Town Christmas Forgot, The (2010)

[bunniefuu]

Whatever it takes, Freddie.

This deal has to happen.

This account could turn

everything around for us.

We're talking major

sponsor events.

God knows what the media buys will be.

Millions.

More than millions.

So we have to do what we have to do.

Okay?

You can finish the proposal

before the holidays...

Just pull an all-nighter,

you're brilliant at that, okay?

Freddie?

Freddie?

No!

No!

Not now!

What do you mean

no service?

This is supposed to

be sattelite digital.

Charles, I need

a phone.

Hey, honey, there's no

cell phones around here.

Oh, and what do we

owe this casual mood to?

You know what?

Try five days away from work.

Come on.

They can't

reach you now,

but you'll get calls

at the resort.

Nope, I told the guys

upstairs that I am going

to Colorado, to Colorado!

Come on!

You really think

that's gonna happen?

Whoa,

what's this?

No, no this can't be

happening, come on.

There are satellites

everywhere.

Apparently not here.

Where are we?

Forty-eight miles from

highway eighty-three.

Okay my little map-maker.

When's the next town?

Seventy-three, four,

seventy-five miles.

What's going on? What are

you guys talking about?

Where's

dad's gross music?

How can she be plugged into her

own world and then suddenly

know that it's quiet in the car?

I don't get it.

Teenage telepathy.

We're lost and we're never

gonna find our way.

Oh my god,

where are we?

What's up with

all this snow?

Where are all

the outlet malls?

Please,

I'm on vacation.

Please,

I'm on vacation.

Dad, Nolan's

making fun of me!

Nolan.

Didn't mom ever tell you

they adopted you?

Okay, both of you. Okay that's enough.

All right?

We are the Benson family. We

can brave these hardships.

I mean, who needs satellite radio?

Who needs cell phones?

Or CD players or DVD's or ABC's or XYZ's.

So sit back.

Enjoy the luxury of a well made

automobile as we drive... Whoa!

Oh...

Whoa! All right. Okay, that's fine.

All right. Okay.

I told you,

we should have flown.

Is everybody okay?

You're okay.

I don't like this. Not at all.

Can we go now?

I don't think we're gonna go anywhere.

We're stuck.

Do not tell me this.

Dad!

Okay, everybody, we're fine.

It's okay.

Someone will...

will come along.

Oh, someone will

come along?

It's a paved highway, there's

bound to be some traffic.

When was the last car

you saw?

Uh?

Where are you going?

I'm going outside. I'm gonna

check out the damage.

Dad, there's

wild animals out there.

It's nothing. Okay,

everybody, just relax.

It's fine.

It's good.

I read that the bears that can't sleep

all winter, they hunt for food.

Nolan.

What? I did.

Mountain lions, too.

Well, Charlie boy. What

are we gonna do now?

Now, about that someone will come along...

the line you said a while ago.

Okay, I cannot miss

this party tomorrow night.

Dad, do something!

I...

Listen!

What is it?

Please be a car

with boys!

What if it's

a serial k*ller?

Mom?

Nolan.

It's gonna be

perfectly fine.

Hey you okay?

Are you all right?

Hi!

You folks okay?

Yeah, uh, do you know

a mechanic?

You're lookin'

at one.

Uh...

We need help.

Tell ya what,

I can drive it back to town,

and we'll fix up that

later on.

Town's still pretty

far away?

About eight miles,

and uh, no use lookin'

at your map there, sonny, they

stopped puttin it on five years ago.

Um, sir, how much do you

think it would cost?

Cost? Nothin',

I'm goin' that way.

Oh, what about

our luggage?

I got lots of room

in the back of the truck.

Okay.

Let's go. Thank you. Thank you.

You're welcome,

it's cold out here.

Just bring

what you need.

Do you have any,

any lattes?

Well, welcome to

'Nowhere'.

If you've never been to

Nowhere, you are now.

What happened here?

Oh, the coal ran out

about five years ago,

since then, the town's been slowly dying.

Not pretty.

I remember a time when

you couldn't even find

a parking spot

on main street.

Families walked down the sidewalk,

children played around.

Hard to believe it was

ever like that, huh?

That's the only cafe

we've got left,

you guys can get something

to eat in there. All right?

So, uh, what about

our car?

