The Christmas Candle (2013) User Reviews (58)

A charming English Chistmas tale

[SimonJack · 7/10 · 30 November 2016]

This modern Christmas movie is set in England shortly after the turn of the 20th Century. It's based on the 2013 novel of the same title by Max Lucado. The story takes place mostly in a fictitious English town somewhere in the rural countryside. Gladbury has a reputation, at least among some, of being the Christmas Candle town. It comes from a legend that every 25 years, an angel appears in the Haddington candle works and blesses a single candle. Whoever receives that candle, lights it and prays and their prayers are answered - many by miracles. This has been going on for a few generations, and some pretty convincing miracles of the past back up the story.

But now, a new vicar for the Cadbury church and parish comes to town. Hans Matheson plays Rev. David Richmond. While a man of faith, he doesn't believe in modern miracles. Halfway through the story we find out about a tragic loss in his life that rocked his faith. He's determined to end the superstitious tradition in the town. One can guess how this might end, and the screenplay is very good as the story unfolds. There's much in here about family, abut personal losses and suffering, and about healing, faith, hope and friendship.

This is a good Christmas movie in a nice setting. I don't think it's great, as some think. I noted some reviewers disliked it to the point of reviling it. I suspect they are people who have no religious faith or beliefs. Atheists and agnostics for the most part seldom seem to enjoy films of this nature. That's OK, of course. But, rather than their agonizing through the watching of such films, it should dawn on them in the first place not to watch something they won't enjoy. Most other viewers should find this movie enjoyable.

The rather extensive cast in this film all are quite good. Most of the production qualities are good. I always enjoy scenery shots in England. It truly is a garden country, with plants in bloom, it seems, at any time of year.

In one scene, Thomas Haddington (played by Sam Crane) pulls into town in a Stanley Steamer. Considering the yet rarity of automobiles at that time, I'm surprised that the director of this film didn't have several people staring at the car in amazement Instead, only Edward and Bea Haddington (played by Sylvester McCoy and Lesley Manville) watch their son's noisy arrival and comment on it. Thomas tells his parents, "I had it sent over from America. It's a Stanley Steamer -- one of the first."

I wonder why though, this film was released in America a month before its release in England (Nov. 15 and Dec. 13, respectively). It's a thoroughly British production, set in and filmed in England. My hunch is that in the U.S. we've become so commercialized that we begin to celebrate a following holiday before we even observe the next one. I was in chain stores this year that were setting up Christmas displays in mid-October - a full month before Thanksgiving. But then, we don't usually buy gifts for Thanksgiving, do we?

"The Christmas Candle" is a film that the whole family should enjoy. It's a bit slow, but the mystique about the candle may be able to hold the attention of restless young ones.

Oh, yes! This may be of interest to some. I recently came across a Web site for Gladbury, "located in the County of Gloomshire." Well, there is no county named Gloomshire, nor village named Gladbury. The Web site is a hoax, and the names should be a hint - they have "gloom" and "glad" in their titles. The Web site tries to look official, but beyond a cartoon style map it doesn't have any photos. It lists a town of 133,000 population. Another dead giveaway is its directory of services. It must list two to four dozen churches, a bunch of school, a dozen or most post offices, a hospital, several solicitors, but nary a single actual business - bakery, barber, carpenter, dentist, electrician, garage, plumber, etc. It's funny and must have been fun for someone to go to all the trouble to create a phony place, but for what purpose? Unless, someone watched this movie and was interested in trying to find the real town? Perhaps. Check it out for fun - but note that the town is not renowned for candles. Rather, a cloth industry in the past, and clock making that eventually went belly-up.

Not Sure About The Hate

[slightlymad22 · 7/10 · 20 December 2014]

Plot In A Paragraph: In the heart of the English countryside lies the village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candlemaker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end. When David Richmond (Hans Matheson), a young minister, arrives in Gladbury, the villagers discover a new formula for miracles: good deeds and acts of kindness. While David's quest to modernize Gladbury sets him at odds with the old world candlemaker (Sylvester McCoy) he finds an unlikely ally in the lovely skeptic, Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks). Now, the fiery candlemaker must fight to preserve the legacy of the Christmas Candle.

Not sure why I've read so much hate about this movie, it has some good performances especially Barks, McCoy and John Hannah. Susan Boyle is here too, and she performs admirably. It's far from perfect but it was a pleasant way to spend a cold winters afternoon.

