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Yet despite the movie's mildly crass moments, the characters are redemptive—some more believably so than others, but there are some touching resolutions to the various conflicts in the film. And yes, some of those resolutions do reference the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of faith.

Marcia Gay Harden as Maryann, with her sons

The filmmakers would love to believe that Christmas Cottage has the potential to become a holiday classic like Miracle on 34th Street, It's a Wonderful Life, and A Christmas Story. There isn't a snowball's chance of that happening—it's simply not as good as any of those in any way. But I am, oddly enough, reminded of an oft forgotten 1998 film called Simon Birch. It was cute, it was a little crass, it depicted small town life years ago, it featured a failed Christmas pageant, and like any good parable, it carried some solid Christian messages.

Christmas Cottage isn't as weighty or memorable, but it strikes a similar tone. At times, it feels authentic and real, even when the characterizations are unbelievable and the story clichéd. What could have been very trite carries a lot of heart, and overcomes its shortcomings with its message. It won't become a classic, but it's charming enough for me to reconsider Kinkade's paintings in a whole new way.

Talk About It

1. Why does Glen ask Thom, "Do you think that because they're not as sophisticated they can't appreciate your art?" How might Thom have felt his job was too menial or beneath him? How did he overcome such preconceptions? Does the Bible have anything to say about our approach to work and giving our best effort?
2. Explain why Maryann tells Thom that "the last thing of mine that's still mine is my pride." What is it that keeps her from asking for help? Does anything or anyone help change her mind in this? Does she ask for help in her own way, or do people help her anyway? What can we learn from this about helping others?
3. What are your thoughts on the Christmas pageant? Is it a failure, or is it honorable? Are people blessed by their evening at church?
4. Why does Thom's mural affect the town the way it does? What does it bring to the community that wasn't there before?
5. Thom opens the movie by noting that "Sometimes God moves in mysterious ways, and sometimes there's no mystery at all." Give examples of how both are represented in this movie.
6. Does the movie honor the true meaning of Christmas or mock it? Explain.

The Family Corner

Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage is rated PG for language, some suggestive content and smoking. Profanity is plentiful, most of it is of the "hell" and "damn" variety. The suggestive content includes a portrayal of a flirtatious bombshell, a mildly sensual scene involving Thom's girlfriend posing for a portrait, some references to porn magazines, and light innuendo. Kinkade's father is depicted as a boozer and a heavy smoker, and responsible for most of the objectionable material. Though appropriately PG, the film still offers good Christian messages about the meaning of Christmas and loving others.

Photos © Copyright Lionsgate Entertainment

© Russ Breimeier subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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