Faith Filled Christmas
By Renee Schonfeld,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Christian Christmas tale has some heavy themes.
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Faith Filled Christmas
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What's the Story?
It's sunny in Florida, but that doesn't make it any less like Christmas in FAITH FILLED CHRISTMAS. The Fairways are a big, happy, multiethnic family. Grandparents Mildred (Debra Petersen) and Simon (Gerry Gelley) live in a beautiful, well-run assisted living center. Walter (Essex O'Brien) and Ruth (Donna Deklavon), their African-American son and daughter-in-law, have an assortment of adopted and foster kids. In one special day just before the holiday, Simon and his prankster buddy Byron (Michael Liddle) secretly plan an afternoon of Olympic events -- The Geezer Games -- while the unsuspecting owner of the facility is away. Mildred takes her skeptical friend Betty (Carol Taylor) on a beach outing with the kids to advocate for the family's church. The family is able to bring some much-needed Christmas spirit to a desperate young mom, a struggling homeless woman, and a whole lot of appreciative seniors. It's a rewarding day of "passing forward" both good deeds and Christian love.
Is It Any Good?
Made with enthusiasm and conviction, if not filmmaking expertise, this film boasts a spirit and messages that are undeniable. The profusion of senior citizens in the film (all white, with one exception) fairly bloom with Christmas joy. Watching them participate in wheelchair and walker races, as well as a spectacular "bedpan" toss, are highlights. Most notably, Michael Liddle gives a wonderful performance as Byron, a relentless prankster. Other performances vary from barely competent to adequate, but each and every one of the participants gives it his or her all. Co-writer/director Don McChesney and his crew must have had a wonderful time making Faith Filled Christmas. That shows, as does the commitment of everyone involved to definitive Christian precepts.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss Faith Filled Christmas in terms of its religious content. The Biblical phrase "You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world" is at the heart of the movie. What does this mean and how was it illustrated in the story?
Fiber Fairway expressed the belief that only one set of religious teachings can be correct. Do you agree with his thinking? Why or why not?
The film stressed the words "intentional" and "winsome." How did the varied stories reflect these concepts?
What was the significance of the Christmas ornament in this story?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: December 6, 2017
- Cast: Michael Liddle , Debra Petersen , Gerry Gelley
- Director: Don McChesney
- Studio: Manifest Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship , Holidays
- Run time: 93 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: June 20, 2023
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