First off I would like to say that this movie should have had a PG rating and not a G rating. Most young children between the ages 4 through 10 are not going to understand the plot or point to this film because it is kind of a dark and depressing film. Even though at the end Ginny turned out to like Christmas, throughout the movie was very tense especially the scene where Harry kills Jack at the bank. Even though it was all part of Ginny's dream by Gideon to like Christmas most young children are not going to understand that along with many other scenes in her dream. So, the bottom line is if you have young children between the ages of 4 to 10 sit with them when they watch this movie because it may frighten them like it did me when I was 5 years old.
93 Reviews
a spiritless person who's 2nd chance to make right the wrongs of Xmas
lark4015 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
award winning actress Mary Steenburgen gives a brilliant performance as Ginnie Granger a young mother who discovers the joy and beauty this Xmas thanks to unshakable faith of her daughter her 6yrs old Abbie and a angel called Gideon played by harry dean Stanton Ginny's very own angel Ginny's wondrous experience will touch others and their hearts the sharing of one could help her life in so many ways in this timeless Disney will fulfill all your treasured memories it will bring Ur belief back and make sure to share your memories with loves one in this 1hr25mins with snow to around
with santa in to to help and go around to help define graineys change I give this 7/10
with santa in to to help and go around to help define graineys change I give this 7/10
its slow,but with a happy ending
ops-5253510 December 2018
I thought i had it all under control, but this film has flipped under my radar ...till now. weirdly enough,cause its a disney production,i thought i had all of them.
one magic christmas is of the old school innocent 1980's x-mas film productions,aboutnon believers,empty wallet,jobless, cold blistering snowy weather ,magic angels(i wouldve been scared by harry dean stanton as an angel), northpole,santas work shop, not filled with elves,but old crumbling people,and a miracle++ in the end.
its jolly enough, its just so dead slow,and nearly takes the spirit away,but it pravails at the end. i miss the traditional x-mas calender that have become a main subject in 90% of newer productions.
the acting are at average standard,who got me most excited were the santa claus himsel, a very truthful act indeed.
its a recommended x-mas movie
one magic christmas is of the old school innocent 1980's x-mas film productions,aboutnon believers,empty wallet,jobless, cold blistering snowy weather ,magic angels(i wouldve been scared by harry dean stanton as an angel), northpole,santas work shop, not filled with elves,but old crumbling people,and a miracle++ in the end.
its jolly enough, its just so dead slow,and nearly takes the spirit away,but it pravails at the end. i miss the traditional x-mas calender that have become a main subject in 90% of newer productions.
the acting are at average standard,who got me most excited were the santa claus himsel, a very truthful act indeed.
its a recommended x-mas movie
One Magic Christmas very magical, perfect for the Christmas season!
rejoefrankel8 December 1999
One Magic Christmas seems to fall under the category of fantasy films that are suitable for the whole family, but especially relevant to adults. Like E.T. the movie is designed to tug at the heartstrings, and in the beginning it will initially strike viewers as somewhat heavy-handed and sad. But this film is worth sticking with, and it lives up to its title.
I went into this movie expecting a somewhat conventional Hollywood fable...complete with gooey sentiment and multiple climaxes. What I got instead was a thoroughly engaging, sensitively directed film that left me with a genuinely warm feeling in my heart, following in the tradition of It's A Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol. One Magic Christmas is a touching story with an ending that pays off. It should be a must see on everybody's list during the holiday season!!
I went into this movie expecting a somewhat conventional Hollywood fable...complete with gooey sentiment and multiple climaxes. What I got instead was a thoroughly engaging, sensitively directed film that left me with a genuinely warm feeling in my heart, following in the tradition of It's A Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Carol. One Magic Christmas is a touching story with an ending that pays off. It should be a must see on everybody's list during the holiday season!!
One Magic Christmas is depressing and disturbing. Not a good movie for young children.
