November Christmas (2011)

Sick Product of a Sick System

Awesome Movie

A film with more than the usual spoiler issues. Talking about it in any detail feels akin to handing you a gift-wrapped present and saying, "I hope you like it -- It's a thriller about a diabolical secret experiment."

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

We all know Christmas movies can get bad. I am sure there is plenty examples of bad Christmas movies. Now if I asked 10 people "What is One of the worse Christmas movie you have ever seen" I will get 10 different examples. Now if I asked the same 10 people what is the best Christmas movie you ever seen chances are they will say "November Christmas" that is if they have seen it! A father of a "Cancer stricken child" bumps up the holidays just to cheer up her child. By doing these the father inspires his town to mend fences and that "The Christmas Spirit" does not exclusive to December. Not to be missed!

I did miss the beginning of this movie but quickly found myself involved in it fully. This movie made me long for a time when you knew your neighbours and could count on them when you needed them. The neighbours in this movie go above and beyond with their wonderful surprises to make a little girl happy. I say get yourself a hot chocolate, a nice warm fuzzy blanket and a box of tissues for all those tender moments! This movie was well directed and the actors truly brought the characters to life. The scenery was also quite beautiful, I believe it was filmed in Nova Scotia. The Christmas Tree farm is especially beautiful! Just when I finished having a tearful moment over an act of kindness, they would come up with another one. If more movies were made like this I would honestly enjoy watching TV more. November Christmas is totally a family movie, no need to worry about foul language, nudity or violence. I would definitely recommend this movie and look forward to seeing it again.

"November Christmas" is the name of a story a pretty blonde girl is reading to children at a library. We find out later it is based on the real (in this movie) life of 8-year-old Vanessa--though some details in the story being read are a little different.15 years earlier, Tom and Beth are new in the small community. We never learn what work Tom does, but he and Beth spend a lot of time with their daughter Vanessa, who has been in the hospital a lot. Vanessa has no hair but a cheerful attitude for the most part. Her 4-year-old brother Gordon seems to accept what is going on better than many his age. Tom visits Jess' farm to buy vegetables, but he later shows up in the middle of summer wanting pumpkins. The reason: Tom is worried Vanessa might not survive to see Halloween.Jess and his friend, who have both suffered losses in their lives, go to a relative of Jess who already has pumpkins, and they come back with a big load, and a possible second wife for Jess' friend.Vanessa has a new friend, a teenage waitress who is a talented artist and aspiring writer, though right now she must work for her demanding uncle at his diner. Meanwhile, Beth is helping out with story time at the library, where Jess' wife Claire used to work and still volunteers some.If Vanessa continues to go downhill, she also won't see Christmas. It just so happens Jess grows Christmas trees, and Tom goes to pick one out.Jess is going through a lot of bitterness, but helping this family helps him a lot, and he becomes a kind and loving grandfather type.Eventually the whole town knows about Vanessa's plight, and what happens next is truly a Christmas miracle.Will Vanessa make it? I will say that the movie has a happy ending.The story is great, and the holidays are celebrated just as one might expect--just at different times.Everyone involved gives a great performance, but I believe Sam Elliott stands out from the group. If anyone gets an Emmy nomination, I believe it will be him.Emily Alyn Lind certainly deserves something, though most likely she would be nominated only in a category that favors kids. Vanessa keeps her attitude positive so much of the time.It was worthy of the name Hallmark Hall of Fame.

Like most Hallmark Hall Of Fame presentations, this one really tugs at the heartstrings. Very moving, and touching. You fall in love with all the chacters.I've been watching Sam Elliott since he did Lifeguard 35 years ago. This just might be his best role yet. Mr. Sanford is a man anyone would want to have as a friend. The little girl who plays the central character is just charming. Sometimes a role like this can be overdone, and not believable, but this is definitely not the case here.I think the best thing about the film, is its theme of redemption. Virtually all the characters are redeemed, and restored. It sets out to show the good in people and how life triumphs. It succeeds wonderfully.The only minor negative is that by knowing the ultimate outcome in advance (which the film shows) it might lessen the emotional impact for some people. Than again, I can't think of anyone who would really want to see the outcome that you'd think would happen.I hope they show this film again. It would make a perfect DVD for a family to rent, and not just at Christmastime, but any time of year.