It Came Upon the Midnight Clear (1984)

That was an excellent one.

Sorry, this movie sucks

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

There are many, many better Christmas movies out there to watch than this one. Mickey Rooney plays Mike Halligan, a retired New York City detective who dies before Christmas and is sent back to Earth to find an alcoholic angel and sober him up in time for Christmas to spread the Christmas cheer to the citizens of New York. Along the way, the retired detective kidnaps his grandson and is supposed to show him a real New York Christmas. The trouble is, there is nothing very Christmassy about death or New York City with no Christmas lights or decorations. Obviously filmed during the summer, this movie has no feeling for Christmas whatsoever. Scott Grimes, who plays the grandson, is a lousy actor for a kid, he can only portray a chipper, bright-eyed sparrow on the screen even when the scene calls for a deeper, emotional moment. Lots of sub-par acting and virtually no storyline make for a really bland Christmas movie that should be moving at times, but instead comes off as forced and weak. I don't understand all the high ratings for this film, it misses the mark so often and lacks any true depth of feeling in it's characters. Don't waste your time with this one, you will only be bored and disappointed I'm afraid.

Any of you who would like this great movie with Mickey Rooney I have it on DVD. Please write me at [email protected] for more details. The price is very decent compared to what they are saling for.Mickey Rooney is great as always in this film. He is such a great actor! In fact, he's my all time favorite.Visit my web-site at www.mickeyrooneyfanclub.comAlso, I have many other rare films with Mickey Rooney. Just ask me for a title and I probably own it.I hope everyone has a great Holiday Season. We have lots of reason to be thankful! JESSIE

It's unfortunate that this movie is no longer played on TV or available for retail purchase. It can however be purchased (for a substantial wad of cash) from eBay or Half.com. I give it nine stars for being one of the best of its genre (Family Holiday Movie). It's wholesome without being too cloying. There are a few scenes of heaven and angels but it isn't dreadfully religious. The young child star in this movie, Scott Grimes, is a great actor. He is a nice, kind but not disgustingly cutesy kid (how I miss this sort of low-key child acting in movies today). Mickey Rooney and Scott Grimes have a believeable synergy in this movie. I really miss watching this movie on TV. I watched it repeatedly during the couple of years it was playing, which is something I don't usually do. It's as good as Miracle on 34th Street, so why did it disappear from our radar?

If you believe in Christmas and all good things this is a movie for you. Mickey Rooney goes back to New York to bring back the Christmas spirit. If you have any faith and believe this is a great movie for the whole family. Unfortunately people will never know as the networks once again have shelved a good family Christmas movie for the garbage they put on at Christmas or should I say the lack of Christmas movies. Over the years they have been showing fewer and fewer. I would love a chance to own this movie or at least see it on TV again.Thanx Ian