ironhorse_iv24 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This movie from Disney is a bit upsetting and not appropriate at all with a Rated G rating. It should PG or PG-13, as this 89 minutes Christmas movie has a robbery, kidnapping, car crash, extreme child endangerment, and a murder. It's no way, should be Rated G. It's actually quite a dreary, downbeat and sad film for the most part, with realistic and mundane look of life. Nothing in the film directed by Phillip Borsos stands out as lively. The clothing is dreary. The locations are cold, and dark. The characters, plot, and nearly everything in production design looks bleak. While, the movie did have a good cast, the story didn't had that golly feeling needed to make this watchable. One Magic Christmas is starts out grim, already as it's about a mother Ginny Grainger (Mary Steenburgen), whom husband, Jack (Gary Basaraba) is out of work, and the family is near being homeless as they are force to move out of the company house before the end of the year. Jack has a big dream of opening a bike shop of his own, but it would eat up their savings, which Ginny sees as a foolish move. I hate how the movie makes Ginny look like Scrooge, because she loses sight of the true meaning of Christmas. Great symbolism like when all the Christmas lights begin turning off all around her, as to show that the last of the Christmas spirit has been drained from her after a fight with Jack, but it was a bit cruel. I'm sorry, but if you can't make ends meet, you have to cut down. She is already working as a cashier in the grocery store. She also raising their children; Abbie (Elisabeth Harnois), Caleb (Arthur Hill) and Cal (Robbie Magwood); so she is no way a Grinch like character. So the responsible mom is the bad guy here, while the happy- go-lucky, spendthrift Dad, so full of good cheer, is the hero. What? Christmas get worst for them, as a series of near accidents seem to follow. First off, Abbie nearly get run over by a car while sending a letter to Santa at her mailbox, but a guardian angel name Gideon (Harry Dean Stanton) save her. The next day, Christmas Eve, Ginny get fired from her job due to her trying to take care of her children, and also against her wishes, Jack goes to the bank to take some money out of their savings to do some Christmas shopping for the kids. A bank robber enters the bank and accidentally shot Jack during the heist. He then flees the bank and hops into the family's car with Abbie and Cal still inside. Ginny realizes that the gunman just stole the car with the children in it, chases after him, only to find out that the car has swerve off the bridge into a river below with her children. I know about Murphy's Law, but this movie makes it look like it's like God is trying to go Job on her like a Final Destination style with its silly everything that can go wrong, could, gimmick. It was a bit too much for dramatic effect. After learning of the death of both her husband and children, Ginny returns home to an empty house, spirit broken, and weeps. Are you sure, producers that this is a Christmas movie?! Anyways, Ginny find out that Gideon save the children before the crash, but couldn't save the Dad. The reasons why, he couldn't save him is BS, in my opinion. Gideon tells the children, that only Santa Claus (Jan Rubes) can bring him back alive which end up being a lie, too. The only way to save Jack is for Abbie's mother to have her spirit of Christmas back in which the kids try with a Christmas letter. Will Ginny get her Christmas spirit back or will Jack be gone forever? Watch the movie for the rest. The ending is a cop out, anyways. Remember children, if somebody dies, it's because your parent doesn't believe in the Christmas spirit; it wasn't the thing that killed them! Plus, if you ever want them back from the dead, just ask Santa is raised them from the grave like zombies. He already use zombies to work his workshop rather than elves, anyways. The bank robber left his son at the bus station; he never mentioned again, will he get his father back if he believed in Santa? NO! What a horrible message. The movie should be telling children how to overcome tragedy; because in real life, you can't change past events. This would make a better message then the one, we get in this film. The acting in the film is pretty alright. Mary Steenburgen is very emotionally subdued throughout the film. Her character walks around in a daze, enjoying little of life. She is a great actress. Harry Dean Stanton is a fine actor but his character looked like a child killer than an angel. It didn't help that he was in a long trench coat, and dark hat spying on them on top of trees. He look and act like a craze stalker. Sadly, Guardian angel Gideon shares many characteristics with child molesters and pretty much a bad role model. One thing about the movie is its pacing. It's boring at times. Overall: The message means well, but the plot is too dark for a Christmas movie. Ugh, Stay away from this one, if you have young children. It's worth viewing with a more mature audience.
For those of us who were not brought up with a silver spoon we can relate to this version of Christmas spirit
Ed-Shullivan25 December 2019
This film has had mixed reviews and I can understand why. There are far too many North American families who were born post 1970's who have never had to want for very much. Those reviewers who lived above a blue collar lifestyle with regular restaurant meals and three (3) or more cars in their double garages, would not understand the reality of a family facing hard times .
Actress Mary Steenburgen who plays a working mother named Ginny Grainger, who works at the local grocery store as a cashier is struggling financially to keep a roof over her children's heads and Christmas time is more of a nightmare experience than a dream filled with chocolates and plum pudding as some of these other reviewers may have experienced annually.
Ginny's angel named Gideon is played uncharacteristically by actor Harry Dean Stanton. Gideon interacts with the entire Grainger family and he explains to the children how his own circumstances while on earth led him to become an angel placed back on earth to bring the spirit of Christmas back to the Grainger family.
This may be a bit different story line mixing death, crime and financial stresses all wrapped up in a perfectly tied bow of love and emotion in the true spirit of Christmas.
