The warmth of family, friends and loved ones are brought to memory through Thomas Kinkade’s The Christmas Lodge. Based on his painting, this made for TV movie is rich with the nostalgia and charm of the artwork that inspired it.

The story is about Mary (Erin Karpluk) who finds herself at the run-down lodge in the mountains where, as a child, she spent the holidays with her family. Inspired by her grandfather, she determines to restore the building to its former glory, and during the process finds herself drawn to Jack (Michael Shanks), a handsome man who loves the lodge as much as she does. With a history of unbalanced relationships, this chance encounter allows Mary to renew her faith in life and discover her one true love.

Karpluk (Being Erica – Leo Award for Best Lead Actress in a Dramatic Series) does a great job carrying the show and emotionally charging several scenes with heartfelt warmth. Shanks (Stargate, Smallville, Burn Notice) played the man every woman seems to want with his masculinity intact. Together they explore the treasures behind true love, faith and family.

The Canadian produced film is rated G and has all the charm of a movie of the week for the Hallmark Channel. Its short length (just under 90 minutes) is ideal for the family with young kids who would like a nice family film to watch together for kicking off the holidays. The movie is available on DVD from Wal-Mart and Amazon.com.