A woman employed by a historical preservation company in Seattle (Erin Karpluk) discovers a lodge deep within the Oregon wilderness that holds special significance for her childhood and her family. With the proprietor’s permission and his daughter’s support (played by Michael Shanks and Michelle Creber), she hopes to restore it before Christmas. “Christmas Lodge” (2011) is a television movie, though while it functions as a Christmas film, most of its length focuses on the months leading up to the holiday season, making it enjoyable year-round—the Christmas scenes are primarily confined to the finale. Despite being made for TV and having those limitations, this film felt like something new and was exactly what I needed: something comforting, optimistic, and uplifting. You’re treated to both the beauty of the Pacific Northwest wilderness and the lodge itself, as well as Erin Karpluk's presence—she brings a sense of kindness and warmth amidst everyday difficulties. I’ve only seen her in one other film, “Wyvern” (2009), which was quite good, and her charm and overall appeal are ideal for this kind of story. Viewers won’t have to worry about the script trying too hard to be ‘progressive,’ unlike something like "Holiday in Handcuffs," which felt forced. This is a genuine Christmas movie that avoids being overly moralistic or religiously specific. Some reviewers object to scenes involving prayer, references to the Bible, and mentions of God, but the two families portrayed are clearly religious, and this reflects how Christians live their lives. They aren’t flawless, naturally, but they generally strive for love and harmony, holding a reverence for their faith. Moreover, as I mentioned, nothing is excessive here. It's hard to understand how any of it could be considered “unsuitable” or “offensive.” The movie has a runtime of 1 hour, 26 minutes, and was filmed in Langley, British Columbia, roughly 15 miles southeast of Vancouver. There are some establishing shots that appear to be from Vancouver (or possibly Seattle), along with at least one street scene set in Manhattan. GRADE: B

Source on TMDB