The Christmas Gift

In this flimsy heart-tugger, a couple desperate for children (Dean Cain and Jean Louisa Kelly) take in three troublesome orphans for the festive period. But though the so-called "Holy Terrors" have limited charm for viewers - especially when all they do is bicker - it's immediately obvious from Kelly's infatuated expression what the outcome of their stay will be. Consequently, the bulk of the film feels like padding in preparation for the happy-ever-after ending, as veteran TV director David S Cass Sr piles on the simplistic morals and messages to remind the audience of the magic of kids and Christmas. Where the drama works best is in the scenes exploring the vulnerability behind the boys' fake bravado, which add moments of much-needed poignancy to an otherwise emotionally bland tale.