User Reviews

I really enjoyed this inspiring heart felt movie. It was just what I needed in this year of complex stress. It gave me hope.

Bad acting, cliche plot, mundane writing. Other than that it was fantastic. I'll never get that hour and a half back. I've seen lousy Hallmark style films before, but this one lowers the bar to an unprecedented level. Having written that, it does make an attempt to inspire people with good feelings about humanity.

I kicked off 2020 Christmas movies with Hope for the Holidays. So glad that I did! With memorable performances by Doug Hutchison and Robert LaSardo, this film was a heart warming, well paced watch that inspires hope and forgiveness.

Take 90 minutes and give this movie a watch!

Hope for the Holidays is a beautiful, touching and heartwarming film. The entire cast was wonderful, especially Sally Kirkland who really shined in this story. This is wonderful holiday movie that the whole family will enjoy. Have plenty of tissues on hand because this story is very moving. I highly recommend it!

This movie will change your heart and perspective on many things in life! If you want to be challenged to be better watch this movie! If you want to learn the power of grace watch this movie!

Make this a new Holiday movie tradition! Perfect for youth groups and families alike!

The cast was perfect foe this and it was well-directed!

I know when I have seen a good movie...when I wake up the next morning and it is the first thing I think of. Perhaps it is because of the "back story of the director", perhaps it is because of the emotional acting, perhaps it is because of the underlying subjects of grace and forgiveness. Whatever it is, you need to see for yourself. Just make sure you have a tissue nearby.

Today more than ever before, our world needs stories of hope, family and undying love. Most of all, we need each other. Gather your family and friends and watch this movie...be prepared to have your heart touched.

Wow, where to start. I knew this movie masterpiece was going to be a tear jerker, I did not know however that Robert Lasardo charter 'Mouse Sanchez' would have me forgetting that I was watching a movie. Mr. Lasardo is such a powerful actor. We need to see more of this brilliant soul. Iconic Sally Kirkland, what can I possibly say about a living legend that has not already been said. Mind-blowing to note this is Director Ricky Borba Directorial debut. He seems so seasoned. I can not even begin to imagine where he pulled from when I read 'Hope for the Holidays' is life imitating art. Thank you Robert 'Mouse' Lasardo for pulling out all the stops, amazing job sir.

There are plenty of Christmas movies to choose from, but you can't go wrong with this one! In a year such as we have had, we owe it to ourselves to watch this beautiful story of love and hope. With the lovable characters and unique twist, you're sure to come away with heart full of hope and joy. Merry Christmas!

Ricky Borba's HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS is a wonderful film! Marvelous cast and beautiful story! I'm like, 'there's no way this film is going to make me cry', but dang-it-all if Sally Kirkland didn't have me reaching for the tissue box! Seriously, this film is a MUST SEE! Sally Kirkland and Robert LaSardo are both absolutely phenomenal in this, as are Doug Hutchison and George Stultz! Congratulations to Ricky and everyone, for delivering a solid, heartfelt Christmas film, that truly fills your heart with hope!

We really need more movies like this one, especially in these trying times. It reminds us of something much bigger than ourselves.

I am so proud of Director Ricky Borba, hitting these nail on the head!

As a Sally Kirkland fan, I was very enthusiastic about watching "Hope for the Holidays," and, of course, I felt impressed by the film and by Kirkland's masterful performance.

Trained by Lee Strasberg, Kirkland is a method actress. I was introduced to Kirkland's work originally when I watched "The Haunted," a made-for-TV movie made in 1991. Watching "The Haunted" was one of my childhood's most extraordinary experiences. While watching the film, I felt that Kirkland was not simply acting. As a method actress, she was using her own emotions to give life to her character. When her character cried or prayed, so did she, the actress-and so did I, the viewer. "The Haunted" allowed me to feel the emotions of Kirkland's character, including the character's fear and pain, and to this day "The Haunted" is one of my favorite movies. It is also a movie that still impresses me. For her masterful performance in "The Haunted," Kirkland was nominated for a Golden Globe Award-and rightfully so.

I love movies and upon watching "The Haunted," I started following Kirkland's career as a fan. I eventually came across "Anna" (1987). "Anna" is an independent movie that made its way to the Oscars and made Kirkland not only an Oscar-nominee, but the winner of multiple awards, including a Golden Globe and an Independent Spirit Award. "Anna" (1987) impressed me just like "The Haunted" did. "Anna" made me wish to watch all of Kirkland's performances. To this day, I have been watching all of Kirkland's films.

