Christmas in the Clouds (2001) User Reviews

Good Humor in the Clouds

[cdelacroix1 · 6/10 · 21 December 2005]

I liked but am not enthusiastic about this movie. How to describe it? Something of a Comedy of Manners, in the spirit of one of the old Cary Grant movies. Or something like that delightful movie with Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye with Rosemary Clooney and Vera Allen, in the exquisite "White Christmas," set in a snowy Christmas lodge setting. In this movie, though, we have a snowy Christmas lodge setting with a distinctively Native American flavor and contemporary mores.

The Native American setting was to me interesting and (as far as I know) authentic.

I say "as far as I know" because, on the one hand, I have some Native American background myself, and live in Oklahoma, and have regular contact with folks who live within contemporary Native American culture ... yes, including bingo and tribal chief electioneering and tribal commercial enterprise and also genuine if fragile roots in Native American culture of the past ... language, song, hunting skills, spirituality of Nature, and more.

I also say "as far as I know" because I can't claim the kind of depth of background indicated in the movie and have no experience at all of life on a "rez."

The humorous sequences were just wonderful ... hilarious, artful, engaging, and full of contagious laughter. I think especially of the sequences at the opening and closing of the movie. The middle of the movie seemed to lag at times in terms of humor, as well as plot and dialog.

Cinematography was excellent. There are some breathtaking scenes of fog and snow and mountain and tree.

The script for the central romance seemed to me a little strained. The female lead (Marianna Tosca as Tina Little Hawk) was excellent, but her part in the scripted dialog often seemed lagging to me: she smiled brightly and winsomely and almost airheadedly ... yet we know from her first appearance and from subsequent sequences that she was nothing of the sort. The central conversation just didn't have anything like the pace or humor or crisp airy delight of the same kinds of scenes in the Cary Grant or Crosby/Hope flicks.

Still Graham Greene as Earl the Chef was wonderfully humorous. His interactions with the Guests was hilarious. And the final sequences almost make up in quickness and focus and good humor and fun for the lagging middle sequences of the movie. Sam Vlahos as Joe Clouds on Fire was excellent; and Emmet Walsh as Stu turned in a fine performance; and the interactions between Joe and Stu were both the most touching and the most humorous of a movie full of good humor.

Cute, funny, reminded me some of Smoke Signals, from a few years back.

[shoffert · 7/10 · 15 November 2001]

I enjoyed the movie; found it to be funny and the plot reminiscent of some films from the 40s. It reminded me of Smoke Signals, another refreshing native American film made a few years ago. The scenery was beautiful; wish winter had come sooner so there had been more pictures of the forest deep with snow.

Quite Enjoyable, worth searching out

[jimyoung_one · 7/10 · 15 November 2001]

I saw this movie this past week at a San Diego Cinema Society event. Several of the actors attended the event making the evening quite special. The numerous romantic threads were reminiscent of a good episode of the "Love Boat" but in a more believable setup, the funny stuff was funnier, and the "deep" stuff more touching than any Love Boat episode. The scenery was incredible, Utah never looked so good. All in all a good little romantic comedy for the holiday season. Hopefully this film will find a distributor.

Enjoyable Perfection

[onesmartgirl · 22 March 2001]

I was invited to a private screening of the film in New York recently, and was thoroughly impressed by what I saw. "Christmas in the Clouds" is a film of perfect rhythm - the movie is funny when it is should be funny. It's serious when it should be serious. There's an addictive flow to the film that takes the viewer on a smooth ride - you watch the film because you want to watch. The direction of the movie allows the viewer to fall in love with the various characters (each with their own quirkiness). The plots are interwoven and laced with one another, bringing together an excellent example of the "perfect screenplay". Lines are delivered effortlessly, and the actors are exceptional. The cinematography is breathtaking, as is the awesome landscape seen in the picture. Kate Montgomery has done a commendable job in creating a beautiful film, and I highly recommend it to any film enthusiast who desires a quality product. I, for one, consider "Christmas in the Clouds" time well spent.

A Nice Movie

[Christmas-Reviewer · 7/10 · 5 October 2016]

Native American Ray (Timothy Vahle) heads home after graduating from college to help run his family's shabby ski resort. Believing that Tina (Mariana Tosca), a beautiful lodge guest, is an incognito travel guide critic, he decides to improve the quality of the family business. In reality, Tina is at the lodge in search of romance and, in a twist of fate, ends up falling for Ray. When Stu (M. Emmet Walsh), an actual critic, shows up, he is greeted with the staff's typical disorganization.

