A Heartwarming Journey: Review of “Journey Back to Christmas”

As I’ve highlighted previously, my spouse doesn’t share my enthusiasm for Hallmark Channel films; however, she made an exception this time. Being a fan of Full House and period dramas combined with time travel, which this movie appeared to incorporate, drew her interest. Initially, the movie feels more reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz rather than a straightforward time travel story, and I found the conclusion ambiguous enough to leave us questioning. Nonetheless, it was an endearing film with a meaningful message.

The narrative begins in the 1940s, following Nurse Hanna (Candace Cameron Bure) as she performs her daily activities, capturing photos, and engaging in random acts of gentleness. This includes comforting a patient who is an orphan, matching an injured soldier with a nurse, returning a lost canine, and aiding in Christmas decorations. Throughout, she feels adrift, doubting her impact and mourning her spouse lost in the war. After returning the lost dog and heading home, Hanna loses control of her vehicle and crashes. With a severe winter storm intensifying, she takes refuge in an old shed. As the storm worsens, accompanied by thunder and lightning, she falls and hits her head. Upon awakening the next morning, she steps outside to see children skateboarding and people using cell phones. Everything feels bizarre, and she realizes she’s not in Kansas… rather, not in the 1940s anymore.

A family of a local police officer takes her in. Despite their skepticism towards her tale, they are largely accepting and empathetic. She introduces the family to some Christmas traditions from the past, inspiring the younger generation to partake in them. Along the journey, there are numerous mentions of miracles and how small actions influence the future. Hanna also assists Jake (played by Oliver Hudson, who was excellent as Adam Rhodes in Rules of Engagement) in realizing that his partner (and his sister’s best friend), Sarah (Brooke Nevin, who I adored as Julianne Simms in the short-lived Breakout Kings), harbors love for him. Just as in the 1940s, Hanna continues performing small acts of kindness for everyone around her.

The movie opens with a scene featuring Tom Skerritt, which prompted me to exclaim, “It’s the Sheriff from Picket Fences!” While his role is limited, it isn’t until towards the end that his identity is clarified and he validates much of Hanna’s narrative. She learns about the events that transpired after she vanished into the future, and they start devising a plan to return her home.

I have only two criticisms regarding this movie, leading to a lower rating than I usually give Hallmark Channel films. Both critiques pertain to the film’s conclusion. If you wish to avoid spoilers, stop reading now and simply know that I suggest watching it.

Movie title: Journey Back to Christmas

Movie description: World War II has just ended, and Hanna continues to mourn her husband’s disappearance. When the Christmas Comet makes its first appearance in 70 years, Hanna is caught in a violent storm and rendered unconscious. She awakens to find herself in 2016. A charming police officer rescues her and offers shelter at his family’s farmhouse. Despite doubts about her backstory, the family welcomes her. Hanna seeks to uncover the truth about her situation and discovers that the small acts of kindness she did in her time have echoed into the present. She helps Jake and his family to rediscover the magic of Christmas and will eventually find her way back to her own time, along with the one Christmas gift she could only dream of, her husband.

Date published: 2016-11-27

Director(s): Mel Damski

Actor(s): Candace Cameron Bure, Oliver Hudson, Brooke Nevin, Meghan Heffern, Gwynyth Walsh, Raven Stewart, Tom Skerritt

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi