I have quite often taken the pee out of Bruce Davison for all of the crappy roles he has taken on, most of which I have felt are a bit typecast, but looking back at his career, I have to say that he is a work horse, never out of work since the 70's and in this film he gives a really good performance worthy of note.

It's another charming Christmas story about how doing good things can make you feel good, as well as making the world a better place. I have said before, having watched "A Christmas Carol" that I'm slightly concerned about the length of the chains I have forged in life and films like this one show that it doesn't have to be a big gesture for it to be worthwhile.

Intertwined with a budding romance, this film shows the true meaning of the season and there's a dog in it too!

Say what you will about the writing, the acting, and the grateiness of KC's character - oh and see below what I thought about the improbability of Kari's character really being that all alone - I really do love you Kari, and the similarities to this Christmas' "Christmas Jars" but there is an incredible spirit to this movie that not even then the little bit more professionally made and just as heartwarming "Christmas Jars" can match. Every time it comes on I think I'm going to switch the channel - not bec. I don't love it, but bec. I may have just seen it the night before, and I don't. The spirit is too amazing, maybe part of it is the music, but there is just something to this film. Some of the reviewers criticize KC Clyde, but remember however how much we loved him in "The Best Two Years." I think that he and Kari do have chemistry, they wouldn't have done an encore from "The Dance" if they didn't. And yes Bruce Davison who is the mentor - just as Ron Lea as the older wiser mentor in "Christmas Jars" is absolutely amazing. I loved him so much in this film that it was hard watching him later on as the villain in a not very well done t.v. movie that Jane Seymour produced and acted in where he played the abusive ex husband.

.....

Two nearly identical movies are running this year - "Christmas Angel" and "Christmas Jars" - the only difference is that in "Angel" the male lead is the villain, and in "Jars' the female lead is the villain - at least as sorts. Sad - both "Ashley" and "Hope" have sad original families and are now all alone in terms of family at least. How could two very attractive and relatively out going girls have not developed an extensive outside network and support system haven't they through high school, college - sorority not acquired a zillion friends? Where are their aunts and uncles and cousins? I'm sorry, but I have never bought the idea of someone having "no family."

Am not somebody who hates Christmas or has a bias against made for television Christmas films. The complete opposite on both counts and have made that clear more than once and will continue to do so if necessary. Evident from a number of positive reviews for the Christmas output of Hallmark and Lifetime. The premise for 'Christmas Angel' did sound quite interesting and seemed at times like it was trying to do something a little different.

Over the past two years or so, my Christmas film completest quest (made up for primarily those from Hallmark and Lifetime) has been very interesting but also hit and miss. Some were very charming, easy to digest and lovely watches with good casts. Others were very dull, cheesy, too sentimental and badly written and acted. 'Christmas Angel' is mostly in the former category, though it is far from perfect or quite my definition of a great film.

The not so good things are going to be started off with. Some of the music could have been toned down and been used more sparingly.

My biggest issue is KC Clyde, who comes over as too oily to be a romantic lover and has no real charm, also found the character too over the top in the negative characteristics and bland. It does affect his chemistry with Kari Hawker, which has little spark in a relationship that is very underdeveloped despite having moments where it is realistic.

Which is unfortunate as Hawker herself is actually very appealing in her role, which is much more interesting and easy to like. The acting in general in 'Christmas Angel' is above average. The dog is adorable. The best thing about it is Bruce Davison, who is wonderful and movingly understated as a character that resonates. Really liked his sincere chemistry with the other cast members.

'Christmas Angel' furthermore looks good. The scenery is truly attractive and photographed with a lot of love. The script is cohesive and doesn't come over as awkward, it also takes itself seriously without being dreary and the sentimentality doesn't become too much. The story is pretty conventional, but its endless charm, its good nature and warm heart more than more up for that. Same with the very honest and never preachy messaging, messaging that is also relevant and important.

Summing up, good if not great. 7/10.