Small Town Santa

This movie is obviously not a mega budget movie, and it shows on screen not on the acting or the production but in the dialogues, the movie is well done, nice shots, almost flawless editing and overall is OK, but in Christmas movies is not about how big the production is or how famous the actors or even how much money it made, it is all about the message that tries to get across to our kids and families of the world, and this movie does just that. There are flaws in it it is true, but that is what makes it better because unintentionally or not it makes it more real. It touches the deep roots of our childhood those roots that still make us believe he will bring us presents, those roots that still make us share the story with our kids. So don't watch the movie to criticize it because it is not a competition but watch it to enjoy and meditate out its meaning. Watch it with your family simply to enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

This is a charming TV movie. First off, Paul Hopper (Santa) is perfect in the role. I don't know why we haven't seen more of him. Mark Boyd superbly plays a down and out former real estate agent Raynor who makes of with the Baby Jesus from the church so he can spend Christmas in a warm cell instead of out in the cold. Sheriff Rick Langston is the Grinch of the story as his ex-wife is not letting him come over for Christmas to see his daughter. The Sheriff goes home to find a man claiming to be Santa making a sandwich in his house and arrests him. The story that unfolds is more about the belief in goodness and love and not shutting yourself off from the magic in life. There is, of course, a budding romance and everyone in the end get what they really want (and need).

Honestly, I don't know why this film has such a low rating (just 3.9 as I'm writing this). I mean, sure, it's obviously an ultra-low budget film, but it's adorable! A very sweet film. Dean Cain is, of course, fantastic as the lead character. I assume he did this on a volunteer basis (maybe as a favor to a friend?), because I'm pretty sure his salary alone would've been more than this film's entire budget. Santa and the town drunk are also wonderful. The only 2 REAL faults I can find are some overacting on the part of some of the female roles, and I'm not quite sure what the point of Tom's drunk mother-in-law was. She's just generally very bratty, not adding comedic value, and doesn't really seem to have a purpose in the plot, either.

The movie sure deserves a better rating! It is a low budget production but it captures the mood of Christmas so well and keeps one entertained for the 1.5 hours.

It has this typical Christmas spirit. There is romance in it as well but it isn't just some Hallmark romantic comedy. Romance is just part of it, part of showing how human relationships matter on Christmas, and one doesn't dwell too much on it. Besides that we also get to see friendships, child and parent relationship and just small townees being there for each other.

The movie doesn't have a very complex plot, but it is a joy to watch. And there were so many times when I literally laughed out loud from some pretty innocent joke.

The only actor I knew in it was Dean Cain. He is great as a main character who is dealing with being sad in life without seeing happiness right near him. The rest of the actors for the most part don't have much experience judging by their imdb lists but they do a good job. The kids seem to act too amateurish but somehow this adds to the charm of the movie so maybe it is also done on purpose.

I recommend to watch this movie for people who love Christmas in the next Christmas season and enjoy the charm, sweetness and magic of the time we loved as kids and that such movies can make us feel again.

The first time I saw this film i thought it rather dry and lame. But I've watched it for a few more years and have developed a respect for its silliness, charm and the love that is communicated by Santa. I really enjoy it.