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Holiday Affair (1996)

User reviews

Holiday Affair

12 reviews
7/10

A nice movie. Fun to watch

The very first time I saw this movie I didn't really like it that much but it was repeated the following year, and by the time I had seen it again it grew a little on me, and by the third year I liked it. They repeated it here once for five years straight and foolish me watched it but the funny thing is I really liked it.

The performances of Cynthia Gibb and the little boy played by Curis Blanck. Also David James Elliot from Jag as the dreamer who catches Ms Gibb's heart, and for a change the woman chasing the man.

I haven't seen the original movie this is a remake of but I plan to find a copy to watch just to compare.

Overall I gave the movie a 7/10
  • MuggySphere
  • Mar 16, 2006
  • Permalink
7/10

Christmas cheer

As a holiday film, this movie was worthwhile. It's not huge on plot and the character development needed some work. The one dimensional lawyer friend Paul was particularly cliched and inexpressive. The high point was the Christmas spirit. What's better than a 6-year old with an electric train or two for Christmas, and grandparents for Christmas dinner? While the love story isn't the greatest, it does have some moments of tension and a sweet premise. Good for viewing during the holiday season.
  • lgoodman
  • Dec 5, 2000
  • Permalink
6/10

Overall, a nice film, but the story is somewhat contrived, to say the least

Jodie (Cynthia Gibb) is a widowed businesswoman with a six year old son named Timmy. One day, she is required to purchase an expensive toy train set for a work-related project. It's nearing Christmas and the salesman, Steve, tries to tell her it is non-returnable but she hurries off. At home, Timmy spies the package and thinks the train is for him and, in general, is dreaming of Christmas Day. Also, Jodie's boyfriend of two years is coming over and has a marriage proposal to throw out. Jodie says she needs time to answer him. Taking the train back to the store, Jodie gets Steve fired by pleading with him to take the purchase off of her credit card. But, he seems in no pain, since Jodie agrees to have lunch with him. A ha! A romantic triangle seems to be forming. What will be the outcome? This is a sweet story but one with pretty unrealistic happenings. The script seems to contrive funny ways for Jodie and Steve to meet, ones that have no credence. For example, Steve gets wrongfully accused of theft near the park where he and Jodie have had lunch, Jodie is called to the station to vouch for him and Steve ends up eating dinner with Jodie, her parents, Timmy, and the boyfriend! Yet, that said, this film is still very romantic and should appeal to the fans of holiday romance. The actors, including Gibb, are great, with the young man playing Timmy just adorable. The sets, costumes, and usual production amenities are fine, too. Most of the content concerns the adults, however, making it an odd choice for a family viewing. Instead, if you are a romantic at heart, do try to find this film for you or your partner but not necessarily your children. You will bask in its triumph of love but your kids may be totally bored out of their skulls.
  • inkblot11
  • Apr 17, 2007
  • Permalink
5/10

Okay, but kind of a downer and not very nice

  • FilmNoirOnline
  • Dec 16, 2007
  • Permalink
9/10

My favorite movie

i personally loved this movie why ? One Saturday evening ,it was snowing so the movie came on , I'm not a big fan of Christmas movie , but i said to myself i got nothing to do , so i would watch it i fell in love , this movie shows u that to take the biggest risk when you're on

the edge, the kid is kinda annoying but by the end of the movie u would fall in love with him , its a flick chick movie i would recommend u to watch it on a snowy Saturday with your family or loved one while drinking a hot chocolate it would make u fall all over in love just like ""while you were sleeping"" enjoy and prove me wrong
  • m_s_babiie
  • Oct 28, 2008
  • Permalink

Best of Both Worlds

I for one loved this movie. The kid was a little annoying at times but other than that it combined two of my favorite things; Romance and Christmas. Even better that it had David James Elliot, a favorite of mine since getting into JAG. And the end? So many movies have the guy running after the girl. I thought it great that it was the girl chasing the guy. I would hope someday they put it on DVD so I can have it for a long time. And i can't wait to see the original to compare.
  • Lily-32
  • Jun 22, 2002
  • Permalink
5/10

Warm & Fuzzy Holiday Flick

  • woodchip2
  • Jun 30, 2006
  • Permalink
8/10

A lovely movie

Well, I liked this movie a lot. As a matter of fact, the three of us in our family decided today to have our Christmas dinner in bed watching this movie.

Don't miss the opportunity to see the cold lawyer showing a warm heart, a woman decided to suffer, and a dreamer fighting for his dreams.
  • Tumbarrancho
  • Dec 23, 2001
  • Permalink
10/10

Sweet and charming

I love watching David James Elliott ... in anything! Let him read the Yellow Pages, just so I can watch his eyes twinkle. In this charming holiday fluff, he twinkles, grins, sparkles and generally makes you fall in love with him. It's easy to see how the poor lawyer might not have a chance.
  • flamingeaux
  • Apr 23, 2003
  • Permalink
10/10

Holiday Affair (1996)

I enjoyed this version very much and have seen both. Robert Mitchum (sp.) Was rather dull in the original with his stone face. It's also not as appealing knowing it was Howard Hughes' idea as a platform for Mr. Mitchum to try and clean up his image after being arrested for marijuana. Honestly, just a few hours after watching it I was trying to remember Robert Mitchum's name and all I could think of was William Holden. David James Elliott knows how to smile and not be so smug. Both Janet Leigh and Cynthia Gibb give fine performances and both little boys are charming. Don't count this movie out just because it's been remade in color, I found it to have a little faster pace to keep from dragging. I have not seen this version since the first year it aired. It is heartwarming story that stays in your mind long after you've watched it. I also find the original funny in that Mrs. Ennis could be blacklisted from shopping at stores because she was a professional comparison shopper. The second makes more sense in that some purchases are final and may not be returned. I love the part where you're watching them on the train and it seamlessly becomes the train set at the store. I recommend viewers to give this remake an opportunity to brighten their holiday season. I would like to see it return to the television holiday line up more often that I may enjoy watching it over and over again.
  • jreb78-1
  • Dec 21, 2011
  • Permalink
10/10

Great movie

I love this movie, I wish they'd put it out on DVD so I can buy it!!
  • heyjules66
  • Oct 11, 2020
  • Permalink

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