I was sent a copy of both movies in exchange for my honest review. I was not financially compensated in any way and all opinions are 100 percent mine.
Even though Christmas is over, as I am continuing to get caught up on the wealth of media I watched this season, I would like to tell you about two special movies I had the opportunity to see. Both are distributed by Covenant Communications, an LDS site, but neither of these is religious in nature. Both are completely family-friendly.
Christmas Break-In 60 second Trailer, Koan from Ron Brough on Vimeo.
Christmas Break-In Movie Synopsis:
Today was supposed to be one of the best days ever for nine-year-old Izzy Rush. But now, on the last day of class before Christmas break, she has been left alone at school. To make matters worse, the biggest blizzard this town has ever seen is blowing and snowing full force. Which is why three bumbling crooks on the lam decide to take shelter in the seemingly empty school. When Izzy discovers that the criminals are holding her friend Ray, the school custodian, she decides it’s up to her to save the day. But what can a nine-year-old girl do? You’d be surprised!
My thoughts: This movie was a pleasant surprise on many counts. The cast is rather stellar (Danny Glover, Denise Richards), and while the story is a bit cheesy at times, it is an entertaining tale. 
In many ways, it contains elements of one of our favorite Christmas movies–Home Alone. But any time you have a precocious girl, a dog, and a charming school custodian, you know you’re going to have a fun story. Add in the fun of really dumb bank robbers and some absent-minded parents, and you just might have a story to entertain a family for an hour and a half.
While this is not any kind of award-winning film, I adore the fact that it is shot in Minnesota and features the acting of some fine, established actors in addition to up-and-coming talents.
(Cameron Seely is enchanting as Izzy, and Katrina Begin is quite witty as the chief robber.) This movie proves what I often say. While the story is crucial to make a good movie, anyone with expertise can take a mediocre script and elevate it as Danny and Denise do.
Don’t expect a movie that draws you in and tells you a deep, powerful story. Watch this one for the antics of the characters and the heartwarming feeling it will give you. Again, this is a movie that will remind you of the important things to you at Christmas!Christmas Break-In:
The Christmas Apron Trailer from Ron Brough on Vimeo.
The Christmas Apron:
The children in Millie’s family can’t wait for Grandma to arrive with her special Christmas apron. According to tradition, each grandchild will write down the gift he or she wants most in the world, and then slip that wish into the apron’s pocket. Then, on Christmas morning, those wished-for gifts will be magically waiting under the tree. But then eleven-year-old Millie overhears her parents: the family can’t afford gifts for all the little ones. She pictures the disappointment on her siblings’ faces: nothing to open on Christmas morning. Is Millie willing to sacrifice her own whole-soul wish so that someone else’s can come true? Full of tender emotion and delightful surprise, this story reminds us of the miracles that unfold when we think of others before ourselves.
My thoughts: First of all, this is a short film which very often means that releasing it has multiple purposes. It could easily appear on TV in a half-hour time slot with commercials. It could also serve as a “calling card” for the people involved. Very often, independent filmmakers make short films to get experience and to get their name out. Also, this can serve as a trailer for a larger work. Indie filmmakers often need funds to produce longer works especially, and making a short film can be a way to get their vision across and possibly obtain requisite funds.
I am not aware of the filmmaker’s reasoning for producing a short film, but in this case, the story is probably better than the acting in some instances. While the acting is not horrendous by any means, it is clear that many of the actors do not have a lot of experience. Of course, there are many young people involved in this work. But the story is positively enchanting and definitely left me with a big smile at the end. There is some spiritual significance in this story, but mostly, the magic associated with the apron is emphasized. If you want a story to pick up your spirits and remind you of what is important during the holiday season, this is it!
The Christmas Apron:
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