I have loved Samantha Barks since I first seen her in "Les Miserables" I think she is both gorgeous and talented, and will continue to look out for her work.

The candle of life

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 10 March 2020]

Other than my lifelong love of Christmas, my main reasons for wanting to see 'The Christmas Candle' were that the messages appealed to me, they are nice messages and still important and relevant in this day and age, and because of the cast, which is a talented one. Lesley Manville especially and Samantha Barks is an immensely talented performer in acting and singing. Despite liking Susan Boyle's voice and liking what she stands for, there were doubts as to her acting ability.

While not exactly loving 'The Christmas Candle', so much is done right here and do agree (if not as vehemently, and in a way as disrespectfully, as with others) that it does not deserve some of the over-the-top criticism it has garnered. Can understand some of the flaws (as they are there), but then there have been some that can easily pass as straight out weird and nit-picky. Is it perfect? No, not to me. But a big part of me really couldn't help appreciate the film and what it had to say and its good intentions are present throughout. As said, its good things are a lot and the best of those good things are done extremely well indeed.

Shall start with the drawbacks. There are parts that are a bit contrived and others that are too sentimental, with the conclusion being one of the prime examples of the latter (too sappy for my taste). Would have liked some of the messaging delivered with more subtlety in the script at times.

Although Boyle does sing angelically, her acting inexperience does show. Compared to the more seasoned actors, she seemed a little stiff but does still do her best.

However, 'The Christmas Candle' is incredibly well made. The scenery is exquisite and the time and place is remarkably authentically evoked in the production and costume designs. The photography enhances all this beautifully and atmospherically. The quaintness and charm of the setting translates very well here while not making too picture perfect. Also a beauty is the music score, it brings a lump to the throat and often haunting without being too syrupy or over-emphasising the mood.

Despite the script not being perfect, it is well-meaning and doesn't sound like it doesn't have any substance to it. It flows quite well too and doesn't come over as stilted. Again the story has imperfections, but it didn't come over as dull to me, it was coherently structured and it was moving. The messaging didn't come over as vague and, while subtlety would have been more welcome perhaps, it is hardly out of date and important in society today in a way if one is not too cynical. The characters engage and one admires and relates to their trials and tribulations and how they go about them. Barks and Hans Mattheson are charming and sincere leads and Manville, Sylvester McCoy and John Hannah are distinguished support, McCoy's more understated than usual performance stands out.

Concluding, very worthwhile and, while with its drawbacks, deserving of more credit. 7/10

Very enjoyable movie

[tjclaus · 28 November 2013]

I went to watch this movie knowing it was a tale about hope, inspiration and people. I was not disappointed, enjoyed the characters and message from beginning to end. It is the absolute opposite from zombies, explosions, murder and mayhem, and is all the better for it. Not sure if the movie is true to every historical aspect of the time portrayed, but that is not the point. While the audience was small, there were applause at the end, and some folks wiping their eyes and not rushing to get out of the theater. Beware the onion ninjas when watching. Watch this movie with an appreciation for the human spirit and faith, you will not be disappointed and wish we had more movies like this to watch instead of the normal trashy Hollywood fare.

There Is Miracles All Around

[Christmas-Reviewer · 6/10 · 8 August 2016]

Christmas movies are a cottage industry. I don't mind watching them because I know the ending will always be happy. Now "The Christmas Candle" is not a great film. The film fails on at almost every level. The film is almost " A Touched By Angel" episode! It never rises above that level. It could of been better What it does well is that it sends the message about hope faith and miracles. The film however redeems itself in the final act and that was a miracle.

The film looks beautiful. The sets make you think you are back in the late 19th century. The films screenplay however is borderline terrible but it does have a great final act.

In this film Deep in the heart of the English countryside lies the enchanting village of Gladbury. Legend has it every 25 years an angel visits the village candle maker and touches a single candle. Whoever lights this candle receives a miracle on Christmas Eve. But in 1890, at the dawn of the electric age, this centuries old legend may come to an end.

Now despite the flaws it is still worth seeing. Family Safe. Most kids will be bored and so will most adults. I did however love the final 10 minutes

Better than Hallmark

[lioness-96492 · 10/10 · 6 November 2019]

One of the best Christmas movies! Has romance without being a "rom-com". Sentimental without being cheesy. Faith filled without being preachy. Some predictability but some sweet surprises too.

