The Christmas Candle

Christmas movies are a cottage industry. I don't mind watching them because I know the ending will always be happy. Now "The Christmas Candle" is not a great film. The film fails on at almost every level. The film is almost " A Touched By Angel" episode! It never rises above that level. It could of been better What it does well is that it sends the message about hope faith and miracles. The film however redeems itself in the final act and that was a miracle.

The film looks beautiful. The sets make you think you are back in the late 19th century. The films screenplay however is borderline terrible but it does have a great final act.

In this film Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candle maker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end.

Now despite the flaws it is still worth seeing. Family Safe. Most kids will be bored and so will most adults. I did however love the final 10 minutes

One of the best Christmas movies! Has romance without being a "rom-com". Sentimental without being cheesy. Faith filled without being preachy. Some predictability but some sweet surprises too.

Cute old time Christmas movie with the possibility of miracles. Many reviews complain about the religious aspect of this film. There's definitely a message in the movie it's too bad those who couldn't see past the Christian theme didn't understand it.

Plot In A Paragraph: In the heart of the English countryside lies the village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. When David Richmond (Hans Matheson), a young minister, arrives in Gladbury, the villagers discover a new formula for miracles: good deeds and acts of kindness. While David's quest to modernize Gladbury sets him at odds with the old world candlemaker (Sylvester McCoy) he finds an unlikely ally in the lovely skeptic, Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks). Now, the fiery candlemaker must fight to preserve the legacy of the Christmas Candle.

Not sure why I've read so much hate about this movie, it has some good performances especially Barks, McCoy and John Hannah. Susan Boyle is here too, and she performs admirably. It's far from perfect but it was a pleasant way to spend a cold winters afternoon.

I have loved Samantha Barks since I first seen her in "Les Miserables" I think she is both gorgeous and talented, and will continue to look out for her work.

This morning I went to see the movie "The Christmas Candle". It was an absolutely wonderful lovely movie! I am adding this movie to my must see list of movies for Christmas. This movie is about HOPE.....I was anxious to go see it after seeing the trailer, I love Susan Boyle, and I love Samantha Barks. I wasn't sure just what to expect. I was hoping to hear both of these lovely women singing, since that is what they are best known for. I won't tell you whether they do or not, but go see this movie. It was full of REAL, real heartaches, real emotions, real longings, real love and hope! No it is not a flashy high budget movie, but it is also not fake. It gives the message of love and hope that this world so needs and does not do it in a preachy way! Sometimes the messenger of hope is the one who needs it the most. Grab your family, bring a friend, and if you know someone who might just need a little hope, take them too! KUDOS to Max Lucado for writing the story and to the film makers for bringing it to the screen.....In my book....you get 5 stars!

Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.