You'd have to be an unreformed grinch not to be touched by this glowing story of a torn family rediscovering life and love. The story revolves around "Me", played with beautiful subtlety by 10 year old Holliston Coleman. Holliston endows the story with life, playing joy, pain, anger, and love with equal force. I don't think there is any other child actor out there who is as natural or whose face can change so subtly to reveal her thoughts within. I'll never forget the look on Holliston's face when Miss Lettie pulls out the ugly dress she wants her to wear to school -- not overdone, but her polite horror is completely transparent and really funny. Later, on the road, she's equally transparent and utterly moving as she explains the loneliness of being without a father. Holliston is on screen almost full-time for the entire 2 hours; I'm not really sure how a 10 year old pulled that off -- it must have been quite a challenge.
Mary Tyler Moore has trouble playing the mean old lady, but brings humor to what might otherwise have been a tedious role, and love-interest Burt Reynolds connects well with her. Charlie Robinson is utterly real: his "wisest of the wise men" role is convincing and gentle, and he and his mother Irma P. Hall do a great job providing the loving moral guidance to the story. The cinematography captures beautifully the sun-drenched countryside and elegant house.
All in all, this film is a much-needed re-telling of the ultimate importance of family and friends, love and commitment. I'd recommend it to all who need a shot-in-the-arm this holiday season. I hope it comes back to TV for many years to come.
