This Christmas movie is only made palatable by its three stars who all give good performances despite what is basically an incoherent, mish-mash of a plot. Jaime Newman creates a very realistic portrayal of a caring woman dealing with the unexpected death of her husband. She isn't perfect but she still tries hard. Michael Shanks is also very appealing as the school counselor with his own tragic past. While he went far beyond what school counselors would normally do, it still seemed believable. Finally, young Burkley Duffield also did a good job in making his character real without being obnoxious. (Why do kids in these movies have such an interest in their parent's love life anyway?) However, they are saddled by a plot that really makes no sense. The ghost of the husband who hangs around seems to have little to do with the plot. The radio contest is a complete plot contrivance. Frankly both ghost and contest could easily have been jettisoned and the focus of the movie on Newman's and Shanks' characters. Why not focus on these two attractive people who have to get beyond their personal tragedies in order to actually see what it is they need? And put it in the Christmas context if you feel the need to. Now that would have been a movie worth watching.
18 Reviews
Brat seeks man for his widowed mother so she'll calm the f down!
adamjohns-4257529 October 2020
A slushy romance full of saccharin, but it's still good.
When Jonathan's Dad dies in a car accident, nobody believes that he can still see and talk to his spirit, as he tries to get his Mother to move on in her life, so that his Dad can move on into the spirit world.
It's not the standard romance and there is something about Michael Shanks that is fanciable, together that helps to make this an enjoyable festive watch, even if the kid is somewhat annoying.
When Jonathan's Dad dies in a car accident, nobody believes that he can still see and talk to his spirit, as he tries to get his Mother to move on in her life, so that his Dad can move on into the spirit world.
It's not the standard romance and there is something about Michael Shanks that is fanciable, together that helps to make this an enjoyable festive watch, even if the kid is somewhat annoying.
Okay but the Male Actors Were in the Wrong Roles
Christmas-Reviewer9 August 2016
This made for TV-film needed some re-casting. THe actors in this film were good however they are in the wrong roles.
Devoted father and husband Tom Chandler dies in a car accident, but appears as a ghost to his 11 year old son Jonathan. Now a single mother, Susan Chandler tries to concentrate on her reporter job and dismisses the idea of a ghost, but allows the school counselor, Kevin Harrison, to work with Jonathan. Now Tom's Ghost and Jonathan arrange for Susan to enter a radio show's dating game, and conclude that only Kevin, a widower and coach in Jonathan's former favorite sport, ice-hockey, will do as his stepdad, while she leans towards lawyer Greg Roberts.
I truly think that the actors playing Tom and Jonathan should have been switched. The film would of been better served. Besides you can easily see why she was so deeply in love with her husband if he was played by Michael Shanks. If Conan Graham played a school coach you would see why Susan would never "Notice Him". Michael Shanks however stops traffic.
Devoted father and husband Tom Chandler dies in a car accident, but appears as a ghost to his 11 year old son Jonathan. Now a single mother, Susan Chandler tries to concentrate on her reporter job and dismisses the idea of a ghost, but allows the school counselor, Kevin Harrison, to work with Jonathan. Now Tom's Ghost and Jonathan arrange for Susan to enter a radio show's dating game, and conclude that only Kevin, a widower and coach in Jonathan's former favorite sport, ice-hockey, will do as his stepdad, while she leans towards lawyer Greg Roberts.
I truly think that the actors playing Tom and Jonathan should have been switched. The film would of been better served. Besides you can easily see why she was so deeply in love with her husband if he was played by Michael Shanks. If Conan Graham played a school coach you would see why Susan would never "Notice Him". Michael Shanks however stops traffic.
A Charming and gentle movie for the whole family
Ladytalon5 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Aside from a few sentiments that bothered my slightly feminist nature this is a charming and gentle movie.
Both George Mendeluk and Michael Shanks describe Jamie Ray Newman as being very 'present' in her role of Susan Chandler and after seeing the movie I understand more clearly what they are saying. Susan Chandler just fills the screen with chemistry and energy.
