A Dog Named Christmas (2009)

You won't be disappointed!

Don't listen to the negative reviews

Did you people see the same film I saw?

It’s an especially fun movie from a director and cast who are clearly having a good time allowing themselves to let loose.

I thoroughly, enjoyed this movie. The actors/actresses did a wonderful job, in their characterization. It is just so nice, that Hallmark makes and shows family orientated movies, so that, any age group can watch.I was especially, impressed with Todd the son, the father and mother. Neil Foster did an awesome acting job, as Todd, who is mentally challenged and his acting was totally believable. Bruce Greenwood was superb as the father. However, I must admit, I seem to always like Greenwood's films. Linda Emond was wonderful as the mother. She captured the right essence of motherhood, who has a child that is mentally challenged, protective, yet, does not coddle.I could go on and on, about this wonderful, feel good movie ... However, I can only hope that, those who haven't seen it yet, give this movie a chance, by watching it. For those, who have seen it, I bet you watch it, almost every time it comes on. I know that, I do.

One of the most heartwarming beautiful movies I've ever watched. It is on my watch list every year for Christmas. Finally I managed to record it so I can watch it any time I want. I love animals and I love the way that boy never gave up on the idea to not only save and have one but help more dogs find a home during the most beautiful time of the year.And the boy who played the mentally challenged kid did a wonderful job. Watch it during the holidays and you will feel the same way. Of course I am a sucker for Hallmark and Lifetime movies, but really, you gotta watch this one :-) I don't own a dog, just a cat, but if anything ever happens to me, I hope someone takes my sweetheart in like this boy did with Christmas

Great story that will engage the interest of all who love animals and hopefully change the views of those who are not animal lovers. As Anatole France said, "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened." This movie demonstrates love for animals, family and is a great advocate for the learning disabled. This movie will help us all understand this quote from Mahatma Gandhi,"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Hopefully it will encourage people to adopt from our overcrowded animal shelters and to participate in spay/neuter programs also. This movie will be added to the classic Christmas movies our family watches every Christmas.

Okay, here's my critique of A Dog Named Christmas. Two years ago, there was another Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that came out at this time of year and that was Pictures of Hollis Woods and I have to say that this movie falls incredibly short. Now, I don't mean to get off on a rant here, but while A Dog Named Christmas is a sweet movie about a stubborn man who doesn't want to get close to another dog, the problem is, I am left wondering why I should even care. I mean to really like this move you have to be a dog lover and get over the fact that there's nothing new or original, nothing that pops out at you and tugs at your heart strings. There are no special moments that almost if not actually bring tears to your eyes, such as in Pictures of Hollis Woods. To like Hollis Woods all one has to do is love people, love children, love humanity in general. This is one reviewer who has a soft spot in his heart for orphans. Kids who don't know, have never known, or have lost that all too important connection that a family brings into their lives. From Punky Brewster to Annie and now to Hollis Woods. There's something beautiful about that moment in those programs when that child finds a home, and a family to love them. Hollis Woods subject matter is more important and hard hitting than that of A Dog Named Christmas, including the subplot of a woman's plight with the onset of Alzheimer's. Still, don't get me wrong, A Dog Named Christmas is good for what it is, a movie about a dog, but unfortunately it falls dramatically short of the emotional, heartfelt beauty that is Hollis Woods or many other Hallmark Hall of Fame movies. The acting in A Dog Named Christmas is fair but not spectacular. The only good actor whose character we really get to know is the father played by Bruce Greenwood. The only problem is this viewer had a rather difficult time liking him on account of his stubborn and contrite attitude. The rest of the cast of characters gets left out in the cold or at the very least become stagnant and unimpressive. While in Hollis Woods, every single character including Beatrice, Josie's friend, is important and seems to come alive on the screen. The most impressive being that of the title character, Hollis Woods. Jodellle Ferland is an extremely talented young actress that takes what she is given and goes all the way with it. While most of the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie are marvelous in presentation, the only other of these movies that this reviewer has seen that comes close to being as emotional and heartfelt is Follow the Stars Home starring Kimberly Williams. Another beautiful movie. So all in all A Dog Named Christmas is a sweet but unimpressive film that will be easily forgotten. Furthermore, it falls short of the usual splendor that is A Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. At least that's my opinion, I could be wrong.