ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS (1991)

 

Being that time of year again, I thought it fitting to look at some of my favorite Christmas movies.

In this one we meet siblings Ethan (played by Ethan Randall) and Hallie (Thora Birch) O'Fallon. When Hallie is asked by a mall Santa what she wanted for Christmas, she asked for the seemingly impossible: that their divorced parents get back together. And to complicate matters even further, Mom is about to get married to fiance, Tony. But unfazed by this, the two of them set out on an elaborate scheme to prevent the imminent wedding and to make Hallie's wish come true. And for good measure, along the way, teenager Ethan falls in love for the first time with lovely Stephanie (Amy Oberer).

This is not an unfamiliar theme and has been covered many times before and since; surely most well known being the various versions of The Parent Trap. Nevertheless, this is a fresh take on a somewhat stale subject that could just as easily have flopped. However, it does not and actually works, mainly due to the excellent cast. Adorable Thora Birch is especially good and stands out in this accomplished crowd.

This is the ideal DVD to watch this time of year with the family in whatever type of climate you might find yourself. I rated it four out of five stars.

Trailer link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NZcvznx1rPo

 Ethan Randall and Thora Birch

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS (2007)

Yes, there is another movie with exactly the same title. And yes, it's got a similar theme as well. Only this time the child's wish is to find a husband for his hardworking, single mom and if, in the process, he can gain a dad, why not?

In this movie, ten year old Jesse Armstrong (Jimmy Pinchak) tries to find someone for his mom, Sara (Gail O'Grady). So he enters a toy company holiday contest with a video, titled: "All I want for Christmas is a Husband for my Mom" and wins it. This sets in motion a series of events and consequences he did not count on. It is almost a case of be careful for what you wish for it might just come true.

This is your typical Larry Levinson and Robert Halmi, Jr production. You'll either love it or loath it, depending on your disposition and taste. However, if it is good healthy family viewing you're after, you cannot go wrong with this sweet feel-good film which once again goes to prove miracles do happen in the most unexpected ways.

I loved it and therefor gave it four out of five stars as well.  

Trailer link: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=clyN4L6c90c  

Jimmy Pinchak then...                                          ... and now