This year I became aware that Kirkland would star in a holiday-themed movie-and, for me, a fan of the actress, the movie felt like a holiday gift.

Based on the book "The Talking Tree," "Hope for the Holidays" tells the story of a young man (George Stults) who robs a bank to pay for the medical bills of his mother (Kirkland), a woman diagnosed with cancer. For his action, he goes to prison. From there, viewers are invited to engage with an emotional, spiritual, magical, and compelling story.

"Hope for the Holidays" is a movie about hope, redemption, faith, and miracles. Kirkland absolutely shines in her role, as does George Stults, her son. I was able to connect to the emotions that both actors expressed together during their scenes. I am sure other viewers will feel the same way I did. An interesting detail is that the Christmas tree ornament given to Kirkland's character as a present, a red heart, which she constantly holds, is shaped almost exactly like the immaculate heart of Mary-Mary was Jesus's mother and Kirkland plays a mother.

Directed by Rick Borba, "Hope for the Holidays" is, for me, more than a holiday gift-it is an instant holiday hit, a movie that encourages viewers to reflect about life and the meaning of hope.

If you want a great, really heartfelt film that your whole family can enjoy together, filled with honest emotion, not phony sentimentality, this is the movie for you. Beautiful script and great cast with memorable performances. Sally Kirkland is always magnificent to behold and this is no exception. Her portrayal of Georgia is thrilling and pitch perfect! This is what every holiday movie should be. See it!

This is a very moving and heartfelt show. There's something for everyone. It's perfect for the holidays.

Wow! What a movie! So inspiring, tear-jerking, and many wow moments that make you enjoy watching every minute of this film! The director did a phenomenal job of capturing the human and Christmas spirit, while also staying true Christian roots! If there is one movie you must see this year it has to be this one! I can't wait to watch all of this director's films. If they are just as touching as this one was, I'll get ready to have some tissues ready! This director is going to go very far and has a bright future ahead of him!

The amazing, Oscar nominated Sally Kirkland delivers another tour de force performance in this gorgeous holiday movie. Please take an hour and a half and give it a watch!

This movie is the perfect medicine for 2020. It's story is heartwarming, heartbreaking and relatable on all levels. The film is nicely shot and edited and the casting/acting was phenomenal. For me, the hands-down standout performance was by Sally Kirkland. The deep warmth, conviction and courage of her character was the driving emotional force for the story. For so many of us impacted in 2020, I highly recommend this film as a dose of gratitude that we could all use. Fantastic!

This movie had me feeling all the feels. It was a beautiful movie about love, faith, repentance, and especially hope. Each character was amazingly written and portrayed. The scenery and camera angles were phenomenal and it made you feel like you were right there with them, and a part of what was going on. You are rooting for the best outcome, and it truly had a happy ending. I loved it, and I will definitely be recommending it to others.

You will feel instantly uplifted watching "Hope for the Holidays".

Beautiful Messages, Lovely Music and Characters that highlight the best in Humanity. I cried and laughed several times. For me this movie was the whole package!

Highly Recommended!!!

If you've ever done something dumb & payed the price, you will relate to Danny. He was between a rock & a hard place & made a really bad choice. But what happens next will drop your jaw. This story supports the notion that all things work together for good, for those who love God - maybe even for someone who has forgotten that first love. And everything has a ripple effect- as seen in the prison guard who tried to keep Danny from his Christmas miracle. Gather some friends and be prepared to have a feel good experience watching this film. The director put his Whole Heart into it, as did all the people he hand picked to help put it together. It's a Hope booster, for sure!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS and recommend it to anyone that loves good storytelling. The film's strong message of faith and hope carries an underlying narrative regarding the need for universal healthcare, the harsh conditions of our private prison system, how sometimes a good person can make a terrible decision in a moment of angst, and the importance human understanding that can lead to redemption and resolution. Brilliant performances led by the phenomenally talented Sally Kirkland. Thank you to the entire cast for gifting us with this wonderful holiday film.

Our whole family truly enjoyed this movie. It's 'got a bit of everything', and all ages can enjoy the film. Action, love, drama, conflict - tied together with holiday season moment which makes it a repeat watch at Christmas. It's on our holiday movie list from here on in.