"A Dog Named Christmas," a "Hallmark Hall of Fame" presentation starring Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek), Linda Emond (Gossip Girl), and Noel Fisher (The Riches) has started production in Saskatchewan, Canada for broadcast on CBS.
The holiday movie centers on Todd (Fisher), a developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need.
He sets out to convince his family, and their whole rural community, to participate in a local shelter's inaugural "Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program.
" Todd eventually brings home a yellow Labrador he names Christmas and bonds with immediately.
What the hell kind of movie is that? Is the sole purpose of this telefilm just to bring the weepies? Dogs should be in loving homes, not alone in shelters.
Got it! Lonely people perk right up in the company of a cutie-pants canine.
Check! The plot of this movie could be covered in one of those painfully sad ASPCA commercials (you know, with the Sarah McLachlan music in the background), it doesn't require a whole movie.
Now if there is an exquisitely, evil antagonist -- a la Cruella de Vil, yearning to wear the orphan puppers as a coat -- trying to thwart do-gooder Todd's plans, then we might have ourselves a feel-good film.
Todd will prevail, despite his developmental challenges, and bring puppy joy to the rural town.
Sadly, I don't see the evil antagonist in their plans.
Since I've been a little harsh on this film, the least I can do is help with the marketing campaign.
Here's what I got: If you are looking for a Restasis-free remedy for those pesky dry eyes, then I have a film for you.
It's called "A Dog Named Christmas.
" I predict a ratings bonanza!