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Finding John Christmas

  • TV Movie
  • 2003
  • PG
  • 1h 30m
IMDb RATING
6.3/10
904
YOUR RATING
Peter Falk, Valerie Bertinelli, David Cubitt, Jennifer Pisana, and William Russ in Finding John Christmas (2003)
DramaFamilyFantasy

Max, the Christmas angel, returns in a new story as he attempts to reunite a fallen hero with his family and bring dreams back into the life of a nurse struggling to save her E.R. from being... Read allMax, the Christmas angel, returns in a new story as he attempts to reunite a fallen hero with his family and bring dreams back into the life of a nurse struggling to save her E.R. from being closed.Max, the Christmas angel, returns in a new story as he attempts to reunite a fallen hero with his family and bring dreams back into the life of a nurse struggling to save her E.R. from being closed.

  • Director
    • Andy Wolk
  • Writer
    • Michael J. Murray
  • Stars
    • Valerie Bertinelli
    • William Russ
    • David Cubitt
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    6.3/10
    904
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • Andy Wolk
    • Writer
      • Michael J. Murray
    • Stars
      • Valerie Bertinelli
      • William Russ
      • David Cubitt
    • 13User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • Photos7

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    Top cast32

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    Valerie Bertinelli
    Valerie Bertinelli
    • Kathleen McAllister
    William Russ
    William Russ
    • Hank McAllister
    David Cubitt
    David Cubitt
    • Noah Greeley
    Jennifer Pisana
    • Soccoro Greeley
    Maria Ricossa
    Maria Ricossa
    • Marcy Bernard
    Patricia Gage
    Patricia Gage
    • Eleanor McAllister
    Peter Falk
    Peter Falk
    • Max
    David Calderisi
    David Calderisi
    • Dr. Merkatz
    Jeremy Akerman
    • Antonovitch
    Michael Hirschbach
    • Dr. Flynn
    Kenny Robinson
    • Pawn Broker
    Cassie MacDonald
    Cassie MacDonald
    • Tribune Assistant
    Justin Blackburn
    • Young Noah
    Brian Heighton
    • Police Officer
    Craig Wood
    • Fire Chief Vasquez
    Juanita Peters
    • Customer
    Bill Carr
    Bill Carr
    • Father
    Stacy Smith
    • Mother
    • (as Stacey Smith)
    • Director
      • Andy Wolk
    • Writer
      • Michael J. Murray
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews13

    6.3904
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    Featured reviews

    8kennethdcollins

    Heartwarming holiday story and delightful return for Peter Falk as "Max"

    Having been a fan of 'Columbo', I was sorely disappointed in 'Corky Romano'. While certainly a funny movie, Falk's mob boss character was a far cry from the lovable lieutenant he's played for so many years, especially with the offensive language he used. After 'Corky Romano', I was honestly both surprised by and soured on Mr. Peter Falk. HOWEVER, having just seen 'Finding John Christmas' and its predecessor, 'A Town Without Christmas', for the first time within a week of each other, I have to say that 'Max', Peter's Falk's delightful character in both movies, is surely as memorable and lovable as 'Columbo'. While parts of the movie are quite predictable, such scenes in no way take away from the enjoyment of seeing the story played out. I too wish I had recorded both of these heartwarming Christmas movies, and I highly recommend them whether you're a Falk fan, a Christmas nut, or simply someone who enjoys the occasional feel-good movie of the week. This movie may end up lost among the throngs of made-for-TV holiday flicks, so be sure to find 'Finding John Christmas' before it's too late.
    7OllieSuave-007

    Columbo finds Christmas.

    Columbo star Peter Falk stars as Max the Christmas angel, who attempts to reunite a fallen hero with his family and help a nurse to save her E.R. from being closed.

    I've found this Christmas movie to be dramatic and a little touchy, with a dose of fantasy. It's a nice little drama that takes a while to gain traction in some parts, but Peter Falk does provide much needed entertainment in the film.

