Platicsco Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Suman Roberson It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.

Josephina Great story, amazing characters, superb action, enthralling cinematography. Yes, this is something I am glad I spent money on.

Janis One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

kz917-1 I love Catherine Bell, but her character in this movie was a wretch!I do however agree that a high school senior beginning a relationship with a soldier shipping out isn't the best of ideas.Love the actors, but they deserve better material.

larrylbryant My wife and I love Hallmark Christmas movies but agreed that this one was one of the worst we've seen.The least of its offenses is that it's not even really a Christmas story at all, but rather just happens to take place during the season without much that actually ties in. Not a very 'Christmasy' feel to it.The mother's poor parenting skills are another frustration. The teen-age daughter keeps lying, disobeying, making immature choices, etc. over and over again, then merely offers an excuse and apology (or not) and the mom never punishes or disciplines her. Perfect way to turn out a spoiled, self-centered, enabled brat.We also really hated seeing Victor Webster, one of Hallmark's strongest male stars, reduced to a cardboard stand-up with very little of his typical charm and humor put to good use. His only purpose seems to be listening to the mom's (numerous) self-indulgent monologues.Another letdown is the laughably contrived and manipulative 'surprise' ending, requiring at least two gaping plot holes (pointed out by another reviewer) to get there. We really wanted it to induce warmth and satisfaction, but alas, prompted eye-rolls instead. The biggest problem, though, is the movie's lack of rhythm, flow and genuine-feeling drama, the blame for which should probably be shared equally between the overly melodramatic script and the sleepy performances. It's just two hours' worth of one drama queen conversation after another, accompanied by a nearly non-stop hypnosis-inducing music track that turns the whole thing into a flat, unsatisfying experience.

Jack Vasen This was a bit different from the Christmas movies of which I have seen so many. It was not all warm and fuzzy hot chocolate and Santa Claus.This is a story about a woman, played by Catherine Bell, who has some deep scars because she lost her soldier husband not long after she was married. Bell does a great job showing an independent woman who is trying to teach her daughter all the good things, but meanwhile is struggling not just with the loss of her husband, but also the impending empty next when her daughter goes to college. My son is 32 and I know that you never stop worrying about them.Jane's life becomes more intense when her daughter meets Tyler, a soldier from the local base. The two young people fall in love and all the emotions step up a notch as Jane struggles not to stifle her daughter, but wanting to protect her from the same kinds of hurt she suffered.This is only the beginning of the emotions the movie takes us through and saying more would be spoilers. The story is excellent.I've already mentioned Bell's performance. Matreya Fedor and Anthony Konechny do a good job as the young couple, especially Fedor who displays some deep emotions as well. Victor Webster is solid, but despite Jackson's love interest with Jane, his character is secondary to the other three.For quality of the movie in the Christmas genre, I'd make this about 9-1/2. My final rating is personal enjoyment and while I am glad I watched this, I probably will not want to do repeats.

Christmas-Reviewer I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES. BEWARE OF BOGUS REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW. WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE PRODUCTION. NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 400 Christmas MOVIES. I HAVE NO AGENDA. I AM FARE. THE REASON WHY I REVIEW THEM IS TO KEEP TRACK OF WHAT I HAVE SEEN!. A young woman begins a long-distance relationship with an active- duty soldier. Her mother tries to steer her away from the relationship to save her feelings.Now the mother in this is shown almost like she is a villain. In real I think most women would not want their HIGH SCHOOL DAUGHTER in a serious relationship. The mother wants her daughter to finish school. Can't blame her. Also there is a few shocks here and there but the title of this film kind of gives the surprise away! Not a bad movie. I still think the mother was correct!