Dear Santa (2011)

Simply A Masterpiece

Good concept, poorly executed.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

I was not expecting it to be this good. It reminded me of Frank Capra and John Hughes for the feel-good story. I don't want to give away the plot nor any spoilers. However, the story is that there is always hope, especially if we work for them. An excellent movie for the whole family, a couple, or even a single person. Filled with romance, cuteness, and life lessons.

Love this movie. Plot is totally predictable like 90% of every other movie in the IMDb. Widower dad adorable daughter wants Santa bring daddy new mommy spoiled rich girl finds letter to Santa yadda yadda ...But who cares? Great execution by everyone involved. Amy Acker lights up every scene. Jason Priestly smartly keeps the camera on her most of the time. The father/daughter pair are cast perfectly and play off of each other well. The antagonist girlfriend hits just the right note. The LGBTQ character plays beyond stereotype effectively. Production values are passable. Hard to imagine a better Hallmark/Lifetime-like movie.

My husband and I watched this movie this morning and really loved it. I strongly recommend this movie for all age groups, great movie to enjoy with the family or all by yourself. Love the storyline and just another way of showing what's meant to be will always find a way. The actors do a wonderful job of making you believe in this story. I love the way the story is written and I firmly believe in destiny and fate. The storyline of this movie starts with the lead female character played by Amy Amacker, Crystal Carruthers, who can't seem to figure out anything that she wants to do with her life but shop and take things for granted but when she meets the lead character played by David Haydn-Jones, Derek Gowen, she gets a whole new outlook on life and what she wants. Crystal is shopping one day and finds a letter that has been blown into her path by the wind. The letter is addressed to Santa and is written by Derek's daughter Olivia played by Emma Duke. After reading the letter Crystal decides to find out more about the little girl that wrote the letter and her father because she believes in fate and destiny. This movie is written by Barbara Kymlicka and directed by Jason Priestly, awesome movie, it's definitely a must see.

Somehow, despite the formulaic plot (rich, but nice, girl about to be cut off from family money unless she becomes more responsible (i.e. married and productive), finds widower whose child is seeking a new wife for him, while using knowledge of high fashion and society's upper echelon to overcome obstacle of snobbish former girlfriend attempting to work back into widower's life), this is a delightful story that actually works well. The characters interact in a relatively believable manner, so even though we can pretty much guess at how it will end within the first five minutes, it's fun to watch it play out. I wouldn't mind seeing it again!