It is well worth watching on your Christmas list and don't believe any of the naysayers if you are truly a believer in the Christmas spirit!!!!!
An 8 out of 10 rating on the Christmas calendar scale.
Actress Mary Steenburgen who plays a working mother named Ginny Grainger, who works at the local grocery store as a cashier is struggling financially to keep a roof over her children's heads and Christmas time is more of a nightmare experience than a dream filled with chocolates and plum pudding as some of these other reviewers may have experienced annually.
Ginny's angel named Gideon is played uncharacteristically by actor Harry Dean Stanton. Gideon interacts with the entire Grainger family and he explains to the children how his own circumstances while on earth led him to become an angel placed back on earth to bring the spirit of Christmas back to the Grainger family.
This may be a bit different story line mixing death, crime and financial stresses all wrapped up in a perfectly tied bow of love and emotion in the true spirit of Christmas.
It is well worth watching on your Christmas list and don't believe any of the naysayers if you are truly a believer in the Christmas spirit!!!!!
An 8 out of 10 rating on the Christmas calendar scale.
Jeez, remember when Disney made movies like this?
CuriosityKilledShawn9 December 2011
One Magic Christmas is a world away from the safe, schmaltzy family fluff Disney is responsible for today. It's actually quite a bleak, downbeat and miserable film for the most part, with realistic and mundane photography and a drab production design. All of this actually serves the film well, I must point out.
A young Mary Steenburgen (who has always been cast beyond her years thanks to her deep facial folds) plays a mum who is very emotionally subdued, she walks around in a daze, enjoying little of life. At Xmas her kids and husband are excited but she only worries about money and is brought down even further by people treating her badly.
An angel shows up and encourages her young daughter to help find 'the true meaning of Xmas' (a theme which is quite common in Xmas movies). The film then plays out as a cross between It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. It's effective, but it's not for everybody. I only saw it once before when I was 12, and I was depressed by it, but it's a welcome change of pace to the usual festive fare.
A young Mary Steenburgen (who has always been cast beyond her years thanks to her deep facial folds) plays a mum who is very emotionally subdued, she walks around in a daze, enjoying little of life. At Xmas her kids and husband are excited but she only worries about money and is brought down even further by people treating her badly.
An angel shows up and encourages her young daughter to help find 'the true meaning of Xmas' (a theme which is quite common in Xmas movies). The film then plays out as a cross between It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol. It's effective, but it's not for everybody. I only saw it once before when I was 12, and I was depressed by it, but it's a welcome change of pace to the usual festive fare.
do not watch this if you are depressed--it'll only make it worse
planktonrules18 December 2005
I thought this was one of the most depressing holiday movies I have ever seen--the others being THE Christmas WIFE and JACK FROST. All three movies are about death. If you LIKE being thoroughly depressed, then by all means watch this film or any of the others. In this film, the acting is good and some of the scenery (apart when people are dying) is lovely. But, I am worried that a clinically depressed person might accidentally see the film and do themselves in! Despite a "happily ever after" ending, the major portion of this film is one awful disaster following another. And, for some crazy reason, I DON'T WANT TO BE DEPRESSED when I watch a Christmas movie (I know this sounds crazy folks--after all, isn't bawling your eyes out and feeling miserable what the holidays are all about anyway?).
For a more uplifting viewing experience, try the forgotten HOUSE WITHOUT A Christmas TREE, George C. Scott's Christmas CAROL or A Christmas STORY instead--unless of course you like being miserable.
For a more uplifting viewing experience, try the forgotten HOUSE WITHOUT A Christmas TREE, George C. Scott's Christmas CAROL or A Christmas STORY instead--unless of course you like being miserable.
This movie is very special to me. It's a part of my childhood. I love it so much.
Amy20815 April 2005
When One Magic Christmas came out in 1985 on TV, my mom recorded it on to a VHS tape. We had this beat up, bad copy of the movie. You had to turn the volume up all the way in order to hear anything, still this movie was amazing to me. Mary Steenbergen doesn't believe in Christmas or Santa. She is such a scrooge about the season, that not even her kids' excitement could change the way she feels. With an angels' help, her daughter Abby, tries to get her into the spirit. It's full of magic, adventure, enchantment, and many lessons learned. One Magic Christmas is funny, dramatic, and wholesome. It's one of those movies that you truly can watch with your whole family, and everyone will like it. My sister and I loved it so much when we were kids that we used to watch it year round. I love this movie very much. They just recently re-released it on DVD, so now I have a good copy of the movie that has meant so much to me growing up. I still say that it's one of my all time favorite movies!!!!
