Christmas Lodge (2011)

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

This is one of the few movies I've ever seen where the whole audience broke into spontaneous, loud applause a third of the way in.

Actress is magnificent and exudes a hypnotic screen presence in this affecting drama.

An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

With all the sweetness and light in Christmas Lodge, just viewing it will get your teeth a rotting. The people depicted here are just too good to be true. Even the guy who dumps Erin Karplunk does it in a nice way.I will say that the film boasts some lovely scenic photography of British Columbia in this Canadian production. Right in the middle of the forest primeval is a now rundown resort that Erin Karplunk and her family used to go to. The great grandson of the builder of Christmas Lodge is Michael Shanks and he's trying to restore the place, but it's an uphill battle for he and his little daughter.Then in the God moves in mysterious ways category Karplunk shows up with the soon to be dumper boyfriend and she works in a foundation that gives grant money for restoration of old buildings. In this film you KNOW she's going to get it done by hook or heavenly crook. And fate has decreed that Karplunk and Shanks of course are fated to be mated.Despite my cynicism I did enjoy Christmas Lodge and for those who are into restoration and there are many in my neck of the woods who are. Preservationists, this film is for you.

This is the best movie I have seen in a long time! I love all the actors and I feel they all worked well together! The story is excellent ... the way the families past and present are intertwined in this beautiful setting is what dreams are made of.I love the fact that the actors spoke of Christ and their faith on an every day basis ... they allowed the Lord to guide their footsteps and that is a difficult challenge in today's fast paced world. The genuine depth of devotion to following the Lord and depending on Him to meet one's needs as He sees fit ... well ... it's such a blessing to me and proves that families that are raised up in a Christian environment will keep those values throughout their lives! Thank you for this wonderful story!

This is a great Christmas movie with a theme that echoes the real meaning of the season! Perfect for families - it is absolutely clean and appropriate for all ages. There should be more Christmas movies like this!What a refreshing change from the usual Hollywood trash that includes filth, obscenities and violence. This movie emphasizes Christian love and the spirit of giving and includes some beautiful scenery as well. If you are looking for a wholesome, family-friendly Christmas movie that will leave you with a warm feeling in your heart, be sure to check this one out.

Erin Karpluk's character was brilliantly presented. It is amazing how crisp, clean lines and a quick-witted delivery can move a story along. The director kept his foot on the peddle to prevent a soppy tale, and in return created a stunning and convincing tale of good-minded people willing their way to happiness in our world. There were opportunities for awkwardness in the storyline that simply failed to materialize: I salute the straight forward dialog that dispatched Mary's first beau back to the City and the later change of scenes which plunked the Grandfather down on top of Christmas Lodge. Both these actions came across to me as plausible, reasonable, and adroitly done by the writers and the director.