Customer Reviews

Christmas In The Clouds

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

A standing ovation at the Santa Fe Film Festival -- I've been waiting for years to see it available on DVD. It got only limited release, perhaps because its cast is mostly Native American and exhibitors expected it to have a small draw. But in fact the story is a universal one, full of terrific characters and charming substories - my favorite is the chef who tries to talk diners out of eating meat dishes. The story is about a Native American-owned ski lodge crew that is praying for snow and publicity to keep them in business. When an attractive young woman is mistaken for a reviewer whose approval is essential, and she falls for the hunky lodge manager (and vice versa), things get romantic and funny. Even the last line of the movie is funny.

A brilliantly funny independent movie filled with memorable characters who behave with the unpredictability of real people. Filmed in late 2001, it won multiple awards at film festivals before being polished and released in 2005- again to positive critical reviews and very enthusiastic audience response. (It was held over at many of the art theatres that screened it.)

The film's central conceit- a comedy of errors featuring a mostly Native American cast- establishes a familiar set of expectations that the characters then confound. (The airport scene, for example, which seems about to land in cliche, veers off in a surprising manner.) The cultural setting (with Robert Redford's Sundance standing in for a reservation resort) provides an exotic yet specific context. Serious issues are handled lightly in which serious issues are handled lightly.

The obvious comparisons for the film are "Local Hero," "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" and, most recently "Little Miss Sunshine." Like those films, CITC depends on an ensemble cast, lots of background detail, and most of all, at the center of everything, the often missing element that largest budget in the world can't buy: heart.

How many times can we all watch "It's a Wonderful Life"? I've probably hit my lifetime limit, which is why I was so excited to discover "CHRISTMAS IN THE CLOUDS" as a fresher "feel-good" holiday treat. There is no way to not enjoy this film, which is probably why all of the USA's lead reviewers have given it glowing "thumbs-up" reviews. Don't waste time with a rental, buy this DVD now because you will definitely want to watch it several times this year, and every holiday season from now on!! Happy Holidays to those who have watched "CHRISTMAS IN THE CLOUDS!"

Finally, a movie that isn't too much of anything--except for just completely enjoyable! What this movie isn't:

Not too serious
Not too funny
Not too sexual
Not too hard to follow
Not too many special effects
Not too long
No hidden messages
No politcal agenda

...you get the idea. If you want to sit back and watch a harmless holiday movie (not really what I would call a Christmas Classic, the holiday was more of a back drop and wasn't leaned on in any way for the story), and just be entertained without all the hub-bub then this is your movie! The charaters are so easy to understand and follow and care about and the story moves along at a perfectly steady pace. I never broke my spleen laughing but was happily amused throught the picture, which to me is a much greater feat for a movie!!! Not sure what to compare this too, it really has an original feel to it and is definitely what I would call a hidden gem as far as movies go...it was SOOOOO nice to have watched a movie and been given that warm fuzzy afterwards. Thank you to the everyone that had anything to do with the production of this movie.

This is a cross generational film, grandparents can take the grandkids and everyone will leave the theater revived and sore at the sides after seeing a good old romantic comedy with great twists. It was refreshing to see an uplifting Native American film for once. The leads Tim Vahle and MariAna Tosca were a pleasure to the eye and show great talent along with old favorites Graham Greene and Shela Tousey . Our family looks forward to seeing more of Kate Montgomery's talent on the silver screen

I was lucky enough to see this movie in the theater. It was on a day that my best friend and I were both very sad. When we left the theater our cheeks and our stomachs hurt from laughing so hard. I don't understand why more movies like this one aren't made. It is amazingly funny and creative. It has a very talented cast and I would love to see a sequel.

I was lucky enough to see this film at a packed screening. It is a wonderful tale of romance and mistaken identities. And unlike most modern romantic comedies the jokes don't seen forced or clichéd. This film is absolutely beautiful in every aspect and i am very excited to add it to my DVD collection. Although this film is holiday themed, it is one that can be watched at any point of the year and loved over and over again. This film is a major success for newcomer Montgomery, and I hope to see more of her work. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking to smile and feel good about a movie and themselves.

A fun, feel-good movie, great for watching during the Christmas season.

This movie is a bit different, giving laughs where you don't expect in a way you weren't looking for. Quality acting, beautiful location. A warm fuzzy movie with a gentle chuckle. I had seen it twice in the theater, and waited for it to come out on DVD. When it did, I purchased several for gifts, and have seen it three times now. I am already looking forward to seeing it again. The characters seem like real people and the story is certainly believable. The events in the movie could happen to anyone, but not in such an entertaining manner. I highly recommend this movie. Good for "chicks" or guys as well as a great family story. It presents a normal way of life for a group of present day Native Americans rather than some silly unrealistic representation. Not just for Christmas time, good year round. Excellent movie!

"Christmas in the Clouds" was first featured at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival. This film is light hearted comedy built in the tradition of Native American storytelling. The film had a limited release at the theatres, so I did get a chance to see it. After seeing the DVD rental, I definitely will add this to my collection.

Ray Clouds on Fire (Tim Vahle) comes back to his Tribe's reservation after personal struggles off the reservation. He is hired as the General Manager of the Tribe's ski resort. Joe (Sam Vlahos) is Ray's father who is exchanging letters with his pen pal Tina (Mariana Tosca) from New York. When Tina comes for a visit at the same time as a well known travel guide (M. Emmet Walsh) a case of mistaken identity develops into hilarious scenarios.

Ray tries to rally the troops to put on a good show for the travel guide so the resort can get a great review write-up. That's when the laughs start. But there is a relationship brewing on the horizon. And some tender moments are ahead. Not to be too serious though, funny characters are introduced throughout the film. Earl the vegetarian chef (Graham Greene) and Mary (Sheila Tousey) make a noticeable standout.

Robert Redford's Sundance ranch is the beautiful backdrop for this film. The film captures the resort brilliantly and character is built smoothly. There are many Native American supporting actors that blend well in this film; Wes Studi (Himself), Shirley Cheechoo and Warrior Mouse. I have to make a special note for Inuit singer Karina Moeller of Pamyua who makes a special appearance that might make you shed a tear or more.

This is great family holiday movie. It is not just a Native American movie but a movie that everyone can relate to. The one thing that could have been developed better is the time lapses. But I still would like to see more films from writer/director Kate Montgomery. The DVD contains the Trailer, Reviews and Rewards and Photo Gallery.