MOVIE REVIEW
Movie: A Joyous Christmas
Network: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Original Air Date: November 26, 2017
CAST:
Natalie Knepp ... Rachel Kennedy
Michael Rady ... Jack Nelson
Bonnie Bedelia ... Joy
Steve Bacic ... Stuart
Marc Senior ... Paul
Chiara Guzzo ... Bridget
David Lewis ... David
PLOT:
Storyline via Hallmark: Just before Christmas, bestselling author Rachel Kennedy returns to her hometown to host an event for her upcoming book. Though being home is difficult since losing her parents and losing touch with her brother, David, she finds strength from unexpected sources, namely her local producer, Jack and a selfless stranger, Joy. Jack and Joy help Rachel connect with the community, reunite with her brother and reevaluate her motivational message. Rachel and Jack develop an undeniable bond, but Rachel is torn between their relationship and career pressure from her manager, Stuart. As the event approaches, Joy reveals a secret from her past that has a lasting impact on Jack, and Rachel must find a message that brings her fans – and herself – lasting joy.
Movie Review:
Coming...
See or Skip:
Coming...
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*images via: Hallmark Crown Media Family Networks
Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Bettina Strauss
Looking forward to this movie!
ReplyDeleteMisty
Loved A Joyous Christmas--wish I would have recorded it!
DeleteLooking forward to this one! It was a happy surprise to see Michael Rady when I watched the preview show, since I didn't previously know the cast for this movie.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a beautiful movie! Much deeper and more meaningful and moving than I was expecting. Made me cry (in a good way). Another surprise favorite.
DeleteI hadn't heard about this one, but I recognize Michael Rady from Christmas in Homestead.
ReplyDeleteWow! Bonnie Bedelia looks so different! I almost didn't recognize her with blonde hair. I'm looking forward to this one. :-)
ReplyDeleteBonnie Bedelia's hair was auburn but does she dyed her hair for her role or does she wears blonde wig
ReplyDeleteBonnie and Michael did a song on the piano before the Christmas show, which Michael was singing. What was the name of the song. It was beautiful. And I would like to find it.
ReplyDeleteI would love to know the name of the song also....it was a beautiful piano arrangement.
DeleteI would love to know the title also.
DeleteI looked it up because I loved it too. It's called "Christmas Memories" by Alabama.
DeleteThat's why I am here. Trying to find info on that song. Did Rady really sing it?
DeleteChristmas Memories. Alabama did this song. On youtube!
DeleteThe name of the song is "Christmas memories" by the group Alabama
DeleteIt's called Christmas Memories. There are 2 songs with this title; this is the one made most famous by the group Alabama.
DeleteIt is called Christmas Memories - but I can't find a version of them singing it - other than the movie
DeleteHere's the Youtube link for the song by Alabama: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2XD1A7HG9E
DeleteFrank Sinatra
DeleteChristmas Memories. Check out Alabama on YouTube to hear it again.
DeleteAlabama's Christmas CD is incredible. It's one of my family's favorites. Chrismas Memories is on that CD. Get it on Amazon. You won't regret it.
DeleteOh yes, that song touches deep into the heart! Beautiful! I cry every time I hear it.
DeleteYou can hear the full version of "Christmas Memories" by Alabama on Amazon's site - here. The rest of the verses of the song are just as touching and heartwarming!
(wiping my tears after listening again)
Blessings! Net
Is the book in the the movie, A Joyous Christmas, called "The Apple Garden" a real children's book...if so who was the author? And is it still in print?
ReplyDeleteNo it isn't a real book title, Jeff. It was created for this film by someone on the creative team.
DeleteI wish the book was real - they did a great job designing the cover - plus, who wouldn’t want a delightful “inspirational” book for children from the past?
DeleteBummer!😞 I was excited to find the book. I looked and was not able to find it. This was my last shot looking for clues to find it. Fooled me!!👏💜 I loved this movie!
DeleteNot real book. So I hear. The author would have killed it in sales!👍📖 I asked for thebook for Christmas. Lol.
DeleteHave a great day. 😀
I was looking for it too. It made me think of my favorite book...the giving tree by Shel Silverstein and I wanted to see if it was close.
DeleteThe book was shown in another Halmark movie so I was hoping it was real.
DeleteBummer! I really wanted to find and by for reading time with my kids.
DeleteI know just what you mean! This movie is so beautiful; it makes you want to delve in even deeper! I, too, wish "The Apple Garden" was a true storybook.
DeleteHaha watching movie now and googling book at same time lol. Oh well, I kind of figured it might have been created just for the movie. I loved the cover and love old children’s story books.
DeleteCould it possibly be Spiritual Lessons from an Apple Orchard by Fiona MacMath published in 1996?
DeleteAnonymous, From the description I read about the fruit of the spirit incorporated into this story, that book sounds like a wonderful suggestion for the book mentioned in the movie, A Joyous Christmas!
DeleteThank you for sharing with us!
I found it on Amazon here:
https://amzn.to/3mXsueY if anyone else is interested in checking it out.
Just watched the movie again and searching on Google for the book. Thanks for the info & link to a possible book connection to the movie. Blessings.
DeleteWhere can I find the soundtrack to the Christmas Memories song featured in the movie Joyous Christmas?
ReplyDelete"Christmas Memories" is on Alabama's first Christmas album, which I have. It is one of my favorites from the CD. All songs or the album are available from ITunes or other media. I sure would like to the song by Michael Rady though. Was that really him? What a beautiful voice!