A Truly Great Christmas Movie
gavin694212 December 2012
An angel (Harry Dean Stanton) must show a mother (Mary Steenburgen) the true meaning of Christmas. It is not just presents and materialistic things, but the people she cares about.
What I enjoyed most about this film is how dark it is. Others have called it bittersweet, which may be fair, but it just has so much negativity in it. A mother who hates Christmas, a bank robber, three people who die...
Of course, the mother has some right to be upset. Her husband, as nice of a guy as he is, is something of a deadbeat. There is nothing wrong with wanting to open a bicycle shop... but, you know, it would not hurt to have a job in the meantime, even if it was just part-time. You have to have a home before you can do much else.
Gideon is a most unusual angel, and we could question the theology behind it. Angels are not generally dead humans, but a different creature entirely... and then, how does a Christmas angel differ from a standard angel? Apparently just being killed on Christmas? And it seems like others who die are sent to work for eternity in Santa's workshop. That is not my idea of heaven. But, oh well...
As a bonus, this film is the big screen debut of Elisabeth Harnois, Sarah Polley and Elias Koteas. That is quite a landmark all by itself.
What I enjoyed most about this film is how dark it is. Others have called it bittersweet, which may be fair, but it just has so much negativity in it. A mother who hates Christmas, a bank robber, three people who die...
Of course, the mother has some right to be upset. Her husband, as nice of a guy as he is, is something of a deadbeat. There is nothing wrong with wanting to open a bicycle shop... but, you know, it would not hurt to have a job in the meantime, even if it was just part-time. You have to have a home before you can do much else.
Gideon is a most unusual angel, and we could question the theology behind it. Angels are not generally dead humans, but a different creature entirely... and then, how does a Christmas angel differ from a standard angel? Apparently just being killed on Christmas? And it seems like others who die are sent to work for eternity in Santa's workshop. That is not my idea of heaven. But, oh well...
As a bonus, this film is the big screen debut of Elisabeth Harnois, Sarah Polley and Elias Koteas. That is quite a landmark all by itself.
A strange and depressing spin on Christmas
gloomyrival12 March 2007
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, let me say that this is not the movie for people looking to watch something spirited and joyous for the holidays. This movie is cold, brutal, and just downright depressing. Mary Steenburgen plays a grinchy mom who is down on Christmas because her husband has lost his job, they are losing their house, can't buy Christmas presents for the kids, etc. You get the idea, happy stuff for the holidays. So along comes Harry Dean Stanton as Gideon the Christmas angel, who in his dark hat and long overcoat comes off more like a pedophile who hangs around children all day observing them. What better way to instill the spirit of Christmas in Mary Steenburgen than to kill off her family and then offer to bring them back if she believes in Christmas again. Santa Claus is a blackmailer and his Christmas workshop looks more like a haven for refugee Nazis on the lam. The movie lays everything on so thick that you don't care about the happy ending when it comes because the rest of the movie is so bitter and unbelievable. I'm sure this film wanted to be something Capra-like, but it left out the joy and sentiment on what a holiday film should be.
One of the best (and most underrated) Christmas movies ever!
filmmakker25 December 2005
One Magic Christmas is one of my favorite Christmas movies of all time. While I don't remember seeing it in the theater (apparantly I did, but I had just turned 3 years old), I watched our videotaped copy (recorded off of the Disney Channel circa 1986) so many times as a little girl(regardless of the season), the first few minutes of the tape literally wore out, filling with snow and static. This, and the fact that I had every line memorized, has become something of Christmas Lore in my family. Tonight (Christmas 2005), I watched the film again with my parents and sister for the first time in many years, and was stuck by several things: first, how well the film has held up over the last twenty-years; second, how special and unique the message is from "traditional" family holiday movies that were made in the 80s and 90s; and third, how I still remember many of the lines of dialog -- they are indelibly etched into my brain after literally hundreds of viewings.
"One Magic Christmas" is sort of an alternate take on "It's a Wonderful Life" -- centering around a family who has fallen on hard times with a mother who never says "Merry Christmas" and is generally devoid of any holiday sentiment altogether. Her daughter Abbie, together with the Christmas Angel Gideon, embark on a plan to help her re-find the Christmas spirit.
