Review/Giveaway: Christmas Lodge DVD

A WINNING READINGS GIVEAWAY!

Title: Christmas Lodge
Presented by: Thomas Kinkade
Genre: Family DVD
How to enter: Leave a comment on this post! If you're a subscriber or a follower, leave a second comment for a second entry.

Entry deadline: November 17, 2011

Restrictions: US only

That's right, enter right here for this giveaway.  

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List Price: $14.99
Trailer: http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi1554553881/

Synopsis:

Thomas Kinkade presents Christmas Lodge: a place where a heart-warming past and loving future meet for one remarkable group of people. During a weekend trip to the mountains, Mary (Erin Karpluk) finds herself at the now- dilapidated lodge where she spent the holidays with her family growing up. She becomes determined to restore the building to its former glory. Inspired by her grandfather and guided by her grandmother in heaven, Mary throws herself into the project, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. Historically unlucky in love, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love. For an uplifting story about the importance of faith, family and the true holiday spirit, go to the Christmas Lodge.

What I Liked:

• Great family values.  This movie is a celebration of family from beginning to end.  Grandpa and grandma's longer-than-life love.  Respect for and support from parents.  A family business with everyone working together.  Even the romantic storyline highlights what a bad relationship looks like compared to a good one.  And the sweetest relationship is between grandpa and grandaughter (Mary).
• Philanthropy.  Admittedly, fixing the lodge isn't saving the world, but a spirit of service and generosity can start with one person, one family, right where they are.  I enjoyed watching attitudes change as Mary convinced her family to take on an act of service at the expense of their business.
• Moral behavior.  The main characters kiss.  The family does a toast with cider.  Nuff said.
• Characters.  Grandpa is my very favorite.  Just a sweet cast of characters, young and old, that you can easily fall in love with.
• Scenic.  Exactly what you'd expect from a Kinkade movie.  Beautiful, nostalgic scenery throughout the movie that draws you into the traditional Christmas season.

What I Didn't Like:

• References to dead grandmother.  I'd love to say there was nothing I didn't like, but there were parts that required some corrective discussion with my 4yo daughter afterwards.  We believe that the dead are asleep in Jesus, awaiting His resurrection day.  The movie contained numerous references to the dead grandmother coordinating events and communicating in subtle ways with the live characters.  If this fits your belief system, you'll have no problem with it, but I found the emphasis on this aspect too strong for my liking.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.