This film has lots of charm. Its also not a typical Hallmark Christmas film. This film has style & grace. The film is not only romantic but it has great believable characters.

Family Safe but most kids under 12 will be bored. I liked this film so much that I will watch it again before Christmas.

Charming Romantic Comedy

[noralee · 7/10 · 22 February 2006]

"Christmas in the Clouds" is a charming romantic, Native American take on "Fawlty Towers".

Set at a Utah resort that's Indian tribal owned and operated (as was the production of the film), with a majority Indian cast, the plot entanglements and eventual resolution in debut writer/director Kate Montgomery's film are pretty obvious from the first ten minutes, but how the colorful characters get there is fun.

The opening voice over narration is a bit awkward in setting up the situation for the mistaken identities, but the introduction of each eccentric character is quite entertaining. While the plot contrivance in romantic travails probably goes back further than Shakespeare, the dialog that keeps the mistakes going in double entendres is amusing (including her as a NY Mohawk "passing" as NY Italian by using her father's last name).

Amidst the funny running joke about romance novels' depiction of a "savage" lover, Timothy Vahle as "Ray Clouds on Fire" and Mariana Tosca as "Tina Little Hawk" are staggeringly gorgeous, but they each bring a wariness and neediness to their characters that has you rooting for them more than for the vicarious thrill of watching beautiful people kiss on screen. We rarely see in films educated off-the-rez professionals like them back home, having returned to their families for emotional personal reasons (it's inferred that his ex was non-Indian). The parent/child relationships throughout are much warmer than any we've seen before in the few Indian films.

There are jokes throughout on Indian stereotypes in image and language, and that's the term the characters use, not Native American. Here the alcoholic, alienated father is the white guy, M. Emmet Walsh, who is both comic and touching. But none of the whites are played for stereotypes (including a cute flirtation between a British guest and "Ray"s father, played by a solid Sam Vlahos). In another reverse, this may be Wes Studi's only comic performance, in a cameo as a guest bingo caller. Singer Rita Coolidge of the distinctive husky voice also has a brief cameo as "Tina"s mother. Graham Greene is very funny as a vegetarian chef with serious issues about his menu.

There is some contemporary Native American music on the soundtrack and lovely performances of translated Chrismas carols.

The tiny budget is obvious with some continuity errors and background shots with inconsistent snow/no snow, but the Utah scenery is lovely, and this is much more about the people up front than the details in the background.

What a shame that I was the only one in the theater in NYC, when a broad stereotyped ethnic romantic comedy like "Big Fat Greek Wedding" was a hit. While I would enjoy following these characters in a continued life in a sit com, this sweet little film could have an extended life as a holiday staple on cable, like on the Hallmark Channel.

Very Enjoyable

[docm-32304 · 7/10 · 10 December 2020]

We thoroughly enjoyed this movie . It was quaint, funny and had a real First Nations feel about it which made it unique. A comedy of miscommunication and quirky characters all making for a fun movie

Amusing Diversion, but...

[gf1701 · 6/10 · 10 October 2001]

I found myself amused for about the first half hour of this film, and then sporadically thereafter. (Vegetarians will particularly appreciate the humor provided by the chef, played by Graham Greene.) The characters are appealing, but two-dimensional, and the hackneyed mistaken-identity plot was tiresome. It's visually beautiful, but not very deep. And why is the Native American male romantic lead played by a white, very Anglo-looking actor? (Not that it was easy to imagine Native American physical traits in the female lead.)

A pleasant surprise wrapped in fresh faces

[davel92122 · 9/10 · 15 November 2001]

Hearing ahead of time that a movie is "sweet" doesn't leave me with much of an appetite for viewing. But, Christmas in the Clouds beat out those expectations. I told a friend the other day: "A wonderfully told story of mistaken identity, American Indian culture and how life seems to find a way to work itself out. Sometimes predictable and a little cute, it still is full of warmth, charm ... and well worth seeing."

Some very surprising performances from a leading cast of unknowns (mostly) and a supporting cast of seasoned professionals. Enjoy!

Plain vanilla Christmas fluff........

