The Christmas Bunny (2010)

Fantastic!

Absolutely Fantastic

It is neither dumb nor smart enough to be fun, and spends way too much time with its boring human characters.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

The only thing I didn't like about this movie was toward the end when she ran off through the woods with the bunny and left clear tracks in the snow and no one thought to follow them to find her. Even cops know to follow tracks in the snow.

I just love rabbits and bunnies. I have had my share of pet rabbits over the years. This film has Florence Henderson as Betsy Ross aka the Bunny Lady in Michigan. The film unfolds as a young foster girl named Julia is sent to a rural town to live with a struggling family, the Coopers. They have a son, Billy. The film was shot entirely on location in Michigan so there is lots of snow everywhere. The film takes place around Christmastime. On Christmas Eve when the boys shoot a b.b. gun at the rabbit, the family seeks to rescue and heal it. The veterinarian recommends the bunny lady aka Betsy Ross who helps him heal at her place. Henderson is completely unrecognizable as Betsy Ross. She played her perfectly in this film. The entire cast does a remarkable job in their roles. The film doesn't try to be overly preachy, corny, or sentimental at times.

In Ottawa County in western Michigan, the Cooper family is in financial trouble because Scott has lost his engineering job and his wife Patti's job painting furniture doesn't pay enough. They have a son Billy. One way to help the family make money is to take in a foster child.Julia is on her fifth foster home. Her mother keeps getting in trouble, and has given Julia up only to ask for her back and get in trouble again. Julia arrives but won't talk. She has a video of "The Velveteen Rabbit" which she immediately starts watching, and she won't stop.The family goes to Uncle Chip's house, which is really nice. Chip has money and can offer Scott a job but Scott won't take it. The family opens presents on Christmas Eve because Chip, his wife and his son and daughter are going to Mexico on the big day.One of the presents results in a serious injury to a rabbit in the woods; the bunny appears to be a pet. Julia picks it up and holds it, and Scott and Patti go to the vet. The vet wants a lot more money than the family can afford, but it is possible for the rabbit to recover without him doing anything. This will require help from someone who knows rabbits, and there is a place.The family has seen the old house where Betsy Ross lives, with a sign saying "Rabbits" out front. Betsy takes the rabbit, saying she knows exactly what to do, and the family should come back next Tuesday. This is after Julia starts school.So will the rabbit get well? Will Julia adapt to her new situation? Will Scott get a job? Will Julia's mom show up for Christmas?Sophia Bolen does a great job. She doesn't have to say much, and when she does talk, she shows a wide range.If you're looking for Carol Brady, look somewhere else. Florence Henderson does an outstanding job but looks her age at long last; Betsy has made no effort to look good. Her personality is more Martha Raye or Sophia Petrillo than what Henderson has given us over the years. And that's fine. She is kind and loving in her way. This is not a sweet movie, but it is touching, and Betsy has a lot to teach about responsibility.Faith is included in this movie as well. Patti has it but Scott is about to lose his. While the movie had a TV-G rating, that doesn't mean it is without concerns. Julia's mother did abuse her, though she hits a camera showing Julia's point of view, not the girl. She is dressed for a hot date, but some of what is said about her suggests she was a prostitute. Plus she sold drugs. In addition, Julia, having been abused, also abuses.Overall, this is a fine family film.

This is a charming family film about a recently fostered young girl who has trouble communicating until she finds an injured rabbit.The film explores the problem of loneliness through the eyes of both the young girl and an old lady who cares for injured animals. The film steers clear of the usual schmaltz served up in most Christmas movies and is realistic in it's portrayal of how children actually behave.The script and performances of the cast are far above most made for TV movies. What struck me most was the cinematography which was superb. It seemed like a much higher budget film.It's not a film that will change your life but it is more than worth a watch with the family in the run up to Christmas.