Hallmark's A Dog Named Christmas Movie Review

A Dog Named Christmas is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie which aired on CBS on Sunday, November 29th, 2009. It is based on the novel of the same name which was written by Greg Kincaid. This lovely movie tells the story of a sweet boy who convinces his father to foster a dog over the Christmas holidays.

Bruce Greenwood of Star Trek fame stars as George McCray, Linda Emond from Julie & Julia stars as his wife Mary Ann, and Noel Fisher from The Riches acts as the son, Todd. The father agrees, with strict rules including one that the dog would have to go back to the kennel when Christmas was over, on December 26th.

I loved A Dog Named Christmas. It made me laugh at times AND it made me cry. I am sure that anyone who enjoys a good, clean drama movie will enjoy this one.

Click here to order A Dog Named Christmas DVD from Amazon.

In 100 words or less...

Set in Kansas, this movie finds the McCray family preparing for an ordinary Christmas until they receive an unexpected, four-legged visitor. Todd, the 20-year old developmentally challenged son hears about a program at the local kennel that attempts to foster out all of its dogs during the Christmas holidays and becomes set on having a dog for the holidays. He eventually convinces his father to allow him to foster one although his father applies strict conditions to the agreement including the fact that the dog must be returned to the kennel on December 26th. The father is reluctant to have a dog on a number of fronts. He is concerned a disappointment will hurt his son and he has had two events in his life with dogs that ended sadly. This dog, Christmas, turns out to be of a double gift ~~ one for the son and one for the father.

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cute Ty Beanie Baby from Amazon.

Amazon Customer D.Hupp says that this film is not just for lovers of heartwarming stories nor for just for dog lovers although, of course, it is a great choice for fans of both. HShe calls it one of Hallmark's better movies.

Amazon customer Straight Arrow says that this is an outstanding movie. Be warned, she says there wasn't a dry eye in the house but be reassured that there was no foul language or sexually oriented scenes. She says it is a realistic and believable family situation and that this movie offers up a bit of proof "that animals are in fact human's best friends in that they give so much love, comfort, companionship and loyalty and ask for so little in return."

Amazon customer M.L. Tyre says that she read the Greg Kincaid book last year and loved it and knew that there was no way she could miss the movie. She was worried about the movie living up to the book but said that the characters are well developed and well-acted. She highly recommends both the book and the movie.

Amazon customer review of the book.

I have not read this book yet so I cannot review it. It is, however, in the house anxiously calling my name. Meanwhile, this is what one reader on Amazon had to say about the book...

"A Dog Named Christmas is the perfect holiday read. The story is about a unique young man who shows his family and others the meaning of Christmas through his devotion to a dog adopted from a shelter. Anyone who has worked on behalf of homeless pets will cheer this important message. I recommend this book to any dog lover. Even better, adopt a homeless dog and read the book together." ~~ G. Fritz

This book is available in book, audio CD, audio cassette or MP3 formats.