The Christmas Cottage (**)

Directed By: Michael Campus
Starring: Jared Padelecki, Peter O’Toole, Marcia Gay Harden, Aaron Ashmore, Richard Burgi
Seen: November 21st 2008

** Out of ****

It has become so that you can’t expect a good film with the word Christmas in the title. This is, if not good, a decent little film, heartfelt and genuine in its presentation. Thomas Kinkade (Padalecki) is a suffering young artist, but when he goes back to his hometown, where they visit their mother, Maryanne. It doesn’t take them too long to discover the truth their mother is desperately trying to hide, she is bankrupt, and in serious danger of losing their home, the Christmas Cottage.

So against their mother’s wishes, the brothers decide to stay and help, but work in the little town is scarce, and the brothers find out why their mother is unemployed. Everyone has the best of intentions, but does nothing to help them. Thomas also has some difficulty finding his artistic niche, relying heavily on his mentor, Glen (O’Toole), to help him find inspiration.

Glen is a very old man, and he is played with extreme over indulgence by O’Toole, almost to the point of extreme annoyance. He still believes he has one painting left in him, a portrait of the love of his life, which, in his state of age and Parkinsonian shakes, comes extremely difficult. He does, however, find the words that inspires Thomas to complete his mural in the town, a work which Thomas accepted only for the possibility of getting paid, not as true art.

The mural, depicting the townsfolk in their different countenances, inspires the people to help out, and the Christmas spirit triumphs once again. So this is yet another predictable and borderline emotionally touching film, which will give some Christmas cheer, but which will also be forgotten by New Year.