User reviews

This is a more serious Christmas movie with good actors. The two intertwining stories are realistic and interesting. Matthew Settle of Gossip Girl plays a financially struggling business owner with twins on the way. Josie Bissett plays an abused wife who takes her kids to settle down in the same town where they face money troubles. She is quite good in less glamorous roles than usual. Her son faces some bullying. Liked the way he overcame his troubles. The stories intertwine cleverly. The message isn't too preachy it's about charity - the Paper Angels in the title.

A change from the more trite romantic Christmas movies out there. This one has a message and a watchable cast.

Thomas (Rustin Gresiuk) is a transplanted high schooler with difficult circumstances. His mother Lynn (Josie Bissett) left his abusive and alcoholic father days ago, taking Thomas and his younger sister with her, in secret. Now, they live in a dumpy apartment and are among the poorest kids at school. Yet, Thomas understands and wants to be part of forging a new life for his family. Meanwhile, a local businessman, Kevin (Matthew Settle), a devout Christian whose wife is expecting twins, has had some setbacks in his company. Clients have withdrawn in bad economic times and he's uncertain if he can gain new ones. Not only this, but one of the twins is having some difficulties, according to the doctor. Its no surprise when Matt's wife is put on bed rest. Sensing his increased stress level, the wife encourages Kevin to go back to coaching high school level basketball at the local teen charity organization. He does and he runs into Thomas, where they become friends. But, more heartache awaits Thomas. He is being bullied at school, even to crossing heads with another talented roundball player. Then, his hard working mother announces that her kids must make a Christmas list, as the only gifts they will receive are from a "paper Angel" tree, where those with the means help those more unfortunate. How humiliating for Thomas! This nice Christmas film looks like a romance on the cover but its not. The main star is Gresiuk, who shines as the truly "good kid" Thomas. Settle is fine as the stressed impending father while Bissett is good as the woman who struggles to restart her life. All of the rest of the players, sets, costumes, script and direction are above average, too. Best of all, Paper Angels is about bringing Christ-like spirit to Christmas and everyday living, too. We can all use an inspirational film like that!

Lynn Brandt (Josie Bissett) escapes an abusive relationship taking her son Thomas Brandt and daughter. She applies for the Paper Angels Program with The Salvation Army. Thomas gets bullied at school when he tries out for the basketball team. Kevin Morrell (Matthew Settle) loses his biggest client and his wife is pregnant with twins. He become Thomas' basketball mentor. With pregnancy and money troubles hanging over them, his wife Jenny nevertheless convinces Kevin to pick two names from the Paper Angels.

I like this. It's a sincere Christian film with good messages. The bullying is a bit over the top but I do like Kevin's solution. I would have played into the premise and put out a tip jar. It would be a sarcastic middle finger to everyone. Thomas decides on something more Christian and more giving. I like it. It's 1000x better than my idea. It's very Christian but it doesn't hit the audience over the head with it. For the non-religious, I do have to warn you that they go to church. I don't think most people care. I do want better music. That matters a lot. All in all, these are good messages no matter your personal belief.

Paper Angels – Two unlikely friends have a big impact on their families for Christmas through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. Stars Matthew Settle and Josie Bissett.

The "Christmas Theme" film is different in many wonderful ways. You think you know where the story is heading but it does something different "WHICH IS GREAT".

Now this film at times might make you frustrated but the film takes you on a "Christmas Movie Journey that you will find unforgettable. The plot in this film is not predictable as you might think. The film leaves a few things "Open for your own interpretation" which is a "Christmas Miracle".

Now beware of some peoples reviews on Christmas Moves. Many people only review ONE movie and give it a rave because "They have something to do with the film". I have seen this countless times.

I have reviewed over 100. I am honest about them.

Paper Angels follows two families who are both struggling. A family who have fled their home thanks to an alcoholic husband/father and a young couple struggling for money whilst awaiting the birth of their first children.