Touching The Lite of Life

[DKosty123 · 7/10 · 15 November 2014]

Christmas tradition is to present the birth of Jesus as the light of every life and hope and the story of a miracle birth which represents most importantly hope, peace and giving. This is not an easy message to present on film, even with very good production values and excellent costumes and sets. While it is an old fashioned set of Christmas values, for some reason it is out of step with the modern technology of war mongering where terrorists and drones are trying to literally take the Middle East back to the times of the Bible.

This movie is a breath of fresh air. It portrays an old English Village with a legend of Christmas Values and miracles. A new young pastor comes to town and tries to bring change to all of this. He questions everything that exists here and for good reason. He is in a personal crisis of his own due to his personal, unanswered prayers. He questions why everything here is like it is.

When I saw the name Samantha Barks in the opening credits, it was a name that stuck with me. The pastor meets her on the way into town and helps her. The town shows little faith in the pastor high and mighty when he arrives and even less after his first service. This movie gets away from hi technology entirely. It communicates a message without cell phones. While the legend of the candle is a little strange being once every 25 years, the message being conveyed here is timeless.

The humor in the well drawn characters and cast is the kind of humor that comes natural and is not forced. That is the important thing here. This is one of the few films about Christmas that like the holiday itself does not force people to believe in it's message. It amazes me that people feel threatened with this type of message. I guess we need a reminder this is the message and we should step back and feel peace, love, joy and enjoy the light of this holiday. This movie gives what we wish to receive.

Review of reviews

[djmmccorkell · 2/10 · 21 December 2014]

This film is a mess of undirected ideas. It tries to capture some kind of classic Christmas feeling, but completely misses. Giving credit where it's due, the costumes and location filming are quite nice.

Beyond those niceties, the film falls apart. The story is a mess, the moral message unclear. For a film that is trying to put the heart back into Christmas this is a soul-less mess that will not endear itself to any casual viewer.

BUT THE REAL REASON I WANTED TO REVIEW THIS ===========================================

The first few pages of IMDb reviews are filled with glowing 10/10 reviews by "people" who have never reviewed anything else on IMDb. Most of them praise this movie for bringing back the true Christian spirit of Christmas.

Pages of 10/10 reviews for a movie that clearly isn't good by any standard. Is that your message for Christmas? That it's OK to lie and deceive other people, as long as it results in conning them into handing over a few more bucks to see your movie.

I'm not a Christian, but that seems immoral to me.

Loved this Christmas Movie

[busybeee2477-757-772018 · 10/10 · 26 December 2018]

This is a movie filled with hope, faith and kindness. It is a faith builder, feel good movie. It has great acting and interesting characters with a beautiful story line. I loved it and would watch it again. A great Christmas movie for the family.

Be the miracle for someone else.

[edmo66 · 7/10 · 25 December 2020]

Cute old time Christmas movie with the possibility of miracles. Many reviews complain about the religious aspect of this film. There's definitely a message in the movie it's too bad those who couldn't see past the Christian theme didn't understand it.

This candle doesn't ignite

[filmguyCI · 3/10 · 6 January 2014]

I saw this film around the holidays with the hope it would help put me in the Christmas spirit. It didn't. Although well intentioned, this film is a huge misfire.

Every 25 years, the town candle maker is given (magically?) a candle that grants the wish of the villager who receives it. For the sake of story, why not make it every 5 years because the villagers would likely forget after 25 years....but i digress. The new pastor in town tries to dispute this myth as he has his own reason to not believe in miracles.

Sounds good right?

Wrong. The story becomes increasingly muddled and boring with side plots of the villagers, each of whom wants the candle for their own reasons. Susan Boyle plays one of the villagers whose husband is ill. If you think Ms. Boyle is awkward in real life, wait till you see her try to act!

I hate to be a grinch, but this movie and the sappy conclusion left me cold. On a positive note, nice job with the scenery and capturing the quaintness of a 19th century village.

