Das Weihnachtshaus (2008)

Das Weihnachtshaus: Directed by Michael Campus. With Jared Padalecki, Marcia Gay Harden, Peter O’Toole, Aaron Ashmore. A look at the inspiration behind Thomas Kinkade’s painting The Christmas Cottage, and how the artist was motivated to begin his career after discovering his mother was in danger of losing their family home.

“Iu0026#39;ll have to say from the start that the review of this movie is based on what I would deem as Peter Ou0026#39;Tooleu0026#39;s best work. He had a wide repertoire both on stage and screen. Indeed he was the actor most nominated for an Oscar never to have won one. But this movie appears to be u0026#39;off the radaru0026#39; in many ways as it is a u0026#39;made for TVu0026#39; movie and a Christmas- themed one to boot. Ou0026#39;Toole plays mentor Glen Wesman to the protagonistu0026#39;s character, Thomas Kinkade. Glen painted to his old age, to somehow convey his sorrow and capture the essence of his beloved, long since departed, Nicole. His portrayal of a man, weakened by age and sorrow, is heart-wrenching. He portrays the frailty and compassion of his character, aware that his ability to paint is receding. But he remains determined to carry on, in the search for the essence of Nicole.”