This film series, based on the novels by Oke and directed by Michael Landon, Jr. , was made for the Hallmark Channel and have all been shown on television, so they definitely have a television feel.  They are dominating the CBA DVD market, however.  “Love’s Long Journey” is currently number one; “Loves’ Come Softly” is number two; and “Love’s Enduring Promise” is number four.  So clearly, Christians are resonating with these family-friendly movies.  And, while they’re not Oscar material, they’re still enjoyable entertainment in the style that, ironically, “Little House on the Prairie” was.

Holding the film together are Bartholomew (“Love’s Enduring Promise,” “Love’s Long Journey”), Cottrell (“Little House on the Prairie”) and Bell (“The Bold and the Beautiful”), who all give outstanding performances.  Laughlin (“Ghost Rock”), as the mayor, does too, despite a caricature of a character.  Midkiff, on the other hand, as Missie’s father, overplays his role, which dampens many scenes.

As a Christian who hopes to create uplifting, family entertainment, Landon is to be commended.  He is still developing as a director, however.  He’s put the bad guy, the mayor, in black, for example.  He didn’t tame the evil smirks of the mayor’s assistants – even at the beginning, when nothing is happening.  And the LaHaye’s servant (played by Frank McRae) is positively cringe-inducing, despite good acting.  He’s named “Cookie” and he doesn’t say much besides “Yes, ma’am” and “No, sir.”  Part of this is the teleplay (which Landon co-wrote) and part of this is the novel.  Take the main characters – who tend to be fairly one-dimensional, anyway.  They all have an “ie”-sound at the end of their names (Willie, Missie, Maddy, Cathy).  Although true to the original novel, this simply doesn’t work onscreen, just like the oversimplification of characters.

Some of these issues could have been mitigated if Landon had coaxed more nuance and edge from his actors, especially the secondary ones. Toning down the musical score would have also helped.  We’re left with the impression that he is cueing us about what to feel and when, and that’s annoying.

When it comes to the faith, Landon is aiming for a subtle approach, which is always preferable.  The problem is that in so doing, the characters talk in platitudes (“Just trust God.”).  Moreover, no one ever doubts or rails at God – which even non-Christians tend to do in the face of tragedy.  The answer to all their problems, therefore, comes across as superficial.  Still, Willie and Missie’s struggle to cope with their grief is extremely realistic and well-played, without any pat answers – just as it is in real life.  This is something that anyone who has ever suffered loss will relate to.

Overall, the movie is fair.  It won’t win any awards, and the subject matter makes it more suitable for older children.  Families will appreciate this episode, however, which will allow them to discuss the many ways that God and community can help us overcome pain and outsmart manipulators.

AUDIENCE:  Older children and up

CAUTIONS:

• Drugs/Alcohol:  None.
• Language/Profanity:  None.
• Sexual Content/Nudity:  None.
• Violence:  People carry guns and seem to threaten harm, but none is ever done.  In one scene, a character (who may be drunk) arrives and threatens to shoot someone, but is coaxed away from his gun.