Review of The Christmas Shoes (2002) by Tyler L — 17 Dec 2009

Robert Layton(Rob Lowe) is an attorney who overworks himself so much, he has no time for his wife and daughter. Nathan Andrews is a young boy who doesn't have much time left to spend with his mother, who's heart is failing. Two different individuals who end up more alike as this film goes on. While Robert is trying to save local fishing rights to the local fishermen. Nathan is trying to find the perfect gift to please his dying mother, who always dreamed of being a dancer and had a pair of dancing shoes that always made her smile as a kid. Then in the department store, Nathan finds the perfect gift, a 20 dollar pair of dancing shoes, one's that Robert returned to the store after they fell off the back of the delivery truck. Nathan tries to find ways to pay for the shoes, ending up collecting cans to do so. In the climax, It's Christmas Eve, Robert is trying to do some last minute shopping for his family. Nathan gathers his money to pay for the shoes, as his mother's condition worsens. Both end up at the department store. Both end up in the same line. What happens next is heartbreaking one minute and uplifting the next.

Overall a very powerful film about family, faith and about one man's journey from a total jerk to a devoted and caring family man. Based on the bestselling book and the hit song by Newsong. Robert Layton didn't know he needed a miracle, until one happened. Rob Lowe does one of his best performances of his career and the rest of the actors are quite well. Prepare the tissues because you will get emotional throughout this film.

5 stars out of 5.