A MAX LUCADO STORY — As Christmas draws near, Jack finds himself disconnecting from the holidays, his job, and ultimately his wife. His latest assignment as a journalist takes him to Dallas, but a mysterious photograph draw... more »s him to the town of Clearwater, Texas. It is here he discovers the town s life-sized, intricately carved nativity. As Jack delves into the mysteries surrounding the nativity and its creator, he uncovers secrets from his past, reunites with the family he never knew, and returns to the love that never left him.
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 11/16/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"An updating of Max Lucado's book "A Christmas Cross", this film is about a successful Chicago journalist, whose marriage is at a breaking point as he is about to celebrate both his 40th birthday and Christmas; he is sent away during the Holidays to Texas for a story, and there reflects on his life and its meaning. There is a lot in this film about adopted children, and the parents who take them into their hearts. The film has some nice music as well, and the Christmas show is laugh-out-loud hilarious, with children that will capture your heart.
William Moses is convincing as Jack Davenport, Megan Fellows plays his wife Meg, who feels shut out of his life, and singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman plays Pastor Curtis, who reaches out to Jack with warmth and Christian love; Vicky Taylor Smith (Naomi) and Muse Watson (Jimmy) are among the excellent supporting cast. A small and unpretentious film that was shot mostly in Oklahoma in 3 weeks, its simplicity is one of its biggest charms; it's soapy but touching, and makes nice family fare. Total running time is 96 minutes.
The DVD "Extras" are: a lengthy "Behind the scenes" that has interviews with author Max Lucado, director William Ewing, Chapman, Moses, and others in the cast, "Shaohannah's Hope", which is named after Chapman's exquisite daughter, and is about adoption, and a music video with Chapman, "When Love takes You". There is also a companion book to this film available by Max Lucado. "
Heartwarming Christmas Story
Toby Joplin | Tulsa, OK United States | 11/24/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just in time for the holidays, Christmas Child is a return to those heartwarming Christmas movies that we grew up loving. William Moses plays journalist Jack Davenport and Megan Fellows portrays his wife Meg. The movie takes us through their marriage struggles during the holidays as Jack seeks to find his roots after the death of his father. Both actors come across as genuine and engaging. Steven Curtis Chapman is surprsingly good in his role as Pastor Curtis. Although shot in Oklahoma, a timely snow in Tulsa makes for a convincing portrayal of the Chicago scenes.
With the recent onslaught of zany Christmas comedies and off-the-wall perspectives on the holiday, Christmas Child provides a more traditional and yet entertaining Christmas story. Best of all, this a movie you can watch with the kids without having to hit the mute button or explain adult humor. A movie that all ages should enjoy."
A heart warming story
Roxanne D. Kerr | 10/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I saw this video surfing through Amazon, and decided to buy it. I am a big fan of Christmas in general and especially the movies. I read other reviews about Jack being a jerk and this a dull movie. I thought completly otherwise. For someone who has ever lost a family member would know what this character is feeling. He is having a difficult time dealing with the passing of his adopted father. He seeks answers from his home town. He is a typical man that does not want to speak about his feelings with his wife and is why he kind of closes off to her. Both my two children are adopted and I often wonder if they will have the same feelings as Jack did. I knew he would eventually seek the comfort from his wife, but it was in his time to do so. The ending was very emotional for me when he finally finds some answers and I was very touched by the ending. I really enjoyed this movie and was glad I purchased it and would definately watch it again. The other characters in the movie are funny, especially the lady at the nearby Inn. Jack's character thought so too. And the town Sheriff irritated me for picking on Jack, but then again he was just a jealous man. ;-)) I would recommend this movie. For me I shedded a few tears in the end. ENJOY"
Christmas Child Worth Your While
T. Dace | Chicago, IL USA | 02/27/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This was a good movie. Not anything sectacular but if you set aside the low budget and the ocasional questionable acting it has a good story line and makes for a very entertainig Christmas movie. It is one of those movies you can sit down with the whole family and everyone enjoy. If you are a big movie buff this may not be one to add to your collection. however if you are looking for something that is entertaining, has a good storyline, decent acting and something you will leave with, I would reccomend this movie."
GOOD INTENTIONS--SO-SO MOVIE
Michael Butts | Martinsburg, WV USA | 12/15/2005
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Based on a story by popular Christian author Max Lucado, CHRISTMAS CHILD is loaded with good intentions. However, it's overly leisurely pacing and a weak performance by lead William R. Moses prevent the film from having a truly emotional impact. The story follows journalist and workaholic Moses as he takes a Christmas assignment in Dallas, only to end up in Clearwater, the town where his real parents came from. (He's adopted and wants to know his past). There he meets some friendly folk, and not so friendly (Sheriff Muse Watson in an understated performance), and tries to uncover his roots. This shell of a plot affords us a chance to explore the meaning of the season, and we also get a chance to see Steven Curtis Chapman (Christian music superstar) in a fitting role as the local minister, and also the father of an adopted child (parallels Chapman's real life adoption of three little girls). It's all a little predictable, but one can't deny it's good intentions."