Lights up the screen, with Matheson a wonderful leading man and it also has a fine Christian message

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 27 March 2017]

In the English town of Gladbury, there is a legend that, at Christmas, an angel visits the candle maker and blesses one candle. Who ever buys that candle, will receive a miracle. If they are sick, they will be well; if poor, they will become rich and so on. Naturally, the candle maker is highly prized and visited. But, the town is about to experience change, as its the beginning of the twentieth century and electric lights are taking over. Gladbury also needs a new minister and one of the most influential townfolk knows who she wants. He is David Richmond (Hans Matheson) who once gave powerful sermons but has turned to helping the poor in London via the Salvation Army. AFter much discussion, Reverend Richmond agrees to relocate. On his journey, David encounters a lady, Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks) whose carriage horses refuse to pull her out of a stream. Although Miss Barstow initially turns down his aid, there is no other choice so she relents. Its obvious the new minister is struck by this spirited lady. Once in town, Reverend Richmond hears about the candle legend and doesn't like it. In his view, miracles are done by ordinary folks, taking care of their neighbors as Christ would have wanted. He demonstrates this by helping needy families repair homes and survive chaos. Most of all, David wants to light up the church with electric lights, changing things forever. This causes some waves. Especially upset are the candle makers, The Haddingtons, who are dumbstruck to witness the angel's visit but lose the chosen candle in their enormous pile. As a last ditch effort, this couple proceed to give out ALL of their candles to the village residents and hope that a miracle will prove their story. Can it be? This beautiful movie is difficult to encapsulate, as there are several story lines and issues. Nonetheless, it is a very beautiful film with a fine cast, especially Matheson who is wonderful. Susan Boyle is also one of the town's residents and her glorious voice is heard in the movie, from time to time. Then, too, the historic sets, costumes, story and touching direction all combine to produce a lovely movie. Christians will also adore the themes, as the flick is based on a book by Max Lucado. Light up your own movie viewing by finding this one, in season or out.

Weird, but holds some charm

[r96sk · 7/10 · 14 December 2023]

You know what, pretty good! Weird, but holds some charm.

'The Christmas Candle' is rather religious-y, though I think it strikes a fine balance for the majority... until they deep dive into it with the ending admittedly, but as a full-blown atheist I can let it pass as it's a conclusion that stills works in film terms to be fair.

The cast are a nicely chosen bunch. Hans Matheson stands out most in the lead role, while James Cosmo supports ably - as do Lesley Manville, Sylvester McCoy and Samantha Barks. Interesting to see Susan Boyle appear in her acting debut, she's clearly not an actress though her performance is alright - a likeable onscreen presence, at worst.

Another Horrible Example of a Christian "Faith Based" Movie

[IowaFilmCritic · 1/10 · 20 November 2013]

Do not waste your money or your time watching this film. This is a cliché laden film which insults the intelligence of Christians and non-Christians alike.

From the very beginning of the film, you already know what's going to happen at the end. The characters are horribly introduced, and the plot set up is terrible.

If you like cheesy hallmark movies with bad acting, this is your film. Aftter the buzz is over, and the people realize they have been duped by a once upon a time politician, there will be skepticism and backlash on the Faith Based film industry.

As far as faith based films go, I will stick to watching Veggie Tales.

If you are looking for a Christmas gift for your grandma, she might enjoy this film.

A Fresh Breath of Christmas Air!

[CometDarner · 10/10 · 28 November 2013]

If you like inspiring, hope-filled Christmas movies, then you'll definitely want to see "The Christmas Candle." I was pleasantly surprised at how well the movie was made. It would definitely hold up to any mainstream movie in its genre. The acting was great overall, the costumes were beautiful and it was easy to get drawn into the story. I also really like how they introduced Susan Boyle's character. The characters in the movie deal with real, relatable hardships and disappointments as they all secretly hope for a Christmas miracle. This movie celebrates communities coming together, faith and the true meaning of Christmas. It leaves you with the warm, uplifted feeling you hope to have after watching a Christmas movie.

Like watching a candle burn, sure you could do it, but why?

[Espo35 · 1/10 · 25 November 2013]

Stiff acting, predictable, overwrought emotionally, rote recitation of dialogue, the "christian" message so blatant it feels like you're being hit over the head with a bible, and now for what I didn't like about the movie. Preachy to the point of being arrogant and vain, prideful. Sins by the way. If you're into that sort of thing. Which I gather the makers of this film are since their point was to show how much closer to god they are then the rest of us. I suppose all they have to do now is buy that ticket to isreal and get ready for the apocalypse. Well at least the popcorn was fresh, more then I can say for the movie. Here's a thought. Want to see a movie that conveys a message and is about Christmas? Then go watch a Christmas Carol with Alastair Sim.

Excellent story and acting

[solitaire-77488 · 10/10 · 15 November 2017]

This film was beautifully written and well acted. I normally don't leave reviews but I saw that Lesley Manville complained about Susan Boyle being chosen for a role as she felt she could only sing and not act, so I felt compelled to put in my own opinion.

