If You Believe (1999 TV Movie) User Reviews

Not new - but nice

[knowing-all-answers · 7/10 · 11 May 2001]

Charming little movie with a breathtaking performance by Ally Walker. In her career, she embodied many different characters: she was wonderful as Sam Waters in PROFILER and she was funny as Josephine in HAPPY, TEXAS. She even made KAZAAM look like a good movie for me ! Furthermore Ally Walker was perfect as Veronica in UNIVERSAL SOLDIER and will always be Andrea Bedford from SANTA BARBARA for me.

The part of Susan Stone in IF YOU BELIEVE was a challenge and a gift for Ally Walker. She demonstrates both being able to achieve success by playing a character she is not associated with (like Sam Waters from Profiler or Audrey Macleah from WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS) AND being able to carry a movie completely with her enormous charisma. She is wonderful ! Look the movie for her performance !

The story is well-known. Stone-hearted and frustrated Susan, how is a reader, gets the chance to think about her ruined life. In her case it's herself appearing as a 7-year old girl and trying to show that life is worth living. Of course Susan changes into a nice person at the end. That's fun to watch. Perhaps there are little too many scenes for the fact that Susan can't believe that the little girl is actually talking to her. Sole complaint !

Most of the time the girl, Hayden Panettiere, is good, but in some scenes she is just a little bit TOO overstated. That are the moments when you ask yourself WHY kids play in movies.

Anyway, 7 out of 10.

A familiar Christmas story with a 90s twist.

[drama-3 · 7/10 · 15 December 1999]

The story is a familiar one: A person who use to love Christmas and was a nice person, but through the years has become a person who hates Christmas and is a grumpy/mean person. This person is transformed to their old self again by something "out of the ordinary" appearing to them so that they and the people in their life can enjoy Christmas again.

I liked the familiarity of the story as well as the twist.



I

2nd half is a feel good movie

[sevenseas · 7/10 · 23 October 2022]

This movie started out a little depressing, but I stuck with it because someone mentioned in another review that it's a great movie about listening to your inner child.

The reviewer was right, it's a great movie about inner child healing, listening to your younger self when you were a child.

The second half of the movie had a beautiful home and a red truck and lots of snow and a train station and a great relationship and a golden retriever! Lol. Everything you could once in a great Christmas movie.

(apparently I don't have enough characters in my review to leave a review so I'm just saying some more words here, lol)

Scrooge meets The Kid

[agacyb · 9/10 · 13 October 2001]

I watched this movie by accident while flipping -- it caught me and wouldn't let go. Thought I knew in advance what was going to happen, but the plot twists kept me glued. I cried through most of the second half of it. Hayden Panettiere as the young version of the adult is terrific ... a female Jonathan Taylor Thomas sort of wiseass. 9/10

Ally Walker carries this film with a solid performance.

[glidrose · 20 June 2000]

Although this is a familiar modernization of the Scrooge story, what really raises it far above the typical TV fare is Ally Walker's frequently touching performance. Her emotional range is proving to be quite broad and her performances are getting steadily better. Not to mention that she's among the loveliest of actresses.

Not bad, but not brilliant.

[adamjohns-42575 · 4/10 · 28 February 2023]

If You Believe (In Christmas) (1999) -

Wow! Susan (Ally Walker) was really unlikeable as the lead character and to start with, I didn't really care if she was redeemed or not.

I very nearly turned it off, because it seemed so miserable and dismal, but I'm glad I stuck with it, because by the time the credits rolled, it was alright. It had that something that the older films used to have, but that has quite often been missing from the newer films in this genre. It was an X-factor that I can't explain, although it was almost not enough in this one, because in a lot of ways it was daft.

I supposed that it peaked my interest, because it was about book publishing, which is a field that I would like to be more involved in. It was almost like an extended episode of the TV series 'Younger' (2015-21), but without the comedy or the sexy men, which was disappointing.

It was also a shame that apart from the Sally Army and the carollers there wasn't a great deal of Christmas in it overall. A small bit of tree decorating or something could have added a bit more substance and an opportunity for character development and conversation.

And there were not enough extras at the town celebrations yet again. It looked more like the people who had been walking passed at the time of filming had stopped to see what was happening and asked to stay, rather than the "Whole town" turning out for it.

