Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary. Evident from a number of positive reviews for the Christmas output of Hallmark and Lifetime. The premise for 'A Dog Named Christmas' did sound quite interesting and seemed at times like it was trying to do something a little different and had a more serious subject compared to Hallmark today.
Over the past two years or so, my Christmas film completest quest (made up for primarily those from Hallmark and Lifetime) has been very interesting but also hit and miss. Some were very charming, easy to digest and lovely watches with good casts. Others were very dull, cheesy, too sentimental and badly written and acted. 'A Dog Named Christmas' is in the former category, though it is far from perfect or quite my definition of a great film but it is the complete opposite of a dog.
Maybe a little slow to begin with.
Did feel that the music at times could have been toned down and used more sparingly.
However, 'A Dog Named Christmas' does so much right and the best aspects are pretty brilliant. What is especially good is the poignant and brave performance of Noel Fisher, seldom better as a very relatable and inspirational character that resonated with me on a personal level. Bruce Greenwood is also movingly understated and Linda Edmond does sympathetic compassionately. Loved the honesty of the cast chemistry and that the characters were so relatable with very realistic feelings that are true to life for anybody in the same position or similar.
Furthermore, 'A Dog Named Christmas' looks good. The scenery is truly attractive and photographed with a lot of love. The script is cohesive and doesn't come over as awkward, it also takes itself seriously without being dreary and the sentimentality doesn't become too much. The story is pretty conventional, but its endless charm, its good nature and warm heart more than more up for that. As well as how tactfully and touchingly it handled a serious and very relatable subject that connected me personally, as someone who has disabilities too. Same with the very honest and never preachy messaging, messaging that is also relevant and important.
In conclusion, very well done. 8/10.