I figure I can get to

it by late afternoon.

Should have you guys up and

runnin' in no time. Okay?

So like, is there

a mall close by?

Just the cafe,

young lady.

Thanks a lot.

Thanks for everything.

How can we find ya later?

Well, why don't you folks just

go in and get something to eat.

I will find you,

it's a small town.

All right, let's go.

Thanks!

Oh look, just in time

for the Christmas pageant.

Gross.

Why is everybody

staring?

Um, it's a small town,

honey.

You know, they're

not used to strangers.

No kidding.

Oh, sit anywhere,

folks.

Thanks.

Do you have a phone?

We did till yesterday.

Storm broke the line.

Can't get in to fix it till the

storm calms down a little bit.

We have to wait for the car anyway,

we might as well eat. I'm hungry.

You wanna eat?

Okay, let's go.

Coffee?

Oh, yes.

Thank you.

I would like a non-fat, half sweet,

double shot, rice milk latte.

Okay.

Coffee with soy milk?

Two coffees will be fine.

Thanks.

We got meatloaf

for our special,

comes with mashed, vegetables and dessert.

Four ninety-five.

Um, well I think we're

gonna need a few minutes.

Oh, we don't have most of

what's on the menu anymore.

Car trouble?

Yeah I saw Coleman

bring you here.

If anyone can fix it, he can.

He knows cars.

Anybody who knows Coleman

will tell you, he knows cars.

Guess he knows

cars, huh?

And men's hair.

I'm sorry, what?

Oh, Coleman's also

the town's barber.

Oh.

And if you're gonna

stay for a while,

we're having our Christmas

pageant on Christmas eve.

It's gonna be

a real hoot.

Oh, oh. Well, I think we're

gonna be gone by then.

Yeah, yeah.

Well you can buy some raffle

tickets, first prize is $50.

Okay.

Oh, uh, look at me.

You must think I'm pushy.

I'm sorry.

Oh, no, no.

I'm the pageant

coordinator,

trying to get everyone

into the Christmas spirit.

We haven't had a pageant around

here for almost five years now.

Town's had

a few bad years.

I guess that's obvious,

even to city folk.

So this year we're going

to have a real humdinger

of a pageant,

if it kills me.

Oh look, I have bent your ears long

enough, you folks take your time.

Boss is in.

Gotta look busy.

Sam, I thought I told ya. No

Christmas pageant this year.

Sam, I'm the Mayor of this

town and I can't have

a poster for a Christmas pageant

we can't afford in my cafe.

Our cafe, honeykins. You're

becoming old and grumpy. Like them.

Sam, this town's

almost done.

There's nothing left

in the kitty.

What about

Christmas?

Well, Christmas

is for other people.

I've got customers.

They're not grumpy.

Had enough?

Aw, yes, I think I'm filled up.

How 'bout you,

partner?

Yes, thank you.

Well, you're

welcome, cowboy.

You know, I'm sorry,

but I overheard.

Not everyone is so supportive

of the pageant, huh?

The Mayor was...

Ahh, you mean Jeremiah.

Yes, yes, he is the Mayor.

And my husband.

Oh, he's a good man.

It's just sometimes life

gives you some bad breaks.

But we're going to have

a Christmas pageant.

I've even got all the wives

in town buzzing about it.

We're gonna have

a talent show.

Mary-Lou Kinny's girl,

she plays the accordion,

and the high-school kids have got

together some sort of singing act.

There's even a gal who's

got two trained chickens.

And then, of course,

there's the dancers.

Dancers?

Yeah, that sounds

like a lot of fun.

Well it's not too late to stay over.

You can join in!

Anyone sing

or dance?

No, none of us no. We'll

probably be on our way.

Oh, hello Coleman, I'm just

looking after your guests.

Thank you very much,

Sam.

Great!

Um, how's it going?

Well, I brought

your SUV back

and it's gonna take four

hours or so to fix it.

Can't it be faster?

Four hours?

I might be able to shave off a

minute or two, but that's a pretty

fancy car you have. I've never

worked on one of those before,

but as all the folks around

town say, Coleman knows cars.

Yeah, we heard.

We can find something to do

for four hours. Thank you.

That's the thing. Four hours to fix it,

2 days to get the parts bussed in.

Sorry about that,

folks.