The only problem I had with Susan Chandler is that she seems a bit too self absorbed. Even with thinking that Kevin Harrison has a wife at home, she constantly imposes on him to look after her son while she pursues her 'love life'. I mean I would think it was very strange for someone's wife to allow him to just go baby-sit my kid on a moment's notice.
After seeing this movie and even with knowing why Michael Shanks chose the role he did in it, part of me kinda wishes we could have seen what he would have done with the role of the ghostly father, Tom Chandler.
In my interview with George Mendeluk, he says that Michael Shanks has a wholesome quality about him that makes Kevin Harrison so believable. Boy is this ever true. You just can't help but want to take this man home with you. He is gentle, caring, intuitive, intelligent and dedicated to helping Jonathan deal with losing his dad. Yet there is an air of sadness about him that tugs at your heart. When he finally reveals the reason for that sadness, you just want to hug Kevin and never let him go.
It's easy to see why Michael Shanks was drawn to this role considering how devoted to his own family he is. If you haven't seen the movie yet, keep your eyes open for the bracelet he is wearing which is clearly visible in one particular scene. It is the one that his oldest daughter made for him and Michael Shanks told me it was part of what he was using to remind him of his own family life and using it to create part of Kevin Harrison's character.
Burkely Duffield is really amazing in this movie and George Mendeluk is right, he is the one who brings it all together. Under The Mistletoe fore goes the stereotypical 'wisecracking' preteen who is smarter than the adults. Instead, Jonathan Chandler is filled with a childlike faith and sense of wonder that so often children lose as the head towards their teens. Burkely Duffield makes Jonathan come across as sweet and sincere.
In many aspects, Under the Mistletoe is a 'by the numbers' storyline, yet it manages to rise about that and stand out because of the extraordinary cast of characters and the actors playing them, especially Michael Shanks and Burkely Duffield.
Jonathan Chandler is very worried about his mother and he finds a safe harbor in Kevin Harrison who, instead of treating him dismissively for claiming to be able to speak to his deceased father, opens his mind and heart to the troubled young boy to really listen to him. The movie treats both Jonathan and Susan's issues of grief over the loss of Tom Chandler with respect, not as comedic fodder.
The one thing I did come away with is that the movie to me is really more about Jonathan Chandler and Kevin Harrison's interactions, than it was about Susan and Kevin's. Susan Chandler in many ways seems almost secondary to this part of the story line as she blithely turns her son's emotional issues and problems over to a man she hardly knows, but immediately trusts to help him.
On the totally shallow side, Michael Shanks is absolutely stunning to look at in this movie. His close ups highlight his eyes and his smile. The camera angles and blocking for this movie are definitely used to his best advantage, as it is with all the actors involved. This movie was clearly made by someone who wanted it to be focused on the characters, not on the scenery around them.
Marla
Both George Mendeluk and Michael Shanks describe Jamie Ray Newman as being very 'present' in her role of Susan Chandler and after seeing the movie I understand more clearly what they are saying. Susan Chandler just fills the screen with chemistry and energy.
The only problem I had with Susan Chandler is that she seems a bit too self absorbed. Even with thinking that Kevin Harrison has a wife at home, she constantly imposes on him to look after her son while she pursues her 'love life'. I mean I would think it was very strange for someone's wife to allow him to just go baby-sit my kid on a moment's notice.
After seeing this movie and even with knowing why Michael Shanks chose the role he did in it, part of me kinda wishes we could have seen what he would have done with the role of the ghostly father, Tom Chandler.
In my interview with George Mendeluk, he says that Michael Shanks has a wholesome quality about him that makes Kevin Harrison so believable. Boy is this ever true. You just can't help but want to take this man home with you. He is gentle, caring, intuitive, intelligent and dedicated to helping Jonathan deal with losing his dad. Yet there is an air of sadness about him that tugs at your heart. When he finally reveals the reason for that sadness, you just want to hug Kevin and never let him go.
It's easy to see why Michael Shanks was drawn to this role considering how devoted to his own family he is. If you haven't seen the movie yet, keep your eyes open for the bracelet he is wearing which is clearly visible in one particular scene. It is the one that his oldest daughter made for him and Michael Shanks told me it was part of what he was using to remind him of his own family life and using it to create part of Kevin Harrison's character.