Mary Steenburgen is fantastic as the loving, but icy mother. Her performance is very real -- she is both funny and dramatic, and her character is developed in a way that most family films omit. Harry Dean Stanton is perfect as Gideon, the angel - calming and knowing. You believe he is who he says he is. The child actors in the film are equally fantastic. In a family film, the kids can either make it or break it. These children act like real kids -- they aren't trying to be cute for the camera (although they really are adorable -- and this is coming from someone who dislikes most children on TV/movies) and they hold their own with their adult counterparts with ease. The little girl that plays Abbie is effortless in her portrayal of a girl with an non-wavering belief in Santa Clause.
Honestly, one of the things I think that I like best about this film is how real it seems. Considering magic and faith are primary elements of the story - this really says something. The acting is so good, the dialog believable, that the more mystical situations do not seem out of bounds. The film also delves into darker, more realistic themes than you get in most family fare. This is really exceptional, especially considering this was a Disney picture. The ultimate message of the film is heartening and poignant - even for those of us who are grown and long-since stopped believing in Santa and magic.
This is one of those movies that just feels good to watch. I can honestly say, even if this film didn't have the sentimental value it does for me, I would still recommend it as an excellent Christmas movie.
"One Magic Christmas" is sort of an alternate take on "It's a Wonderful Life" -- centering around a family who has fallen on hard times with a mother who never says "Merry Christmas" and is generally devoid of any holiday sentiment altogether. Her daughter Abbie, together with the Christmas Angel Gideon, embark on a plan to help her re-find the Christmas spirit.
Mary Steenburgen is fantastic as the loving, but icy mother. Her performance is very real -- she is both funny and dramatic, and her character is developed in a way that most family films omit. Harry Dean Stanton is perfect as Gideon, the angel - calming and knowing. You believe he is who he says he is. The child actors in the film are equally fantastic. In a family film, the kids can either make it or break it. These children act like real kids -- they aren't trying to be cute for the camera (although they really are adorable -- and this is coming from someone who dislikes most children on TV/movies) and they hold their own with their adult counterparts with ease. The little girl that plays Abbie is effortless in her portrayal of a girl with an non-wavering belief in Santa Clause.
Honestly, one of the things I think that I like best about this film is how real it seems. Considering magic and faith are primary elements of the story - this really says something. The acting is so good, the dialog believable, that the more mystical situations do not seem out of bounds. The film also delves into darker, more realistic themes than you get in most family fare. This is really exceptional, especially considering this was a Disney picture. The ultimate message of the film is heartening and poignant - even for those of us who are grown and long-since stopped believing in Santa and magic.
This is one of those movies that just feels good to watch. I can honestly say, even if this film didn't have the sentimental value it does for me, I would still recommend it as an excellent Christmas movie.
A mixed bag at best.
Hey_Sweden5 December 2018
Mary Steenburgen is fine as Ginny Grainger, a wife and mom in a small town. She's just one of a number of people who are going through hard times. As a result, she's not exactly in the Christmas spirit. Assigned to make Ginny see the light again is guardian angel Gideon (Harry Dean Stanton), who also makes a connection to Ginny's daughter Abbie (Elisabeth Harnois).
This is a rather odd effort for the Disney company. While it may be sweetness and light at times, in the classic Disney tradition, it also goes to some rather dark places, surprisingly. It's not the harmless kind of trifle one could easily recommend for family viewing. Still, it IS Disney, so it never dwells too long on unpleasantness. It doesn't contain as much magic as one would think, going by that title. It spends some time in Santas' workshop, but the place looks like it was done on a budget. Visual effects are sparingly used, but the on location shooting in Canada does help to create a nice rural small-town-in-the-wintertime feeling.
It does benefit from appealing child actors (the adorable Harnois and Robbie Magwood as the Grainger children, a very young Sarah Polley in her film debut), and a rock-solid adult cast: Gary Basaraba as the dad / husband (a dreamer who yearns to open his own bike shop), Arthur Hill as the great-grandfather, an under-utilized Michelle Meyrink as a neighbour, Elias Koteas as a family friend, Wayne Robson as a townsperson with his own money problems, Jan Rubes as Santa Claus, Graham Jarvis as a realtor, and Timothy Webber as Ginny's boss. At first glance, Stanton DOES seem a highly unlikely choice for an angel character in a Disney film, but his warm presence really helps the film a lot.
Reasonably entertaining, but a little too uneven to be completely effective.
Six out of 10.
This is a rather odd effort for the Disney company. While it may be sweetness and light at times, in the classic Disney tradition, it also goes to some rather dark places, surprisingly. It's not the harmless kind of trifle one could easily recommend for family viewing. Still, it IS Disney, so it never dwells too long on unpleasantness. It doesn't contain as much magic as one would think, going by that title. It spends some time in Santas' workshop, but the place looks like it was done on a budget. Visual effects are sparingly used, but the on location shooting in Canada does help to create a nice rural small-town-in-the-wintertime feeling.
