"Northpole" is not a bad Christmas special. It's not totally memorable, but it is definitely better than the 1994 version of "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Frosty Returns."
The story seems a little scattered, but as it progresses, we end up with a major plot twist which throws things for a loop. Fortunately, of course, things get straightened out.
The music is decent, and the location shoots in both Quebec, Canada and Portland, Maine are terrific. The cast is excellent--but with one exception. I don't consider Robert Wagner's casting as Santa Claus as the best. His voice alone detracts; it's like having Jonathan Hart with long white hair and a white beard. Never mind his negative press over what happened with his late wife, Natalie Wood; he does not seem to project warmth for the role. He might have been better off playing the role of the mayor or the developer. Richard Bradford, who was still alive in 2014, or even Robert Morse would have been better choices for the role, since they have more physicality for the role.
And as for Jill St. John, it is her first acting role in 12 years, and she was there because of her husband. She pulls off her role much better than Mr. Wagner, since I could hear the age in her voice.
As said earlier, the rest of the cast is great and they carry the special. Very typical of so much of the Hallmark specials out there, and definitely worth a watch.
The story seems a little scattered, but as it progresses, we end up with a major plot twist which throws things for a loop. Fortunately, of course, things get straightened out.
The music is decent, and the location shoots in both Quebec, Canada and Portland, Maine are terrific. The cast is excellent--but with one exception. I don't consider Robert Wagner's casting as Santa Claus as the best. His voice alone detracts; it's like having Jonathan Hart with long white hair and a white beard. Never mind his negative press over what happened with his late wife, Natalie Wood; he does not seem to project warmth for the role. He might have been better off playing the role of the mayor or the developer. Richard Bradford, who was still alive in 2014, or even Robert Morse would have been better choices for the role, since they have more physicality for the role.
And as for Jill St. John, it is her first acting role in 12 years, and she was there because of her husband. She pulls off her role much better than Mr. Wagner, since I could hear the age in her voice.
As said earlier, the rest of the cast is great and they carry the special. Very typical of so much of the Hallmark specials out there, and definitely worth a watch.