[merklekranz · 6/10 · 23 December 2008]

Like Graham Greene's dinner recommendations, "Christmas in the Clouds" skips the main course, and goes directly for the desert. The movie is sweet, perhaps too sweet. There is no conflict, just misunderstandings, and the film ties everything together happily. The editing seems to be rather choppy, and the narration rather unnecessary. This movie has something for everybody, appealing to the romantics, with the identity mix up, the children, with a cute mouse, and the Christmas crowd, with some caroling. If all you require is a feel good film, then this might be of interest. If on the other hand you are looking for more of a story, this plain vanilla fluff might not satisfy. - MERK

Potential but lacks depth

[sandaluz · 2/10 · 25 July 2001]

Saw a screening in Los Angeles and was having a hard time staying awake. The pace is extremely slow, especially in the first half hour. Although the scenery is beautiful there's not much else to keep you enthralled. Was unimpressed with the direction (first-time director) and the writing was reminiscent of an 'after-school special'. Clearly some talented actors giving it their all (and some giving it too much.) I wouldn't spend $8 at the theatre to see this. Maybe if it was re-edited, it'd make it to cable.

Romantic comedy is fun for the whole family

[canaryx · 10/10 · 6 November 2004]

This film is worth every penny of the ticket price if you can get to see it anywhere. I have no idea why it still needs a distributor, unless the Native American setting is a concern to the money men? Shouldn't be. The humor and romance subplots cross all age groups, ethnic groups and class lines. The men I know who saw it at the film festival really liked it, so it's not just a chick or kid flick. It's more charming than You've Got Mail, more interesting than Whale Rider, funnier than Love, Actually, and it has more appeal for a wide audience than Something's Got to Give. Like My Big Fat Greek Wedding, it's the kind of story you'd send everybody you know to see (and this ensemble would make a better, less clichéd basis for a weekly TV sitcom). I'd buy the DVD in a heartbeat, plus buy more for my friends and family if they would just offer it for sale. The world needs more comedies like this!

This one's a little different.

[mark.waltz · 6/10 · 24 December 2020]

I don't ever recall seeing any movie, classic or modern, where native American characters are treated with great respect, giving us non-natives a chance to really see them as they are in their own environment. They are not selling nicknacks to tourists or performing dances or showing other native customs just to make a buck on the reservation. They are running the reservation, actually a ski lodge, one that this particular Christmas is in major need of snow. Handsome Timothy Vahle has returned home to take over the business from aging father Sam Vlahos, and in spite of his intelligence, wit and kindness is extremely lonely. Along comes Mariana Tosca, visiting from New York, and Vahle believes that she's a hotel critic for a New York magazine.

The film doesn't just surround this romance, but gives us an insight as to how native Americans are perceived, exploited by well meaning tourists out of curiosity or social guilt, and some of the ways they fight back are very funny. Stealing pretty much every scene she's in, Sheila Tousey is like the native American version of Eve Arden. Graham Green gets some very funny moments going around from table to table as the lodge chef, giving tall tales to visitors of the various meats they are eating.

There's a kindly British lady visiting who is initially the victim of a prank yet becomes a favorite guest of the staff during her stay, a rather crass old man (M. Emmett Walsh) who ends up stranded with Vlahos during a sudden snowstorm, and various other assorted native workers who act as a Greek chorus for the action. The film slows down to a halt in spots but has too much charm overall and a romantic atmosphere that most romantic comedies tend to forget about in favor of sick jokes or violence. This only has a little bit of the former and none of the later which makes this a unique holiday film.

This is one of the worst films I have ever seen in all of my life!!!

[juliebrady123 · 1/10 · 14 December 2005]

I had heard about this movie from a friend, who told me it was the worst movie that he had seen in a long time, and I wanted to see it just to see if he was right, and I have to say, my friend was right. This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen in all of my life. The story is dumb and boring, and the whole way it is portrayed on screen is terrible. The writing is so bad, and this new director is pretty bad, she couldn't lead ants to a picnic. I love movies, and I especially love comedies and romantic comedies, but honestly everyone, this movie never should have been made and this really is one of the worst films I have ever seen. I just hope that they don't let this Kate Montgomery ever make a film again.

Winner of the Lake Placid Film Forum

[instep · 11 June 2001]

I loved it so much I saw it twice in two days! Kate Montgomery is a name on the way to the top... A must see for all movie-goers. The story is brillantly written with funny twists and turns weaving each and every character into a more intricate web.

Very nice movie!

[vlevensonnd-87248 · 7/10 · 2 March 2020]

I wasn't anticipating that I was going to enjoy this movie as much as I did. I found it very charming and humorous, and it reminded me of Northern Exposure. I like the characters, and the movie kept me entertained till the end. If you are looking for something that is a feel-good movie, with polite humor and engaging characters, then give this a try!

Charm in the clouds

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 10 March 2020]

Did have quite high expectations oddly enough for 'Christmas in the Clouds', though judging from my profile one might think that this is not usually my type of film. Had read a good deal of positive things about it, Graham Greene has always been watchable although there is a lot more of his work to see and have always loved Christmas. Something that is probably common knowledge here, have not made a secret of it especially in the past few months.