Hayden Panettire was a tad irritating as a 'Ghost Of Christmas Past' and Susan's younger self, especially her voice.

The concept was well done as part of the story without going for the full 'A Christmas Carol' vibe. Even so, it was very odd to see young Susan and old Susan taking a bath together??? Who thought that wouldn't look creepy?

Other than that I liked the way that Susan's relationship with Tom (Tom Amandes) built, but he was a bit wet and certainly not one of the hotter and more stereotypical males that I've seen in some of the latest efforts in the Christmas film genre.

I wouldn't search this one out in future, but it wasn't that bad really.

4.25/10.

Pure old-fashioned Christmas hokum, done well.

[fgunther · 8/10 · 14 January 2002]

OK, I'm a sucker for fairy tales with a happy ending, and, I like the understated, lively portrayals by the two lead actresses, especially Hayden Panetierre as...our unhappy heroine as a child. The "fairy godmother" as a ten-year-old with attitude - excellent.

Not Academy Award stuff, but definitely a movie I'll watch with a date next Christmas. I gave it a 9.

Weak Christmas film

[studioAT · 2/10 · 19 December 2017]

There's a lot to like in this TV movie from 1999, notably an early strong performance from Hayden Panettiere, backed up by the always lovely Tom Amandes, but this 'Scrooge meets The Kid' story is so syrupy sweet that it will not in my opinion rate as a very strong Christmas film.

Its heart and message are in the right place, but this film just didn't grab me.

It is passable enough entertainment if you're stuck for something to watch, but there are much better TV movies you could watch instead this Christmas.

Great holiday Movie

[moviefan-50 · 10/10 · 1 March 2000]

This is a Lifetime Network Original Movie. Great holiday story for the whole family. I don't want to ruin anything so I won't say anything. You probably won't see this movie on-air right now because it is a holiday movie. However, look forward to seeing it exclusively on Lifetime TV during the holidays, especially during Christmas time.

Childish, boring, bad acting..

[AbundantDay · 1/10 · 29 December 2022]

This is a very negative and childish movie. Not only is the script bad, it's clearly not a movie for adults. It's not even a family movie, in my opinion, but only for young children. I might see children 10 years of age or younger watching it. But it's so negative, I wouldn't want my child to see it. They would see the aunt as mean, and the movie tells young children that Santa isn't real, which many parents may be very adverse to. It's probably the worst movie I've seen in years. I got through 20 minutes of it. I really couldn't recommend it to adults or children. I found it that distasteful.

Loved it!!

[elenag5 · 16 December 2000]

I loved "If You Believe!" It was a refreshing look at the Christmas story. Ally was wonderful as was her 7 yr old counterpart Hayden... They made the concepts of faith, hope and joy of the season come alive. Ally shows her versatility as an actress in her character's transition from hopeless to joyful.

An adult successfully gets in touch with her former child-self.

[pmedwards · 10/10 · 22 July 2005]

I have only seen this movie once but was extremely touched by it. The original concept of having a character's past self being able to relate to the present self is terrific. I enjoyed all performances, but I have to say that Hayden Panettiere left a lasting impression. The movie comes to a satisfactory conclusion, leaving a "what-if-I..." flavour with the viewer. Using the Suzie character as part of the rest of the family created a more believable scenario than simply presenting her "as is". I wondered if we would recognize ourselves as children if in the same situation. I tended to think it would be impossible not to - but then again, having seen lots of photos of family and friends as children, I realize it might be possible to see a similarity without instantly identifying oneself in another. This turned out to be a gentle and satisfying little Christmas movie which left room for thought when it was over.

Similar theme - better than most

[wcsa · 8/10 · 30 August 2005]

It is Christmas time and someone is unhappy with their life. Something out of the ordinary happens and forces them to change and with the change comes some sense of redemption.

OK, you've seen this dozens of times, I could name several movies where the same thing happens, why is this movie any different and any better? The answer is the wonderful chemistry between Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere. They argue, they fight, they come together. Can you believe it! I am recommending a classic chick flick to everyone. But I have to admit it, I am sending a copy of this film to all my brothers and sisters for Christmas.

