Very disappointing...

Excellent adaptation.

Bad Acting and worse Bad Screenplay

There are moments in this movie where the great movie it could've been peek out... They're fleeting, here, but they're worth savoring, and they happen often enough to make it worth your while.

I watched this in July and even with the Christmas theme, found it touching and sensitive. It is not for someone with a reality-mind as it is full of fantasy and lovely moments that sometimes don't make sense. William Russ did a grand job as Hank. I have only seen him in the remake of The Long, Hot Summer where he played a weak character. But in this one, the expression in his eyes throughout, as Hank considered the things that were happening to him, was wonderful and tender. Valerie Bertinelli was excellent and lovely as usual and very believable in this role. And Peter Falk as Max was splendid and always brought a smile when he appeared in a number of important scenes. There were many special scenes, including the one where Hank realizes who Max really was in his life. It's not for everyone.....especially those who aren't into 'feel-good' movies and this is definitely one! If you like everything to be perfect and make sense, avoid this one. But I think it is well-worth re-watching, which is why I taped it. (Yes, some of us still have VCRs. :)

From a poorly contrived plot line that makes almost no sense to bad dialogue and disjointed scenes to the ultimate downer, bad acting (even Peter Falk can't find his way) "Finding John Christmas" is better left lost. Ms. Bertinelli's performance is without depth or emotion as are her co-stars, William Russ as brother Hank and David Cubitt as love interest Noah. Jennifer Pisana as Soccoro, the daughter of single dad Noah is almost unbearable to watch let alone listen to singing. But who can blame them with material like this. Michael J. Murray's script is juvenile at best. Each year at this time I search the TV guides and wait anxiously for some of the really classic Christmas and inspirational holiday films to appear on the small screen. Films like "Miracle on 34th Street", Ernst Lubitsch's delightful "The shop around the corner" and, of course the 1951 version of "Scrooge". There's Frank Capra's classics "It's a wonderful life" and "Meet John Doe". Hey, forget the classics. What about "Home Alone" or " Home for the Holidays" with Holly Hunter and a great performance by Robert Downey Jr.? My present to you is by way of advice. Your time would be better spent searching out these films than finding "Finding John Christmas". Merry Christmas!

Having been a fan of 'Columbo', I was sorely disappointed in 'Corky Romano'. While certainly a funny movie, Falk's mob boss character was a far cry from the lovable lieutenant he's played for so many years, especially with the offensive language he used. After 'Corky Romano', I was honestly both surprised by and soured on Mr. Peter Falk. HOWEVER, having just seen 'Finding John Christmas' and its predecessor, 'A Town Without Christmas', for the first time within a week of each other, I have to say that 'Max', Peter's Falk's delightful character in both movies, is surely as memorable and lovable as 'Columbo'. While parts of the movie are quite predictable, such scenes in no way take away from the enjoyment of seeing the story played out. I too wish I had recorded both of these heartwarming Christmas movies, and I highly recommend them whether you're a Falk fan, a Christmas nut, or simply someone who enjoys the occasional feel-good movie of the week. This movie may end up lost among the throngs of made-for-TV holiday flicks, so be sure to find 'Finding John Christmas' before it's too late.

Kathleen is a divorced nurse who lives with her mother. Her hospital's emergency room may have to close because of a $100,000 deficit. And her brother Hank has been missing for 25 years, but one day she believes she sees his picture on the front page of the Bay City Tribune. Noah, who took the picture, is curious about why the man wearing part of a Santa Claus suit is missing from the picture.After the man in the picture saves someone's life, the newspaper makes finding 'John Christmas' a priority, offering a $50,000 reward. Kathleen, who is also organizing a talent show fund-raiser for the hospital, wants to find the man as well. She meets Noah, who has a 12-year-old daughter, Socorro (Jennifer Pisana), who is a good singer and likes Kathleen (and her father is single!).And then there is the second mystery man, the one whose image did not appear in the photo. He keeps showing up, playing a different role each time. But no one has ever heard of the security guard at the fire station (he's also a janitor at the hospital, among other things). Eventually, we find out his name is Max.Peter Falk was wonderful as Max, though he wasn't on very much. He reminded me a lot of Lt. Columbo in his mannerisms and speaking style. One of the movie's highlights was a duet between Max and Socorro which was not part of the talent show, but should have been. And Jennifer Pisana is quite a singer, and not a bad actor. Of course, Valerie Bertinelli is always good, though not great. I've liked her ever since 'One Day at a Time'. Her character is quite idealistic and believes anything is possible, even if obstacles get in the way.The film is occasionally funny. One of the people trying out for the talent show is a surgeon who juggles the tools of his trade. Overall, though, this is a feel-good movie despite some depressing moments, and some situations that are just plain upsetting. The end result is a good movie about the holiday season.