It does benefit from appealing child actors (the adorable Harnois and Robbie Magwood as the Grainger children, a very young Sarah Polley in her film debut), and a rock-solid adult cast: Gary Basaraba as the dad / husband (a dreamer who yearns to open his own bike shop), Arthur Hill as the great-grandfather, an under-utilized Michelle Meyrink as a neighbour, Elias Koteas as a family friend, Wayne Robson as a townsperson with his own money problems, Jan Rubes as Santa Claus, Graham Jarvis as a realtor, and Timothy Webber as Ginny's boss. At first glance, Stanton DOES seem a highly unlikely choice for an angel character in a Disney film, but his warm presence really helps the film a lot.
Reasonably entertaining, but a little too uneven to be completely effective.
Six out of 10.
Are you all kidding me??????
baboizwaycool425 November 2007
Warning: Spoilers
This was the WORST Christmas movie I ever saw. I took my two small children to see this. It was the darkest, most dismal plot- family has no money, mom loses her job, father gets killed in the bank, bank robber steals family car with both kids in the back and after high speed chase, drives off the bridge and drowns them in the river. Mom is left all alone. No wonder her Christmas spririt is gone. Christmas angels do not rescue children that have drowned, and Santa does not bring back dead fathers! I thought this was the WORST message to send children. Better to tell them that there is NO Santa than show them a movie like this!!
Great riff on It's a Wonderful Life.
doom_conquers_all15 December 2004
This is indeed an underrated Christmas classic! I saw this movie as a kid in the theater and my mom was a bit turned off by the disturbing nature of some scenes, but now that I've watched it as an adult, I love all the references to It's a Wonderful Life, and all the dark elements in the film. It's nice to see a holiday film that cuts through the schmaltz. People often label It's a Wonderful Life as being too sentimental and sappy, but seem to overlook the themes of suicide, child abuse, poverty and death that run throughout the film. Things have to hit rock bottom for George Bailey to see the value of his life, as is the case in this film. The sheer darkness of what could be, as shown by the angel Gideon, make Ginny's embracing the Christmas spirit all the more resonant.
Not a bad festive film
lisafordeay10 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
One Magic Christmas is a 1985 festive fantasy starring Mary Steinsbergn and Harry Dean Staunton. An angel named Gideon(Staunton)helps a mother of two kids(Steinsbergn)to believe in Christmas again. Will the Gideon succeed. Overall I thought it was a good decent flick. The acting is average,the story is nice and the running length was fine. I wouldn't recommend it for kids as its slightly boring for younger viewers but if they like Santa Claus the they might enjoy it. I guess my only issue with this film is that it's slightly boring and it can be somewhat dark like there's a scenes where the lady's husband gets shot at a bank and the robber stole the lady's car.
One of the greats
pmtelefon26 November 2020
"One Magic Christmas" is one of my all-time favorite movies. Not just favorite Christmas movies but favorite movies. I remember seeing this movie for the first time in the theater (MovieWorld, Douglaston, NY). I almost needed help walking out of the theater because I was emotionally draining by the end of the movie. Every time I finish watching this movie I'm a mess. "One Magic Christmas" touches me in a way few movies ever have. "One Magic Christmas" is in my Top 20 All-Time movies list. It's a classic.
Should've had a different title
mac-leaphart24 December 2020
Saw this in the theater when I was a kid.
As I've gotten older, I really appreciate the performances, particularly Gary Basarba & a young Elias Korea's as his brother.
& I think Harry Dean does a great as always, I think his role is only weird/creepy if you choose to see it that way.
This film has almost a 70s gritty feel, & I imagine the writers weren't necessarily intending it as a Disney thing w/a hallmark sounding title.
Dark with no Magic, Christmas or Otherwise
JessicaLSalmans24 December 2014
Let me begin by saying I love Mary Steenbergen. That being said, when I saw that she was in this, I thought "how bad could it be?"
Um, BAD. This is the darkest, weirdest, most uncomfortable movie I've seen in a while and calling it a Christmas movie only works in terms of the fact that it is set during Christmas. There is no joy, magic, or cheer to be found in this...ahem...holiday classic.
Three quarters of the way in, we were all baffled and uncomfortable but were too invested to turn it off. I seriously cannot comprehend that there are people who like this movie.
Even knowing that this movie was made in 1985, I can't find a logical excuse for any of what I'm watching right now. Yes, I'm currently still watching it, but it is SO BAD that I pulled up IMDb in the midst of viewing to write this warning to others. SKIP IT. OR watch it as a drinking game. But don't think you're getting a joyful Christmas Classic here. You aren't. Noooooo you are not.
