The National Tree

LOVED IT!!
I have now seen the movie three times. It is a refreshing tale, no violence, no gore or blood. I am further wishing now to read the book. The acting was good, although I wish Andrew McCarthy wasn't quite so stern looking mos of the time...but then his smile lights up the room, so well worth waiting for.
Would recommend to anyone wanting to relax with a "feel good" movie.
Good job done by all!

Good Adaptation of a Superb Novel
The National Tree

David Kranes' outstanding novel, The National Tree, finds a solid adaptation in this Hallmark production. The essence of the book, a deep and evocative exploration of a father and son relationship, is beautifully captured in the film. The premise, a cross country trip to deliver the National Tree to the President's lawn is well rendered; Andrew McCarthy and Andrew Williams do a superb job. But in an hour and a half, the quirkiness and delight of the novel could not be completely explored. Kranes' characteristic gentle and offbeat humor comes through so much more completely in the book which has become a family Christmas Classic for so many people.

FAMILY VIEWING, FEEL-GOOD, MORE ROMANCE THAN CHRISTMAS
How do you make a film about a tree and keep it interesting? Hallmark Channel did it. And it's family approved by DOVE which means it's family rated. Although a live tree is being moved overland from the northwest to DC, it is not really the tree that makes this story, and the only thing Christmas about it is the lighting of a decorated tree at the end.

It's another story about Father/Son relationships. But this is somewhat more realistic because it shows that sometimes Dad can be as wrong as son. And along the way, there is a beautiful lady friend for both to begin to love. Sound to sappy for the men, maybe not. There is the...well, I almost spoiled the viewing by beginning to explain some of the action on the road trip. Andrew McCarthy makes a realistic acting tree farmer dad, and Evan Williams does a good job at being the tech-savvy son. I even learned a new term (vlog)which for much younger folk, will wonder where I've been for years.

My answer to the...

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