Burkely Duffield is really amazing in this movie and George Mendeluk is right, he is the one who brings it all together. Under The Mistletoe fore goes the stereotypical 'wisecracking' preteen who is smarter than the adults. Instead, Jonathan Chandler is filled with a childlike faith and sense of wonder that so often children lose as the head towards their teens. Burkely Duffield makes Jonathan come across as sweet and sincere.
In many aspects, Under the Mistletoe is a 'by the numbers' storyline, yet it manages to rise about that and stand out because of the extraordinary cast of characters and the actors playing them, especially Michael Shanks and Burkely Duffield.
Jonathan Chandler is very worried about his mother and he finds a safe harbor in Kevin Harrison who, instead of treating him dismissively for claiming to be able to speak to his deceased father, opens his mind and heart to the troubled young boy to really listen to him. The movie treats both Jonathan and Susan's issues of grief over the loss of Tom Chandler with respect, not as comedic fodder.
The one thing I did come away with is that the movie to me is really more about Jonathan Chandler and Kevin Harrison's interactions, than it was about Susan and Kevin's. Susan Chandler in many ways seems almost secondary to this part of the story line as she blithely turns her son's emotional issues and problems over to a man she hardly knows, but immediately trusts to help him.
On the totally shallow side, Michael Shanks is absolutely stunning to look at in this movie. His close ups highlight his eyes and his smile. The camera angles and blocking for this movie are definitely used to his best advantage, as it is with all the actors involved. This movie was clearly made by someone who wanted it to be focused on the characters, not on the scenery around them.
Marla
Mostly predictible and got worse at the end
Jackbv12314 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I love the two (living) lead adults. (I love SG-1 and Eureka.)
After the premise was firmly established including the contest, the rest of the movie was totally predictable with the minor exception of how the obvious conflict was resolved - little bit of a surprise there.
Some transitions totally ignored what came before, for example the classroom confrontation moved past the professional counselor issue without resolving it and at least one more thing toward the end.
I'm not a fan of ghost lover movies. To make it worse, she went from a tearful goodbye to her ghost husband right into devoting her life to a new man whom she wasn't even considering until then.
Even beyond the token everyone-lives-HEA (happily ever after) aspect, the movie was a fairy tale in the sense of these things just don't happen (and I mean more than the ghost aspect).
Apart from not liking the story development, the last portion of the movie, from the big announcement on, was horribly done. It wasn't so much the acting as just the way all the HEA was laid on too thick and with too much melodrama. Come on, do we really need to drag out the hockey game, or for that matter even have it?
I feel bad for Jamie Ray Newman and Michael Shanks because they did their best and made the movie almost worth watching.
After the premise was firmly established including the contest, the rest of the movie was totally predictable with the minor exception of how the obvious conflict was resolved - little bit of a surprise there.
Some transitions totally ignored what came before, for example the classroom confrontation moved past the professional counselor issue without resolving it and at least one more thing toward the end.
I'm not a fan of ghost lover movies. To make it worse, she went from a tearful goodbye to her ghost husband right into devoting her life to a new man whom she wasn't even considering until then.
Even beyond the token everyone-lives-HEA (happily ever after) aspect, the movie was a fairy tale in the sense of these things just don't happen (and I mean more than the ghost aspect).
Apart from not liking the story development, the last portion of the movie, from the big announcement on, was horribly done. It wasn't so much the acting as just the way all the HEA was laid on too thick and with too much melodrama. Come on, do we really need to drag out the hockey game, or for that matter even have it?
I feel bad for Jamie Ray Newman and Michael Shanks because they did their best and made the movie almost worth watching.
Painfully bad
jillpadelf4 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Painfully bad, even for a Lifetime movie or a Harlequin novel. On any other network this would be a Alan Smithee production. The basic premise, a ghost with unfinished business, wasn't the problem. The Patrick Swayze film, Ghost, proves that it can work. In this case, though, the execution of that premise was not handled well. After a year of talking to his dead dad, the kid's mother still doesn't have the kid in therapy. Then one book and some ghostly tricks later, mom decides she may need therapy. Oh, and let's add that the dead father's unfinished business can be summed up that he left mom in a financial hole and she needs a man to take care of her. Ack! The only saving grace was Michael Shank's performance. At least his character came as someone you could tolerate which is more than can be said for the two other adult leads.
