This movie, "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love", as a sequel to "Coat of Many Colors" really stays true to the concept of the first one -- it brings to life the childhood of Dolly Parton and emphasizes the special events and moments that shaped her life. Through both movies, she draws us into an era where life was simple, but hard, and the love of family, combined with faith, proved to be a powerful combination that could stand the tests of life. The cast has been superb both times; this sequel was flawless in its transition from the first movie. It felt completely natural and I was instantly drawn back in to the story line. Ms Nettles surprised me once again at how gifted she is as an actress, and Alyvia Alyn Lind further established herself in my book as the best child actor to appear on the scene in a very long time. I personally feel honored to have these special glimpses into Dolly's life, and I believe her stories were definitely worth telling, and I'm so glad they have been. When I was growing up, when "9 to 5" came out, and she was in her prime as a country star, I had a completely different perception of Dolly Parton, and these movies have made me feel like I have been invited into her intimate life and can understand the amazing woman she really is. I have a huge respect for her now, and I'm thankful she has blessed us with these heartwarming stories that bring us back to what life is truly all about, when all the chaos and fluff are stripped away. These movies make me have the same warm, feel-good, aftertaste that I always had from Little House on the Prairie. Triumph over tragedy, faith in God, the importance of family, and that love always wins in the end -- the basics never fail us. If you have never seen "Coat Of Many Colors", I encourage you to watch it first.
Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love (2016 TV Movie)
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Wow! If family matters most to you then you must watch this inspirational film
Ed-Shullivan9 February 2017
This is such an under rated film that I just do not understand why so little attention has been given to Christmas of Many Colors. Maybe today's society is so tied up in social media and taking selfies that inspirational films such as Dolly Parton's latest production that reflect a very strong family bond and selflessness are considered passe?
Heck, we are well past the Christmas season but I just watched this film for the first time and now I wished I had watched it sometime in December as I am sure it would have motivated me even more so to spend more time with my own family and close friends.
The little girl who plays the pre-teen Dolly Parton, Alyvia Alyn Lind is an amazing actress. There are a handful of people blessed with the God-given talent who shine in front of the camera and Alyvia Alyn Lind is most certainly one of those brightest of today's stars and she will continue to shine brightly for many, many years to come. She reminds me a lot of both a young Shirley Temple and Jodie Foster. Dolly herself has always said she liked to perform from a very young age and that she loved to be the center of attention. Alyvia Alyn Lind who plays young Dolly wants so badly to star in her 1955 Christmas pageant in the starring role as the virgin Mother Mary that she prays to God for the opportunity and she sucks up big time to her teacher Miss Moody, played to perfection by Mary Lane Haskell. There is a few scenes where the interaction between young Dolly and her teacher made me cry with tears of joy.
I know this film is loosely based on Dolly Parton's own family life and I assume that Dolly took many liberties in embellishing some of the mini-miracles that are reflected in Christmas Of Many Colors but if you take the time "as a family" to sit down together and watch this film you will see why these mini-miracles are key to this inspirational story.
Dolly's parents Robert Lee Parton (Ricky Schroder) and Avie Lee Parton (Jennifer Nettles) are back again for this film sequel to the 2015 film Coat of Many Colors. Who would not want Robert Lee and Avie Lee to be their parents? They emit love and kindness even with a house full of wall to wall children and little money to spare. The entire cast including Reverend Jake Jones played by Gerald McRaney who plays Avie Lee's father and Dolly's grandfather, and her Uncle Billy played by Cameron Jones are all well cast. Heck, even Dolly Parton has a few cameo appearances in this sequel that are inspirational and I believe Dolly included these scenes as her dream did come true.
So this film encompasses the Christmas spirit at its best, from the Christmas pageant, to the power of prayer, to the gift of giving being so much more inspirational than the gift of receiving. I believe this film, The Christmas of Many Colors will become a family tradition in the vein of the 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life.
I really enjoyed The Christmas of Many Colors: the Circle of Love and it will be on Mrs. Shullivan's and especially my must watch Christmas season watch list for many years to come. It is a Christmas classic!
I give it 10 for 10 shiny Christmas ornaments and a must add to our Christmas tree watch list.
