Finding John Christmas (2003)

recommended

The performances transcend the film's tropes, grounding it in characters that feel more complete than this subgenre often produces.

Easily the biggest piece of Right wing non sense propaganda I ever saw.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

From a poorly contrived plot line that makes almost no sense to bad dialogue and disjointed scenes to the ultimate downer, bad acting (even Peter Falk can't find his way) "Finding John Christmas" is better left lost. Ms. Bertinelli's performance is without depth or emotion as are her co-stars, William Russ as brother Hank and David Cubitt as love interest Noah. Jennifer Pisana as Soccoro, the daughter of single dad Noah is almost unbearable to watch let alone listen to singing. But who can blame them with material like this. Michael J. Murray's script is juvenile at best. Each year at this time I search the TV guides and wait anxiously for some of the really classic Christmas and inspirational holiday films to appear on the small screen. Films like "Miracle on 34th Street", Ernst Lubitsch's delightful "The shop around the corner" and, of course the 1951 version of "Scrooge". There's Frank Capra's classics "It's a wonderful life" and "Meet John Doe". Hey, forget the classics. What about "Home Alone" or " Home for the Holidays" with Holly Hunter and a great performance by Robert Downey Jr.? My present to you is by way of advice. Your time would be better spent searching out these films than finding "Finding John Christmas". Merry Christmas!

A wonderful movie with a definite direction on where it wants to take the viewer. I loved the sub plots. The element of surprise that came with Noah's revelation to Hank was wonderful. Peter Falk's Max was the balance check that prevented any overflow of sugar. At times the character of Max was a bit much. Much of the character's dialogue was to deflect when the opposite character begins to figure things out, however, the technique began to get overbearing. It wasn't until the hand on the shoulder "it's good to see you again" to Hank that I felt that all of the information was revealed.The movie deserves a good sequel so we can see what happens in Hank's life and of course Kathleen, Noah and the kid.

Having been a fan of 'Columbo', I was sorely disappointed in 'Corky Romano'. While certainly a funny movie, Falk's mob boss character was a far cry from the lovable lieutenant he's played for so many years, especially with the offensive language he used. After 'Corky Romano', I was honestly both surprised by and soured on Mr. Peter Falk. HOWEVER, having just seen 'Finding John Christmas' and its predecessor, 'A Town Without Christmas', for the first time within a week of each other, I have to say that 'Max', Peter's Falk's delightful character in both movies, is surely as memorable and lovable as 'Columbo'. While parts of the movie are quite predictable, such scenes in no way take away from the enjoyment of seeing the story played out. I too wish I had recorded both of these heartwarming Christmas movies, and I highly recommend them whether you're a Falk fan, a Christmas nut, or simply someone who enjoys the occasional feel-good movie of the week. This movie may end up lost among the throngs of made-for-TV holiday flicks, so be sure to find 'Finding John Christmas' before it's too late.

Like its predecessor, I wish I had taped this wonderful film. An outstanding film that lets us realize there's more to us than ourselves, this film allows us to see that debts (& not just monetary) need to be paid, & that our actions affect others, even in the long run.It's great to see Peter Falk continuing in the role of Max, the angel whose work is never done, & affects so many. His minutes onscreen aren't as many, but Oh! How he makes the most of them! No offense to any other cast members, but he's the reason for watching this fine film.This is a film to watch again & again & again!BRAVO!