One Magic Christmas

G

1985

1h 28m

Kids & Family

Holiday

Fantasy

List

47%

17 Reviews

Tomatometer

68%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Ginny (Mary Steenburgen) has a difficult time mustering Christmas spirit due to her husband Jack's (Gary Basaraba) unemployment and her humble position as a grocery store clerk. With the holiday fast approaching, Ginny and Jack's daughter, Abbie (Elizabeth Harnois), goes to deliver her letter to Santa. On her way, Abbie meets Gideon, an angel intent on saving Christmas from Ginny's poor attitude. With Gideon's magical assistance, Ginny learns how things could be much worse.

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Andrew L

This movie truly shows how the 1980s were: Unemployment was everywhere and those who were employed worked minimum-wage jobs with no benefits. But this movie does give those of us who lived through the 80s hope. It is the story of a little girl who befriends a guardian angel and the two of them hope to show the girl's mom the true spirit of Christmas. Sure, the ending is completely far-fetched but still it's a wonderful movie full of emotions that shows even in the hardest of hearts, The Christmas Spirit is still alive.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/01/24

Full Review

Luke E

One of my favourite Christmas films, unfortunately its rare to see it on TV in the UK. Not your usual Christmas film, i can see why some may find it depressing at times. Its also very clear that it hasn't got the biggest budget, but its good story and message, i even find it quite nostalgic especially with the old 80s/90s Christmas feel. Even at 30 odd years old it still makes me shed a tear everytime.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/23/23

Full Review

Richard B

I liked this movie growing up but it did not age well at all. Plot is too cheesy and acting is pretty bad.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

12/15/23

Full Review

Marjolein D

It portrays a poor, stressed mother as a Scrooge and a creepy, lurking man as a child-friendly, magical angel, it's very strange to me.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/14/23

Full Review

Terry P

This is one of my favorite Christmas Movies! It has a very Canadian look and feel to it, particularly an Ontario, Canada feeling, as it was shot in three or more Ontario locations. I have been to all the locations listed, Meaford, Owen Sound and Scarborough myself. It is similar to "It's a Wonderful Life" in many ways, with a more modern take and like I said a definate Canadian feel to it. The director Phillip Borsos was a masterful director and producer and even wrote the original one page story idea that later became the movie. His cinematography, camera angles etc. were unique giving his films a great original feel. Unfortunately after making several excellent movies and shorts Phillip got sick with leukemia and passed away at the age of 41.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/04/23

Full Review

StephenPaul C

LOL, the funniest 01 hour: and 28 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/11/23

Full Review

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Phillip Borsos

Director

Mary Steenburgen

Ginny Grainger

Harry Dean Stanton

Gideon

Gary Basaraba

Jack Grainger

Arthur Hill

Caleb Grainger

Elisabeth Harnois

Abbie Grainger

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Paul Attanasio

Washington Post

It's a godsend for parents, a movie you can take the kids to, but which won't leave you gnashing at the armrest halfway through.

Jan 4, 2018

Full Review

Janet Maslin

New York Times

An affecting, well-played film.

May 20, 2003

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 2/5

Jan 30, 2003

Full Review

David Parkinson

Radio Times

Far too downbeat for the festive season.

Rated: 2/5

Nov 16, 2017

Full Review

TV Guide

Has the bite of a toothless old dog.

Rated: 1/4

Nov 16, 2017

Full Review

Dorothy Woodend

The Tyee (British Columbia)

Phil Borsos' take on Christmas is a somewhat odd movie, but it does have a slow charm, not unlike It's a Wonderful Life by way of Wim Wenders.

Aug 24, 2017

Full Review

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Synopsis

Ginny (Mary Steenburgen) has a difficult time mustering Christmas spirit due to her husband Jack's (Gary Basaraba) unemployment and her humble position as a grocery store clerk. With the holiday fast approaching, Ginny and Jack's daughter, Abbie (Elizabeth Harnois), goes to deliver her letter to Santa. On her way, Abbie meets Gideon, an angel intent on saving Christmas from Ginny's poor attitude. With Gideon's magical assistance, Ginny learns how things could be much worse.

Director: Phillip Borsos
Screenwriter: Thomas Meehan
Production Co: Walt Disney Pictures, Telefilm Canada
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Holiday, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $12.4M
Runtime: 1h 28m
Sound Mix: Stereo, Surround

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