ReplyDeleteMe too
DeleteWho is singing it in the movie please
DeleteWho sang the song on the movie. Amazing voice!
ReplyDeleteMichael Rady did his own vocals in the movie. :)
DeleteThis movie was amazing. And here i was looking for The apple garden book on Amazon thinking it’s there i really was gonna buy it..what a bummer to find it’s not a really book☹️. But it’s a very beautiful movie with great message. Stuart though🙄.
ReplyDelete“A Joyous Christmas” was a decent movie with a strong cast and a decent story. My biggest issue with the film was the pacing, it was too slow for me personally. Would like to see the cast in more Hallmark movies in the future. Maybe a Hallmark Hall of Fame production?
ReplyDeleteI loved this movie so much I can't watch it enough! I see Michael in a different light now; what a beautiful role he played and has a voice of an angel! Bonnie was perfect as his mom and I hope to see her more in future Hallmark films...just beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I feel exactly the same way, Linda! You spoke the very words my heart was feeling as I watched the movie and instantly fell in love with all of the characters and actors in this movie! Thank you for expressing it so beautifully, Linda!
DeleteBlessings to you on this Christmas Week!!! Net
Loved th movie Natalie knepp michaelcady and the whole cast too it's a great movie remember to re.ind us that we are not alone as rachel said at the end of the movie
DeleteI love this movie! I have been dealing with family issues this last year and this movie really gave me the inspiration and encouragement I needed to reach out and ask for forgiveness. Every day is a second chance!
ReplyDeleteA very good movie!!!
ReplyDeleteIs it not on dvd
ReplyDeleteLoved the movie
ReplyDeleteWill watch every year
Sweet story. .We need more positive movies thanks hallmark
Bummer. I tried to find the Apple Garden book too.
ReplyDeleteI love this movie, its so moving, the music, the songs and the cast are awesome and amazing. Very meaningful which also made me cry, happy tears! Best movie yet. I'm glad I recorded it cuz I can watch it any time I need encouragement and inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI loved the movie too and was also trying to find the book. ☹️ Michael Randy was phenomenal acting and singing! Is there any chance that there may be a book they may have been referencing?
ReplyDeleteLove the movie. My mom's name was Joy and she too played the piano! I loved watching the movie last year and DVR'd it this year. ❤❤❤ The Christmas Memories song brought tears to my eyes and to hear the song being played on YouTube and to see the video brought back Christmas memories long ago!! . I found the Alabama DVD and play the song over, and over again! Love Hallmark Christmas movies. This is my favorite movie!!
ReplyDeleteI love hearing how much this movie inspires everyone. I thought it was a beautiful unexpected gem when it premiered last year, and I have loved catching it in it's encore airings this Christmas, as well. The Alabama song is truly beautiful... the highlight of the movie. Always brings tears to the eyes!
DeleteThank you for sharing the JOY this movie brings to you!
Blessings! Net
I saw this movie 3 times this past holiday season. I tried to find the book "The Apple Garden" without any luck. I even tried Ask.com to find out if it is a real book and there were no real answers about it. If this book does really exist someone needs to let the rest of us know about it and where to find it.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I have heard, The Apple Garden is not a real book. Isn't that too bad. I'm sure if Joy loves it, it would've been interesting to read, if it was real! :)
DeleteI was trying to see if this movie was based on a book, when I read how people were looking for the song and the fake children's book in the movie. I wish Hallmark did a movie/had a book made of the fake book! LOL
ReplyDeleteMisty
Michael Randy needs come out with him singing Christmas Memories.
ReplyDeleteOh, I agree... would love to see Michael Rady release this song. It always touches my heart and brings tears to my eyes each time I hear it! Simply Beautiful!
DeleteLove this movie, A Joyous Christmas. Wish Hallmark would show it more. Michael Ray sang Christmas Memories beautifully. A Fabulous Movie!
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree! I can never see "A Joyous Christmas" enough! Michael Rady is a wonderful singer - his song always brings tears to my eyes.
DeleteMy favorite movie of all time.
ReplyDeleteWatched it again tonight.
Michael Rady and Bonnie Bedelia's acting is amazing and very touching.
I forget it's movie, and I live their emotions.
Awe, Bertha... I know just what you mean - this movie always touches my heart, too. I've watched it countless times and every time it always pulls me right in - once again!
DeleteI'm so glad to hear how much it means to you, too!
Blessings in the New Year!!!
Just rewatched thia, it's 1 of my favorites to rewatch every year. :) -Maria
ReplyDeleteSaw this movie in a prior Christmas season...a beautiful story of love and forgiveness, as we know ourselves from God's gift of Jesus at Christmas! Hits home as a new family member appeared in my brother's family in recent years. His wife had adopted out a boy because she couldn't care for him in her early years. His adopted parents both passed away, and the time was right to find his biological mother (which happened by phone at Christmas the 1st time). My sister-in-law and all of us are blessed to have this new family member in our lives! Definitely a godsend!! Hallmark needs to continue making these types of family movies!!
ReplyDeleteNow a favorite Hallmark Christmas movie...can relate to the story since a new family member was recently added to my brother's family. His wife had adopted him out, as she couldn't care for him in her early single years. His adopted parents have both passed away, and the time was right to find his biological mother. She called him first at Christmas time! We have been blessed on both sides with adding him and his wife into the family...a godsend! Plesae keep making these special movies of love and forgiveness, and at Christmas we remember giving to others, as God gave His Son for us! Enjoy hearing the traditional religious Christmas carols played in your movies as well!
ReplyDelete