Um, BAD. This is the darkest, weirdest, most uncomfortable movie I've seen in a while and calling it a Christmas movie only works in terms of the fact that it is set during Christmas. There is no joy, magic, or cheer to be found in this...ahem...holiday classic.
Three quarters of the way in, we were all baffled and uncomfortable but were too invested to turn it off. I seriously cannot comprehend that there are people who like this movie.
Even knowing that this movie was made in 1985, I can't find a logical excuse for any of what I'm watching right now. Yes, I'm currently still watching it, but it is SO BAD that I pulled up IMDb in the midst of viewing to write this warning to others. SKIP IT. OR watch it as a drinking game. But don't think you're getting a joyful Christmas Classic here. You aren't. Noooooo you are not.
beautiful and tearful
clock_me5 December 2019
I loved this movie it was very emotional had a great story and wonderful just wonderful ending
whats with the people saying the voice of the angel sounds like child molester !!! and saying this is not for children it's just a Christmas movie and theirs nothing scary or anything in it if you think this is bad for kids then what about scrooge or the Grinch lol can no one just watch a movie without bashing it anymore man i miss those days
besides it had a great story of a mother who has lost her Christmas spirit and needs help finding it and a lot of things happen a little dark but
another thing how can they call this movie violent was there blood if you don't like it leave it to yourself and stop wreaking it for everyone else
Good grief! Not for children's viewing!
smorton-227 November 2006
Sorry, but I will spoil both the plot line and the ending for you in hopes of avoiding a holiday fiasco like the one that I now face. The father dies and the mother asks Santa in a letter to bring him back to the family for Christmas,...and Santa does. Dad is peachy, happy healthy and totally unaware of the fact that he had died. All ends syrupy sweet.
But as a parent who recently watched my five year-old lose his best canine friend, it was a horror flick. Now my son is convinced that all he has to do to bring his buddy back is to ask Santa! Do not underestimate the willpower of a young heart- no amount of persuasion will convince him that it was only a movie and that his dog is NOT coming back for Christmas. It has been heart breaking to watch his joy only to know that Christmas Eve he will have to face his loss afresh.
Shame on you on behalf of all the believers that have lost a loved one recently. It is hard enough to deal with the loss one time for a child, but there are some wishes that we shouldn't even portray as a possibility.
But as a parent who recently watched my five year-old lose his best canine friend, it was a horror flick. Now my son is convinced that all he has to do to bring his buddy back is to ask Santa! Do not underestimate the willpower of a young heart- no amount of persuasion will convince him that it was only a movie and that his dog is NOT coming back for Christmas. It has been heart breaking to watch his joy only to know that Christmas Eve he will have to face his loss afresh.
Shame on you on behalf of all the believers that have lost a loved one recently. It is hard enough to deal with the loss one time for a child, but there are some wishes that we shouldn't even portray as a possibility.
Best contemporary Christmas movie!
kmjones18 December 2004
I've been watching this movie every Christmas since it first appeared on CBC in the '80s, and I have to say, I spend most of the movie misty-eyed. In this familiar story of a woman who has lost the Christmas spirit and rediscovers it through being shown how fortunate she is, there are several excellent performances
and a strong feeling of magic throughout.
Mary Steenburgen, who plays Ginnie Grainger, the woman who has lost the
Christmas spirit, undergoes an amazing transformation and some of the most
heart-wrenching moments I've seen on film. Harry Dean Stanton, as the angel
Gideon, plays his part with sensitivity, and Gary Basaraba is excellent as Jack, Ginnie's husband. Abbie, the six-year old daughter of the main character, steals the show, however. She never seems to be acting, and carries the innocence of childhood and the magic of Christmas with her. Keep an eye out for a very
young Sarah Polley as Molly Monaghan, and veteran Canadian actor Jan
Rubes as the best Santa Claus on film to date, if only for his amazing costume.
Keep a box of tissues on hand when you watch this movie! It demonstrates that a movie can be magical without overwhelming special effects, and that a
Christmas movie can be sentimental without being schmaltzy.
and a strong feeling of magic throughout.