    William Russ did a fine job as Hank and Valerie Bertinelli was great as Kathleen McAllister, sensitive and believable in her role.

    There were many special feel-good moments in the film, so, it is really a film for those who really enjoy sappy, carefree family films. I myself thought the movie wasn't bad, but thought the plot could have used a little more suspense.

    Grade B-
    vchimpanzee

    Peter Falk was great; needed more of him

    Kathleen is a divorced nurse who lives with her mother. Her hospital's emergency room may have to close because of a $100,000 deficit. And her brother Hank has been missing for 25 years, but one day she believes she sees his picture on the front page of the Bay City Tribune. Noah, who took the picture, is curious about why the man wearing part of a Santa Claus suit is missing from the picture.

    After the man in the picture saves someone's life, the newspaper makes finding 'John Christmas' a priority, offering a $50,000 reward. Kathleen, who is also organizing a talent show fund-raiser for the hospital, wants to find the man as well. She meets Noah, who has a 12-year-old daughter, Socorro (Jennifer Pisana), who is a good singer and likes Kathleen (and her father is single!).

    And then there is the second mystery man, the one whose image did not appear in the photo. He keeps showing up, playing a different role each time. But no one has ever heard of the security guard at the fire station (he's also a janitor at the hospital, among other things). Eventually, we find out his name is Max.

    Peter Falk was wonderful as Max, though he wasn't on very much. He reminded me a lot of Lt. Columbo in his mannerisms and speaking style. One of the movie's highlights was a duet between Max and Socorro which was not part of the talent show, but should have been. And Jennifer Pisana is quite a singer, and not a bad actor. Of course, Valerie Bertinelli is always good, though not great. I've liked her ever since 'One Day at a Time'. Her character is quite idealistic and believes anything is possible, even if obstacles get in the way.

    The film is occasionally funny. One of the people trying out for the talent show is a surgeon who juggles the tools of his trade. Overall, though, this is a feel-good movie despite some depressing moments, and some situations that are just plain upsetting. The end result is a good movie about the holiday season.
    3freakfire-1

    Peter Falk found in hiding William Russ

    William Russ is the main character throughout this made for TV movie. He left his family behind to only reappear and begin paying off his debts. But he tries to keep away from his family. Thats where Peter Falk (Colombo) comes in, playing several different roles, to convince him to come home.

    The story is average and they actually managed to get a former star (Peter Falk) and use him to a fairly nice degree. But William Russ wasn't truly a star. However, it appears his acting is still OK.

    I found the delivery and story very cheesy in how everything was predictable. In fact, the last 20 minutes I could almost dictate word for word before it happened. A good movie should never be like that.

    Overall, it was a sub-par movie. In a letter grading system, it would receive a "D".
    8skirmooch

    Nice story about forgiveness

    The backstory is heartwarming but the upfront story with the reward, the ER closing (100k wouldn't save an ER) and the storyline with the daughter singing and the firehouse is very clumsy. Still, unlike the critics opinion, it wasn't a waste and I did buy the DVD. I can imagine a fireman falling apart after people died cuz it happens today.

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    Related interests

    Mahershala Ali and Alex R. Hibbert in Moonlight (2016)
    Drama
    Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)
    Family
    Elijah Wood in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)
    Fantasy

    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      On December 1, 1958, the Lady of the Angels Fire in Chicago killed children and teachers alike. That fire is extremely similar to the fire that affects several main characters in this movie.
    • Goofs
      Hank's position relative to the check changes when the ER donation is announced at the end.
    • Connections
      Followed by When Angels Come to Town (2004)

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    FAQ1

    • Will this TV movie ever come out on DVD along with A Town Without Christmas & When Angels Come To Town?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • November 30, 2003 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • CBS
      • Hallmark Drama (United States)
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • John Christmas
    • Filming locations
      • Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
    • Production companies
      • Daniel H. Blatt Productions
      • Magic Rock Productions
      • Viacom Productions
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      • 1h 30m(90 min)
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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