A Christmas Journey has a lot going for it as a family movie. Many families enjoy the holiday season and there are some great holiday songs featured in the picture. The story is also relevant as many families deal with issues that stem from the past, and this movie is no exception. And then there’s the acting, which is top notch. C’yana Denby brings a real gravitas to her role as Hannah, a young girl who struggles with believing in a good God after the losses she has experienced. This includes the loss of a loved one. The young Hannah is played by Jurni Crummy. The other actors are also excellent.
Hannah often argues with her mother, Robin (Sharonne Lanier), and Hannah learns that there are some truths her mother has been withholding from her for years. This just adds to her inner turmoil about God being a good God. And Robin is struggling with an addiction. Hannah’s boyfriend, Brandon (Faith Malonte), a strong Christian, has issues with her.
On the other hand, Hannah works for Ms. Angie (Charmin Noel Lee), who oversees a non-profit organization that helps the less fortunate, including sick children in hospitals. She constantly stays after Hannah to look for the grace of God and good things in her life which God has blessed her with. Interestingly, Hannah is put in charge of putting together the upcoming Christmas party which she is not happy about. At the present in the movie, she is feeling no Christmas joy at all.
The movie balances Hannah’s gloomy attitude with some genuinely humorous moments. For instance, in one scene Hannah shows her “Bah, Christmas!” attitude in a funny scene regarding holiday decorations. In another scene Hannah admits that she’s in “grinch mode.” Her boss, Ms. Angie, tells her the only way not to face serious consequences is by going to church with her the following Sunday morning. She doesn’t want to go. “You act as if this is debatable!” says Ms. Angie. Fortunately, the pastor’s sermon will stir Hannah’s faith. The lively music features a song titled “Joy to the World” which is not the traditional one but is an energetic and awesome song, which brings a lot of clapping and joy to the congregants.
In a scene similar to “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, Ms. Angie shows up in Hannah’s dream to show her what her life is like and what it could become. In one poignant scene Hannah is seen wearing chains in a dream.
The movie sets up some important questions before the plot is resolved: Will Hannah see a close loved one again? Will Hannah finally see God as a good God? What happens to Robin, regarding her personal struggles? Rest assured the answers will come by the conclusion of the movie. There are several scriptures which are featured in the picture which give Hannah food for thought. Reconciliation is a strong theme in the movie.
Content Analysis: This movie has a strong Christian worldview, and scriptures are quoted and church scenes are featured along with Christian music and part of a pastor’s sermon. Due to some arguments, parents should consider if they want their children under the age of 12 to watch it.
Think About It: Discussion questions could center around the theme of the movie, trusting in a good God and His grace, when sad things occur in life including pain and sorrow. Also, does God answer prayer? Could the prayer offered up be answered in a different way which is still good? And how can one navigate relationships when they are not going well.
The Dove Take: This well-made movie does a great job in showing how conflicts can be resolved, and how important faith is. It does include some strong disagreements with a few characters, but it also demonstrates the importance of moving forward in finding grace and reconciliation. It has earned our Dove Seal for Ages 12+. It is a marvelous movie!
