The Christmas Star (1986)

Disney gives families a gift full of the spirit of the season as Ed Asner plays Horace McNickle, a counterfeiter who escapes prison through his extraordinary likeness to St. Nick. The police are closing in, but Christmas is near so there are red-suited ones everywhere. McNickle is desperate to recover loot from an earlier caper, and can't make a move until he takes advantage of two neighborhood kids who really believe he is Santa. After the kids come through, it dawns on him that he has always missed the true meaning of the holidays. Rather than make good on his escape, he tries to make good on his promises.

Excellent Christmas Movie

This is a very good movie for Christmas time showing the Spirit of giving even from a criminal. Very touching movie. February 18, 2007

A Christian's Review - Exemplary!

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. January 16, 2007

A DISNEY CLASSIC COMES TO DVD!

One of the truly great Christmas films at long last comes to DVD. Ed Asner, Fred Gwynne, Rene Auberjenois, and writer/director Alan Shapiro and his talented crew make this Dickens-esque family perennial a must-see. Do yourself a favor and get a copy. April 25, 2004

Excellent Made-For-Tv Disney 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! February 21, 2004

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