Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage (2008)

Returning home from college one Christmas, young artist Thomas Kinkade (Jared Padalecki) is dismayed to learn that attempts to promote local tourism have failed and his mother (Marcia Gay Harden) is dangerously close to losing the family cottage to foreclosure. Inspired by his mentor, Glen (Peter O'Toole), a famous artist who lives next door, Thom accepts a job painting a mural of his small, idyllic hometown. With Glen's help, Thom not only discovers his calling as the Painter of Light(tm) but also helps the town rediscover the true spirit of Christmas in this nostalgic, humorous and heartwarming true story destined to become a holiday classic.
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Great Xmas Movie.

Great Christmas movie that rejoices in love of ur neighbors while also showing that sometimes ppl will suprise us even when we have given up hope that they will ever change. Not a religious movie, but still very well portrayed with a spirit of Christmas and helping each other. November 17, 2008

Heartwarming movie

I loved this movie. It goes without saying that Peter O'Toole is amazing in his role. His designation as a legend is well-deserved. As a long-time Richard Burgi fan, this is one of his best roles, and he is wonderful in it. And while I've not known Jared Padalecki's work for as long as I've known Richard's, I have a similar admiration for both of them, and their scenes together in this movie are funny and heartbreaking. This is simply a very nice Christmas movie for older children/teens and their parents. November 16, 2008

Very pleased

I was extremely pleased with this movie. I rented it tonight and enjoyed it so much that I am going to buy it and add it to my ever-expanding roster of Christmas movies. Unlike those who criticize it for lack of typical Christmas fluff, this movie had a raw element that humanized it, therefore making it ENTIRELY believable. I have plenty of "family feel-good" movies and was interested in this movie because it claimed to show how Thomas got his start, which it did. Bravo, Thomas, for having the courage to show the humanity of the townspeople with whom you grew up. A based-on-true-story movie SHOULD show humanity, raw or otherwise. While this isn't a movie that young children would understand, it IS a movie which adults and older teens can relate to. I will watch it every year from now on. November 16, 2008

A story of Beginnings and Endings

Famed painter Thomas Kinkaid had this film made about a very pivotal time of his life. Kept raw as real life tends to be, it is a sad and yet very uplifting film. Topics are deep and moving. This is not meant to be a young children's film, but more a teenage and adult film. Deals with motivations, the things that shape us, those who mold our lives.

While I felt the character of Thomas was not given enough depth to fully utilize Mr. Padalecki's talents, his performance with what he was given was awesome. Several of the supporting characters did super amazing work. Despite the rough language given to Richard Burgi, it was the most amazing piece of acting I have seen from him yet -- the depths of feeling and information in his vulerable moments were totally worth it. Mr. O'Toole also gives a wondrous performnce.

If you want something to touch your heart, see how life chapes people, and just get some of that Christmas feeling flowing -- this movie is for you. November 16, 2008

NOT CHRISTIAN AT ALL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!`

I agree that this movie is lousy and is not a good family Christian Christmas movie at all and what I expected it to be.To use that horrible woman to play Mary in the play was so terrible.All she wanted to do was to show off her body to men-even the preacher smiled big as she raised her dress in church.I will never get anything else made by Thomas Kinkade.He should be ashamed at this trash.There is more I could say but it is all bad as that is how the movie is and it shows no one changing for the better.If you want a family film do not buy this one!!!!!!I wasted my money. November 15, 2008

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