A good Canadian Made Christmas Flick
stefproctor12 December 2006
I watched this movie last night with my grandma and my mom. I had just stopped into their place to drop my mom off after Christmas shopping, and my grandma had already begun watching it. I saw a few minutes of it, found it to be so intriguing, that I stayed for the entire length of the movie. The actor who played Jonathan was a really great actor, especially for his age and experience. Very convincing. I hope to see him in more films in the future. The movie seemed really well made, and in my opinion directed really well. In most made-for-TV movies you find a lot of overacting and cheesy lines, I did not find that in this film. It's nice to see a quality Canadian made film, with mostly Canadian actors.
I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to sit down with family at Christmas time, and watch a good Christmas flick.
I recommend this movie to anyone who wants to sit down with family at Christmas time, and watch a good Christmas flick.
Not worth the effort I went through to watch it.
karababe_6412 February 2010
Warning: Spoilers
After falling in love with Michael Shanks on Stargate, I've been trying to get my hands on some of his other work. This wasn't worth the effort I had to go through to find a copy. Shanks does what he can but even he can't make up for the cheesy lines and major plot holes.
The aspect that bothered me most was the attitude of the mother. She acted more like a spoilt 16 year old than a professional women in her 30s with an 11 year old son. And I wasn't buying her grief either. For someone who apparently had the fairytale marriage, she was able to switch off her grief at the drop of a hat.
Burkely Duffield does a pretty good job as Jonathan and has good potential for the future.
The one highlight that made the 90mins bearable was Michael Shanks as Kevin Harrison. I totally bought him as a kind and caring teacher. I was hoping to see more of him skating though but that's just my wishful thinking ;-) For Shanks fans I recommend only watching the scenes he is in. For everyone else avoid it unless you like cheesy Christmas movies with cliché dialogue and no real plot.
The aspect that bothered me most was the attitude of the mother. She acted more like a spoilt 16 year old than a professional women in her 30s with an 11 year old son. And I wasn't buying her grief either. For someone who apparently had the fairytale marriage, she was able to switch off her grief at the drop of a hat.
Burkely Duffield does a pretty good job as Jonathan and has good potential for the future.
The one highlight that made the 90mins bearable was Michael Shanks as Kevin Harrison. I totally bought him as a kind and caring teacher. I was hoping to see more of him skating though but that's just my wishful thinking ;-) For Shanks fans I recommend only watching the scenes he is in. For everyone else avoid it unless you like cheesy Christmas movies with cliché dialogue and no real plot.
Thoroughly pleasant new Christmas film
caa8214 December 2006
This brand new Christmas movie (Lifetime - made in Canada - where most new Lifetime flicks seem to originate) is an excellent one. It has the ethereal aspects many such pictures have, reminiscent of "Ghost," sans a murderer. It's not a spoiler to indicate Jaime Newman's character (Susan) and her son (Burkely Duffield as Jonathan) lose husband/father early-on in an auto accident. He remains pleasantly "around" in somewhat the same vane as Patrick Swayze in "Ghost," although more positively so, and thankfully bereft of Swayze's wooden, often annoyingly-lethargic demeanor.
There is a villain of sorts, but not with any real menace, with whom Susan becomes involved. Her son is drawn to his school's hockey coach and counselor, played by Michael Shanks (as Kevin).
The story has its plot lines, of course, but its crux is the three leads "finding" one another, in a fulfilling way for all, but without shedding the memories of the losses they've incurred.
All of these actors/characters are thoroughly engaging, and Ms. Newman, whom I had never seen, is both beautiful and likable. The film's supporting cast is also well-presented.
The youngsters in films can often be annoying with a capital "A." It is always great to find ones who are the opposite (such as Michael Douglas' daughter in "The American President," or Tom Hanks' son in "Sleepless in Seattle"). Young Duffield is every bit as pleasant, believable and most of all, likable.
This is one of the positive type of holiday films which should become one to be seen in many seasons to come.
