StunnaKrypto Self-important, over-dramatic, uninspired.

SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

ScoobyMint Disappointment for a huge fan!

ChampDavSlim The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Amy Adler In the English town of Gladbury, there is a legend that, at Christmas, an angel visits the candle maker and blesses one candle. Who ever buys that candle, will receive a miracle. If they are sick, they will be well; if poor, they will become rich and so on. Naturally, the candle maker is highly prized and visited. But, the town is about to experience change, as its the beginning of the twentieth century and electric lights are taking over. Gladbury also needs a new minister and one of the most influential townfolk knows who she wants. He is David Richmond (Hans Matheson) who once gave powerful sermons but has turned to helping the poor in London via the Salvation Army. AFter much discussion, Reverend Richmond agrees to relocate. On his journey, David encounters a lady, Emily Barstow (Samantha Barks) whose carriage horses refuse to pull her out of a stream. Although Miss Barstow initially turns down his aid, there is no other choice so she relents. Its obvious the new minister is struck by this spirited lady. Once in town, Reverend Richmond hears about the candle legend and doesn't like it. In his view, miracles are done by ordinary folks, taking care of their neighbors as Christ would have wanted. He demonstrates this by helping needy families repair homes and survive chaos. Most of all, David wants to light up the church with electric lights, changing things forever. This causes some waves. Especially upset are the candle makers, The Haddingtons, who are dumbstruck to witness the angel's visit but lose the chosen candle in their enormous pile. As a last ditch effort, this couple proceed to give out ALL of their candles to the village residents and hope that a miracle will prove their story. Can it be? This beautiful movie is difficult to encapsulate, as there are several story lines and issues. Nonetheless, it is a very beautiful film with a fine cast, especially Matheson who is wonderful. Susan Boyle is also one of the town's residents and her glorious voice is heard in the movie, from time to time. Then, too, the historic sets, costumes, story and touching direction all combine to produce a lovely movie. Christians will also adore the themes, as the flick is based on a book by Max Lucado. Light up your own movie viewing by finding this one, in season or out.

SimonJack This modern Christmas movie is set in England shortly after the turn of the 20th Century. It's based on the 2013 novel of the same title by Max Lucado. The story takes place mostly in a fictitious English town somewhere in the rural countryside. Gladbury has a reputation, at least among some, of being the Christmas Candle town. It comes from a legend that every 25 years, an angel appears in the Haddington candle works and blesses a single candle. Whoever receives that candle, lights it and prays and their prayers are answered - many by miracles. This has been going on for a few generations, and some pretty convincing miracles of the past back up the story.But now, a new vicar for the Cadbury church and parish comes to town. Hans Matheson plays Rev. David Richmond. While a man of faith, he doesn't believe in modern miracles. Halfway through the story we find out about a tragic loss in his life that rocked his faith. He's determined to end the superstitious tradition in the town. One can guess how this might end, and the screenplay is very good as the story unfolds. There's much in here about family, abut personal losses and suffering, and about healing, faith, hope and friendship. This is a good Christmas movie in a nice setting. I don't think it's great, as some think. I noted some reviewers disliked it to the point of reviling it. I suspect they are people who have no religious faith or beliefs. Atheists and agnostics for the most part seldom seem to enjoy films of this nature. That's OK, of course. But, rather than their agonizing through the watching of such films, it should dawn on them in the first place not to watch something they won't enjoy. Most other viewers should find this movie enjoyable.The rather extensive cast in this film all are quite good. Most of the production qualities are good. I always enjoy scenery shots in England. It truly is a garden country, with plants in bloom, it seems, at any time of year. In one scene, Thomas Haddington (played by Sam Crane) pulls into town in a Stanley Steamer. Considering the yet rarity of automobiles at that time, I'm surprised that the director of this film didn't have several people staring at the car in amazement Instead, only Edward and Bea Haddington (played by Sylvester McCoy and Lesley Manville) watch their son's noisy arrival and comment on it. Thomas tells his parents, "I had it sent over from America. It's a Stanley Steamer -- one of the first."I wonder why though, this film was released in America a month before its release in England (Nov. 15 and Dec. 13, respectively). It's a thoroughly British production, set in and filmed in England. My hunch is that in the U.S. we've become so commercialized that we begin to celebrate a following holiday before we even observe the next one. I was in chain stores this year that were setting up Christmas displays in mid-October - a full month before Thanksgiving. But then, we don't usually buy gifts for Thanksgiving, do we? "The Christmas Candle" is a film that the whole family should enjoy. It's a bit slow, but the mystique about the candle may be able to hold the attention of restless young ones. Oh, yes! This may be of interest to some. I recently came across a Web site for Gladbury, "located in the County of Gloomshire." Well, there is no county named Gloomshire, nor village named Gladbury. The Web site is a hoax, and the names should be a hint - they have "gloom" and "glad" in their titles. The Web site tries to look official, but beyond a cartoon style map it doesn't have any photos. It lists a town of 133,000 population. Another dead giveaway is its directory of services. It must list two to four dozen churches, a bunch of school, a dozen or most post offices, a hospital, several solicitors, but nary a single actual business - bakery, barber, carpenter, dentist, electrician, garage, plumber, etc. It's funny and must have been fun for someone to go to all the trouble to create a phony place, but for what purpose? Unless, someone watched this movie and was interested in trying to find the real town? Perhaps. Check it out for fun - but note that the town is not renowned for candles. Rather, a cloth industry in the past, and clock making that eventually went belly-up.

