Palminteri and screenwriter David Hubbard desperately want the crazy misfits in their movie to move the audience, but they're all too cracked to inspire empathy. There's no holiday magic, just famous faces playing people who don't exist.
40
L.A. Weekly
L.A. Weekly
Sentimental, borderline-bizarre Christmas movie that boasts just enough good acting to make up for the treacle.
Though clearly meant as a heartwarmer in the longstanding holiday tradition, the film comes off as strange and sour.
30
Village VoiceLeslie Camhi
Village VoiceLeslie Camhi
Most of the redemptive notes ring false, as does the mythical Manhattan, where the snow is just too clean and everybody lives around the corner.
30
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
The Hollywood ReporterMichael Rechtshaffen
David Hubbard's script is so steeped in sludgy sentimentality that the film's early hints of quirkiness quickly give way to heavy-handed faith healing.