Leofwine_draca FINDING JOHN CHRISTMAS is a cheap and sentimental American TV movie with a Yuletide setting. I have no love for these sickly sweet productions and this film's no exception; it tells of a family estranged through past disaster, and their efforts in the modern day for reunification. The script offers nothing in the way of depth and the actors don't feel like they're giving much of an effort either. The sole exception - and reason I tuned in - is the presence of Peter Falk, playing an angel in human form whose job it is to spread joy and goodwill through the season. Falk brings a lot of his famed Columbo mannerisms to the part and is a delight, especially the little musical number he shares with the singing girl. He's the only reason I bothered.

robert-temple-1 This Christmas fable makes no pretense at realism, though the largely unknown cast do very well in realistically portraying their characters in situations which are constantly hovering on the edge of fantasy. Peter Falk plays a mysterious 'Christmas angel' who pops up in many guises throughout the story, gently pushing people along to help them resolve their problems. In some instances, he goes over the edge and becomes silly (such as being the guard of a fire engine), and his costumes are very poor and cheapen his value, but as the story moves along, he gets into his stride and adds a dimension of magic to the tale, through sheer warm-hearted professionalism. The heart of the story is that a young man was so shaken by a tragic fire incident (he had been a heroic fireman, saving many lives) that he dropped out, abandoned his mother and sister, left town and disappeared for years. The story is all about his coming to terms with his past, and his sister's determined efforts to persuade him to rejoin his family and rejoin life as well. This is a perfectly harmless family movie where people are not slitting throats, firing guns, or copulating on camera, so that one hardly believes one is in contemporary times. They are just living, but magic enters their lives as they struggle with their problems. People who criticize this film for being a bit corny and sentimental should better spend their time criticizing the wicked films instead, where everybody gets murdered and raped and tortured. After all, there is nothing wrong with people making pleasant films once in a while, even if they are not great art. Nor does great art always have to involve graphic sex and violence. The people who claim they are only being 'realistic' by wanting to pour blood and gore all over the screen are deeply sick people, and we should not be supporting them. We should not be ashamed of some honest sentiment, or lack of realism, if it doesn't hurt anybody!

kennethdcollins Having been a fan of 'Columbo', I was sorely disappointed in 'Corky Romano'. While certainly a funny movie, Falk's mob boss character was a far cry from the lovable lieutenant he's played for so many years, especially with the offensive language he used. After 'Corky Romano', I was honestly both surprised by and soured on Mr. Peter Falk. HOWEVER, having just seen 'Finding John Christmas' and its predecessor, 'A Town Without Christmas', for the first time within a week of each other, I have to say that 'Max', Peter's Falk's delightful character in both movies, is surely as memorable and lovable as 'Columbo'. While parts of the movie are quite predictable, such scenes in no way take away from the enjoyment of seeing the story played out. I too wish I had recorded both of these heartwarming Christmas movies, and I highly recommend them whether you're a Falk fan, a Christmas nut, or simply someone who enjoys the occasional feel-good movie of the week. This movie may end up lost among the throngs of made-for-TV holiday flicks, so be sure to find 'Finding John Christmas' before it's too late.

MisterMickey Like its predecessor, I wish I had taped this wonderful film. An outstanding film that lets us realize there's more to us than ourselves, this film allows us to see that debts (& not just monetary) need to be paid, & that our actions affect others, even in the long run.It's great to see Peter Falk continuing in the role of Max, the angel whose work is never done, & affects so many. His minutes onscreen aren't as many, but Oh! How he makes the most of them! No offense to any other cast members, but he's the reason for watching this fine film.This is a film to watch again & again & again!BRAVO!