MOVIE REVIEW:
A Grandpa for Christmas:
Hallmark Christmas Movie starring Ernest Borgnine, Katherine Helmond, Tracy Nelson and Juliette Goglia.
CAST:
Ernest Borgnine ... Bert O'Riley
Juliette Goglia ... Becca O'Riley
Katherine Helmond ... Roxie Famosa
Richard Libertini ... Karl Sugarman
Tracy Nelson ... Marie O'Riley
Jamie Farr ... Adam Johnson
PLOT:
from Hallmark:
Academy Award® and Golden Globe winner – and Hollywood legend -- Ernest Borgnine stars as a retired showman who is forced into guardianship over the nine-year-old granddaughter he’s never met after his estranged daughter is hospitalized following a car crash in “A Grandpa for Christmas,” a Hallmark Original Movie premiering Saturday, November 24 (9/8 c). Young star Juliette Goglia (“Joan of Arcadia”) stars opposite the iconic Borgnine. Katherine Helmond (“Everybody Loves Raymond”), Tracy Nelson (“Down and Out in Beverly Hills”) and Jamie Farr (“M*A*S*H”) star in this warm tale of a separated family coming together under some unusual circumstances.
80-year-old Bert O’Riley (played by the spry 90-year-old Borgnine) agrees to take in his nine-year-old granddaughter, Becca (Goglia) after his estranged daughter, Marie, (Nelson) is involved in a car accident. A 25-year divorcee, Bert’s not much good at living with other people, much less a little girl who’s been told only the worst about her grandfather.
As Becca slowly warms to Bert, the two find a connection in a school Christmas pageant which Becca wishes to join. Bert enlists the help of his fellow showbiz retiree pals – Roxie (Helmond), Adam (Farr) and Karl (Richard Libertini, “The District”) – to help get her in shape. Bert is eventually called on to take over the show, bringing Christmas joy to his granddaughter, his family and his friends back in his home.
Movie Review:
This is such a lovely and delightful Christmas Movie - that the entire family can enjoy together.
It teaches a great lesson in life about family... in trusting and loving one another.
There are a few Cautions for Children: (Possible SPOILERS) Becca's mother, Marie, is involved in a car accident. It is not violent or graphically shown. Marie is shown lying in the hospital resting, and does recover. Bert, the Grandfather, has a heart attack, while at the park with Rebecca, but also recovers at the hospital.
I loved the scenes with Rebecca singing and dancing. Those moments were absolutely wonderful! Any little girl who loves to sing or takes dance lessons will love this movie! The routine at the end is Fantastic! She has such a strong singing voice for such a little girl. I also loved seeing the bond between the Grandfather & Grandaughter. It's a beautiful story of a family re-uniting and finding joy together at Christmas-time!
See or Skip:
See with your family! It's A Wonderful Christmas Movie!