I watched this last year for the first time and kept it on my DVR since! I LOVED all the music - but it wasn't overly musical. My only question is who the singer is with Lyle Lovett when they are singing at his characters house!? I know I've seen her somewhere before and I'm pretty sure she was a famous singer from the 70's. If anyone can answer this question for me, I'd sure appreciate it! I think what makes it so fabulous is that it could be done any time of year, it just happens to be one of Christmas. It's wonderfully family, friends and relationships. In viewing this, it reminded me of the strain of relationships in families but all can be avoided if everyone is willing to talk! I didn't really view it as a religious movie.

Yes, i know. Why rate a load of gubbins a SEVEN?! Well, let me tell you. The storyline is a bit patchy, well, a lot patchy. It is also really, really cheesy. I mean, seriously, my cheesy nachos covered in cheese sauce has less cheese. I quite simply do not care. The amount of musicians in this movie is gob smacking! Legends i say! Willie nelson, harry conick, lyle lovatt. All crooning and warbling to their hearts content. Something about these peoples love of music shines through the rest of the awfulness! If you love country music, then this is movie for you. If you love sickening xmas movies, this is also for you. Other than that, avoid like the plague. I myself, well, i liked it. It made me feel gooey xx

Sentimental? Schmaltzy? Sure. It's a teen movie. We've all seen the story before. Adults may like the characters and the songs. And this Austin Tx movie is chock full of musicians. You mostly hear parts of songs. In the end, I wanted to look up some of them. The musical part has a quirky, organic feel. I'd be happy living in this town! (I wish there was a bonus track, of how the musicians and cast were chosen. Some of the artists are on youtube) I expected little when I rented it. It was Christmas, and the cast looked interesting. I was afraid it might be too churchy. I had no problem with the sentimentality. And the religious aspect was likely turned way down, from the book(?). Some will hate the movie, some will be filled with joy. We built a fire, poured some wine, and really enjoyed the movie! (my wife loves Christmas. I'm more of a Grinch! But I do like holiday lights...)

Oh dear...where to start The film should have started with the tragedy that shapes HCJ's decision to go grinch (Thanks Rache) but nooooo. Instead it plods through a full 30 mins of unnatural, slightly awkward character development in which no characters are developed.The main problem is that there isn't a plot (84 minutes of one guy trying to decide if he should put up Christmas lights and deciding to do it)and poor direction although the acting isn't Oscar bait. A gurning HCJ gets out acted by Willie Nellson and two plastic reindeer's.If you're a fan of kumbayah Christmas Carol singing, Christmas jumpers and acoustic guitars in front of roaring fires then then your in for a real treat because this is at least 30 minutes of run time.If not prepare to cringe as Kristofferson and Co break out the guitars every 15 minutes and stare at one another with creepy expressions of wide eyed wonderment whilst the kids are forced to go Acappella on such classics as 'Twelve Days of Christmas' Sacharine sweet and dripping with schmaltz. Cast and crew are all going on the naughty list, except Willie who turns in a pretty decent St Nick