Rating: B
Debuting this year on the Hallmark Channel, this was a little different type of story for a Christmas movie, so I definitely give it props for that but I'm only giving it an "average" grade (B is average for a Christmas movie) because I thought some of the writing and casting was problematic. The National Tree tells the story of a tree from Oregon that has been chosen to be "The National Tree" in Washington, DC, in front of the White House. Some kind of contest was held and this tree was chosen. The tree belongs to Andrew McCarthy's character and his teenage son, who have a very strained relationship. This tree was planted when the son was born and Andrew's character sort of cares more for the tree than his own son. They decide to personally take the tree to Washington, DC, and embark on a 3,000-mile road trip, during which they of course get closer and also find love. And, of course, there is some major drama at the end, too, but everything gets resolved. It was an okay story but I found the teenage son pretty grating. Plus, seriously? They got word like 4 days before the tree lighting that their tree was picked. That seems highly unlikely. There was just too much hokeyness - and not in a magical way - for me to grade it any higher.
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