Mary Steenburgen, who plays Ginnie Grainger, the woman who has lost the
Christmas spirit, undergoes an amazing transformation and some of the most
heart-wrenching moments I've seen on film. Harry Dean Stanton, as the angel
Gideon, plays his part with sensitivity, and Gary Basaraba is excellent as Jack, Ginnie's husband. Abbie, the six-year old daughter of the main character, steals the show, however. She never seems to be acting, and carries the innocence of childhood and the magic of Christmas with her. Keep an eye out for a very
young Sarah Polley as Molly Monaghan, and veteran Canadian actor Jan
Rubes as the best Santa Claus on film to date, if only for his amazing costume.
Keep a box of tissues on hand when you watch this movie! It demonstrates that a movie can be magical without overwhelming special effects, and that a
Christmas movie can be sentimental without being schmaltzy.
A Traumatic Movie for 3 Kids! (SPOILERS AHEAD)
qcloes099 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
As others have warned, this is NOT a movie for children (unless you love to torture them with horrific events).
My mother took my sisters and me to see this, based on the title and it was at Christmas time.
SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! (Don't read if you plan on watching anyway)
Our younger sister, only 10 years old at the time, had nightmares for weeks. She was scared to get in the car and afraid our parent would get killed. Why? It's in the movie. This heartwarming little film has someone being short to death and children drowning when a car plunges in the water. We see it all. Since we had no internet at the time, our Mom didn't know these visions would appear in front of us kids until the "surprise" ending. Unfortunately the ending didn't quite redeem what you see for most of the movie. Oh yeah....there's the depressing issues of bankruptcy, a Suicidal mother, and an "Angel" who looks like a Pedophile and skulks around children as though he is one.
I know the world has changed, and children are a bit more savvy. However, I am writing this to let parents know and be forewarned.
My mother took my sisters and me to see this, based on the title and it was at Christmas time.
SPOILER ALERT!! SPOILER ALERT!! (Don't read if you plan on watching anyway)
Our younger sister, only 10 years old at the time, had nightmares for weeks. She was scared to get in the car and afraid our parent would get killed. Why? It's in the movie. This heartwarming little film has someone being short to death and children drowning when a car plunges in the water. We see it all. Since we had no internet at the time, our Mom didn't know these visions would appear in front of us kids until the "surprise" ending. Unfortunately the ending didn't quite redeem what you see for most of the movie. Oh yeah....there's the depressing issues of bankruptcy, a Suicidal mother, and an "Angel" who looks like a Pedophile and skulks around children as though he is one.
I know the world has changed, and children are a bit more savvy. However, I am writing this to let parents know and be forewarned.
Hands down my favourite Christmas movie of all time!
arsehoyle8 December 2020
Absolutely love this movie. I have watched it religiously every year for 35 years and it's still as magical now as it was then. Can be eerie in places, but it makes up for it at the end. One thing that annoys me mind is there's 3 different spellings of Ginnys name. The cheque to Jack says Jinnie, the envelope the cheque is in says Ginnie, and the end credits say Ginny π€¦πΌπ€£
Anyway, give it a watch - it's awesome π
πΌ
How did THIS earn a "G" Rating??!
Philly8811 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
(Spoilers ahead)........When this movie came out from Disney we went to see it. How could we go wrong? It was from Disney and it had a sweet title. Boy, were we duped!! How on earth did the murder, drownings, depression, and other adult themes pass the ratings board?? Geez.
The movie is stark, dark and unrelentingly depressing. Until the surprise ending, which, by the way.....we know nothing about during the movie.
Mary Steenbergen is a good actress, but it is her personality to talk slowly and usually look like she's drugged. In this movie it was dwelled on and she's given a highly depressed role to play....she does it to the hilt. She's a mother with lots of problems and she's also contemplating suicide.
While watching this movie, I was thinking of every sad event in my life and it had me wanting to do the same......Until we walked into the daylight.
I'm so happy we didn't have children at the time.
Yes, we always want our kids to know that bad things exist. They see it in the news and hear about it. BUT I won't pay to have my children exposed to adult themes which came posed as a heartwarming" and "Magic Christmas." I'd rather get a root canal.
The movie is stark, dark and unrelentingly depressing. Until the surprise ending, which, by the way.....we know nothing about during the movie.
Mary Steenbergen is a good actress, but it is her personality to talk slowly and usually look like she's drugged. In this movie it was dwelled on and she's given a highly depressed role to play....she does it to the hilt. She's a mother with lots of problems and she's also contemplating suicide.
While watching this movie, I was thinking of every sad event in my life and it had me wanting to do the same......Until we walked into the daylight.
I'm so happy we didn't have children at the time.
Yes, we always want our kids to know that bad things exist. They see it in the news and hear about it. BUT I won't pay to have my children exposed to adult themes which came posed as a heartwarming" and "Magic Christmas." I'd rather get a root canal.
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