Paper Angels (2014)

Awesome Movie

When a movie has you begging for it to end not even half way through it's pure crap. We've all seen this movie and this characters millions of times, nothing new in it. Don't waste your time.

A story that's too fascinating to pass by...

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

This UP movie was a great surprise. Loved it from beginning to end. This is not the typical Christmas romance movie. A well written story with some thoughtful advice between the lead character and the teenage boy he plays basketball with. Their lives intertwine around a Salvation Army giving tree in which children's names are hung as "Paper Angels".The lead is played well by Matthew Settle. I recognize his voice from "Band of Brothers" I think. The mom of the teenage boy is played by Josie Bissett who I recognized in being in an Episode of When Calls the Heart as AJ Foster. The teenage boy (Thomas) is the new kid and one of the basketball stars dislikes him and they play this high school drama up very well. Yes there is a teenage girl (Cassie). It is very well done. I notice a familiar face in a minor role. Delores Drake who plays a Salvation army worker.

Thomas (Rustin Gresiuk) is a transplanted high schooler with difficult circumstances. His mother Lynn (Josie Bissett) left his abusive and alcoholic father days ago, taking Thomas and his younger sister with her, in secret. Now, they live in a dumpy apartment and are among the poorest kids at school. Yet, Thomas understands and wants to be part of forging a new life for his family. Meanwhile, a local businessman, Kevin (Matthew Settle), a devout Christian whose wife is expecting twins, has had some setbacks in his company. Clients have withdrawn in bad economic times and he's uncertain if he can gain new ones. Not only this, but one of the twins is having some difficulties, according to the doctor. Its no surprise when Matt's wife is put on bed rest. Sensing his increased stress level, the wife encourages Kevin to go back to coaching high school level basketball at the local teen charity organization. He does and he runs into Thomas, where they become friends. But, more heartache awaits Thomas. He is being bullied at school, even to crossing heads with another talented roundball player. Then, his hard working mother announces that her kids must make a Christmas list, as the only gifts they will receive are from a "paper Angel" tree, where those with the means help those more unfortunate. How humiliating for Thomas! This nice Christmas film looks like a romance on the cover but its not. The main star is Gresiuk, who shines as the truly "good kid" Thomas. Settle is fine as the stressed impending father while Bissett is good as the woman who struggles to restart her life. All of the rest of the players, sets, costumes, script and direction are above average, too. Best of all, Paper Angels is about bringing Christ-like spirit to Christmas and everyday living, too. We can all use an inspirational film like that!

Paper Angels – Two unlikely friends have a big impact on their families for Christmas through The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program. Stars Matthew Settle and Josie Bissett.The "Christmas Theme" film is different in many wonderful ways. You think you know where the story is heading but it does something different "WHICH IS GREAT". Now this film at times might make you frustrated but the film takes you on a "Christmas Movie Journey that you will find unforgettable. The plot in this film is not predictable as you might think. The film leaves a few things "Open for your own interpretation" which is a "Christmas Miracle".Now beware of some peoples reviews on Christmas Moves. Many people only review ONE movie and give it a rave because "They have something to do with the film". I have seen this countless times. I have reviewed over 100. I am honest about them.

Paper Angels follows two families who are both struggling. A family who have fled their home thanks to an alcoholic husband/father and a young couple struggling for money whilst awaiting the birth of their first children. Whilst there is nothing here that elevates this above the ordinary it is still a heartwarming story. The plot is as predictable as most Christmas movies. There are some decent performances especially from Matthew Settle, Rustin Gresiuk and Josie Bissett. Yes you can say it's a bit too sickly sweet but it does exactly what its supposed too. Its downfall is that in a crowded marketplace these type of films really need something a bit different to live in the memory for longer than a few minutes. On that count this one maybe falls a bit flat. This is a decent if undemanding Christmas TV movie that fans of the genre should enjoy.