Video Release: 10/16/2012
Reviewer: Edwin L. Carpenter
Source: Video
Writer: Donald Davenport
Producer: Ted Bauman
Director: Neill Fearnley
Genre: Christmas
Runtime: 88 min.
MPAA Rating: Unrated
Starring: Billy Ray Cyrus
Synopsis:
Daniel Burton (Billy Ray Cyrus) learns to love again when he meets Briony Adair (Gina Holden), the rehabilitation specialist treating his son, and invites her to spend Christmas with his family.
Dove Worldview:
Here is a wonderful movie which is good for any occasion or even for just some great family viewing! Billy Ray Cyrus is terrific as Daniel Burton, a widower who has been single for a long time because of his devotion to raise his children, D.J., Sarah and "Bobber". He also took in a young black boy named Rodney, D.J.'s good friend, who is now grown, is a writer, and still lives with the family. The story takes place in the mid-seventies, and we glimpse a clip of President Jimmy Carter on the TV at one point.
In fact, Bobber is the last one not quite grown, as daughter Sarah has just applied for college. Bobber had an accident years before and can't walk but there is hope that a surgery can restore most, if not all of his ability to walk. So Daniel takes him by plane to have surgery in California and while there they meet Dr. Briony Adair (excellently played by Gina Holden), who takes a liking to Bobber and encourages him in his rehab. She and Daniel also take a liking to each other but things become complicated when Briony visits for Christmas and daughter Sarah has a difficult time adjusting to the new woman in her father's life. Like all good dramas, this one sets up the plot nicely: Will Bobber walk again? Will Briony and Daniel get together? And how about the poor shop owner named Shoup (Julian D. Christopher) as his small shop is in danger of going under?
This story is nicely directed and told, and features terrific writing, a great cast, humor and good music to boot. It focuses on helping other people and features a nice dinner prayer. It is a quality production and we are happy to award the movie our Dove "Family-Approved" Seal as well as five Doves, our highest rating. Enjoy this one soon!
Sex: Kissing a few times by a couple.
Language: None
Violence: Scars on a woman's arm and neck are seen due to a fire; when a snooty host at a restaurant demands a character wear a tie, his date suggests they leave and he tosses the tie in a fire; a few tense scenes between characters.
Drugs: None
Nudity: None
Other: Racism is mentioned as some people won't support a black man's shop; a young woman yells at an older adult when she accidentally breaks a Christmas ornament.