Hey Sam, you got that

corned beef on rye for me?

This is not

what I wanted.

Can I sleep

in the SUV?

There's no other place. It's

the only hotel in town.

Two days?

Dad!

Just...

Put your stuff down.

I don't think there's

a remote.

Well there's an on switch

on the set, so. See?

Okay guys, we don't have a choice.

Okay?

This is

the only place.

And we're here for who

only knows how long.

We're never gonna

get out.

Snow?

Find MTV.

I don't think they

have cable, sweetie.

Please, can we go

somewhere else?

No, no, there's no choice.

This is it. This is it.

So let's just try and make

this as easy as we can, okay?

Just... just, if we keep

our shoes on

and don't use

the bathroom,

we'll have

a good time in here.

Oh yeah, candles burnin

low, lots of mistletoe.

Lots of snow and ice,

everywhere we go.

Choirs singin' carols,

right outside my door.

All these things

and more.

All these things

and more.

It's what Christmas

means to me, my love.

It's what Christmas

means to me, my love.

Oh, yeah

And you know

what I mean.

I see your smilin' face,

like I never seen before.

Even though...

I'll be back as soon

as I can.

Do you really think you

can accomplish anything?

I dunno,

but I'm gonna try.

We're never gonna

get outta here.

Trish, honey,

it's not that bad.

My friends are never

gonna see me again.

I am gonna get us

outta here, promise.

You okay, bud?

Watch this.

Daddy, save us.

Hey look, I made

the picture better.

You're actually

crazy!

We're not related,

we're not related!

Hey, there.

Hey.

Got a fresh cup of joe

for you. Black, right?

Yeah, thank you. You

seen Coleman around?

He's probably over at the

Legion cooking up some grub.

We've got some less

fortunate families in town.

Coleman gathers up some

things, prepares some food,

gets some presents for the kids,

sometimes he even delivers.

What like a soup

kitchen?

I guess you could

call it that.

Oh he's a good man,

that Coleman.

He's like that walking

spirit of Christmas.

Well let's hope it rubs

off on the rest of us.

Some of the boys have

been having a hard time

since the mine

went south.

That's why it seems like the perfect

time for a Christmas pageant.

You are a one woman

chamber of commerce.

Ah, the pageant used to be the

biggest celebration in town.

Everyone came out,

even the grouches.

We had a parade

out there.

Once, we even had

a movie star.

Well, not a really big star,

she did some parts

in some TV shows, came

from Louistown, but...

So you really think

a pageant's gonna help?

Well maybe nothing's gonna

really turn this town around,

but for this one time,

maybe it'd be nice to

see some magic again.

See some people smile.

Well you, uh, got

your work cut our for ya.

Thank you for the coffee.

Where's the Legion?

Uh, four doors over

and across the street.

Can you, give Coleman

these cookies for me?

Sure. Hold on a sec.

Can I uh, can I steal one?

Just one.

Thank you.

Just one, yep!

Trish.

Mom!

Listen, I have to

go find a phone.

Can I trust you to

watch your brother?

Like, not really.

Nice try.

I'm gonna be back

as soon as I can.

What if something

happens?

Oh, please.

I have a feeling

nothing has happened here

in a very long time.

Nolan, you listen to

your sister.

Oh, mom!

She's the boss.

Now look, I'm gonna get you guys

outta here as soon as I can

and your dad's gonna

work something out.

And then we'll be on our way.

Okay?

Be good.

Dashing through

the snow...

Hello?

In a one horse

open sleigh

fields

we go Coleman?

Hey, Coleman!

Hello! Hello.

One second there. Let

me turn the radio down.

How goes it,

Mr. Benson?

Call me Charles.

Yes, Mr. Benson.

Special delivery.

Oh, great.

Look, I was wondering.

Maybe there's a, a way to

get the parts for

my SUV a little faster?

I don't think so, Sir,

most the delivery

of parts are on hold

'til the new year,

but they're doing me

an exception.

Right.

First, I gotsta

finish this.

Oh yeah, Sam told me you're cooking

for some disadvantaged people?

I don't care to call

people disadvantaged,

just a little down

on their luck is all.

And we all can use

a little luck can't we?

I didn't mean to

sound cold...

It's really admirable.

Can I help?

Ah, I guess Nowhere isn't the

most exciting place, is it?

