with believing magic, with not wanting to move on, and she shows true emotion. I'm not sure why the reviews for this movie aren't higher. It was tense at times between the characters as they worked through conflict- and no people aren't always likable every stage of grief, but you still loved her as a character and felt empathy towards her which is so important. Perhaps everyone just wants the feel good super bubbly always cloyingly sweet can do no wrong lead characters. Bridget was such a welcome change for me. I hope they use her more! Both the daughter and the grandmother were also excellent actors. The leading man fell a little short for me.

This movie is refreshing! It has a lot of family values in it and can be enjoyed by children/parents/grandparents. Sad things happen in this world and losing a spouse/father is very difficult. You don't get over it in a few months---it's different for everyone and healing takes time. Holidays are especially emotional filled with memories of happier times with your loved one. The main characters, Scott & Lindsey are good actors, as well as being gorgeous, and there's a good rapport between them. I especially liked Donna and Fred, who are married in real life. The puppy added a lot to the story line. There's always something magical about Christmas and the fantasy of a magical Christmas stocking is charming. Perfect for family viewing at Christmas---and even in July👍🏻

Supposed to be cold and all snow yet all the license plates were from Florida.

Our family loves Christmas movies and we liked this one. It passed the doze test (no one fell asleep). It was a simple story with a little fantasy mixed in. Yes it was well done and we would watch it again.

The story was simple and warm with 5 main characters. The Christmas movies I haven't liked have too many characters with convoluted story lines. The grandma character really added energy and a personal touch using pet names like sugar and bug for her daughter and grand daughter. Great job on how the coin guessing contest was won and fit in with the magic stocking. Movie shows the little girl doing the right thing. Great all around.

Hallmark Christmas movies are always pretty close to the bullseye when it comes to plot and cast. This movie has all of the classic family, work, hopes and dreams that make traditional Christmas what it is. It stays just outside the lines of religion and politics far enough to keep from offending anyone. The storyline is simple enough for children to follow, and the adult themes are some that all of us with decades of Christmas ' past can identify with. It's a story about some of those losses and how there is Magic out there (at least this movie gives us hope that there is!) Casting the brilliant and beautiful Bridget Regan as Lindsey Monroe centered this talented cast. She's one of the hardest working actors out there and she always shows up on set ready to work. Scott, played by Victor Webster is the perfect co-worker match for Lindsey at this point in their lives. The child star, Hannah, played by Imogen Tear looks to be a can't miss future acting star. I liked this movie well enough that I rented it a couple of times, then purchased it. PS: It's a Christmas movie with a puppy named "Magic," in it, it should get 8 stars just for that!