I'll have to say from the start that the review of this movie is based on what I would deem as Peter O'Toole's best work. He had a wide repertoire both on stage and screen. Indeed he was the actor most nominated for an Oscar never to have won one. But this movie appears to be 'off the radar' in many ways as it is a 'made for TV' movie and a Christmas- themed one to boot. O'Toole plays mentor Glen Wesman to the protagonist's character, Thomas Kinkade. Glen painted to his old age, to somehow convey his sorrow and capture the essence of his beloved, long since departed, Nicole. His portrayal of a man, weakened by age and sorrow, is heart-wrenching. He portrays the frailty and compassion of his character, aware that his ability to paint is receding. But he remains determined to carry on, in the search for the essence of Nicole.

Loved this movie. One of the best Christmas movies to capture the heart of Christmas. It's all about humble loving friends and family bonding over Christmas with a coming of age theme as well for the main character. Would love to research more about the actual artist that the movie is based on. The acting was reasonable for the genre and the plot line really well put together. I personally loved how they costume designer put together each "look" for the main characters. I fell in love with Glen and paid attentions to every but of wisdom his character shared. Very enlightening.beginning to think this will be my new Christmas movie for the family every year.

We watched this movie in on TV and thought it was a good family film. Many of the reviews shown here were written by people who wrote the criticisms of the movie before seeing it. Many wrote awful reviews before the movie even came out. Doesn't seem too smart. It seems a lot of reviewers didn't like the movie because it was just too "nice." (No sex, violence or cussing) Again, I have to wonder about these reviewers intelligence when they know it is a movie about Christmas. What did they expect? Sure, it may have been a little corny in places but that's OK, it's designed as light entertainment, not a major Hollywood production. If it had been written to win awards in Hollywood then it would have had the sex, violence and lots of cussing. Kind of nice this movie didn't.

The movie feels like an old black and white movie due to the slow pacing and the nature of the dialogue, which is perfect for the atmosphere of the movie. This movie is incredibly tragic and depressing, but heartbreakingly realistic. It's so grim that it's hard to watch at times on account of the overwhelming gloom. Yet the saddest scenes are the most poignant ones. If you've seen Jared Padalecki as Sam in Supernatural or as Dean in Gilmore Girls, you know that he is a master at portraying youthful innocence in a grounded, relatable way. Sam and Dean were never quite as optimistic and idealistic as Thomas Kinkade is in this movie, so it's a marvel to see Jared add such depth and uniqueness to Thomas without making him anything remotely like Sam or Dean.

So I have to say this was one of the worse lifetime or Hallmark movies that I have ever seen considering all the C list star power, there was no character development or emotional bond it just was bad, but that is my opinion.

Sons coming home for Christmas and their discoveries about themselves, their family, and their Source of inspiration leaves the watcher wondering about what they value most, who has influenced them. An excellent film to watch with your entire family. The acting, the wisp of humor, the characters are all captivating! The true story will and does inspire the artist in each of us to draw upon those experiences that change us. Thomas Kincaid is an artist that is known world round and this movie is a tribute to his mother and Peter O'Toole who captures the character perfectly. This film carries in it the quality of "Its a Wonderful Life". A great holiday flick for the family.

Only mild spoilers.One of the best holiday films I have seen in years, it is sure to pull at your heart strings with excellent performances by all cast. It is as beautiful as the paintings of the artist whose story it is telling a must see in my opinion. Padalecki shines as a young Kinkade and conveys emotions that are spot on for every scene. Peter O Tool will make you laugh and cry in his portrayal of Glen the famous painter who inspired the work of Kinkade as he struggles to finish just one last painting. If you chose not to see this film then mark my words you are missing out on a beautiful piece of cinema. Its a classic and one of my favorites, I even pulled it out this past July and I am not usually one of those Christmas in summer types.

Review Date 6/20/2019 I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films. This film has "Christmas Spirit" to spare. It is a well made star filled story that you can't help but to overlook that it does rip-off of "It's a Wonderful Life". In this film Christmas Cottage tells the semi-autobiographical tale of how a young boy is propelled to launch a career as an artist after he learns that his mother is in danger of losing the family home. The film works and that is all that matters. Watch it with your family!

This is a movie which is sure to divide people. It is based on the early life of Thomas Kinkade, "the painter of light". It is a story of the sources of his inspiration: his mentor,and how the difficulties faced by his mother provided a motivation through which he began to find himself.Its weakness is that it isn't sure of its own purpose.It is certainly not a biography or a Christmas movie in the ordinary sense and its comedic moments often miss the mark.In many ways it is like a Kinkade picture: a little sugary and sentimental yet with a warmth and humanity that can touch our hopes for a world where we all have a place and where everything comes out alright in the end However,it it isn't grounded in the reality of the world as we know it. The script is very uneven,occasionally very hammy,yet produces some fine moments. Peter o' Toole's performance as Tom's mentor, rapidly approaching dotage and a loss of his powers is a fine one and justifies a viewing.I also enjoyed the background music.Not for anyone who shrinks from sentimentality.

This movie moves slowly. This is a VERY different type of thing. Sometimes I am in the mood for a slow-mover (so, this one rises to the top of the list). Also, there are no "kookie" gimmicks used to fill-it-out. These things, alone, make this a special viewing. Beyond that, I enjoyed Peter O'Toole's role (dying inside because of his wife's death, looking for inspiration to paint again). Add to that, a familiar cast of faces, including: Ed Asner as a bright (but subdued) role of an art dealer. Chris Elliott also stands out as the large-ego'd mayor of Placerville Shake, and pour into a tall glass. In the world of Christmas movies with $12 scripts, this one stands out.