It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year is a song that is played and sung in this film and, indeed, characterizes the movie on several levels. The Christmas escapades get so out of hand at one point that the characters are eschewing any celebration of Christmas at all. This fun-filled holiday flick is a true escape into both the message as well as the antics that can surround all things Christmas: weather, gifts, nostalgia, love and friendship. We see authentic and believable performances by Anne Heche (Nell), a single mom to two adorable children, who encounters Cesar (Carlos Gomez), a stranger with a puppy, and accident after accident ensues. They arrive at the hospital to tend to unfortunate outcomes and meet Kevin Daniels (Reggie), who lightens the load even more with his spirited, self-deprecating humor.

This merry bunch, in an attempt to help one another, fall even deeper into trouble as a winter storm brews and encounter everything from robbery to deadly fire. The filmmakers do a wonderful job of handling some more serious issues, such as divorce, loss, and loneliness with a light-hearted touch that captures and sustains the mystery and charm of the Christmas season. All these characters’ hopes and dreams have the opportunity to be met in unexpected and sometimes unusual ways. Friendship and brotherly love play strong roles in bringing together people of different ages and cultures to celebrate commonalities as well as differences.

We are proud to award this movie the Dove-Approved Seal for All Ages.