Perry Kate Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!

WillSushyMedia This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

Tayloriona Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.

Edwin The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.

mraymond-91023 This is a heart-warming Christmas story. It tells about the lives of people, who are either hurt by losing loves ones to disease, or to a war. The main characters include Mr. Toomey, a depressed, reclusive woodcarver, who lost his wife and baby boy to a plague, and a mother and son, Thomas, who lost the father in the Civil war.The boy and his mom have a double whammy, after the death of the soldier. Besides missing him a lot, they must leave their large beautiful estate in the city, and move in with a poor aunt, who struggles to survive on a little farm. There is humor in the story, as the mom has to learn how to cook and the boy must rise with the chickens and feed them! When they first meet Mr.Toomey, he is grumpy, rude and he does not want to help them. However, the boy's mom convinces the woodcarver to make wooden animals for a toy Christmas manger. Then, she boldly asks if her Thomas can watch him, so that her son can learn wood carving.He hesitates, but then gives into this plan. There are a lot of funny, sweet moments during their visits with the woodcarver! In the end, they melt his heart and Mr. Toomey becomes Thomas's role model and friend. The friendship with Mr. Toomey and the mom sweetly develops, too! The movie ends with a happy Christmas gathering with city and country relatives and friends. It's an uplifting movie and it tells the real meaning of Christmas! This is a Christmas movie, that is very special!

Amy Adler Susan (Joely Richardson) and her young son, Thomas (Luke Ward-Wilkinson) have just moved to a country town in post World War I England. Sadly, the lady's husband has died in the war and his business went under, too. So, its a change of fortune and Thomas is bitterly disappointed with his new abode in an aunt's home. His biggest difficulty is that he had to leave his treasured nativity set behind, the one that he and his papa put out every Christmas, just the two of them. However, time can heal hearts and the young lad finds some new, caring friends. Also, Susan learns to cook better and adapt to her present life as well. One day, on a dare, Thomas bangs on the door of a reclusive woodcarver, Toomey (Tom Berenger), and disturbs him. When his mother finds out, she hurries the lad over to apologize. Once there, she is curiously interested in the gruff man and it is the same for him, eyeing her. So, Susan arranges for Mr. Toomey to carve a new nativity for Thomas and to let Thomas learn and watch the art of woodcarving. Can something magical happen in the lives of three little people? This is quite a beautiful film, in story, in acting, and in character. The old-fashioned virtues that we all aspire to, patience and hard work, are front and center in this wonderful film. But, there is still room for laughs and love in the tale, too. Richardson and Berenger make a very unusually nice couple and all of the other actors do fine work. Also, the glimpse into a forgotten world is extremely nice, too, for its great fun to see the old costumes and customs. If you are looking for an exceptional Christmas film to show to everyone on the block and inside the house, there are few better than this one. But, why wait until December? This makes for good viewing, no matter if its spring, summer vacation, or apple picking time.

Jon This story of the meeting of lonely and sad people is a gentle, moving and warming tale that I think both older (8+ ?) children and adults will appreciate. The cast generally give a good performance and gel well - you can really feel the changing relationships as the story plays out. Luke Ward-Wilkinson does rather well and is very likable - he does not annoy like many child actors. Berenger also portrays Mr Toomey in a very believable way.The cinematography is nice in many places, especially the idealistic scenes of the country village. The outside of the Toomey house looks very much like a studio set, shot from the immediate front, but this somehow adds to the overall feeling of separation and is in no way a problem. Aside from the issue of death, there are no disturbing scenes, "colourful" language, or issues not suitable for youngsters and this makes for a very enjoyable, slow paced, experience.The film starts and ends in a Christmas setting, the remainder being time between, and so would suit a festive, wintery viewing with the whole family. The film does make you appreciate the ones you love and want to give them a hug.It would be nice to know "what happens next" but maybe that is part of the appeal of the story - following the journey up to a point, then leaving the characters with their new start.

qwer80-1 This under-advertised DVD movie is a gem. It is suitable for all ages, and will be most appreciated by children and mature watchers. The players are all just excellent and I especially liked the work of the director. This is a heartwarming and uplifting tale, something we all need these days! Set at Christmas-time, the story shows how kindness and a strong,loving spirit can break barriers of loss and loneliness. The young actor playing the role of the son is outstanding and Mr. Berenger's genuine portrayal of the lonely recluse is moving and heart-felt. I believe this rather short film could become a Christmas staple and hope others who watch it will agree.