'Christmas in the Clouds' mostly did not disappoint. It does fall short of being a classic, is not one of my favourites of anything to do with Christmas and is not perfect by any stretch. Didn't love it quite as much as others here, while sharing a lot of the reasons given for why they liked the film. As far as recently seen Christmas films go (some surprisingly good, some mixed feelings, some mediocre and some plain bad), 'Christmas in the Clouds' turned out to be one of the better-faring and quite good ones.

It does sometimes try to do too much, which makes the film a little too crowded. It would have been an even better film if the central relationship was developed more, that was a little undercooked and not always natural. And if there was less of the mistaken identity subplot, which didn't always seem to fit and felt forced at times.

A tighter pace occasionally might have been nice and not all the dialogue is great, some of it cheesy and cloying.

Most of the time though it is not and most of 'Christmas in the Clouds' does what it set out to do, does what it says on the tin and seemed to know what it wanted to be and who to aim it at. There isn't too much of a tonal mishmash, like some other recently seen festive films have been, and the target audience is clear. It looks great, beautifully photographed and the scenery is like its own stunning character. Music is very important for me to discuss when reviewing, and the music here doesn't feel over the top or slapped together.

On the most part, the script was a good mix of humorous, touching and heart-warming. It is at its best in the comedy, the best of it hilarious. Most of the film avoids being too sentimental and enough of the dialogue flows naturally. The story is not perfect, but is cohesive, has genuine charm and has a lot of heart that gives off a lot of warmth. The romantic parts are not quite as strong as the rest of the film but still has touching moments and for a first timer the direction is quite skilled. The acting is better than average, Mariana Tosca is charming but it is a very amusing and scene stealing Graham Greene who stands out.

To conclude, pretty good. 7/10

That special ornament for the Christmas season

[w_g_crawford · 7/10 · 12 December 2005]

It's a great Christmas film that warms the heart and doesn't leave you feeling like you've wasted your time. Although the film takes a few minutes to pick up, once the story (mostly the dramatic conflict) and the actors get going you find yourself watching a delightfully entertaining and precious film. All of the actors have great moments where it is clear that they have truly connected with their characters in an honest and believable way, there is really no moment where I thought to myself "I just don't believe him (her)." It's a film that is safe for and accessible to the entire family- a rarity in our world today. To miss out on this little gem would mean missing out on an opportunity for you and your loved one's to spend a fun and charming evening together at the cinema.

A wonderful and charming movie for the whole family.

[ejmatts · 9/10 · 23 November 2005]

It's an absolute shame that this movie hasn't had more distribution and much more publicity. I keep coming back to the word "charming" as it's best description. A rare find and one I will look forward to buying on DVD to watch many times. The characters are people you would like to know and the scenery is breathtaking. Shot on Robert Redford's Sundance resort, I understand that after he read the script, Redford gave them permission to shoot there and it is only the second movie he's allowed on that property; the first being "Jeremiah Johnson". After my first viewing, I took two friends with me who didn't know of it and, as movie buffs, were surprised they hadn't heard about it. Both loved it and in turn recommended it to others. It won't challenge the intellect nor will it cause a great controversy but you will leave satisfied with a warm feeling. How unusual!!

Waste of time

[chuckarock2001 · 1/10 · 23 October 2021]

Don't waste your time watching this movie. It's very slow moving and the title is very deceptive. Does have much "Christmas" in the story. The acting isn't great either. If you want to watch a good Christmas movie, this isn't it ! 👎

Fabulous romantic comedy got standing ovation at festival

[juniperland · 10/10 · 6 November 2004]

I cannot forget this comedy which I saw with an overflow crowd at a film festival in 2001. I never saw a review of it, so I went to see it because of word of mouth. I had no idea it would be so delightful. I liked it better than My Big Fat Greek Wedding and keep hoping it will get similar success. Charming, unique and yes - feel good - it has all the elements for a good date flick. An Indian tribe runs a ski lodge that desperately needs snow so that it can bring in customers to stay in business. The lodge manager also wants to impress a travel writer who will be staying incognito to write a review of their facilities. But mistaken identity leads to romance between the lodge manager and supposed travel writer, and a bit of slapstick ensues. In the end, more than one couple falls in love and of course -- it's a comedy -- it finally does snow like heaven.