First of all, Ms. Boyle has a truly angelic voice. But she thoroughly surprised me by being a very good actress who is a pure natural in this film. She speaks and acts as if this is a real life situation and pulls the viewer into the film. She is not trying to gain accolades or steal the screen from anyone...she is simply doing her job. And what a wonderful job she did, especially for it being her very first time! What a very humble woman she is, indeed. Perhaps Lesley Manville could use a lesson or two in manners and humility?

Having said that, all in all, this film is a breath of fresh air compared to all of the rubbish being shown these days. Your children could watch this and not leave you worrying about nudity, violence or foul language. It opens up all sorts of possibilities for children to ask genuine questions about their own beliefs and for adults to ponder things such as faith, hope and...dare we even think it?...Miracles!

I give it 10 stars b/c ALL the actors did a wonderful job at pulling the viewer into the story and holding our attention in a very comfortable way. The world needs more films like this that are clean and refreshing. Well done everyone! And thank you!

Worse than you can imagine

[ian-p-hardwick · 1/10 · 22 November 2013]

Save your money, save time, save your brain from one of the most annoying holiday movies ever made. Tea Party propaganda has its place and I actually thought I would laugh myself silly at this thing, but while clearly being anti-everything post-lightbulbs the movie is achingly boring it couldn't even achieve camp status. Whatever the ulterior motive behind Rick Santorums little dude was, it fails to do one simple thing all ticket buyers except: To be entertained. Just grab a cheap Christmas card and stare at it for 90minutes while ating popcorn. That your movie, folks.

Its as bad as it looks and Boyle appears to be in a thorazine stupor. Taking a family of four to the movies these days will set you back a chunk of change which at Christmas time can hurt so I expected something for my cash, not just a Santorum rehash of his looney beliefs.

Excellent Christmas Movie!!

[vontrappfan · 10/10 · 21 November 2013]

What a delightful story to come out in the theaters! This stunning movie contains a stellar cast, a charming English village, and a heart- warming story of faith in the face of difficulty.

Based on the Max Lucado book by the same name, this movie portrays a message of hope and endurance, and of answered prayers for miracles. Much like the film, "It's a Wonderful Life", The Christmas Candle is destined to be a classic family Christmas film that brings to mind the true meaning of the Christmas season.

The acting is wonderful, though Susan Boyle is perhaps a bit more amateur in comparison to the rest, and the costumes are stunning! Bustle gowns made of velvets, brocades, and tweeds look lovely against the English countryside.

And the ending of the film is a true "happy ending" Christmas story. I highly recommend this movie!

Not quite all the way through but...

[janetgrahamrussell · 5/10 · 26 October 2019]

I have seen it before. I didn't remember that 19th century towns had such a variety of accents.

Great family show

[mumiguyer · 9/10 · 10 December 2018]

Just finish this upon returning from lessons and carols, so a great way to end the night. Love the way they deal with praying that prayer, "Lord I believe. Help me in my unbelief." Now that is a dangerous prayer. But this is just Delightful.

Stork Theory

[tieman64 · 29 November 2013]

"Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich." - Napoleon

"The Christmas Candle" is a ridiculous film produced by the equally ridiculous Rick Santorum. A Republican politician, ultra right-wing Christian and unashamed free-market fundamentalist, Santorum's the kind of guy who, a couple hundred years ago, would have been busy at work killing humanity's greatest minds, all in the name of Yaweh.

Designed for middle class Christians who think Jesus' mother was Ayn Rand, "The Christmas Candle" stars Hans Matheson as a preacher who's undergoing a severe religious crisis. With his wife dead, Matheson finds his faith wavering. Worse still, he finds himself sceptical of miracles, especially those involving candles and angels. The film climaxes with Matheson's belief in Christ restored, an angelic candle re-igniting his faith. This message, of course, goes against most Christian sects, which explicitly state that salvation requires only faith in God, not works, actions or the witnessing of miracles. The modern concept of Christian faith itself evolved precisely because of Nature's utter indifference. This indifference is the unacknowledged bedrock of Christian faith; resorting to miraculous proof negates the need for such faith entirely.

