Several years ago, my wife had me sign up for the Disney Movie Club because it was the only way to purchase A Mom for Christmas, a movie she remembered from her childhood. We didn’t watch it, but, years later, we continue to buy movies from Disney every month. This year, she decided it was time to see it. The movie, which is 28 years old, did not age well and the quality is incredibly bad. I’ve seen movies from the 1930’s with better quality DVD releases.
I don’t have a lot to say about this film. If you saw it as a child, you probably feel nostalgic seeing it and may want to rewatch it. You might even want to share it with your kids. Do not, however, fault them when they don’t enjoy it. I love sappy movies, rom coms, pure cheese, anything stupid. I couldn’t seem to get into this movie.
A motherless child is given a wish by a witch (?) that works in a department store. When she wishes to have a mother for Christmas, one of the mannequins comes to life and shows up at her house to fill a child care position her father never actually advertised. The child, played by Juliet Sorci who does a great job, although Juliet did not go on to act in much else. The mannequin mother, on the other hand, was played by Olivia Newton-John, an actress I’ve never particularly enjoyed. The remainder of the movie is Amy (mother) and Jessica (daughter), trying to keep the secret and doing typical mother-daughter activities. We also learn that all mannequins can come to life each night for a couple of hours and that they are all friends. In the end, Jessica’s father falls in love with Amy and they can be family and Jessica can have the mother she’s always wanted, but only if they can prevent Amy from turning back into a mannequin. You’ll have to endure the film if you want to know how it all turns out.
To me, the film felt like a poor man’s attempt at ripping off Today’s Special, a classic Canadian children’s program from the 1980’s. I couldn’t really get into it and only enjoyed one or two scenes, typically involving the other mannequins, like Wilkins the chauffeur and Santa. Without a nostalgic tie to this film, it simply doesn’t work today. Although, seeing it at a higher quality may have made it easier to enjoy it for what it was.
A Mom for Christmas
Movie title: A Mom for Christmas
Movie description: When 11-year-old Jessica receives a free wish, she gets what she asked for and more -- a mom for Christmas! A beautiful woman named Amy shows up at her door bringing life and laughter back into Jessica's family. The trouble is, Amy isn't real and can only stay until Christmas Eve. But now that Amy has brought new meaning to their lives, Jessica and her dad don't want to lose her.
Date published: 1990-12-17
Director(s): George Miller
Actor(s): Olivia Newton-John, Juliet Sorci, Doug Sheehan, Carmen Argenziano, Aubrey Morris, Jim Piddock, Doris Roberts
Genre: Drama
Overall
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Overall
