The Secret Santa (2014) Reviews

• The truth about the jolly old elf is out there!

  MartianOctocretr52015-01-18

  This was the best new Christmas TV special of the 2014 season. It's a wonderful treat of Christmas spirit, with plenty of heart. It's the kind of story that rekindles the magic and wonder you felt as a child from the legend of a stranger who brought you presents some time overnight each December 24. A TV feature news reporter does a story about the mysterious appearance of snowmen on the hot Christmas Day at a home in Phoenix, AZ. This odd occurrence prompts her to research who would do such a thing and why. Interviewing the family reveals only one clue; one of the children had asked for snowmen in a letter to Santa. More research shows that similar acts have been tracked all over the country to two names the apparent benefactor has gone by at different times, Nick Myra and Luke Nast. Her quest to find this kind yet elusive benefactor is told in a first person documentary/reality show format that works far better than you would expect. One might expect that approach to be corny, silly, choppy, or contrived, and yet it avoids all these pitfalls. Instead, you'll see a series of very emotional and heartwarming tales as we join the reporter in tracking this Good Samaritan, who has evidently been helping people at random in a variety of ways for some time. Each progressive act of kindness that is uncovered is more incredible and harder to explain than the last. The ending couldn't have been any more creative or touching. It's set up very well, and the reactions of the characters are guaranteed to bring a tear to the eye of anyone, except perhaps the most die-hard Scrooges and Grinches. Before closing, just wanted to note that this hidden Christmas treasure was aired by an unexpected source. You're thinking Hallmark Channel or the similar Up TV, perhaps? No, it was on TLC, which usually is known for exploitation "reality TV", and was an immensely refreshing change of pace from that. Hopefully, they will re-run it next season. For a good dose of Christmas cheer, this one is recommended.

• The Secret Santa is true magic

  GotchaPhoto2015-06-03

  I almost gave this 10 stars! I love Scrooge, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, etc. etc. etc. I watched The Secret Santa last year and loved it. Was hoping to find it on DVD. Best Christmas movie in years and I love Christmas movies. I would recommend watching it if you get the chance. I love the traditional Christmas movies, but this one sure put the spirit of Christmas in my season. Not only was it an incredible movie, but it was brilliantly done. I caught part of the movie while channel surfing and searched for a week to find when it aired again so that I could record it on cable. We moved, so I no longer have that cable box, but sure miss that show of all.

• Fun Film.. You will smile by the end

  Christmas-Reviewer2016-08-08

  Perfect holiday movie. Now is this groundbreaking? Well of course not. Do the film makers deliver on what is to be expected? "YES". At Christmas time there is many films that are show on television. I tried to record everyone but I know I didn't get them all. I was glad however that I did record this. The film is perfect for a cold Winters Night. What I like the most out of this film was the fact that I truly loved the concept of the film. I wasn't however expecting too love the film as much as I did. The film was show on TLC in the USA. I hope next year it will be out on DVD. Its one of those films you want to watch with people you love. By the time the film ends you will be yelling out "Merry Christmas"