nina_glyndwr For a low-budget film that uses a lot of non-professionals, this is a really good film. A pleasing plot. Very neat. And the children are great actors.I'm glad I watched it. I almost didn't - because of the low rating.I had watched a big-budget children's film before it and that had the same rating. I gave it a 4. It was dire. This film, however, is so much better. No special effects, no professional child actors, but just so much better.

zdarov Based on other reviews, I watched and I'm glad I did - it was good! I have no idea why the overall rating is poor. The acting was excellent - children and adults - the scenery's lovely, and the story is pertinent - economic development. (I learned that the Irish say 'nigh' for now ;) which is either pronunciation or a different word - I plan to use it more often!) The story is completely clean, no harsh enmity just conflict. ..Although Pierce Brosnan insults his worker, and the worker insults his son - not great but not awful. This may be best for ages 8-9 and up, since there might not be enough action or shiny things for small tots. If you like this, also see Journey to the Christmas Star (Norway). That makes two great finds for me this season, I'll be watching this movie and that one again this year, and onward. Thanks, Netflix!

Christmas-Reviewer Nice change of pace from the typical American Christmas Movie If you are familiar with the Bible then you will understand the phrase "And A Child Shall Lead Them" Born under the Christmas Star, Noelle believes she has the gift to perform miracles, so when conniving developer McKerrod threatens her peaceful life she and her friends determine to use this gift to thwart his plans and save their village. with the Bible you will understand when I say "And a Child Shall lead them" . This film is short and sweet. If you h ave a chance to view it to advantage of the opportunity. This is not a by the number "Hallmark" film. It has a nice "Disney Vibe" to it. There is even a few cameos in this film for the adults. This film is very good. It is safe for the family to watch. Not a well known movie but it should be.

TxMike I found this movie on Netflix streaming. I watched it with my wife on Christmas Eve, as we both were suffering with very bad head and chest colds. Bah, humbug!The story focuses on young Erin Galway-Kendrick as Noelle O'Hanlon, so named because she was born on Christmas day and, because her dad had vehicle issues, she was born in a manger of sorts and delivered by an older woman who had only delivered calves before.Noelle grows up much like all her friends in their small sea-side town, but she finds she has a talent, the ability to perform "small miracles". Usually manifest this way, when two people were quarreling she could look at them, squint a bit, and all would become happy and cooperative.The drama comes when Rob James-Collier (the nasty guy on Downton Abbey) as Pat McKerrod comes back to town. He grew up there but obviously with great disdain for the place and its struggling snow globe factory. He has returned to represent himself as their savior, he will buy the company and assure jobs for all, but he is lying to them. He is working for Pierce Brosnan back in the States, who literally phones in his role as Mr. Shepherd, a tough businessman who only cares about himself.So the resolution of the various stories requires Noelle and her young friends to discover the truth and to point it out so that her small town and its snow globe business can be preserved.It is all fairly trite and over-simplified but I don't believe the filmmakers ever thought they were making an award-winning movie. It is just a small movie with a Christmas theme and entertaining for those in the right frame of mind for it.