Well, it...

Come on, I got some

taters for you to peel.

Here they are.

Just for you.

Okay, there you go.

Excellent.

And I'll take these

over there.

Dashing through the snow,

in a one horse open sleigh

Over the fields we go,

laughing all the way

Ha, ha, ha!

Bells on cobb tails

ring

Bells on bob tails,

on bob tails

I'm getting out.

Mom said you have to

stay here.

What are you doing?

What does it look like?

I'm reading a phone book.

Why?

You can find

all kinds of things.

They have

a toy store here.

Duh, did you not see

anything out there?

The town is empty. There's no toy store.

There's nothing.

Mom said...

If I stay in this cell any

longer, I'm going to scream.

You can't just leave

me here, I'm a minor.

Grab your coat.

No.

Stop it!

Just over

in the corner.

Oh hey,

come on in.

How are you

holding up?

I can't seem to

find a phone anywhere.

I told you,

there isn't one.

At least until they

get the line fixed.

Come on,

take a load off.

Everyone,

this is Annie.

She's a visiting

for a day or two.

Annie, this is everyone. Brittany and

Brad, two of our star performers.

Mmhmm. And two more of

our star performers.

Hi.

You'll be fine.

I wanna go look

for the toy store.

You gotta stay

with me.

You could've stayed in the room.

I make the rules.

That's not fair.

Life's not fair.

What do you know about life?

You're only 5 years older than me.

What?

Music. I think.

Come on.

We shouldn't be here.

Merry Christmas.

How many more people

are you expecting?

Uh, about twenty more

this afternoon.

That's a lot

for a town this size.

Mmmhhmmm. We've been

hit hard, Mr. Benson.

Merry Christmas.

So how did this town get

the name of Nowhere?

Now that's

a good story.

The owner of the mining

company that used to be here.

Yup.

Merry Christmas.

He brought some investors

up here, one of them said

this place is

in the middle of nowhere.

The owner was gonna use his

name, he changed it to Nowhere.

So he had a sense

of humour.

Until the coal ran out.

Five years ago?

Yeah yeah. And there was some

other complications too.

You see, Sir, there's a lot of

coal up there in those mountains.

But, it costs too

much to mine it.

First you gotta start right

at the top of the mountain.

And you gotta go right to the

bottom, very slowly. Not worth it.

Anyways, I gotta get this stuff

up to Virgil here, at the mine.

It gets a little lonely

watching that empty place.

Care for

some company?

Sure. Why don't you grab

those cookies back there.

Okay, let's go Mr....

Charles,

really Charles is fine.

While I tell

of Yuletide treasure,

Fa la la la la la la la la.

Fa la la la la la la la la

Okay, can we

go now?

Mom said we're not

supposed to do this.

Look at them,

they're so lame.

What's so funny?

Great comedy act.

What do you know

about rock and roll?

Is that what that was?

Seriously?

Then why don't you come

up here and show us?

I'm just watching.

Easy to watch.

Big city girl thinks

she so smart.

Big city girl sees flaws.

Your beat is way too slow.

All of you.

And timing is everything.

You little drummer boy,

what was that?

Thirty beats per minute?

Try one twenty.

And you on the guitar,

throw in some power chords

and a finger transition in between,

I could go on, but I gotta go now.

Hey city girl, if you're so smart,

show us how to do it right.

I don't have time.

See, she's all talk.

Mom said you're not

supposed to do this.

First you gotta change that beat.

It drives everything.

Have a seat.

I wanna go back to

the hotel.

It's boring here.

I wanna go back to

the hotel room.

Mom said.

Okay listen. Can you go back

to the hotel by yourself?

It's only three blocks

from here.

Promise to stay there

'til mom or dad get back?

And if Mom asks?

I'll say it was

my idea.

Okay, straight to

the hotel.

I could really use

your help with this.

I mean you must put together events

for that big advertising company.

Well, uh,

I can't do...

Oh, no, no...

Just watch, okay.

Just for a minute

or two.

And this is

our big closer.

Come on in, ladies.

All right, Sydney.

Ready to show her

a little of our preview?

What do you do?

Five, six,

seven, eight.

That was good.

Uh, GOOD!

You can be honest. We're tough.

We can...

It needs work.

A lot.

