Have always absolutely adored Christmas and great/classic festive films are many. The quality of Hallmark's festive films do vary, have implied that in other reviews of some of the films seen as part of my Hallmark/Lifetime etc. Festive films quest. Some surprised me, being genuinely likeable and an easy watch without being cheesy or too sentimental regardless of how predictable they are. Others made me cringe, went too far on the sugar, lacked any surprises or anything even and were of bad quality.

'Northpole' is one of those films that is somewhere in between. As far as Hallmark's 2014 Christmas output goes, it's not one of the best or one of the worst. Pleasant enough if unexceptional middling if anything. The concept did sound very nice and it was interesting seeing Robert Wagner and Jill St John on screen after so long. 'Northpole' turned out to be nice enough and inoffensive, but there is also not much that is extraordinary about it.

There are plenty of good things here in 'Northpole'. The scenery is colourful and picturesque as well as photographed beautifully, never drab or over-saturated. Not to mention that the editing is very professional and the special effects are slickly done. The music is another big strength, it captures the festive spirit in an affectionate way without intruding too much and the film is directed in a competent manner (not exceptional but with nothing done disastrously). The script isn't too awkward and has enough amusing and sweet moments without being on the wrong side of cheesy or cloying.

Story is far from perfect, but it does charm enough, is nostalgic and isn't dull. The Christmassy and nostalgic atmosphere is done beautifully. The acting on the whole was not bad at all, Bailee Madison's immensely endearing performance dazzling most and she is wholly successful in making her character easy to root for. St John brings grace to the picture too.

Wagner was less good though, he doesn't fit the role of Santa physically or in voice (sounding more bored than jovial) and he goes through the motions. There are times where the film does get on the too corny side.

Other than the concept, which was different for Hallmark, there is nothing here that's unique. It's all pleasant and correct enough, but also too safe and there is very little freshness to the material, which makes it not stand out that much. The ending seemed a bit hurried.

In conclusion, didn't wow me but there was no regret watching at the same time. 6/10.

"Northpole" is not a bad Christmas special. It's not totally memorable, but it is definitely better than the 1994 version of "Miracle on 34th Street" and "Frosty Returns."

The story seems a little scattered, but as it progresses, we end up with a major plot twist which throws things for a loop. Fortunately, of course, things get straightened out.

The music is decent, and the location shoots in both Quebec, Canada and Portland, Maine are terrific. The cast is excellent--but with one exception. I don't consider Robert Wagner's casting as Santa Claus as the best. His voice alone detracts; it's like having Jonathan Hart with long white hair and a white beard. Never mind his negative press over what happened with his late wife, Natalie Wood; he does not seem to project warmth for the role. He might have been better off playing the role of the mayor or the developer. Richard Bradford, who was still alive in 2014, or even Robert Morse would have been better choices for the role, since they have more physicality for the role.

And as for Jill St. John, it is her first acting role in 12 years, and she was there because of her husband. She pulls off her role much better than Mr. Wagner, since I could hear the age in her voice.

As said earlier, the rest of the cast is great and they carry the special. Very typical of so much of the Hallmark specials out there, and definitely worth a watch.

This film was not actually the sickly sweet, irritating thing I thought that it would be.

The magical/fantasy/mythological element was quite tame and thus made it easier for it to blend in with the real world side of things.

It's the same old story when it comes to the romance element, but the young lads adventures with Clementine the Elf help to move it forward.

As for the love interest, there is just something about Josh Hopkins. He's a little weathered now, but he still has a sparkle in his eyes that bodes mischief and sauciness.

The cast do a fair job making it easy to watch. I'm sure Robert Wagner got paid more than the rest of the entire cast for his cameo, but I liked his interpretation.

The moral of the story is actually quite relevant. There are so many people who have lost their way when it comes to the care of our fellow humans, animals and planet, myself included. I don't necessarily believe that our kind acts and belief in the season will power Father Christmas' sleigh or anything like that, but surely it can power the world to make it a better place, full of better people? Behaviour breeds behaviour, do unto others, Etc. Karma must surely come back around? Mine must be taking the long way, but I know it will get here one day.

7ish?