Heck, we are well past the Christmas season but I just watched this film for the first time and now I wished I had watched it sometime in December as I am sure it would have motivated me even more so to spend more time with my own family and close friends.
The little girl who plays the pre-teen Dolly Parton, Alyvia Alyn Lind is an amazing actress. There are a handful of people blessed with the God-given talent who shine in front of the camera and Alyvia Alyn Lind is most certainly one of those brightest of today's stars and she will continue to shine brightly for many, many years to come. She reminds me a lot of both a young Shirley Temple and Jodie Foster. Dolly herself has always said she liked to perform from a very young age and that she loved to be the center of attention. Alyvia Alyn Lind who plays young Dolly wants so badly to star in her 1955 Christmas pageant in the starring role as the virgin Mother Mary that she prays to God for the opportunity and she sucks up big time to her teacher Miss Moody, played to perfection by Mary Lane Haskell. There is a few scenes where the interaction between young Dolly and her teacher made me cry with tears of joy.
I know this film is loosely based on Dolly Parton's own family life and I assume that Dolly took many liberties in embellishing some of the mini-miracles that are reflected in Christmas Of Many Colors but if you take the time "as a family" to sit down together and watch this film you will see why these mini-miracles are key to this inspirational story.
Dolly's parents Robert Lee Parton (Ricky Schroder) and Avie Lee Parton (Jennifer Nettles) are back again for this film sequel to the 2015 film Coat of Many Colors. Who would not want Robert Lee and Avie Lee to be their parents? They emit love and kindness even with a house full of wall to wall children and little money to spare. The entire cast including Reverend Jake Jones played by Gerald McRaney who plays Avie Lee's father and Dolly's grandfather, and her Uncle Billy played by Cameron Jones are all well cast. Heck, even Dolly Parton has a few cameo appearances in this sequel that are inspirational and I believe Dolly included these scenes as her dream did come true.
So this film encompasses the Christmas spirit at its best, from the Christmas pageant, to the power of prayer, to the gift of giving being so much more inspirational than the gift of receiving. I believe this film, The Christmas of Many Colors will become a family tradition in the vein of the 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life.
I really enjoyed The Christmas of Many Colors: the Circle of Love and it will be on Mrs. Shullivan's and especially my must watch Christmas season watch list for many years to come. It is a Christmas classic!
I give it 10 for 10 shiny Christmas ornaments and a must add to our Christmas tree watch list.
Dolly did it again
sweetkywoman_424592 December 2016
Great movie,a must see,Christmas and the children's presents will total about $25 oh how we wish it is the same today and the kids even give that up just for their mother to be able to get the wedding band that she so wanted for 8 years!!!How the her hubby went to work in the mines to get the money just for awhile cause if he stay where he was it it take three months to earn the money and he get cover up and the Lord pulls him out of the mines to be able to return home to give Dolly's mother the ring for Christmas PRAY this movie will help us coal miners to keep what we was promise our UMWA health Insurance and pension that our husband work so hard and in very dangerous place
The best treasure for the holiday season and Dolly herself has never been more lovable
chrisdye-318675 December 2016
I am a man who is not afraid to admit that yes I got chocked up by this movie it is a good time for the movie and a wonderful message of faith and inspiration for the holiday season to give and receive rather than just receive young Dolly herself is a little firecracker and you just can't help but love her and laugh at her she's a great example for little girls to follow and for young boys as for what qualities to look for in a mate later on in life the whole movie is magical and a good family friendly movie too the only thing that might bother a parent is that Parton herself plays a slight prostitute and she is called a dirty woman and told,her dirty money is no good for a purchase at a store but the woman is treated with the same lack of respect that she gives Parton, but aside from that it's a wonderful movie for young and old if you have not watched this already watch it next time it's on hope you all have a good and happy day will be back soon with more reviews
Well done, inspiring
vchimpanzee1 December 2016
Once again, we get more wonderful performances. Alyvia Alyn Lind is the perfect young Dolly. When she sings in one scene I actually think I'm hearing the real Dolly.
