A Christmas Visitor

A tremendous movie, extremely well-written, directed, and acted. The writing keeps the viewer in suspense as the story slowly blooms to an ending which settles viewers' guesses and curiosity about the characters and how they inter-relate. The director creates a genuine 50's/60's old-time (though the story takes place in the new century), big-on-emotional-connection small town setting that quietly makes evident the family's suffering without branding it on the audience, a family and their pain that is entirely believable and endearing. The actors are tremendous and use the smallest hesitation, the slightest glance at the ground or regretful, nuanced grimace, the most natural mumbling through a line of Christmas lyrics to make themselves genuine on every level.

And it is so much more touching the second, third and fourth time through...do not miss it. Especially if you are a parent.

This is a story about healing from loss. It is a little slow paced but full of feelings. Likewise there isn't a lot of depth to the plot, but again it is about feelings and family.

Part of the healing comes from a visitor to town and to the family who appears to be a complete stranger. There is a hint that this visitor is more than he seems.

The acting is good and the characters are appealing and sympathetic.

It is a good story for the Christmas season.

I'd like first to address a few negative comments I read here. #1 this movie is anything but boring. It doesn't have car chases, nudity or foul language, nor is it suspenseful or tense. It is low key, and rightfully so, and has an inspiring, positive message. #2 Maybe the medals and other props aren't authentic, and the snow, always a problem for me in Hollywood movies, is obviously fake (real snow melts almost immediately when it lands on your hair, face or clothes). But the message is what's important here, not who sends it, or how it was sent! And finally #3 The acting is topnotch! Everyone was completely believable and this may be one of the best performances of Devane's career. Everything was very subtle in this film; nothing over the top as in some heartwarming films. I found the story very involving and engrossing. One small insignificant complaint of mine would be that a better method of phasing in and out of flashbacks would make it less confusing. But maybe that's my problem with attention spans. As for the ending, it is left for the viewer to determine its meaning. I agree it's not the greatest Christmas movie, but it's up there with the better ones.

I have just viewed this wonderful heartwarming movie on the Hallmark Channel. William Devane was so terrific as the dad and Meredith Baxter Birney was also wonderful as the mom. The younger supporting players were so moving and wonderfully portrayed their characters. I knew the ending and won't give it away here but my heart broke because my son is gone from me and I cried the whole time during this movie. God Bless all our children out there.

This movie is not about action or thrills. Those seeking those kinds of thrills will not find this movie entertaining. It is a movie about life and the spirit of family, and it is a wonderful story. Every year I watch it with my family, and I always cry at the end, and I am a man of 40! I think the story is great, and I can actually relate with William Devane's character. I think he plays it perfectly. The mom is good, and the daughter plays a great part as well. You actually FEEL for these people, like, you know what they are going through. If you love a warm, good, story, about family, life, overcoming adversity, and just to Believe....then this is a must-see movie. The end alone is worth it.