Cast
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Jill Wagner
as Lisa Palmer
Mark Deklin
as Kevin Miller
Holly Robinson Peete
as Michelle
Barbara Niven
as Carol Shaw
Andrew Francis
as Oliver
Ashley Williams
as Allie Shaw
Michelle Martin
as Megan
Daryl Shuttleworth
as Henry Miller
Rukiya Bernard
as Hannah Tucker
Chris Cope
as Ezra Green
BJ Harrison
as Daisy
Colin Lawrence
as Thomas Tucker
Marlon Kazadi
as David Tucker
Keith Martin Gordey
as Nick
Fred Keating
as Phil
Crew
Director
- Sean McNamara
Producer
- Harvey Kahn
- Charles Cooper
Reviews
r96sk
Practically indistinguishable from the original, which I guess is a plus for a made-for-TV sequel.
<em>'Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa'</em>, like the 2017 film, is lacking something. There's again nothing particularly negative about it, it's just missing a thing to turn things up a notch to create a fun festive film. The plot change-up is solid, it doesn't improve upon the first's but it's just as OK.
Jill Wagner is a step up from Ashley Williams, though the latter was good too. Mark Deklin, however, is a step down from Teddy Sears. I didn't buy into the relationship of Lisa (Wagner) and Kevin (Deklin), I didn't sense enough chemistry - same with the secondary love story, featuring Holly Robinson Peete (Michelle). I do like how they did the continuity, at least on the surface, despite the cast changes.
Overall though, like its predessceor, it's too bland.
Dec 16, 2020
Thematic Analysis
Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa represents a fascinating example of Family/Romance/TV Movie cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on interpersonal relationships and emotional connections. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Sean McNamara brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa took approximately 10 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 122 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The musical score contains over 58 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Bonjour Tristesse, which focuses more on action than character development, Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Big Worm and A Pentatonix Christmas Special explore similar territory, Christmas in Evergreen: Letters to Santa stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
