Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Well-meaning but generic holiday story with mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
An Evergreen Christmas
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Evie Lee (Charleene Closshey) went to Los Angeles some years ago to pursue her dream of becoming a singing star. By the time we meet her in AN EVERGREEN CHRISTMAS, she's all but given up that goal and is working as an assistant for a demanding rock diva. When her father suddenly dies on the family Christmas tree farm in Tennessee, Evie is devastated. Taking her struggling-actor boyfriend with her, she returns home to grieve along with her grandfather, his wife, and her younger brother. Evie is stunned to learn that, as the eldest child, she is now responsible for the farm. Estate taxes threaten to leave the family penniless, and they most certainly will have to sell. Although the excitement of the city and the boyfriend are calling her back to Los Angeles, Evie realizes she'll have to make the heavy decisions for her family. Calling upon her almost-forgotten inner strength, old friends, and a town she once loved, Evie sets out to establish new priorities and new dreams and rebuild relationships with those she'd left behind.
Is It Any Good?
The story is familiar; the resolutions (and there are several) are predictable. Some good actors have their work cut out for them when there's no subtlety in either the storyline or dialogue. As a result, one-dimensional stereotypes include a wannabe Hollywood actor, a diva pop-musical star, a greedy businesswoman, an ignorant racist bully, and a prickly but loving grandfather who relies heavily on his faith and his gun. Small-town life is idealized; big government wants to destroy the farmer and his family by extracting that last dollar from a dead man. Ms. Closshey, recognized as a talented musician, wrote the music, participated in the filmmaking, and clearly wants to add acting to her résumé; it's an adequate effort. Overall it's an OK but uninspired film for older kids and teens that's unlikely to inspire multiple viewings.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes a "holiday movie." What are some common themes and outcomes that viewers find appealing?
What are some of your family's favorite holiday films? Do you have any movies that you watch year after year? What makes them special?
What does it mean when a movie is referred to as "predictable?" There were several storylines in this film. Did any of them have unexpected resolutions, or did you know all along how each of them would end?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2014
- Cast : Robert Loggia , Charleene Closshey , Tyler Ritter
- Director : Jeremy Culver
- Studio : Kim and Jim Productions
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings ) , Holidays
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic elements and brief language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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