This movie is a must-see heart-warming quality movie this holiday. It tells of an old English village's tradition and how vibrant hope becomes contagious, as doubts are addressed and worked out. In effect, the community learns to look outside their problems, embrace community, and renew hope. This movie features Susan Boyle's delicate and angelic voice, and despite her green acting, it was a sweet touch.
It's cruel for reviewers to rate this movie so low as this IS a great film. Yes it may be a "cutesie" Christmas movie, but defiantly not cheesy! Perhaps the content is the primary offense for those rating anything below a 5. I imagine the criteria for anything lower than a 5 would be spotty acting, horrible editing, music and a pathetic, non- entertaining plot.
Everything from the lighting, screen writing and flow is solid. I suggest seeing this movie for yourself. No doubt placing first time actors on the screen can alter its ratings, but I don't see how some justify their "1/10" or even "4/10" ratings. Although it doesn't have a complete 3-D sensory overload, ground-breaking techniques or Oscar-winning performances by all cast, it is great movie.
I appreciate that Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks characters flesh out deep pains, and express their doubts. There are beautiful twists in the movie, and despite the "religious" message, hope itself is a breath of fresh air. So, just for the sheer psychological, emotional and mental benefits this is a great movie to see during this season (studies prove that even the idea of hope itself can promote healing and happiness http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/11/health/hope-healing-enayati/).
I've rated this movie at a 10, as despite it being a niche, genre holiday movie, it contains all aspects needed to entertain, encourage and inspire viewers with the "Christmas spirit". This is a kid-friendly movie and good traditional movie, that I hope becomes a classic. It disappoints me that viewers critiques is so low, therefore I rated this the highest possible as there must be a true balance to all those posting "1/10". I encourage you to see the Christmas Candle to judge for yourself.