Yikes

[cartercoe · 4/10 · 21 December 2020]

The plot for this movie saves it from total disaster but this is still one of the most comically difficult to watch movies I've ever seen.

this is a great movie

[fliphop · 10/10 · 11 December 2005]

this movie is great. it has a sense of humor that is not slapstick but kind of country it is not hateful but very hopeful the movie has small problems, it is not polished like a perfect golden globe there are tiny holes that could be filled in with an extra scene or two. however, it is a wonderful work of art. in the tradition of making you laugh, cry, and shout. its telling me i have to put more lines in. alright let me think here. basically the story is a penpal (think you've got mail) mixup leads a to an Indian-owned resort hotel in the West, various odd and humorous and touching characters, most of them lonely and looking for love, fill out the plot, and interact with each other in an extremely well constructed, not contrived, set of circumstances. oh and the love scenes are wonderful; not the typical degrading Hollywood stuff.

Simply Brilliant......

[krystakelley · 27 October 2004]

I was very fortunate to be invited to the private screening held at the Sundance resort, previous to the Sundance Festival screenings and I was really pleasantly surprised . The entire film was well scripted, well acted, and fun for everyone. I was also at the press screening at Sundance a few days later, and the Q & A responses afterward were very positive. I am in shock that this has not found distribution yet! With all the crap that "the industry" sends out as "entertainment" I am appalled that this one sits on a shelf somewhere. It might not have "names" in the cast, but neither does Napoleon Dynamite and look how popular it has become, with over 40 million+ in revenue so far, I think someone should take a chance on distributing this charming, brilliant film. I really think the standout performances were Graham Greene's chef.....his walk thru the dining room as he commented on each diners meal was priceless! And Jonathon Joss' character Phil was hilarious.....on par with Bill Murray's character in Caddyshack! Please, if anyone knows how to / where to buy a copy please let me know via email...Thanks !

. . . Clouds, not just airy, IT'S DANGEROUS

[SaraMarieOrtiz · 1/10 · 22 December 2005]

The moments, as I was settling in my seat at a local cinematic arts venue that screens mostly low-budget indie films, were gentle and I still had a lot of hope for Christmas in the Clouds. I had talked to my mom earlier that afternoon and told her I was on my way to see the film, which she'd already seen at a previous screening months before, during the annual NMAI Native Cinema Showcase held every year in Santa Fe, New Mexico during Indian Market.

I hadn't had much interest in the film then. Naturally, there was not the buzz currently surrounding the film at that time. I opted to see 5th World, by Blackhorse Lowe instead.

At first glance, "Clouds. . ." seemed "harmless enough". After settling in my seat, and after being introduced to the line-up of half-characters, engaged seemingly by their own affectedness, and not much else, my vague and creeping dis-ease slowly turned to manifestations, gestures, and certain facial expressions of consternation, horror and dismay at what I can only come close to describing as an American Indian circus on-screen. Too many clowns, all of them sad.

The film is a farce. Devastatingly obvious in its gimmicks. The writing is bad, the cast is halfhearted, though pretty to look at, and those "reputable Indian actors and actresses" in the film could not save this film from the dredges of its own cultural, political, cinematic misery if they died trying.

The most dangerous thing about this film: one cannot hope to take a poorly written, poorly manipulated offering (cinematic or literary) and throw it in an Indian setting and then offer it up. This film is being lauded as THE Indian film with the most "crossover potential", the film that's supposedly geared to hit the non-Indian market with some kind of force that previous films with almost all-native casts just did not possess. Disgusting.

The film is not only a misrepresentation of Indian people and Indian culture, it is a parody of a parody, of a parody. Parodies of this nature, are misaligned, misguided and so bent on "parodying for the sake of parodying" and making certain parodies of themselves, that they somehow, come all the way back around to not parody the film itself, or even its subject, but to parody the very form, and all elements at work--cultural, political, and most sacred to Indian people-- the spiritual, and the sacredness of STORY.

The "Indian parody" (especially one produced by a white filmmaker) is not justified nor is the public prepared for it. When an entire culture, abused and marred by history, has never been truly and thoroughly evaluated on its own terms and perceived by these terms-- it is thoroughly impossible and deplorable to parody the culture. The jokes fall flat. The people portraying the culture end up making a joke of the culture, and the cinematic art form itself. They end up making a joke of their audience, and themselves.

Oprah has lauded this movie. And, now I'll never give Oprah as much credit ever again. On the slim chance that the makers of Christmas in the Clouds will ever come to read this review: thank you for making this movie. Every Indian, and perhaps every human too, with a vested interest in true and thorough cultural/political evaluation and dialogue should see this movie and do what they can to intellectually, critically, consciously and openly rip it apart for the contrived cinematic drivel and cultural degradation that it is.