I was surprised when I saw Summer Glau in a Hallmark Christmas movie. I think of the kick-ass teenager in Serenity, or the robot protector in Sarah Conner Chronicles, but not a cheery elf in a Christmas story. But she makes a good one.While the ultimate outcome is predictable, I was surprised at some of the journey along the way. For one thing there was none of the plot device where the kids terrorize the nanny. The story uses some Santa and elf magic, so don't expect realism.I wasn't impressed with most of the acting, although it wasn't bad either. But Summer did a nice job developing her character from the essentially naïve alien in the real world into at least a little more natural participant in it. I wish I could say John Brotherton did as well, but I thought his performance was more in the middle. They really didn't have enough screen time to play off one another. Glau connected more with the kids, who each did a good job in their roles. For me, Glau was the heart of the movie.

At last! Hallmark presented a GOOD, new Christmas movie!...so rare anymore! I watched this movie several times and enjoyed it each time...and look forward to watching it again.I like that it really stays focused on Christmas in all aspects: all the scenes...apparel...and make-up ...has magic...Christmas décor...and has a delightful, optimistic plot...with talented players. And the plot flowed very nicely!"Christine" is absolutely delightful and believable...and she is what made the movie so extra nice to watch! Santa looked, acted, and dressed as we expect a "real" Santa to be. (unlike some other movies.)The little boy played his part very well!...not annoying at all.Only slight downer: "Dave" ("Sara's" brother) was a bit too forward, too pushy trying to woo "Christine"...since he only knew her briefly. His approach should not have been over-bearing, but left to the viewer's imagination instead.But anyway, I think the way this movie is...a Christmas movie with magic... is the way they should be......while some other Hallmark "Christmas" movies make attempts to combine Christmas and magic, they fall very, very short (one ex: the overly-hyped "Northpole")...as they stray from the point...to the point of annoying and boring since they include unrelated inner plots...while others have very annoying characters and/or unfit untalented players....and basically, have a lousy plot.

this is a very heart warming Christmas movie starring summer Glau! (The Sarah Connor chronicles) Great family Christmas movie!!! I'm only disappointed I can't find any where to buy it!Great movie tho!!! 🎅 The whole movie from beginning to end is enthralling - I love the updated idea of Father Christmas and his family as well as helping out with other families for the Christmas holidays - bringing back that all too often lost Christmas spirit! Along with that lovely romantic twist! Since we in the UK no longer have Hallmark Channel - I'm hoping that this will soon be available to buy!!!

I just watched Hallmark's movie 'Help for the Holidays'. Summer Glau was really amazing, so charming and wonderful as an elf coming to Los Angeles to help a family recover the Christmas spirit, her smile would melt ice. It was such great entertainment for the family. Take summer out of the movie, it wouldn't have been such a great film.The bonding with the kids was great and same with her love interest John Brotherton. She was like a magician with her book.Very heartwarming film with a happy ending, Summer Glau at her most very best great performance, i hope they make a sequel since it was a big success for the Hallmark Channel (most watched original movie of the year).