Jenna Walter
The film may be flawed, but its message is not.
Staci Frederick
Blistering performances.
Francene Odetta
It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.
Michael Thompson
My Summary is the best I could do without giving the ending away, but the ending spoils this movie completely as far as my wife and I were concerned.On the face of it this movie starts off very nicely, with an elderly well off older man wanting to find female companionship for Christmas, with no ties.You will go into this film waiting for the usual romantic ending, so you will be disappointed.I'm not giving away the ending, so watch this film at your leisure, but be ready for the ending, it's changes the entire movie's concept, for want of a better word.Don't get me wrong, the verbal exchanges, the nervousness, the maturity between the two are very evident, are played well.But the ending ruins what could have been a mature romantic story.I don't know how to end this review, so ill leave it there.
Dale Steenhoven
This short drama was satisfying to watch even though there wasn't much action. It was almost like a two-person play. Get yourself a cup of hot chocolate, relax and enjoy.It is a surprisingly good drama for a lazy, frosty, Christmas-season evening. It's well-acted, well-written, and well-crafted -- definitely sentimental, but without being fluffy or soppy. The cast is led by veteran acting greats Jason Robards and Julie Harris, which in itself should make the movie worth a consideration. Robards portrays John Tanner, a recent widower (10 months) who doesn't quite know what to do with the changes imposed upon his life. He spends Thanksgiving in a diner, reading a book, and when the annual family trip to the cabin for Christmas is jeopardized (his son and family want them to visit their house), he attempts to rescue his traditions in a radical way: he finds an escort service, makes it very clear that there will be separate bedrooms, and "hires" a woman to be his companion and spend the Christmas weekend with him. Julie Harris is the sad, perceptive, and mysterious woman, Iris, who agrees to be his "Christmas wife" - but does not want any questions asked about herself.Tanner turns out to be quite hospitable. He cooks (a candlelight dinner, nevertheless), trims a tree, and even brings a gift for his new friend, and himself, to exchange on Christmas day. It's sad that he doesn't believe in an afterlife, as the Lord Jesus Christ, the God of all comfort, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again so we could have forgiveness of sins, an eternal home in heaven, a taste of Heaven on this earth, and help for all of our problems.This is a quality "G" movie. I enjoyed watching it with my wife (you never know how long you'll have them), and she thought it was good. Adults who have some experience with age or loneliness may discover a tale striking quite a responsive chord.
canizone
I saw this movie last night on WhiteSprings TV. They play many old old made for TV specials. This movie seems like a play on a stage. It is warm and cute, with many warm moments to make a warm smile come to you face. The movie is all about letting go and Iris teaching John how to do this. It is a story of two people not getting what they expected but getting something even deeper in return. I don't think the secret of Iris ruins the movie in the end but rather teaches a lesson that we don't always get what we expect. Her secret also teaches John how to open up and let go and in the end move on with his life towards other horizons .Julie Haris is an absolute angel. This is not a fast paced movie, but rather slow and reserved and not depressing at all.
alison-7
I saw this movie 2 days before Jason Robards' death. He is such a fine actor, I will miss him. --- The movie is about a widower who doesn't want to spend Christmas alone. He contacts an agency to set him up with a woman who is also in need of company. The drama unfolds as the two spend the holiday together. Very touching, heartfelt movie.
