This is not a story about an angel from heaven, or an actual Santa who makes wishes come true through miracles. It is more of a secret Santa trope. But even that doesn't cover it all. There is also a very precocious yet extremely lovable elementary school girl who refuses to stand by and let others suffer if there is anything she can do about it.
For a while it appears this young girl, played fantastically by an 11 year old Izabela Vidovic, has all the maturity and gumption of someone much older, but Olivia soon overstretches badly.
Della Reese at 81 puts in a credible performance as the woman who jeopardizes her privacy to fulfill "impossible" wishes.
I respect Teri Pollo more and more for her gentle, caring characters especially after watching both this and The Christmas Shepherd. Kevin Sorbo also does well as the man who takes interest in Teri's Melinda.
I almost hate to bring this up because of the antagonism it may generate, but this is a movie that talks about God, with characters, especially Elsie, who know that some of life's problems must ultimately be dealt with by God, whether we like the answers or not. Still, I would not consider the movie to be heavy on the preaching.
There is one incident that I could do without, especially in the era of #MeToo. I am not in favor of censorship or banning, but I do wish that movie makers would avoid behavior that falls into the category of things that #MeToo is trying to prevent.
For a while it appears this young girl, played fantastically by an 11 year old Izabela Vidovic, has all the maturity and gumption of someone much older, but Olivia soon overstretches badly.
Della Reese at 81 puts in a credible performance as the woman who jeopardizes her privacy to fulfill "impossible" wishes.
I respect Teri Pollo more and more for her gentle, caring characters especially after watching both this and The Christmas Shepherd. Kevin Sorbo also does well as the man who takes interest in Teri's Melinda.
I almost hate to bring this up because of the antagonism it may generate, but this is a movie that talks about God, with characters, especially Elsie, who know that some of life's problems must ultimately be dealt with by God, whether we like the answers or not. Still, I would not consider the movie to be heavy on the preaching.
There is one incident that I could do without, especially in the era of #MeToo. I am not in favor of censorship or banning, but I do wish that movie makers would avoid behavior that falls into the category of things that #MeToo is trying to prevent.