The Worst Film Ever

Sorry, this movie sucks

Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

One of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.

Let me say categorically that Mrs. Shullivan and I had wonderful childhood memories of our own Christmas's past and so this film brought back feelings of our own family Christmas's that were very special. After reading some of the other negative reviews I can only ascertain that these scribes do not believe in the magic of Christmas, or maybe their own families are not very close so the film was not believable to them.As for those of you who are purest Christmas believers, who enjoy being surrounded by family at this magical time of year, and who have some level of faith in living a Christian life, then this film "Christmas Lodge" should be on your viewing list. The two lead characters names are Mary whose job is to find private funding for restoring historic buildings, and the country Christmas Lodge owner named Jack whose lodge is old and badly in need of extensive repairs. Christmas Lodge was built by Jacks' great grandparents more than 100 years ago and the Christmas lodge has hosted many families over the past two centuries including Mary's family and grandparents when she was a young child. Mary is played superbly by actress Erin Karpluk, who had a recurring role in the hit action/drama television series Rookie Blue. Jack's character is played by the seasoned actor Michael Shanks who has played versatile character roles in other films ranging from the biographical film Mr. Hockey the story of Gordie Howe, to the successful television drama series Saving Hope. Now Michael Shanks character is a widower and he has a cute pixie of an 11 year old daughter named Charlene, played with devilish charm by the youngster Michelle Creber. In walks Mary (Literally in the woods) in to their unsuspecting lives while Jack is slowly trying to restore Christmas Lodge to its past glory days with nothing more than spit and muscle and little capital funds to pay for the rebuild.Now Mary's own family is very busy in the renovation industry with her father and her two brothers working independently on various renovation projects trying to maintain a living. Mary's grandfather has been bed ridden for quite some time but his past memories of Christmas Lodge and the love and Christian upbringing that he has bestowed on his extended family made Mrs. Shullivan and I warm and emotional. Call us saps if you will, but Christmas Lodge is a story of caring for one another and believing in the goodwill of all mankind. Grandpa is played by John Innes and his bedside visits and long chats with his granddaughter Mary only wish that our own parents and grandparents were still alive. They are very sensitive and touching scenes and add great value to the movies theme....especially near the end of the film. The film has a romantic story line and the spirit of Christmas comes to a wonderful climatic ending with Mary's family at Christmas Lodge well worth waiting for as the film closes. So for those other reviewers who commented they could not watch the entire film I must surmise their past Christmas's were filled with stress and grief and this film is about hope and love. Michael Shanks and Erin Karpluk are wonderful in the lead roles. This is a family friendly Christmas film. I give it an 8 out of 10 rating, and suggest that if you are a lover of the Christmas spirit that you won't be disappointed with Christmas Lodge.

I think this movie didn't get the credit it deserved. As with most movies of faith the dialogue can seem a bit lame, but you have to realize that this is a movie that glorifies God...it's not suppose to be full of worldly stuff.One review said there was no chemistry between the lead actors...I disagree. I think it portrayed the proper relationship of Christians. I am sure he would have probably kissed her in the kitchen, but it didn't show that. Too many times movies show too much. We don't have to see passionate love scenes to know what happens between a man and a woman.Overall, this is a sweet little movie that you can watch with your kids, your grandparents, or your preacher and it puts the idea of serving others at the forefront.I cry every time I watch it! :-)

Could have been worse. This film felt fake from the start, but I thought we were in for a Christmas movie and was willing to cut it some slack. When they arrived at the lodge and had separate rooms after dating for over a year, I got a bit surprised, and then when the boyfriend was over the top "gee honey I love the city and you don't", it became obvious that this was not a good script.Sorry to say I wasted the time on this and after coming to IMDb and reading the reviews, it's obvious now that the evangelicals are choosing to give it ten stars due to the references to God and Christ, but that's no excuse for such a lame movie. Even a true believer ought to be able to see this as a sorry excuse for Christmas entertainment.Avoid this movie.

This movie had no competent script, the actors were sleepwalking through their parts, there was no chemistry between the romantic leads and all the actors seemed like they were cardboard cutouts. There was no conviction from anyone in this. It was totally unbelievable.The settings and scenery were nice. But there was no sense that Christmas was even anticipated in any way. No snow on the ground, no lights or decorations anywhere, no Christmas music, no Christmas spirit, this film was totally lacking in life.God and Christianity were poorly interpreted in this vehicle and the whole premise was lacking substance. It had a lot of potential and so much could have been done with these actors and the setting had they perhaps had the right director, but in the end it was very boring and forgettable. I had such high hopes before watching this that it would be a memorable and heartwarming story. It was a big disappointment.