| Giving & Receiving | ||
| Dear Santa | ||
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| Review by Ross Anthony | ||
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Sweet and uplifting stories of giving and receiving fill this uneven, yet charming documentary. At a time in history when people seem so passionately divided, this film is a great reminder for the heart. Humans really do have the capacity to share. The opening drive intro and the exiting ramp outro are luscious slices of chocolate cake. They are shot and especially edited beautifully. The filmmakers intentionally set them at a pace that finds the beat of your heart and elevates it. That said, the meat and potatoes (or should I say ham and fruitcake) of this production are served up several steps short of that initial dancing pace. The content is still heartwarming, but the flow and richness of filmmaking wane. Each of the stories of Surrogate Santa's gifting are populated with lovable and genuine givers and receivers, however the tales settle for a more conventional telling. Loved the awe created from that magnificent beginning, but I got a bit antsy during the bulk. At the end of the day, I’m glad I watched this. And I suppose the USPO could use some positive PR. So, if you’ve forgotten where you put your jolly, pop open a carton of eggnog and stream this charming documentary. |
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Grade..........................B+ (2.5/4) |
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Copyright © 1998-2023 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also runs his own publishing company in the Los Angeles area. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books and shooting documentaries, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books ("Rodney Appleseed" to "Jinshirou") or schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186.
Go into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Check out books by Ross Anthony. Rand() functions, Pho chicken soup, rollerblading, and frozen yogurt (w/ blueberries) also rock! (Btw, rand is short for random. It can also stand for "Really Awkward Nutty Dinosaurs" -- which is quite rand, isn't it?) Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow. |