There is a villain of sorts, but not with any real menace, with whom Susan becomes involved. Her son is drawn to his school's hockey coach and counselor, played by Michael Shanks (as Kevin).
The story has its plot lines, of course, but its crux is the three leads "finding" one another, in a fulfilling way for all, but without shedding the memories of the losses they've incurred.
All of these actors/characters are thoroughly engaging, and Ms. Newman, whom I had never seen, is both beautiful and likable. The film's supporting cast is also well-presented.
The youngsters in films can often be annoying with a capital "A." It is always great to find ones who are the opposite (such as Michael Douglas' daughter in "The American President," or Tom Hanks' son in "Sleepless in Seattle"). Young Duffield is every bit as pleasant, believable and most of all, likable.
This is one of the positive type of holiday films which should become one to be seen in many seasons to come.
One of those "watched it cause of the actor" films
karenizcool6 December 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I am a big Jaime Ray Newman fan. So when I saw this was on I was beyond happy and excited. Now every fan knows that it takes a lot of bad plot to make you not like a movie your favorite actor is in. Now because this is a TV made Christmas movie, I shouldn't expect a whole lot.. But the story is just bad. I've seen a lot of ghost-type romantic movies, but this is just the worst portrayal of a ghost.
**Spoilers**
The Dad hangs around as a ghost, there's a bad suitor, and there's the counselor. Now I think there is just too much going on in this movie which takes it away from the actual budding romance. In the end in left me wondering, I don't really understand when they fall in love. Plus if you ask me, the Dad as a ghost is more of a bad influence for his son, and a year to get over the death of a husband?? It seems too soon for me. But hey I <3 Jaime Ray, that's why I gave it three stars. all for her.
**Spoilers**
The Dad hangs around as a ghost, there's a bad suitor, and there's the counselor. Now I think there is just too much going on in this movie which takes it away from the actual budding romance. In the end in left me wondering, I don't really understand when they fall in love. Plus if you ask me, the Dad as a ghost is more of a bad influence for his son, and a year to get over the death of a husband?? It seems too soon for me. But hey I <3 Jaime Ray, that's why I gave it three stars. all for her.
The definition of a bad Christmas movie
gloomyrival5 December 2007
This is one of those bad Lifetime Christmas movies that sums up all the others. A mother laments the loss of her husband in an auto accident and has a son to look after...what's more Christmassy to begin with than death? Well, the ghost of her dead husband appears and guides them through hard times and to another man, who of course has money and can take care of them both. Obviously made in Canada, for what film would have the climax of the movie end in a hockey game? Forget peace on earth and goodwill to men, the message of this movie is having money and scoring goals. It's the kind of Christmas movie that tries to pull sentiment and heart out of the viewer like an enema rather than through good writing and acting. Avoid this loser.
OK movie for Christmas
playagirl1017 December 2007
Firstly, many Canadian movies have nothing to do with hockey games - and American movies have been known to feature them as well. But what I found strange were the summer clothes and palm trees at Christmas time, when the movie was made in British Columbia. We've had some warm winters - but palm trees? It was obvious to me that the location was not somewhere in the southern US like Florida or California so shooting a Christmas movie in the middle of summer in Canada just doesn't cut it. This movie didn't fully engage me on other levels as well and it was at times difficult to stay focused on it. I agree that it does have the feel of a Hallmark.
Excellent film
gail-235 December 2006
While I was expecting a "not too bad" TV movie, I was thoroughly surprised at the quality of this film. I found it totally believable and especially likable. The principal characters were extremely engaging. The story was very touching and the filming beautifully done. I even found myself thinking of the characters throughout the rest of the day and even for a few days afterward, always with a warm thought.
One of the main reasons this movie works so well is because of the son, Jonathon. Many movies with kids are irritating and hard to get through because of the precociousness of the kids. Jonathon on the other hand is a truly likable young man even though he is going through a lot of "stuff". You never catch this young man "acting" and his portrayal of this character is topnotch.
I would like to say "Well Done" to everyone on this film and encourage all to watch. This is a keeper!