Jennifer Nettles should have been Emmy nominated last year, but cable shows seem to get most of the nominations, and she's fantastic again but it just won't happen because last year was slightly more challenging. But it's amazing to watch the mother go through being concerned and then stronger than she has ever had to be.
Gerald McRaney is of course quite good as the preacher grandfather who is so grateful his son-in-law is finally on the right track. And the baptism scene is funny.
Mary Lane Haskell does an outstanding job as the patient teacher, who along with Dolly has an amazing scene in Miss Moody's house.
Hannah Nordberg does a good job as Dolly's best friend.
Farrah Mackenzie is so cute as young Stella, while the real Stella gives us a great performance as the snooty businesswoman who learns an important lesson.
And for someone who was once told she can't act (her response I believe was something like "Honey I know I can't act. It's your job to make me look good."), well of course Dolly herself does a wonderful job essentially playing herself, but really acting as a sort of angel to her younger self.
The real Dolly also sings several nice songs. They wouldn't be among my choices for a Christmas music radio format. But here they were nice and I'm sure people would like them.
Have I left anyone out? They were all good.
Nothing here is really inappropriate for young kids, but I would be concerned about how some kids handle the life-threatening situations. It's pretty scary. But the way everyone handles what could have been disasters is nothing short of amazing. You know in a kids' movie things will have to work out. Will the family make it through? You know they will have to.
It's a Christmas miracle that everything worked out. A wonderful and inspiring experience for the whole family, with real messages of faith.
Jennifer Nettles should have been Emmy nominated last year, but cable shows seem to get most of the nominations, and she's fantastic again but it just won't happen because last year was slightly more challenging. But it's amazing to watch the mother go through being concerned and then stronger than she has ever had to be.
Gerald McRaney is of course quite good as the preacher grandfather who is so grateful his son-in-law is finally on the right track. And the baptism scene is funny.
Mary Lane Haskell does an outstanding job as the patient teacher, who along with Dolly has an amazing scene in Miss Moody's house.
Hannah Nordberg does a good job as Dolly's best friend.
Farrah Mackenzie is so cute as young Stella, while the real Stella gives us a great performance as the snooty businesswoman who learns an important lesson.
And for someone who was once told she can't act (her response I believe was something like "Honey I know I can't act. It's your job to make me look good."), well of course Dolly herself does a wonderful job essentially playing herself, but really acting as a sort of angel to her younger self.
The real Dolly also sings several nice songs. They wouldn't be among my choices for a Christmas music radio format. But here they were nice and I'm sure people would like them.
Have I left anyone out? They were all good.
Nothing here is really inappropriate for young kids, but I would be concerned about how some kids handle the life-threatening situations. It's pretty scary. But the way everyone handles what could have been disasters is nothing short of amazing. You know in a kids' movie things will have to work out. Will the family make it through? You know they will have to.
It's a Christmas miracle that everything worked out. A wonderful and inspiring experience for the whole family, with real messages of faith.
Great Sequel to Coat of Many Colors
mike481282 January 2020
Perhaps based on true life events, but it appears that it may be also be a semi-fictional fable as well. I will leave it up to the viewer to make that determination. It all revolves around the school's Christmas Pageant of the Nativity, and the whole family pitching in to buy Mama a gold wedding ring. Daddy risks life-and-limb to work in the dangerous coal mine to make enough money so he can buy the ring. The 2 main dramatic moments involve a mining disaster and the entire family trapped inside of a snowbound house. It's a Christmas miracle. Dolly makes an appearance and I am not sure if it is meant to be her future self or a "painted lady" in the town. Truly great family entertainment and justly nominated for an Emmy. (Rated 3 hankies)
Listen and Yule hear a story...
lee_eisenberg5 December 2016
I understand that "Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love" is based on something that happened early in Dolly Parton's life. It tells the story of how little Dolly and her siblings, growing up dirt-poor in rural Tennessee, made some extreme sacrifices to get their mother a gift one Christmas. Parton herself co-stars as a sort of guardian angel to the young Dolly. I was surprised to see that the director is Stephen Herek, who has directed movies as different as "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" and "Mr. Holland's Opus".