"Candle" contains an odd subplot about electricity. Here our hero, a man of science, electric bulbs and copper wire, learns to appreciate the holy flicker of the lowly candle. Some have read this as a jab at science and technology, but such a reading doesn't seem intended, despite religion's notorious hatred of all things science. Indeed, religions persecuted many of the scientists responsible for breakthroughs in the study of electricity. As late as the 1950s, scientists were being persecuted and even chemically castrated (Alan Turing). To the chagrin of the world's Santorums, even folk like Thomas Edison, a light bulb pioneer who declared "all religion" to be "thoroughly bunk", was an anti-capitalist who wrote that "all interest" is akin to an "invention of Satan".

Whilst promoting "Candle", Santorum - a warmonger who believes that "America has no classes" and that "class rhetoric is a Marxist conspiracy" - ranted about Hollywood being a "devil's playground". He then condemned Hollywood for being "infected by liberals" who want to "corrupt our families and children". To counter this "infestation" Santorum has apparently taken up film producing. Ironically, most major film studios have ties with or are subsidiaries of major weapons and arms manufacturers. Indeed, even the Church of England has millions invested in weapons manufacturers (General Atomics, BAE, Ainetiq, GE etc), some of which are currently responsible for Predator and Reaper drones. The kind of nonsensical "conspiracy" that Santorum believes in stretches all the way back to 1932, when Pope Pius XI advised Europe and the United States to work with Hitler and Mussolini in a coalition to stop "cultural Marxism" ("Kulturbolschewismus") because "liberals" and "communist Jews" were challenging power and monarchs. Christian values - beautiful and even vital - have never been with the world's Popes or Santorums. Historically, they tend to be with those squashed under their boots.

4/10 - Worth no viewing.

Spiritual disapointment

[keithterrill · 3/10 · 3 December 2018]

First, this is a family move that is very enjoyable. The acting, filming, etc are very good. The story line keeps you engaged and there is enough plot twist to be pleasing at the end.

The rest may be seen as a spoile:

However, seeing Max Lucado as being the writer of the book and having a hand in this it was dissapointing that the show promots, even in the end, supestition as something to believe in and trust over the Lord Jesus the Christ which one would think this movie would be about.

Miracles for everyone!!!

[adamjohns-42575 · 9/10 · 19 December 2020]

The Christmas Candle (2013) -

I loved how completely different this film is from the other Seasonal Specials out there and I loved the message that it was trying to send. Don't wait 25 years for a miracle for yourself, when you could be the miracle someone else needs.

So while the candle was a magic idea, the sense of community that the Reverend Richmond (Hans Matheson) built was a far greater power.

It's more of the idea previously explored in 'A Christmas Carol'. How long is the chain you have forged in life? Could you make it shorter by visiting an elderly relative or giving items to a food bank? The small things count as much as the big ones, especially if you do lots of the them and it's like Julie Andrews said in her song 'The Secret Of Christmas' - "It's not the things you do at Christmas, but the Christmas things you do all year through" and that's exactly what the reverend was saying in this film regardless of the miracle candle.

What I also enjoyed about this one was that, despite it centring on a reverend new to a very religious parish, where they all had faith in a candle allegedly sent by God, it wasn't overly religious in the usual God-Bothery, Bible-Bashing way. Yes faith was discussed, but as I've mentioned above, the message of loving one another was the prominent one, even the Nativity and such are hardly explored.

There were some religious elements that I did find odd and I didn't understand why he couldn't give comfort to the sick man. I could only assume that he was having a crisis of faith in that moment?

If I could change anything about this film, which was otherwise relatively well cast, it would be Susan Boyle. There is no denying that the woman does have the voice of an Angel, but I couldn't be sued for libel for saying that she can't act for toffee and it was actually a bit cringey to watch her try.

There were some great actors working here though, that probably don't get the credit they're really due. Samantha Barks for one and James Cosmo for another. She was effortless and he must be one of the hardest working men in the biz. If you haven't seen him in 'All The Queen's Men' (2001) it's definitely worth a watch.

John Hannah did the great job he always has too.

I watch it every Christmas and each year I find more to love about it.

850.77/1000.

Susan Boyle has an amazing voice!

[ml-law · 4/10 · 26 November 2019]

Susan Boyle's beautiful voice is one of the few bright spots in this trite and hackneyed movie. It is visually pleasing so for those two reason I gave it fours stars. The story predictable and boring. The dialog is stilted and awful. The acting wooden. It is a "Christmas" movie, but even that does not excuse this utter failure Need I say more?