Why are you staring

at me like that?

Well, you get paid

thousands of dollars,

which means you must know

something about everything.

Besides, you're probably the only one

here who's ever seen a real musical.

Uh, there isn't

enough time.

So you can do it?

There is not

enough time.

But you can do it!

Okay. Uh, I think maybe

the best thing to do,

would be to learn

five or six basic steps

and then we could put them

into sort of a combo.

Um, you know what,

let's do it together now.

Let's do a hip snap

and, ready and...

One, two, three, good,

back, back, snap, go.

Where did that

come from?

Oh, I used to dance

like a thousand years ago.

You know what?

How about the box step?

Yeah? Do you know it?

Do you wanna learn it?

Okay, let's do that.

So we're gonna cross

with the right foot,

in front

of the left foot.

And ya cross, step back,

to the right, and up.

Look we're

making a box.

To back, to the right

and up. Good.

What happened?

Life.

You know maybe it was fate

that brought you here.

Oh I'm pretty sure

it was a broken car.

Good job, everybody. But I

really need to find a phone.

Well, here we are.

That's a pretty big

mountain.

This really is in the

middle of nowhere, huh?

Yes, it sure is.

But it makes folks look after each

other just a little bit more.

Let's go see Virgil.

Virgil! Yo, Virgil, we

brought you some grub!

Did you ever

live in the city?

Four years.

Did you like it?

At first... I had a

great job on the docks.

But after a while

I got tired of everybody

trying to hide from

everybody else.

It seemed like

folks were trying to

get away from each other rather

than get to know each other.

The whole time I was there,

I never met my neighbours.

So I moved back to

Nowhere,

I guess that wasn't such

a good choice, was it?

Come on, it can't be

all that bad, can it?

Hhmmm. Well at least I

know my neighbours.

Yo, Virg, we got some

cookies for ya from Sam!

Ooops, I think I forgot

them back in the truck.

Run back and get them for me?

Yeah,

yeah sure.

Virg. Come on out, my man!

Coleman!

Coleman!

Is this some kind of hazing prank

you play on city folk. Huh?

Hey Coleman,

this isn't funny.

Coleman!

Coleman! Coleman!

You okay?

This is a first. I'm being

rescued by rudolph.

You okay,

can you sit up?

Yeah, cause I just went and

got the red ones, so...

Where's dad?

Oh, um, he's with the barber.

Uh, the mechanic.

Dad?

I don't get it.

Yeah,

you know Dad.

He's probably micro-managing

the poor guy's every move.

Okay, let's think of something

we can all do together.

Oh, I kinda have to

go somewhere.

Where?

A bunch of kids are hanging

out at the high school,

they're working on

a project.

What kind

of project?

School stuff. Paper

mache, things like that.

Oh, okay. Well don't go far,

you'll stay in town, right?

Like, yes.

Okay.

And take Nolan.

Mom!

Fine. Nolan, you get

to stick with me.

Okay, this fabulous game, can we draw?

Tic, tac, toe!

So, this is

a coal mine, eh?

Uh huh. But you're

holding, that's just dirt.

City slicker, huh?

At least I know what to

getcha for Christmas.

No, no. Don't say

it, don't say it.

A lump of coal.

Okay, that's terrible, that's terrible.

Ha ha ha.

You know there was a lot of

talk around town at one time

about turning this

mountain into a ski area.

But for some reason,

it just never got going.

Jeremiah, had plans to build a

ski lift on top of the mountain,

bring in resort planners

and everything,

but it all fell through when

he couldn't get the backing.

Now tell me something,

how we gonna get out?

Mom, I wanna go

look around.

Nolan, I dunno.

Please, I wanna go find

some kids to play with.

You have your old people, Trish

has some friends, Dad's gone.

Please?

Well, I guess. But

Nolan, don't go far.

Okay.

Hi.

sways, kicks.

And to the right.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Here we go.

Sway, sway, sway.

Back to the left,

sway, sway, sway.

Step kick, step kick,

step kick.

Oh, oh, oh!

You okay?

Yeah, it's just

an old injury.

Oh, uh, can you

tough it out?

Okay, okay,

she can tough it out.

It's very exciting.

You have two moves.

Aw, hell of a job,

Annie.

You guys do it.

Five, six, seven, eight.