One of the main reasons this movie works so well is because of the son, Jonathon. Many movies with kids are irritating and hard to get through because of the precociousness of the kids. Jonathon on the other hand is a truly likable young man even though he is going through a lot of "stuff". You never catch this young man "acting" and his portrayal of this character is topnotch.
I would like to say "Well Done" to everyone on this film and encourage all to watch. This is a keeper!
Confused
bmss-5564925 December 2019
I'm writing this review while watching this movie. I missed the first 40 minutes. With that being said the mom is 28 years old (real life in 2006) and the son is 14 years old. Is it me, or is there something wrong with this?
A .mother and her son find a new life at Christmas
ovaga15 December 2006
Christmas stories often have an ethereal spirit which leads the main character(s) to a new awareness or life. "The Christmas Story" is a prime example where the ghost of Robert Marley and the other "spirits" lead Scrooge to a new life of loving and giving. Much in the same vein, "Under The Mistletoe" engages the audience in the same manner, without seeming derivative. It is a wholesome, modern Christmas film, that should become a yearly favorite. Jaimie Ray Newman radiates on screen. She is totally believable as the mourning widow with a son who can not let go of his father, who has died, but remains visible to him. Burkley Duffiled as her son is a fine young actor, handsome, and natural as the loner who can only see into the other world. Michael Shanks, as the new father in his life, is refreshing in his departure from "Stargate". And Connan Graham fulfills his role as the "ghost", the departed father, admirably. The action hockey sequence is bound to engage the hockey fans and the kids as in the "Mighty Ducks". Well produced and put together film with a sure and steady hand in directing.
Shanks Shines
rabodom6 February 2007
I must admit that the main reason I was drawn to watch this film was it had my favorite actor, Michael Shanks, in it. I have never tired of his 10-year portrayal of Dr. Daniel Jackson (from the Stargate SG-1 series), because he makes every scene he is in memorable. In this film, as a school counselor, he showed convincing empathy for the family, and especially to the son, who was grieving for his father. As a counselor myself, I applaud how Shanks worked to draw Jonathan out using his interest in hockey, and by showing Jonathan that he cared by always being invitational. The direct eye contact Shanks used with every one, and his gentle, loving spirit made the ending no surprise. The only faults this movie had were writers who tried to tie everything up too nicely in the end. I would have also liked to have seen more interaction between Shanks and Jonathan's Mom, and less of the ghostly father. All in all, however, it was a good Christmas film that will not offend any one, and benefits by having good actors who care about their craft.
Why I Liked This Movie
alterangirl4 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
First of all, I just love Jaime Ray Newman and Michael Shanks. I'm a fan of both the Laura Cadman and Daniel Jackson characters.
The thing I love the most about this movie is that the husband appears to Jonathan. While I don't believe it to be true, it's such a sweet thought, that your Daddy would come back to talk to you and give you guidance.
It's rather ironic that Michael Shanks' character is the school guidance counselor. Shanks played a psychologist in the Stargate SG-1 episode "The Changeling." Also, I'm used to my OTP of McKay/Cadman, so seeing this made me think thoughts of Daniel/Laura.
Damn. I think I might have found myself another AU OTP.
The thing I love the most about this movie is that the husband appears to Jonathan. While I don't believe it to be true, it's such a sweet thought, that your Daddy would come back to talk to you and give you guidance.
It's rather ironic that Michael Shanks' character is the school guidance counselor. Shanks played a psychologist in the Stargate SG-1 episode "The Changeling." Also, I'm used to my OTP of McKay/Cadman, so seeing this made me think thoughts of Daniel/Laura.
Damn. I think I might have found myself another AU OTP.
Lovely Christmas Story
denverddg25 December 2008
I've watched this movie several times over the last few years and enjoyed it each time. I do suspect that the version I saw this year has been edited for time. If I can find it, I plan to add it to my DVD collection so that I don't have to worry about more editing in future years. I love Christmas movies of all kinds and "Under the Mistletoe" will be added to the list of those that I look forward to every year. Thanks to all involved in it's production - particularly Michael Shanks, Jamie Ray Newman, Burkely Duffield, George Mendeluk, Lindsey MacAdam and Jason Rilie. British Columbia is a beautiful place and movies made there reflect the natural beauty of the Province and the people who live there.
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