One Magic Christmas (1985)

56% of critics liked it
(9 reviews)
66% of users liked it
(4,668 ratings)

The "magic" in One Magic Christmas is often (and surprisingly) of the "black" variety. Like Jimmy Stewart before her, worn-out wife and mother Mary Steenburgen wishes that she'd never been born. And like Stewart, Steenburgen is visited by a guardian angel, in this case the western-garbed Harry Dean… More The "magic" in One Magic Christmas is often (and surprisingly) of the "black" variety. Like Jimmy Stewart before her, worn-out wife and mother Mary Steenburgen wishes that she'd never been born. And like Stewart, Steenburgen is visited by a guardian angel, in this case the western-garbed Harry Dean Stanton. Instead of granting Steenburgen's wish, Stanton shows her what life would be like without Christmas--and that vision is as grim as anything you're ever likely to see in any Holiday film. Throughout the horrendous tragedies heaped upon Steenburgen, we are comforted in the knowledge that Stanton is working in concert with Steenburgen's young daughter. Steenburgen learns her lesson of course, but what a ride! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 28 min.
Directed By: Phillip Borsos
Written By: Thomas Meehan
Genres: Drama, Kids & Family, Art House & International, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Nov 22, 1985 Wide
On DVD: Aug 21, 2001

Critic Reviews

Rob Gonsalves, eFilmCritic.com
This is a treasure trove of sick laughs -- and it's from Disney!
Steve Crum, Dispatch-Tribune Newspapers
Fantasy holiday fare has some good moments with Harry Dean Stanton.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
A gloomy holiday tale that fails to enchant.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

KJ P

"One Magic Christmas" is the complete opposite of what it's ridiculous title calls it out to be. As a little girl and her family are unsure of whether or not to believe in santa, a man comes, full of magic to bring christmas spirit. Events happen throughout the film… More
"One Magic Christmas" is the complete opposite of what it's ridiculous title calls it out to be. As a little girl and her family are unsure of whether or not to believe in santa, a man comes, full of magic to bring christmas spirit. Events happen throughout the film that are random, tragic, and very cold hearted, but honestly, once that point came in the film, I truly did not care what happened to the characters. This film starts off simple and sweet, but completely falls apart in a random mess of bad acting and stupid plot points. Never have I been turned off from a christmas movie this much. The only thing it has going for it is christmas spirit, otherwise, it is one of the worst holiday films I've ever seen. Many shots are used over and over again, and the kids seem to have the same emotions and dialogue in ever scene, always asking a question. This film becomes very annoying, and particularly dark. I do not like this movie at all. It is a family film that no family should waste their time watching!
Lafe F

A depressing Christmas Tale about a family's loss during the season, and an Angel who can help them get through it. Not fun or magical!

Cast

            Mary Steenburgen as Ginny Grainger

            Gary Basaraba as Jack Grainger

            Harry Dean Stanton as Gideon

            Arthur Hill as Caleb Grainger

            Elisabeth Harnois as Abbie Grainger

            Robbie Magwood as Cal Grainger

            Michelle Meyrink as Betty

            Elias Koteas as Eddie

            Wayne Robson as Harry Dickens

            Jan Rubes as Santa Claus

            Damir Andrei as Bank manager

            Julie Beaulieu as Noonan Child

            John Friesen as Mr. Noonan

            Alf Humphreys
            
            Graham Jarvis as Frank Crump

            John E. Johnson
            
            Sam Malkin as Garage mechanic

            Debra McGrath as Mrs. Noonan

            Ken Pogue
            
            Sarah Polley as Molly Monaghan

            Timothy Webber as Herbie Conklin

            Genevieve Appleton
            
            Rodger Barton
            
            Garreth Bennett as Harry Dickens' son

            Gary Bush
            
            Geremy Dingle as Noonan Child

            Amah Harris as Girl in bank

            Robin McCulloch
            
            Jane Schoettle as Bank teller

            Joy Thompson-Allen as Mrs. Monaghan

            Rita Tuckett as Mrs. Claus

            Robert King
            
See full cast