This isn't

gonna work.

Oh I have faith in us.

And you.

Did you...

Uh...

What?

Did you ever make it to

the big time?

Kind of. Once, I was fourth on the left.

Broadway.

Oh, Sam, it was big,

it was really, really big.

It was like I was on top of the

mountain, I was just looking down.

Yeah, but you know.

Life.

I mean things are never easy.

I mean not for anybody.

My mother always said, life doesn't

change you, you change it.

Obviously your mother

was not in advertising.

Uh, well,

you here to audition?

I thought I made it clear,

there's not going to

be a Christmas pageant

this year.

And I thought I made it

clear that there was.

Sam...

You tell these women to

go back to their homes

and do what wives

are supposed to do.

Don't start that

with me, Jeremiah.

The town can't

afford it!

And the men folk don't

want it either.

They've all got problems

of their own,

they don't need to be reminded

of how bad things are.

Maybe that's why

we need this.

To take their minds off

of how bad things are.

I'm gonna put an end to this

silly thing once and for all.

Mark my words,

Ladies.

There won't be a Christmas

pageant this year.

Or ever again.

So, where were we.

We had a little sway.

What,

you wanna do it? Absolutely!

Okay.

We're gonna do it.

We're gonna do our grapevines,

we're gonna do our kicks.

We're gonna add more moves!

Everybody ready?

Yes!

Music!

Five, six, seven, eight.

To the right.

Sway, sway, sway. And to the left.

Sway, sway, sway.

And step kick, step kick,

step kick, step kick.

Are you ready to

just keep goin',

cause we're gonna do

a turn right now.

Go.

And up and...

Okay...

Whoa, whoa,

you all right?

You're gonna have to tell

me how this is gonna work.

Uh, uh it's a block

and tackle.

Um, like an engine hoist.

There ya go, other foot.

Where'd

you learn this?

Sailing school. I got a

forty-foot schooner back at home.

All right.

Okay, I need you to

hang in there.

Okay. I need ya to help me out.

All right. Stay there.

Okay, okay,

wait, wait, wait, wait.

What?

I'm gonna need

some music.

You what?

Music! It'll help distract

me from the pain.

I don't have

any music.

Can't you sing

something.

No, I don't sing.

Stop!

Uh, uh, uh, uh,

I'm sorry, I...

This is private property,

what are you doing here?

I, my mom,

and Trisha says I...

And my dad's car I...

And my dad's car, I...

Will ya just relax.

Take it easy, kid.

I'm sorry, I've just never

seen a train like this before.

Well this here is a nineteen forty-one

Burlington Silverstreak Zephyr.

Number thirty-nine

of fifty.

Um, it's worth more than you can imagine.

Not for kids.

But this is a toy store

and toys are for kids.

It ain't anything

anymore.

Look, you better leave,

this is private property!

Go on!

Kid, would you

get outta here! Now!

It's a toy store,

and toys are for kids!

Smile, you need to

smile.

Real smiles.

Better, but you've got just

twenty-four hours to get it perfect.

You're really

pushin' us.

You wanna be good?

Why did you quit singing

lessons, anyway?

It stopped being fun. My

mom pushed me too much.

She was gonna be a

dancer a long time ago,

she even made it to

Broadway.

So what happened?

Me, then my brother.

So, she gave it all up and now

she wants to live through you?

She doesn't have time

for it.

But she wants me to have all

the opportunities she didn't.

And not have regrets.

Everybody has regrets.

Adults have more

because they've

been around longer.

Whatever. Come on you guys,

let's get this down.

One, two, three and...

I know it's none

of my business.

But.

I think you need to

have your pageant.

You can see it,

huh?

It's not the town

that's dying, it's them.

They're giving up.

Why can't they

figure that out?

Maybe they're afraid.

Don't have

a Santa Claus yet?

Can't have Christmas

without Santa Claus.

Maybe that's what

Mr. B needs.

We haven't had a Santa

in a long time, Nolan.

I don't think he's

gonna find us again.

Santa Claus sometimes get lost,

but he never forgets anyone.

You're a pretty

smart guy, Nolan.

Every kid knows that

Santa always shows up.

Maybe someone

just has to remind him.

What do you think?

The show must

go on.

Jeremiah.

Oh, I can

handle him.

Come on, Nolan,

you can help.