Reward its viewers tenfold

[inkblot11 · 8/10 · 27 January 2005]

Susan, a book editor, has just been through a bitter divorce. Her work is suffering and her boss gives her a new client with some misgivings. More importantly, Susan has turned into a jaded soul who has alienated herself even from her immediate family in recent months. When she slips on the ice near Christmas, her "inner child" magically appears and becomes her constant companion. But, can the Susan-that-once-was make any changes in the life of Susan today?

This darling and heartwarming movie has so much to give to viewers. Ally Walker displays a wide range of emotions as the adult Susan while Hayden Panettiere, as the young Susan, is winning and joyful without a touch of hamminess. Tom Amandes shows up as the perfect potential love interest. Don't wait until the holidays to seek out this gem. Spread the glow of this film with your family tonight.

One long Christmas Carol

[dmcslack · 21 October 2001]

On a sunday morning when I should have been up an at it, I caught the start of this movie while still in bed. Now I've a lot of sympathy for Scrooge, but this little gem had me enthralled. I've never seen Ally's work before, but if she never does anything else again, she should be proud of this. I guarantee success if you bring this movie to the attention of your friends. It has many of the qualities that made 'groundhog day' so good.

Delightful!

[auntdot · 10/10 · 16 December 2003]

This is a delightful movie that is full of the charm and fantasy of the holiday season. It is not your standard "Scrooge" remake, but a wonderful tale about getting in touch with your inner child. No matter how old you are you should celebrate not just the holidays, but life as your inner child.

Outstanding story, cast, characters

[caa821 · 10/10 · 2 December 2006]

Somehow missed this splendid film during the previous six years since it first played.

It is as fine a Christmas movie as possible - due in large measure to the thoroughly engaging performances of the three leads and the characters they portrayed.

Ally Walker is an actress who has the combination of beauty and an "everywoman" persona at the same time. As Susan, along with the charming young Hayden Pomettiere as her alter ego persona as a child, they represent an adult/young duet thoroughly charming and lovable, and often witty where called for. Equally appealing in the role of Thom, the author with whom Susan's editor character becomes involved, is Thomas Weller.

The story proceeds without unnecessary extreme crises, and all of the primary supporting actors and the remainder of the cast are realistic and balanced. Often otherwise excellent stories of this type have portions where the writers seemed compelled to take some character(s) or situation(s) to an extreme, beyond what was necessary. -presumably for some sort of added drama, which more often than not detracts from the story, rather than helping.

Thankfully, this movie wasn't one of those.

This is one which I'd enjoy seeing again as it is re-run during the season.

A First Rate Fairy Tale (in reversal of roles)

[Alyssa-11 · 10/10 · 15 December 2002]

We've seen countless of Scrooge movies with the male actors taking the lead in this classic fairy tale but this is the female version playing the Scrooge part. Ally Walker and Hayden Panettiere give wonderful, heartfelt performances. I've been a fan of Ally Walker and was delighted to see her in this role--she's perfect! Although this film is not available on the internet for sale, I got the DVD at Staples and was immediately drawn to its story line. I'm glad I discovered this film as the old Christmas films were started to get too "old" for me. This was truly a gem of a find!

Eureka!

[waterinmymind · 9/10 · 13 June 2006]

I saw this film ages ago, but it just stuck with me. I have been looking for it ever since. But I couldn't remember the name. So I looked it up on this site. It took some time. But I'm glad I finally found it. This is a great movie, Hayden is perfection as little Sarah. I mean it had to be good for me to have only seen it once, but scenes still linger in my mind. The emotion of it and the truth is still with me to this day. After the movie I looked for others featuring the stars. I like their other films just as much, if not more. So for those of you who are light of heart or at least would like be so again, this truly is a must see. And after watching it, why not look up some other films the actors have done? You may become a fan like I did.

Here's what I thought....

[wicked_rossalynn · 10/10 · 2 July 2001]

Christmas if my very favorite time of the year and double goes for cute Christmas movies. I thought this movie was great and Ally Walker was the perfect person for the main character. She is an amazing actress and I had seen her in other movies before, (including the hit tv series, Profiler), but I loved her character in this film. If I could I would buy this movie and add it to my Christmas movie collection.

