Review by John Delia
Heartwarming and inspirational the movie Carol of the Bells is perfect for everyone. Nicely acted, directed and presented, the film gets right to the center of one person’s life that will affect many. It’s not often you find a gem like this one and it clicks like the recent The Peanut Butter Falcon. Both films show that audiences can experience love in amazing ways. Look for Carol of the Bells on Home Video or Demand from your local cable company or streaming service. Make sure you have some Kleenex handy, especially if you thought your life had some things you wish could have been able to fix.
Scott Johnson (RJ Mitte), an auto body shop owner, has been trying to find his biological mother having been Fostered since very young. Along with his pregnant wife Karen (Yuly Mireles) they live an ordinary life and have a happy and outgoing 5-year-old son Jeremy (Elijah Maximus). But, Scott is still bothered by his past and wants to solve the mystery of why he was given up, so he hires someone to probe into it.
But, on this day he receives the beginning of the answers and has to face a decision on what he set out to do. Finding out that his mother lives in a special home for Down syndrome children and adults, he decides to try and get a glimpse of her. Director Joey Travolta takes J. C. Peterson’s amazing script and brings a nice cast of actors that include a loving group of the genetic afflicted adults. He leads his audience into Scott’s life while he’s looking for answers that he has wondered about over the years, but has not been able to face. Travolta then turns the camera on his wife Karen who realizes that it has to be her to continue the journey or the union will never happen.
The story is very gripping at times with Scott being hesitant to see what’s behind the door of his past. Yet it’s a path that puts him on a course that he knows will release the truth. RJ Mitte is brilliant in the role of Scott and shows how the past has affected him. Especially every Christmas that spurs an emotion that has deep and dark meaning. With his young son asking questions, he has to make choices. Mitte shows Scott’s conflict of trying to cope with what he thinks will be sensitive issue for both his estranged mother and his family.
Carol of the Bells is not rated by the MPAA, but contains no objectionable material. The film has very exceptional moral value and shows an inspirational understanding of Down syndrome as well.
FINAL ANALYSIS: I recommend the film highly so seek it out on VOD and DVD it’s terrific. (5 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: RJ Mitte, Yuly Mireles, Andrea F. Friedman, Elijah Maximus, Lee Purcell
Directed by: Joey Travolta and Written by: J.C. Peterson
Genre: Inspirational, Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated, No objectionable material
Running Time: 1 hr. 40 min.
Opening Date: March 3, 2020
Distributed by: High Octane Pictures
Released in: VOD and DVD