I have to finish

my milkshake, Mom.

Be on your

best behaviour?

I will.

seven, eight.

And point. Okay.

All right, good job.

Take a break.

Take a break.

You know what,

I want you to put some

ice on that knee.

It looks like we got

a complete show.

Well, except for one thing.

Santa.

Oh, we had one fella,

the perfect choice.

So?

He, yeah, no he can't

do it anymore.

You don't wanna ask

Jeremiah about it.

Ladies!

As Mayor of Nowhere, I am

shuttin' this show down.

You can't

just do that.

I can and I am.

Well we're just gonna

find someplace else.

Figured as much.

But it turns out you're all

in violation of a town bi-law

that requires an application for

a permit to allow a gathering

of the political purposes

within town limits.

You can have your Christmas

pageant, outside of town limits.

But there's nowhere else to

do it but the high school.

I guess you're

closed down then.

Come on, ladies,

break it up!

Come on, go on home

where you belong!

Let's go, boys.

Jeremiah,

I am warning you.

Sam, dinner hour's coming up.

You better be ready.

No, these ladies aren't

going anywhere.

Ma'am, you're not from here and

I suggest you stay outta this.

People just wanna

do something for the town,

look at these ladies,

they're dancers!

You have singers and

a chicken handler.

And all they wanna do

is get up on the stage

and do what

they do best,

to get your town up

on it's feet, for one night.

You can't cancel that.

Ma'am, you don't

know nothin'.

I know that this town

is more than just you.

And more than

your grumpy friends too.

People need hope.

Hope.

Nowhere's all outta hope.

You don't think

we've tried?

I've gone to every bank

within two hundred miles.

I went to

the state capital.

The only thing

we can hope for is to

get outta here with

the clothes on our back

and some pictures

of what Nowhere used to be.

And the last thing we need is a

couple of well to do yuppies

and their fancy luxury car

telling us what to do.

But why cancel

the pageant?

Cause it's a dream. And we

can't afford dreams anymore.

Then I feel sorry

for you.

I feel sorry

for you, too.

It was really nice to

meet you ladies.

What are you

doin' here?

Coffee?

I don't want none.

Coffee's getting cold.

Brought you a cookie.

I told ya,

I don't want none!

And will you stop coming

in here unannounced!

Hey, you good?

All right,

I'm ready.

Okay.

Here we go.

Jingle bells, Coleman will

this be your lucky day?

Not much fun

this is to ride...

How much

do you weigh?

Oh, very funny,

very funny.

What now?

When Jeremiah gets a burr in his

saddle, he's pretty darn committed.

Why this?

He tried everything he could to

keep the mining companies here.

He offered every imaginable

deal to get them to stay.

He's been Mayor nearly twenty years.

Folks were counting on him.

If anybody could save this

town, it'd be Jeremiah.

But he didn't.

He convinced people to

stand behind him

and when he lost the

battle, so did they.

You've seen those storefronts

outside, the closed up ones.

A lot of people lost everything

because of Jeremiah.

At least that's

what they said.

Aww, he took that

so hard.

But he's the Mayor

so he accepted the blame.

He even got resort experts in and

they said if we built ski lifts

on that great big hill

that hotel chains would

come flocking to us

with their money.

And no one would give us

that first loan.

I mean,

one bank was interested,

but they want collateral

we just don't have.

Maybe he's right.

Maybe there is

no hope for Nowhere.

If there's one thing

I know about banks,

it's that you have to

keep looking.

There's always one that

is willing to help,

you just have to

keep trying.

Nobody wants to

try anymore.

You heard Jeremiah.

Hey. You saw the look in

those performers eyes.

You saw them. If everybody

saw that they'd change.

You have to

go ahead with it.

Christmas eve

is tomorrow.

Hey for what it's worth,

you were pretty good.

I mean, kinda snappy

and all, but

you whipped us

into almost passable shape.

I guess it doesn't matter now

that the Mayor stopped the show.

I was wondering, do you wanna

go get a coffee or something?

They got mochas here?

What's that?

An overpriced

coffee.

I think the Bee Hive has those little

packages of decaffeinated coffee.

Sure, why not.

Really?

Nothing else to

do here, is there?

Jingle bells.

Ohhh.

One more, one more, one more, one more!

