This is a highly enjoyable tale of a family who has distanced themselves from one another after the death of their mother and wife. Dolly Parton does an excellent job of country singer Ruby Diamond who dies in a car accident while trying not to run over a young deer. This act of selflessness gives her the chance to progress into Heaven rather than Hell, as long as she can complete one task by midnight of Christmas Eve... to bring the broken and grieving family back together.In the true nature of this type of Christmas tale trials and tribulations are thrown in her way. What sets this above most of this ilk is the quality of the story, which isn't overly melodramatic but humorous and witty. And the cast, which works well together, is superb with the comedic elements of the script, especially Roddy McDowell as Saint Peter.As Christmas flicks go this is one of the best and well worth a watch - it should easily put a smile on your face.It's also a bonus that Dolly Parton's wardrobe is stitched together to show off every one of her other obvious assets... This is a film that I would recommend to Crimbo lovers and romantics alike - also if you have an interest in anything paranormal or slightly religious or like a good laugh then this could be for you. At least it's a good way to waste an hour and a half.

Dolly Parton has shown enough charm over the years to have developed a sideline as an actress. She may not have great range but films such as Unlikely Angel are a good display of her acting talents.Ruby is a small town country music singer who dies in a road crash. At the pearly gates Angel Peter (Roddy McDowall) tells her that in order to gain her wings she must go back to earth as a nanny to help a widower and his dysfunctional family over the Christmas holidays.The father is too busy at work, the teenage daughter is getting rebellious, the younger son spends too much time on video games.Ruby has short time to get the family to bond but every time she thinks she has got them together, something goes wrong and its back to square one. The film really thrives on Dolly's charms and a few songs help. The Christmas setting gives it a schmaltzy feel, its a decent if predictable television film.

There is one bit in this film that made it worthwhile seeing. Dolly guilts the father into bringing the kids to chop down a Christmas tree. The situation devolves into a family squabble. Dolly is left standing alone near the tree. The tree guy comes over and says, Where do you want this, lady? And Dolly gestures over to the squabbling family, and says, Over there with the Waltons.Other than that line, Unlikely Angel isn't much of a film. Roddy McDowall is always worth seeing. He was always such a professional, even when in a clinker such as this. Unfortunately, McDowall isn't the star of this show--I believe that role is reserved for Dolly's over-sized chest, which is barely contained by some of the tackiest outfits seen this side of professional wrestling. I think this film falls into the category I think of as: Harmless Christmas Stuff.

I had never seen dolly in a movie,until seeing 9 to 5 and that was very good,but this movie,I'm not a great lover of this type of film and was apprehensive about,but after a couple of minutes and hearing dolly's fantastic voice I was completely sold. The film is the usual type,but dolly make it come to life. I go to nearly everyone of dolly's shows when she come to england.I would recommend this to any dolly fan,it's the best. The songs and the acting ability show by dolly is very good,she is a born actress of the highest quality. Long may she adorn the silvery screen and keep her fans happy we could be better it we had dolly over in england Peter Mckay