One wonders why Hallmark aired this Christmas-theme movie in the summer. "Christmas in July," perhaps? Whatever the reason, it's not a very good film. Much more fairy tale than romance, it's quite far out. It may appeal some to little kids and families. But it may have trouble holding older children and adults. Steve Guttenberg's Nicholas, or "Nick," is a likeable and kind guy; but he's gushing over with it here ad nauseam. His "Ho, ho, ho" laughter a few times is terribly hokey. He even draws a somewhat scornful look from Beth the first time, as though this might not have been rehearsed and she thought it wasn't quite right. Crystal Bernard plays Beth, who appears to be non-stop working in this film. She has a boss that doesn't let up. Yet, for all her nights and weekends of work, she still has time for her son and a friendship or two. It's a little hard to figure that out. Unless she may have to work nights because she's off so often during the daytime with Nick and others. Anyway, if anyone worked as much as the movie tries to tell us she does, they would probably look a little haggard and show some physical signs of tiredness. But, Beth is perkier than ever after another light night of work.This film just doesn't work, even with the dwarf people in the cast who serve as elves.

Love this movie. I actually live where it was filmed. However, There's a lot lacking in Gutenberg's performance. It seems forced and poorly acted and the constant fake Ho, Ho, Ho is unbearable.Gutenberg's father (retiring Santa) is also a terrible actor.The plot is great and all the other actors do a great job.Better casting was needed.

Made-for-TV, tame and lame. Must be the season of stupidity. Santa Claus(John Wheeler)is considering retirement and wants to turn over the reigns to his son Nick(Steve Guttenberg). But Santa is concerned because his son has yet to settle down become a family man. Ernst(Armiln Shimerman)actually runs the operations at the North Pole; and he hand picks three candidates for Nick to approve of. Nick surprisingly falls in love with a single mother Beth(Crystal Bernard), who has lost the Christmas spirit long, long ago. Will she be the next Mrs. Claus? Hokey deluxe. Also in the cast: Thomas Calabro, Dominic Scott Kay and Wendy Braun.

I really enjoyed this Hallmark DVD. Crystal Bernard is stunning and a real delight to watch. I reckon it's her Texas beauty that makes her so gorgeous. Steve Guttenberg plays young St. Nick, and does a great job. This is one of those kind of movies that you wish could never end. If your single, male or female, give this movie a try. Thanks again Hallmark, ya'll did good on this one. This movie brought a tear to my eyes when Nick helps out the Dept. store Santa. You will have to watch this movie for yourself and see if it makes you feel good too. It is refreshing to see this movie because the last Christmas / Santa movie I saw was Billy Bob's horrid "Bad Santa" - lol.