It's not any sort of masterpiece, but I liked how it affirmed that despite the numerous hardships, this was a close, loving family. Dolly Parton is one person who makes clear that not all rural people are ignorant yahoos. As she once said: "I may be a country bumpkin, but at least I'm a smart country bumpkin."
It's not any sort of masterpiece, but I liked how it affirmed that despite the numerous hardships, this was a close, loving family. Dolly Parton is one person who makes clear that not all rural people are ignorant yahoos. As she once said: "I may be a country bumpkin, but at least I'm a smart country bumpkin."
Everyone Loves Dolly
moviesfilmsreviewsinc27 November 2021
The question isn't whether you love Dolly Parton - it's whether you love her anywhere near as much as her movie does. Dolly is painting her image for us as we watch, and in addition to being an incredibly talented singer and songwriter and an almost supernaturally appealing performer, Parton has always been one smart cookie when it comes to that image. She laughs at herself first, and people love her for it. Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love shows how strong her faith was at a very young age, and still continuing her walk and faith with God today. To the extent the film has an actual center, it's occupied by Parton's parents Lee and Avie Lee, played by Ricky Schroder and Jennifer Nettles. Christmas is coming, and Lee wants to get Avie Lee a special present, but he can't do it without making sacrifices, and asking the kids to sacrifice as well. That's one story, anyway. There's also Dolly's determination to star in the Christmas pageant, and drag her best friend with her, center stage; Lee's doubts over Avie Lee's premonitions; Grandpa's problems with his son's behavior; and two would-be fatal disasters, each resolved by divine intervention. A few of those stories might have worked; all thrown together, well, let's just say it's a coat of too many colors. As Parton herself narrates, whether you accept the film's belief in miracles is up to you. The problem isn't whether you believe you're seeing God - it's whether you believe you're really seeing Parton as a child rather than an adult Dolly shrunk to child size. Parton may well have been as universally adored as the film would have us believe, but simply telling us that is not enough: A movie has to make it seem credible as we watch the story unfold. So enjoy Colors for what it's worth - for the message, the music and Parton's benevolent spirit. Just know there must be a better movie to be made about her life than NBC is offering. What a Christmas gift that might have been.
The Parton family's Christmas preparation!
Reno-Rangan24 November 2017
A follow-up to Dolly Parton's 'Coat of Many Colours'. This time it is a Christmas theme. As usual the tale was told from young Dolly's view. The Parton family is readying for the festival. The list is long what everybody wants for Christmas. But time to sacrifice for something more important for family than individuals. Everybody contributes, yet does not meet the requirement. So the extra adventure begins, on one end the father takes a risky job far away from home and Dolly decides to sing on the streets. The remaining story is to tell how it all ends.
I saw it when the Christmas is just 30 days away. A perfect season to watch such film. But it was an okay film. Being a Christian film, the previous one did not bother me. But this one went out of the control, like it became a fantasy. Yeah, the end was un-believable for a film based on the real. I always like to see on the screen how a family struggles against the odds, but being reality is most matters. It just slipped away in a few occasions, including at the end twist. Still a nice film for families. All the cast had returned and they all were good. Directed by the same filmmaker. One time watchable film.
6/10
I saw it when the Christmas is just 30 days away. A perfect season to watch such film. But it was an okay film. Being a Christian film, the previous one did not bother me. But this one went out of the control, like it became a fantasy. Yeah, the end was un-believable for a film based on the real. I always like to see on the screen how a family struggles against the odds, but being reality is most matters. It just slipped away in a few occasions, including at the end twist. Still a nice film for families. All the cast had returned and they all were good. Directed by the same filmmaker. One time watchable film.
6/10
Feel Good Holiday Film
cgvsluis7 December 2020
This was another feel good holiday film from Dolly Parton, who is generous enough to share autobiographical and inspirational stories from her youth.
Heavy message about sacrifice, thinking of others, and leaning in to one's faith.
Good cast. Great performances.
Leaves you feeling good about life and others the way every holiday movie should.
Heavy message about sacrifice, thinking of others, and leaning in to one's faith.
Good cast. Great performances.
Leaves you feeling good about life and others the way every holiday movie should.
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