Loved this one

[rd1102 · 9/10 · 4 December 2006]

The casting is excellent, the acting is excellent, at it's best,the writing sparkles. I have a short attention span, and I don't like to sit still for two hours, but this one makes it painless. I tried to stop watching, but the characters were charming and very likable. You will quickly get invested in these characters and care what happens to them. I loved the three main characters. I am a fan of Tom Amandes, and after this movie, of Ally Walker, and Hayden Panetierre as well. I know it's a holiday movie and comes with some clichés, but it's hard to let go of, once you start watching. Captivating, charming, and it felt almost real. Hayden Panetierre was brilliant in this movie. I'm not generally a fan of children in movies, but she made her character live, and she had such zest and joie de vivre, that it was impossible not to love her. She has a long and possibly award-filled career ahead of her.

"Inner Child" Movie

[dr_john_pollard · 9/10 · 12 April 2015]

I was living in Australia when this film showed on TV. I was told about it by a Self-Parenting practitioner so I checked it out. I thought it was a very reasonable and accurate portrayal of a true "Inner Child" which is the topic of one of my books.

It followed exactly the transition of a SP practitioner, except that the motivation was provided completely by the inner child in the movie whereas typically it is the role of the inner parent to self-parent the inner child.

It also has more quote worthy lines, better than the one that was noted so hopefully I'll write those down if I watch it again. Its the only movie I know where an excellent portrayal of the inner child is given by name.

Missing Plot device: I kept waiting for the grown up Susan to slip and knock her head again. And really, "who ate those cookies?"

I'd like to see a sequel. Maybe bring Pru's IC into the picture. Bring the other client writer guy back (not the Dad.) He's good for some comic relief and would have some good one-liners.

I don't believe...

[rebekahrox · 10/10 · 8 November 2020]

...I had never even heard of this wonderful Christmas movie of over 20 years ago. It was heads and tails above the current crop: Well written, acted, and produced. Ally Walker is great as the sour neurotic heroine who is so toxic that her brother tells her that he does not want her to be around his children. At her lowest point, thrown out of her family and about to lose her career because of her unpopularity, pessimism, and lack of contribution, her inner child comes to rescue her from herself. Hayden Panettiere gives a bravura performance as her 9 year-old self. She bullies and advises, encourages, and befriends our scroogey woman until, at last, her life is turned around and she breaks free from the influence of her former marriage to a controlling critical jerk , that largely caused our heroine's descent into misery.

The romance was wonderful. As his editor, Susan falls for a first time author who is nice, smart, and quirky. Just the kind of man that she would have chewed up and spit out if he hadn't been a true talent and brilliant writer. She needs him to save her career. Perfectly played by Tom Amandes, he brings a real Gary Cooper in Mr. Deeds Goes to Town feel to the part.

There were a few little things I wish had been better. The ending felt rushed. Young Susie just disappeared without comment when she had finally accomplished her mission. I would have loved a farewell scene. Also, I wish there had been more of a reunion scene with her brother and his family. That said, I loved the "15 months later" epilogue. I just did not want it to end, I guess.

Woman meets her inner child.

[sharonlynnscott · 10/10 · 7 November 2015]

This is such a beautiful, funny, heartwarming movie. Susan Stone (Ally Walker) is a 37-year-old woman who has been beaten down so much by life that she has lost her joy. She no longer has the ability to connect with people on an emotional level and is just going through the motions of living. As such, her life is on the verge of total collapse. Then comes 7-year-old Suzie Stone (Hayden Panettiere), who is Susan's inner child. No one can see or hear her except Susan. Suzie has arrived in the nick of time to tear down the walls that Susan has built up around herself, and help Susan to find her joy. Both Ally and Hayden give amazing performances that will melt your heart, and Hayden, thankfully, manages to avoid the pitfalls that often make child actors so annoying. I just discovered this movie on Amazon prime a few days ago and have already watched it about 5 times--and I still haven't had enough of it.

So Surprisingly Good

[nmartin-75575 · 9/10 · 7 November 2020]

At first I didn't think I would like this movie and ended up loving it. It's a great modern day Scrooge story. Hayden Panettiere is so great as the young Susan as is the rest of the cast especially Ally Walker. If you want a feel good holiday movie, try this one.