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» » A Miracle on Christmas Lake (2016)

Short summary

: After suffering the loss of his best friend Charlie on Christmas Eve, sixteen year old Bobby Whiteside ventures out onto the lake where they played countless games of winter hockey. Upon shoveling the ice surface he makes a shocking discovery --- a magic, perfectly groomed hockey rink that appears only at night and only in his presence. When a local construction company purchases the land for development, Bobby must join forces with his high school crush, rally the town, and play one last game on the night pond --- with an old friend.

Filmed in Calgary, Alberta.

User reviews


  • comment
    • Author: Kulwes
    I really wanted to like this movie. The setting's gorgeous and the plot of teen loss and loneliness redeemed at Christmas through the healing power of friendly spirits should have been great.

    Sadly, the execution of this great idea was lacking.

    The actors were mostly okay, but the script gave them little to work with. There were some touching moments but they were few.

    Character motivations got lost in the scrap paper bin or on the cutting room floor until far too late in the film for viewers to care much. Plot and subplots were all crammed in there together. The spiritual significance of the night pond never quite made itself clear, and the inspirational speech that was clearly supposed to redeem that main plank of the plot was frankly a mess, both in writing and in delivery. There was absolutely no reason for the townsfolk to clap except that they were told to. Or maybe because that was the last time they had to show up for filming.

    Like I said at the start, I really wanted to like this film. But I couldn't.
  • comment
    • Author: Global Progression
    Do not go by the DVD cover. This is NOT a cheery and happy Christmastime movie. That is both unusual and a good thing as it anchors this festive tale in a more realistic universe and reality.

    The main character, Bobby Whiteside has the weight of a few troubles on his back. The death of his friend the year before, his father leaving home, and an uneasy home life where he constantly argues with his mother and brother.

    Feeling that the world is against him he wants to leave the township where all his torments fester forsaking his family, even his sister Roxie, who is the only family member he has a decent relationship with.

    This is his story of revelation and change.

    The story is tight and the magical and fantastical elements of the tale are handled really well. Another great thing about the movie is the director, Jack Kissack, decided to not make it bright and glossy but keep it darker and bleaker as the story dictated. The acting is top notch and the realistic ending doesn't detract in any way from the meaning of this modern fable.

    This is one of the better Christmas movies around, but don't watch it if you're looking for a happy feeling.
  • comment
    • Author: Small Black
    Poorly acted, terrible script, & unnecessarily, excruciatingly looong! The main character was so unlikable, I couldn't even find any sympathy for him. None of the characters had any redeeming qualities. I made the mistake of watching the entire thing, hoping for it to get better, but after nearly THREE HOURS, it never did, & mercifully ended...FINALLY!
  • Cast overview, first billed only:
    Kristian Wang Kristian Wang - Bobby Whiteside (as Kristian Jackson)
    Anne Hawthorne Anne Hawthorne - Sarah Whiteside
    Jayson Therrien Jayson Therrien - Jeremy Whiteside
    Siobhan Williams Siobhan Williams - Karen Bell
    Will Sasso Will Sasso - Mall Santa
    Chris Enright Chris Enright - Stanley Price
    Joe Perry Joe Perry - Charlie Stangowitz
    Maddie Dixon-Poirier Maddie Dixon-Poirier - Roxie Whiteside
    Rohan Campbell Rohan Campbell - Evan
    James Mosher James Mosher - Brian
    Lonni Olson Lonni Olson - Gus
    David LeReaney David LeReaney - Mr. S
    Lorette Clow Lorette Clow - Mrs. S
    Victoria Hall Victoria Hall - Maggie
    Sarah Wheeldon Sarah Wheeldon - Head Councillor
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