Annie Claus is Coming to Town (2011) is an endearing holiday film courtesy of the Hallmark Channel. Maria Thayer is Annie Claus, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claus who decided to take a month long vacation in order to experience the outside world for the first time and find a lasting romance.

Annie Claus is set to leave the North Pole for Los Angeles, California. Santa (Peter Jason) is worried about letting his only child go out into the world as it is far different from what she is used to. Another concern, if Annie discovers her one true love, he could have the desire to become the new head of the family business. Meanwhile, the head elf Chester (Matt Winston) sees her trip as his opportunity to become first in command by hiring an actor (Ryan Bittle) to fall in love with Annie. Vying for her affection is the owner of Wonderland Toys, Ted (Sam Page), whom she inspires along with her new friends. It is a decision that has the potential to decide the fate of Christmas.

This is a very heart warming film. Annie Claus is absolutely a feel good movie. At times, some of the story developments seemed a bit rushed, and more time could have been spent on more character detail–the acting can come across as campy in some scenes; however, this does not distract from the overall holiday message. Vivica A. Fox, a really good choice as a supporting character, her charisma matched the enthusiasm of Thayer’s character and supplied the best humor in the film. Nay Nay Kirby‘s performance as Fox’s daughter Mia was that of the standard adorable child that Annie inspires with the Christmas spirit and boosts her confidence by helping her with school bullies.

Recommended family movie.

Annie Claus is Coming to Town DVD features: Audio: English Subtitles. The disc does not contain any specific holiday special features. Run time approximately 87 minutes. Sonar Entertainment. 

Source Hallmark Channel