This is a great movie about Young Thomas Kincaid. Young Thomas and his brother Patrick come home from UC Berkeley for Christmas to their hometown Placerville, CA ( about 50 miles east from Sacramento in the Sierra foothills ) at Christmas 1977.. Their parents are divorced. Mom is trying to pay all the family bills when she loses her job. Dad has not paid any alimony or child support.He is a low paid alcoholic drifter. Thomas paints a beautiful Mural in Placerville for $500. Between Thomas and Patrick they come up with $800 plus dollars. Thomas has been friends with an elderly artist played expertly by Peter O'Toole. Mom needs $3000, or come January 1 the house will be foreclosed on. An Unexpected Gift from a friend saves their home from Foreclosure. This is a beautiful story about a small town Christmas with great, memorable cast. This a ten out of 10 movie anytime.
Jerry M. (lawndolphin) from MOREHEAD CITY, NC Reviewed on 1/1/2010...
this dvd is one of the best christmas movie i watched. It is a prefect movie for the whole family to enjoy. You will stayed glued to the movie the whole time.
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Movie Reviews
A story of Beginnings and Endings
Gloria Oliver | The Colony, Texas USA | 11/16/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Famed painter Thomas Kinkaid had this film made about a very pivotal time of his life. Kept raw as real life tends to be, it is a sad and yet very uplifting film. Topics are deep and moving. This is not meant to be a young children's film, but more a teenage and adult film. Deals with motivations, the things that shape us, those who mold our lives.
While I felt the character of Thomas was not given enough depth to fully utilize Mr. Padalecki's talents, his performance with what he was given was awesome. Several of the supporting characters did super amazing work. Despite the rough language given to Richard Burgi, it was the most amazing piece of acting I have seen from him yet -- the depths of feeling and information in his vulerable moments were totally worth it. Mr. O'Toole also gives a wondrous performnce.
If you want something to touch your heart, see how life chapes people, and just get some of that Christmas feeling flowing -- this movie is for you."
Yes it's a family movie for Pete's Sakes!
CrazyJaime | Alaska | 11/21/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Some weirdos are getting on here saying this is not a family movie due to vulgarity and sensuality. I don't think they saw the same movie I saw. There is more vulgarity and sensuality spending five minutes anywhere outside this movie...walking down a street, at school, tv shows or commercials. Please do yourself a favor and ignore those reviews. You'll be glad and thankful for it. The whole movie has to do with redemption, and God's love, and it has the guts to say so, in a way that I don't think would turn off most non-religious or religious people. This movie is a gem, the acting is excellent, and I am ordering a copy or two for gifts. If you are an aspiring artist, or know someone who is, this movie is a God-send."
The Chrismas Cottage
James W. Austen | 10/15/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I went to the private premier in Morgan Hill a few months ago. It is a great Christmas movie for the whole family. This movie gives you a peek into Thomas Kinkades life before he became famous. Peter O'Toole gives a great performance as Thom's mentor, the art professor that help Thom and his family. God Bless Thom and his family"
Heartwarming.
Shirley Barnes | Newark, New Jersey | 11/22/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Heartwarming...After reading one of the reviews here on Amazon, I was reluctant to buy this movie due to the mention of the profanity. I'm glad that I listened to my instincts and purchased it. I truly enjoyed the movie and thought it was very touching and inspiring. The profanity that was used was so minimal that you hardly recall it being used. The only problem that I found with the movie was the volume. I had to turn my volume all the way up and listen closely in order to hear. Other than that, I would recommend that you add this movie to your Christmas collection."