The Christmas Star

Ran across this movie when looking for something new to watch for Christmas 2022. Ended up reading the Amazon description, and realized that my nephew and niece might like this movie, so I bought it for cheap, thinking I might pass this along to them, only to find out my sister didn't want either of them getting movies for Christmas this year. If you're a fan of Elf with Will Farrel, this is worth the watch, being the first time Ed Asner dons the cap and fat suit as Santa. Learning that this was a made for TV movie from the 80s, I'm very surprised that my folks didn't show this to me and my sister, because we're only a few years younger than most of the kids that were cast for the movie. This is a great family Christmas movie, even though it doesn't talk about the Christmas story of the Bible. Watch for Fred Gwynne and Belinda Balaski from Gremlins in this glazed over, Christmas gem.

I had my daughter and her family ove for a Christmas movie night! Everyone loved it. The 8 and 11 year old boys never lost interest. Caution for the younger ones because there is a scary part when the main character gets on a train that is somewhat "haunted". Luckily I had previewed the movie (like I always do when the younger ones are going to watch) and knew where in the movie to simply turn off the TV monitor during the scary part. The scary part only lasts a few minutes of the movie.

This wonderful Christmas film debuted in 1986, and stars Ed Asner as a mean crook named Horace McNickle who escapes from jail- his partner in crime got off, and he wants revenge. When he escapes, he meets some kids who live in an apartment building who are faced with a grim Christmas. Their parents are struggling financially, and may be evicted if they can't make the rent. The landlord is Rene Auberjonois (Odo from Deep Space Nine), and has a son who is the "bully" played by Zachary Ansley (The Journey of Natty Gan). Asner is following the clues left to him leading to a fortune, and he enlists the children (who have no idea that he is an escape convict- they even think he's Santa!) to help him find it. There is a great scene where Ed is on a train and has a supernatural experience, very Scrooge-like, which changes his life forever.As the movie progresses, the mean are transformed and all begin to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. I remember watching this on the Wonderful World of Disney which at the time was hosted by Michael Eisner (the current President of Disney). I am delightfully surprised and glad that Disney is releasing this great film on dvd. If you want to see Ed Asner in a role like never before, get this movie in time for the next holiday season. You won't regret it!

This film in my opinion bears as much weight and power as Charles Dicken's "A Christmas Carol." It depicts the power of family and love in an amazing fashion and features a wonderfully done soundtrack... if you watch only two Christmas films next season, let those two be "A Christmas Carol" and "The Christmas Star."The story begins when a bearded man breaks out of prison during the holidays disguised as Santa Claus. He hides from police in a utility cellar and is found by a couple of children who actually believe him to be the one and only true Santa. The love and warmth shared between the children's parents is seen as it filters down, out and through their own children-- who unknowingly help to bring the light of love and peace into the heart and soul of a most wanted man.This film is rich in every respect... it has some moments that are laugh-out-loud funny, moments of great warmth, moments that are deeply moving, as well as others that are thought provoking as they are serious. This film is clean and good in every respect... and is probably one of Disney's greatest masterpieces. If you buy one film this year, make it this one. You won't regret it.

One of the worst Christmas movies I ever watched, tried to watch it 3 times fell asleep each time

This is a great story showing that with a little faith in someone even the most grouchy person can have a change of heart. Ed Asner, Fred Gwynne and Rene Auber?? are wonderful.

i picked this out for my austim little brother because he and i used to watch old disney christmas together when we were kids growing up on the disney channel.

Gruff But Likable Mcnickle Is Teriffic,Billy And Trudy Who Find Him Living In Their Building Are Also Great,Naive Little Tykes Who Also Shine.Landlord Sumner Is Fantastic And Last But Not Least Detective Waters Played By The Late Fred Gwynne,Steals The Show I Think.All In All This Movie Gets 5 Stars As A Charming Christmas Tale That Should Not Be Missed.A Perfect Disney Sunday Evening Treat,” Fun For The Entire Family”👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️🎅🏻🎅🏻🎅🏻

We adore Christmas films and really love good Christmas films. Sadly this is not a good nor a great film. This is in reality one of the lowest budget Disney films we have ever watched. The acting is limited (to put it politely) but there is a story which makes sense. In reality, this is a low budget film, with an understandable plot, which is not well acted, is predictable and lacks any depth. Other than that its OK.So this will not be watched again and is not one to go in the DVD library.

A jailbird on the run at Christmas doesn't seem a very nice theme, but it works for this film. We enjoyed it and have put it into our Christmas collection, and anything that goes into our Christmas collection must be enjoyable. I bought this DVD cheap as chips from Amazon, with free postage a great buy.

christmas movie from 1986 with ed asneras a crook who escapes and dressesin a santa outfit until two children show him the error of his ways nice family entertainment

Quick delivery, good quality

On a Christmas wish list.....The recipient enjoyed itPacked well