The Christmas Candle 2013

Kyle Smith, New York Post: Melds the intriguing with the hokey in a variation on the standard template of a nonbeliever who changes his outlook amid a holiday miracle. Read more

Randy Cordova, Arizona Republic: The whole thing is sentimental corn, which isn't bad if it's handled with conviction and sincerity. But the direction by John Stephenson (better known for special effects than directing) is resolutely stiff and hollow. Read more

Martin Tsai, Los Angeles Times: "The Christmas Candle" seems destined to be a Hallmark movie of the week. But in spite of the hammy histrionics requisite for the genre, it is not at all a turkey. Read more

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: This odd Dickens-meets-Sunday-school movie is as artless as the setup is muddled. Read more

Nicolas Rapold, New York Times: Relates the weak-tea parable of a town that receives a wish-giving candle every 25 years from an angel. Read more

Michael Sragow, Orange County Register: This holiday movie about a man of God who regains his faith thanks to a miraculous candle is as picturesque as a snow globe and just about as full of human life. Read more

Stephanie Merry, Washington Post: "The Christmas Candle," based on a book by Texas minister Max Lucado, might be the ideal movie for Christians in search of family-friendly entertainment, but its appeal won't stretch beyond that demographic. Read more