This is a heartwarming movie, filled with love and the spirit of Christmas. Viewers who didn’t know learn that a doodle is a golden retriever mixed with a poodle — so, a doodle.
This family-based movie is filled with many inspiring Christmas songs, several penned by a fellow named Isaac Benjamin. In one song the lyrics speak of there being no time like Christmas, each year, and despite icicles “our hearts melt for those in need.” All of these songs in the film are nicely performed, and bring warm images of family time, and special Christmases. One song refers to the little things that Christmas brings, such as joy.
The main characters are a man named Paul (David Owen Wright), his daughter, Kellie (Cadence Wright), and a single woman named Hazel (Ashley Hays Wright). The fact that a family plays these characters is an interesting fact and their onscreen chemistry is obvious.
Paul’s wife left him a year before, and his daughter Kellie is missing her as Christmas approaches. Paul is upbeat, encouraging his daughter that they will have a special Christmas together. Paul gets to know Hazel, an attractive young woman who lives alone and yet — she has a doodle named Maple to keep her company. Maple is an energetic dog and Hazel winds up having to go find the dog when she comes up missing at one point in the story. Paul helps in the search. As Hazel says, she is a cute dog, and “full of love and extra miracles.” Hazel loves Maple but it’s her heart’s desire to have a family.
She and Paul begin to have coffee together and Hazel invites Paul and Kellie to share a nice ham Christmas dinner with her, so they won’t be all alone. Paul presents the idea to Kellie, and asks her to consider it.
Christmas morning Kellie opens gifts and receives a book she wanted from her dad, Alice in Wonderland. She also receives a new Bible. She can tell by talking with her dad that he likes Hazel, but she is afraid to open up her heart. Paul tells Kellie that Hazel would not be a replacement mom, but a friend. Kellie winds up writing a note to her dad, saying she knows he likes Hazel and wants him to be happy, but she is running away from home. Soon, a search is launched and it just happens to be Hazel that finds her. We won’t spoil the ending, but the love of God is a nice central piece of the story, with references to the first Christmas. The stable, manger, and the sacrifice that was made for man’s redemption are all mentioned.
This isn’t a big-budgeted movie, but it features a simple approach and terrific songs, which helps make it an enjoyable viewing experience. Only a cynical person wouldn’t like this movie! It merits our Dove seal for All Ages. This one can be savored by the entire family. It’s an enjoyable experience during its 49-minute runtime.
The Dove Take
Your family can revel in this wonderful, song-filled Christmas family drama, and it can be appreciated in July as well as in December!
