JDooley

Absolutely terrific storytelling. No character hits a false note. The "Lamanite" police detective, especially, gives a standout performance. Daisy Edgar-Jones is extraordinary in her role; this is the first production of hers that I've seen. Both she and the other detective (our star, Andrew Garfield) are British actors, but their American accents are spot-on.

I had not read the book, so I didn't know exactly what was going to happen. So, wow.

I am very familiar with current LDS teaching and practices, and also with the Church history, and all of it is depicted with extreme authenticity.

The story, production, acting and everything else are simply sensational.

Brenda's father shows himself as a caring father, a caring father-in-law, and someone who must have been a terrific Bishop in the Church. Compare his attitude and approach with any of the other Bishops we meet; he's the tops.

Cassandra Claus, Santa's daughter and our main character, has a slow start but really blossoms as a kind of Kimmy Schmidt in the real world. We like all of the right people. Cassie's elf, Pep, more than lives up to her name and truly brings a lot of nuance to the role; she is a delight! All of the characters, especially Santa, the campus barista, and one college student who keeps being startled by Cassie's appearances, are carefully crafted and totally believable. Everyone adds value to the production. Yes, some of the plot movements are predictable, but one thing that might surprise the viewer is just how enjoyable this movie actually is. Filmed on a real college campus in northwestern Virginia, the settings are totally authentic.