All I Want for Christmas (2007)

 

cast: Jimmy Pinchak, Robert Mailhouse, Gail O’ Grady, Greg Germann

 

Our rating: 5 out of 5

Rated: PG

 
reviewed by: Rissi C.
  

Not to be confused with the 1990’s film of the same title starring Ethan Embry and Thora Birch, this is a new tale under a title that is always a popular phrase around the holiday season. Convinced his mother isn’t happy as she should be, ten-year-old Jesse (Jimmy Pinchak) is determined she should have a happily ever after and his first choice would be next door neighbor Ben (Robert Mailhouse) who Jesse remembers always being a part of their family with numerous bowling trips, pizza dinners and all the fun times they’ve had, ever since his father died when Jesse was only three.

When that isn’t on track to work, Jesse enters the TOYCO “All I want for Christmas” competition with an entry wishing for a new husband for his mother, Sarah (Gail O’ Grady). When his entrance is chosen as the winner, little does he realize just how much trouble he’ll be in with his mother. Sarah is the director of a shelter created in honor of her husband’s memory and unbeknownst to her, she is shocked when a camera crew shows up and announces she has become the new face of TOYCO and is about to become America’s sweetheart. With a makeover and bachelor candidate films coming in from across the country, Sarah embarks on a media crazy journey. When she and TOYCO heir, Roger Nelson (Greg Germann) start a tentative romance, the press is all over it … but what do Ben and Jesse have to say about this new and unexpected romance?

Over the years Hallmark Channel has produced, aired and released many a worthwhile production and All I want for Christmas is no different. Often times these can be silly or just downright clichéd such as What I did for Love, but there are also many that are worth the time and money and for television films are wonderful in every respect such as The Christmas Card. Where most of the pleasant surprises come is with the sweet and often times profound messages. I must confess after receiving this in the mail, the cover art didn’t help my opinion and I figured it too, would be corny such as What I did for Love, which sadly is an unforgettable 80 some minutes, but once again Larry Levinson Productions surprised me and put out another family friendly Christmas film, which still contains moments of complete passé plots and dialogue, but is so clean and festively appropriate, that one can forget those minor “problems”.

Acting is decent and makes a more enjoyable film; most everyone was new to me, although I have seen Germann is another Hallmark and O’ Grady in minor roles. The young man who played Jesse was excellent; he was great as a lonely, but “normal” kid who only longed for the attention of a father. I hope we’ll see more from him in the not-too-distant future. There is nothing offensive to be concerned with. Jesse does talk to Roger with a lack of respect. Ben’s girlfriend implies that she wants to stay over at his place. All of the characters are easy to like even if some are a bit more spoiled than others. But for once the “rich guy” isn’t a royal jerk who doesn’t seem to care about anything but his new convertible or his father’s inheritance. While Roger isn’t perfect and often makes mistakes (such as not discussing key details about family with Sarah), he does care and only wants what’s best for his new family having been raised much differently. It was a little disappointing that filmmakers made Jesse so belligerent towards Roger since up until that point he had been such a happy, respectful kid and what’s more they never improved his attitude.

For the most part this is a cute, fluffy Christmas tale that will certainly get more than one viewing at my house in the coming Christmas seasons. Not deserving of much thought, and not perfect, I would recommend this new to DVD story that will leave you with a smile on your face long after the closing credits … and pondering the simple things you want for Christmas this season …