DVD Review: Christmas Lodge (and giveaway, too!)

Recently my family and I watched a new Christmas movie. Christmas Lodge is a G-rated family movie appropriate even for the little ones.

Here is the official 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.

You can watch the Trailer by clicking here.

This was a movie my whole family enjoyed!  My girls were especially interested in watching the movie because Michael Shanks portrayed Jack, the male lead.  I think Michael Shanks and Erin Karpluk did an excellent job.  The characters were very believable.  I am very impressed with Michael Shanks and his portrayal of a Christian widower striving to renovate this lodge that his great-grandfather built.

I loved that the movie was rated G!  In the beginning of the movie Mary and her boyfriend Kent are driving to the mountains to spend the weekend together.  He talks of taking her to NYC and specifically mentions getting “a couple of luxury hotel rooms”.  When they arrive at the lodge in the mountains,  Mary hands Kent a key card and says “Here is the key to your room.”.   I loved that it was clear that this unmarried couple were NOT sharing a room.  I found that refreshing!

Speaking of dating and relationships, I loved the contrast between the boyfriend Kent whom Mary dates and the relationship that develops between Mary and Jack.   Jack even uses the word courting when asking Mary to go out with him sometime. I even appreciate the way the movie handled Kent’s break up with Mary.  I think the break up scene was well written and the actor playing Kent did a great job.

My family’s favorite scene comes after Thanksgiving Dinner.  For my husband, this scene made the movie.   I really don’t want to do a spoiler but Jack brings up marriage.  And he does so exactly the way my husband brought up marriage with me.   My husband’s new joke is “Hey, it’s a real proposal. I proposed like Michael Shanks.”   My daughters who have heard the story many times giggled and laughed and recognized immediately that Jack’s attempt and Daddy’s attempt were so very similar.   We loved the movie and especially that scene so much that we watched the movie a second time two days later.  Supergirl just told me that she wants to watch Christmas Lodge again.  I told her that we would watch it again at Christmas time.  This movie is being added to our family tradition of watching Christmas movies during the holiday season.  I know it will be one we watch year after year.

So now that I’ve told you how much we enjoyed the movie do you want a copy for yourself?  I get to give away 1 copy of Christmas Lodge to one of my blog readers!

To enter please leave a comment telling me your favorite Holiday Movie (This is the mandatory entry)

For an additional, optional, one time entry you can:

• Follow my blog using either Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs (only one entry) Just leave a comment telling me if you follow by GFC or Networked blogs.
  

For an additional entry that can be done once per day you can:

• Comment on another of my blog posts (non-giveaway post). Leave me a comment here telling me which post you commented on. (One entry per day)

This Giveaway will end at Midnight Eastern Time on Wednesday November 9. One winner will be drawn using Random.org.  Drawing will take place before 3pm Eastern Time Thursday November 10th.  Winner will be contacted by email.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond.  Please make sure I have a way to contact you. I reserve the right to re-draw if, after making a reasonable attempt, I cannot get shipping information for the winner.  I will announce the winner in a blog post by Midnight Eastern Time Saturday November 12th.

 "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."

The Fine Print: This giveaway is a sweepstakes and is only available to U.S. Residents ages 18 and over.  Odds of winning are dependent on the number of entries. Winner will be selected using Random.org.  If mandatory entry is not completed, other entries will be deleted.  If I cannot contact the winner, I will redraw.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond. I reserve the right to redraw if winner has not responded within 48 hours.  No purchase necessary.