Sarah Polley is a Canadian actress and filmmaker known for her roles in films such as "The Sweet Hereafter" and "Away from Her." However, one of her early roles was in the 1985 film "One Magic Christmas." "One Magic Christmas" is a Christmas fantasy film directed by Phillip Borsos and produced by Walt Disney Pictures. It tells the story of a struggling family who rediscovers the magic of Christmas with the help of an angel. Sarah Polley plays the role of Molly Morgan, the young daughter of the family. The film follows the Morgan family who are going through a difficult time financially and emotionally.
Video - For starters, Anchor Bay is able to include both the widescreen and pan & scan versions of the film (which clcoks in at just under 90 minutes) on one dual-layered disc. Disney, on the other hand, would rather include just one version of the film on the disc, and in the case of many upcoming releases, they're opting for the Pan & Scan version and not the original widescreen aspect ratio. Their reasoning includes space considerations, claiming that video quality would suffer by including both versions on a double-sided or dual-layered disc. The video quality of One Magic Christmas undoubtedly proves that claim wrong--the movie looks great! The level of detail is high and the snowy Canadian scenery is crystal-clear. One minor complaint is that the 1.85:1 widescreen transfer is not enhanced for 16 x 9 televisions, as at the time, Anchor Bay was not big on anamorphic DVD releases. Fortunately, it is a minor qualm for a beautiful-looking DVD.
Unfortunately for Abbie, Santa can t bring her father back, but he does give her something that he believes will restore her mother s Christmas spirit. Anchor Bay DVD Note - Disney and Anchor Bay studios have a contract, whereby Anchor Bay was able to release a number of live-action Disney films from the 1960s through the mid-1980s.
The film follows the Morgan family who are going through a difficult time financially and emotionally. Despite their hardships, Molly remains hopeful and believes in the magic of Christmas. However, her mother is cynical and has lost her faith in the holiday.
Films in Review
This is kind of like The Great Mouse Detective or Rescuers Down Under. Something good is starting to happen in Disneyland, ca. 1985, but they’re not quite there yet. Encouraging, though. Could be the Canadian components. (Look closely. Those with eyes to see, let them see…)
Anyway, One Magic Christmas is an honourable updating/commercialization of the Scrooge myth, in which a disappointed pilgrim is dragged through a therapeutic round of tribulation on the way to being wrapped in the arms of redeeming love. (Also another entry in the annals of contemporary film’s crafty/cowardly substitution of Santa Claus for Jesus.) And some tribulation! Protagonist Ginny Grainger’s travails are so punitive as to be practically sadistic. Writer-director Phillip Borsos sure sweetens the restorations, mind you, especially with all of those little Molly Monahan (a very young Sarah Polley) grace notes that we encounter on the way.
In fact, in some small measure, One Magic Christmas is a bit like Carl Dreyer’s magisterial masterpiece, Ordet (Denmark, 1955). The distribution and heft of its various small miracles—empathy, kindness, resiliency, community—almost make the big miracle unnecessary. (Let’s not get carried away, mind; it’s a bit like Dreyer…) The husband (Gary Basaraba) is a terrific creation, embodying a virtue both plausible and interesting. The children are exceptionally beautiful. The North Pole is completely successful, especially the little mythological variation that they fashion with those elves. Finally, Harry Dean Stanton contributes one of film history’s strangest performances as one of film history’s strangest angels. Still, definitely, worth a watch!
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Available at the HBLL: https://search.lib.byu.edu/byu/record/lee.3122839?holding=1gwnkke8qab3ocv9
- Cluster: Christmas Movies II , Kids' Movies IV
- Country: US
- Year Released: 1985
- Directed by: Philip Borsos
- Film Review by: Dean Duncan
In fact, in some small measure, One Magic Christmas is a bit like Carl Dreyer’s magisterial masterpiece, Ordet (Denmark, 1955). The distribution and heft of its various small miracles—empathy, kindness, resiliency, community—almost make the big miracle unnecessary. (Let’s not get carried away, mind; it’s a bit like Dreyer…) The husband (Gary Basaraba) is a terrific creation, embodying a virtue both plausible and interesting. The children are exceptionally beautiful. The North Pole is completely successful, especially the little mythological variation that they fashion with those elves. Finally, Harry Dean Stanton contributes one of film history’s strangest performances as one of film history’s strangest angels. Still, definitely, worth a watch!
Molly's belief in Christmas magic is put to the test when tragedy strikes and her father loses his job. Enter Gideon, an angel who is sent to help the Morgan family rediscover the spirit of Christmas. He guides Molly on a journey where she learns the true meaning of the holiday and the importance of love and family. With Gideon's help, Molly is able to bring her family back together and restore their belief in Christmas magic. "One Magic Christmas" is a heartwarming film that reminds us of the importance of faith, love, and the magic of Christmas. Sarah Polley's performance as Molly Morgan is endearing and captures the innocence and hope of a young girl. The film's message resonates with viewers, especially during the holiday season, as it emphasizes the power of belief and the ability to find joy even in the most difficult of times..
Reviews for "Sarah Polley's Wholesome Performance in One Magic Christmas"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Sarah Polley: One Magic Christmas". The story was predictable and cliché, the acting was mediocre at best, and the whole Christmas theme felt forced. The film fails to deliver any real holiday magic, and instead, it feels like a contrived attempt to cash in on the season. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this one.
2. Emily - 1/5 stars - "Sarah Polley: One Magic Christmas" was one of the most boring movies I have ever watched. The plot was dull, the characters were one-dimensional, and the whole film felt like a cheap made-for-TV Christmas special. There was nothing original or entertaining about it. Save yourself the headache and skip this one.
3. Robert - 2/5 stars - I had high hopes for "Sarah Polley: One Magic Christmas", but unfortunately, it fell short. The story lacked depth and emotional resonance, and the acting felt forced and wooden. The film's attempt to blend family drama with Christmas magic didn't quite hit the mark, and I found myself bored and disinterested throughout. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this mediocre holiday flick.
4. Jessica - 2/5 stars - "Sarah Polley: One Magic Christmas" failed to capture the true spirit of the holiday season. The plot felt contrived and predictable, and the characters were uninteresting and underdeveloped. I was hoping for a heartwarming Christmas film, but instead, I was left feeling disappointed and unfulfilled. Save yourself the disappointment and find another holiday movie to enjoy.