susanjogorman I have to be honest and admit that I haven't yet seen this film, but I was so impressed with the tone of the reviews, I had to add this comment. All of the reviews were very high with the obvious exception of people who clearly disclosed themselves to be anti-Christian, left-wing liberal Christmas-haters. I would bet they are the same people who insist that we all say Happy Holidays instead of Merry Christmas. It's so sad to see the bitterness and anger that these nay-sayers reflect in their angry commentaries...wow.Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter a positive review...I am looking forward to seeing the movie!

Bada-Bing Bada-Boom This movie is a must-see heart-warming quality movie this holiday. It tells of an old English village's tradition and how vibrant hope becomes contagious, as doubts are addressed and worked out. In effect, the community learns to look outside their problems, embrace community, and renew hope. This movie features Susan Boyle's delicate and angelic voice, and despite her green acting, it was a sweet touch. It's cruel for reviewers to rate this movie so low as this IS a great film. Yes it may be a "cutesie" Christmas movie, but defiantly not cheesy! Perhaps the content is the primary offense for those rating anything below a 5. I imagine the criteria for anything lower than a 5 would be spotty acting, horrible editing, music and a pathetic, non- entertaining plot. Everything from the lighting, screen writing and flow is solid. I suggest seeing this movie for yourself. No doubt placing first time actors on the screen can alter its ratings, but I don't see how some justify their "1/10" or even "4/10" ratings. Although it doesn't have a complete 3-D sensory overload, ground-breaking techniques or Oscar-winning performances by all cast, it is great movie.I appreciate that Hans Matheson and Samantha Barks characters flesh out deep pains, and express their doubts. There are beautiful twists in the movie, and despite the "religious" message, hope itself is a breath of fresh air. So, just for the sheer psychological, emotional and mental benefits this is a great movie to see during this season (studies prove that even the idea of hope itself can promote healing and happiness http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/11/health/hope-healing-enayati/).I've rated this movie at a 10, as despite it being a niche, genre holiday movie, it contains all aspects needed to entertain, encourage and inspire viewers with the "Christmas spirit". This is a kid-friendly movie and good traditional movie, that I hope becomes a classic. It disappoints me that viewers critiques is so low, therefore I rated this the highest possible as there must be a true balance to all those posting "1/10". I encourage you to see the Christmas Candle to judge for yourself.