Whilst there is nothing here that elevates this above the ordinary it is still a heartwarming story. The plot is as predictable as most Christmas movies. There are some decent performances especially from Matthew Settle, Rustin Gresiuk and Josie Bissett.

Yes you can say it's a bit too sickly sweet but it does exactly what its supposed too. Its downfall is that in a crowded marketplace these type of films really need something a bit different to live in the memory for longer than a few minutes. On that count this one maybe falls a bit flat.

This is a decent if undemanding Christmas TV movie that fans of the genre should enjoy.

This is a beautiful Christmas story that also has a wonderful take on cyber-bullying. Of course it is another one of those movies that is way too good to be true and that goes double for Thomas. Oh, and bring Kleenex.

Added after second viewing: The story is a little slow developing which is partly because everything is so negative - the implied abuse, the poverty, and the bullying. It makes up for it with an UPtv ending, which although it is a little over the top, it is also spread out a little at the end.

The acting is mostly a little stiff. It's not terrible. The actors avoid overacting. But it seems to lack a little in passion.

Throughout the movie, there are people giving thanks in prayer. There are many references to the guiding of a higher power. There is even attendance at church services mostly Christmas related. But I don't think God is specifically mentioned, or possibly but not in most of the references.

But Jesus is present without ever mentioning his name, and there is absolutely no preaching about him. Instead, Thomas does exactly What Jesus Would Do, and repeatedly. He doesn't curse his enemies, but he blesses them. And he gives to others unselfishly. I said at the beginning in my original review that the movie is too good to be true. And it is, except that one time in history, there was someone who did what was too good to be true and that is the story of which Christmas is only the beginning. So many movies talk about the "Spirit of Christmas". This movie really is the Spirit of Christmas.

This UP movie was a great surprise. Loved it from beginning to end. This is not the typical Christmas romance movie. A well written story with some thoughtful advice between the lead character and the teenage boy he plays basketball with. Their lives intertwine around a Salvation Army giving tree in which children's names are hung as "Paper Angels".

The lead is played well by Matthew Settle. I recognize his voice from "Band of Brothers" I think. The mom of the teenage boy is played by Josie Bissett who I recognized in being in an Episode of When Calls the Heart as AJ Foster. The teenage boy (Thomas) is the new kid and one of the basketball stars dislikes him and they play this high school drama up very well. Yes there is a teenage girl (Cassie). It is very well done. I notice a familiar face in a minor role. Delores Drake who plays a Salvation army worker.

This was a very inspiring story. I love the way Thomas took a very negative situation & turned it into a positive, helping others in the process.

Also, I'm glad to see The Salvation Army getting some credit for the wonderful work they do.

My husband & I both applauded at the end.

Unfortunately, this movie ignores 95% of the world by focusing on only one religious opinion. That is heavily part of the story.

Could easily have had the overall message while honoring every perspective.

Very disappointing.

It's provocative (make you think) . Wonderful writing acting and directing. 33% on rotten tomatoes is pathetic. Shame on you Rotten Tomatoes. This is a good movie to watch any time of year.

Second time i see this movie at Christmas period , second time i loved it...a must see at Christmas vacations

Trite. Reeeeally corny. Cannot emphasize the chesseball factor enough. Every overdone theme ever rolled into one, plus stuff to make you feel warm and fuzzy about people in poverty and being abused, wheee! Ugh. Swing a little lower.. Take a hard pass on this one if you value your time (or your brain).

Trite. Reeeeally corny. Cannot emphasize the chesseball factor enough. Every overdone theme ever rolled into one, plus stuff to make you feel warm and fuzzy about people in poverty and being abused, wheee! Ugh. Swing a little lower.. Take a hard pass on this one if you value your time (or your brain).

Heart warming movie. It is great to see good people doing well after suffering trying times.

What a wonderful positive movie thank you .I got a firestick for Christmas so amazing do much more to watch than Hallmark . This movie was amazing also A Christmas Child,Ultimate Gift,Perfect Gift so many more Thank you