The Christmas Candle (2013)

Touches You

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Fanciful, disturbing, and wildly original, it announces the arrival of a fresh, bold voice in American cinema.

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

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

I saw this film around the holidays with the hope it would help put me in the Christmas spirit. It didn't. Although well intentioned, this film is a huge misfire.Every 25 years, the town candle maker is given (magically?) a candle that grants the wish of the villager who receives it. For the sake of story, why not make it every 5 years because the villagers would likely forget after 25 years....but i digress. The new pastor in town tries to dispute this myth as he has his own reason to not believe in miracles. Sounds good right?Wrong. The story becomes increasingly muddled and boring with side plots of the villagers, each of whom wants the candle for their own reasons. Susan Boyle plays one of the villagers whose husband is ill. If you think Ms. Boyle is awkward in real life, wait till you see her try to act!I hate to be a grinch, but this movie and the sappy conclusion left me cold. On a positive note, nice job with the scenery and capturing the quaintness of a 19th century village.

Great to see a positive movie come out about Christmas before Christmas. I highly recommend this movie. The story line is terrific. Actors are great. Classy, inspirational, a great movie to go out and see with an entire family. As pricey as going out to the movies is nowadays--this movie is worth every penny. Great work producers! I am glad I went out and saw this movie. Everyone I went with thought this movies is great. I took a risk with some many BAD movies being made these days I mean movies that are retarded I took a chance and it paid off. I am glad that I did. This movie has the potential of becoming a Christmas Favorite Classic. Great children and family movie.

This movie is a must-see heart-warming quality movie this holiday. It tells of an old English village's tradition and how vibrant hope becomes contagious, as doubts are addressed and worked out. In effect, the community learns to look outside their problems, embrace community, and renew hope. This movie features Susan Boyle's delicate and angelic voice, and despite her green acting, it was a sweet touch. It's cruel for reviewers to rate this movie so low as this IS a great film. Yes it may be a "cutesie" Christmas movie, but defiantly not cheesy! Perhaps the content is the primary offense for those rating anything below a 5. I imagine the criteria for anything lower than a 5 would be spotty acting, horrible editing, music and a pathetic, non- entertaining plot. Everything from the lighting, screen writing and flow is solid. I suggest seeing this movie for yourself. No doubt placing first time actors on the screen can alter its ratings, but I don't see how some justify their "1/10" or even "4/10" ratings. Although it doesn't have a complete 3-D sensory overload, ground-breaking techniques or Oscar-winning performances by all cast, it is great movie.I appreciate that Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks characters flesh out deep pains, and express their doubts. There are beautiful twists in the movie, and despite the "religious" message, hope itself is a breath of fresh air. So, just for the sheer psychological, emotional and mental benefits this is a great movie to see during this season (studies prove that even the idea of hope itself can promote healing and happiness http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/11/health/hope-healing-enayati/).I've rated this movie at a 10, as despite it being a niche, genre holiday movie, it contains all aspects needed to entertain, encourage and inspire viewers with the "Christmas spirit". This is a kid-friendly movie and good traditional movie, that I hope becomes a classic. It disappoints me that viewers critiques is so low, therefore I rated this the highest possible as there must be a true balance to all those posting "1/10". I encourage you to see the Christmas Candle to judge for yourself.