Come on!

In a one horse open...

We did it!

We did it!

You did it,

Mr. Benson.

I think it's okay to call me Charles now.

All right?

How 'bout Chuck?

Uh, Chucky baby.

You are one hell of a guy.

Man, I owe ya my life.

Well, the snow

stopped.

That is...

quite a mountain.

How much

does Jeremiah need?

I think for starters,

$400,000.

Cheers.

Cheers.

Hello.

Who's there?

Ain't gonna get rid

of you, am I?

What do you want?

I wanna see

the Zephyr run.

You know, my grand-daddy, gave

her to me just before he...

I was around your age.

You know,

she's never been run.

Awesome.

Might as well

take her for a run.

You'll probably never see

somethin' like this again.

Not with them computers and all

that junk you kids have these days.

Easy at first now.

Easy, there she goes.

Hi, Mom.

Nolan's outside playing

or something.

I don't know what's

going on.

I think it's as old

as the world is.

No, I mean everything. It's like

miss, I need an outlet mall,

she's acting like she's

lived here all her life.

And then,

there's Charles.

Charles is working at a soup

kitchen, and Charles doesn't cook.

Nolan's outside playing

in the snow.

At home he'd either be watching twenty

of the hundred television stations,

or playing his computer

and video games.

And then there's me.

Remember my big deal?

I'd forgotten

all about it.

And they're all shut

for sure by now.

It's called a holiday.

The word means

a chance to spend time

with family and friends.

Well we've never had

a holiday like this.

I mean, if my friends

could see me now.

They'd probably be

envious.

Yeah.

You know. I just really

like your coffee.

But, why not?

Cause I ain't getting dressed up

in no stupid costume, that's why!

But I saw your picture out front,

you were the best Santa ever.

And I ain't doin nothin for that

Jeremiah B. and that's that!

It's for the kids

and the town.

My mom and Sam are putting

on a Christmas show.

Do you see what

this place is, kid?

You see what this place is now?

It's nothing.

This used to be the best toy

store in the mountains.

People drove here from fifty

miles away to buy toys.

Jeremiah B. wiped it out, he

wiped out all the businesses.

You look around this room, you

see what Jeremiah B. did to me.

I swore, I would never do

anything to help him ever again.

Or even the town after that.

Never is never!

Now don't you gotta be

somewhere else.

Sam!

My first instinct is to

pour this in your lap,

but I am just way too

nice of a person.

Annie.

What happened?

Well Charles here,

saved my life.

Everything's fine.

It's okay.

Are you hurt

or anything?

I'm fine, I'm fine. Everything's okay.

It's a long story.

I'm just really happy to

see you and be here.

Oh...

Will you guys

cut it out?

I found Santa!

Dad?

And I have got

some great news.

I just saw my cousin outside

and the parts are in.

So I'm gonna have your car

ready to go by the morning.

We can still have the

Christmas like we planned.

Well, it's

as good as new.

If there's one thing I

do know, it's cars.

It's cars!

Thanks, Coleman.

It's the least I

could do, Ma'am.

Meatloaf sandwiches

for the road.

What about

the pageant?

We're gonna do it

anyway.

Are you sure?

I can't help it if the performers

want to get together on Christmas eve

and start accidentally doing

what they've been practicing.

Sure wish

you were staying.

I wish we could too.

But we have the reservations and...

Oh sure,

I understand.

It was grand

meeting you, Annie.

You too, Sam.

You okay?

Yeah, sure.

Thanks.

For everything.

Just keep an eye

on the oil gauge

for the next hundred miles, all right?

Should be okay.

Okay.

Thanks.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas to

all of you.

Nolan, come on,

we gotta go.

One word

and you're dead.

The radio's working!

What? I don't believe

it, three bars.

What did you

do that for?

Look, your mother's

gotta call her office,

I gotta check the

reservations at the resort.

Why don't you guys go and

get some sandwiches?

Yeah, and I want a coffee...

No, a latte.

What's wrong?

Something's missing.

What exactly happened

back there in Nowhere?

I don't know yet.

I have this feeling I should

do something for them.

You're certainly

in a position to.

Sure got a lot

of garbage to eat.

I want Sam's

meatloaf sandwiches.

We can have them

tomorrow.

I want them now.

You know what? In a few

hours we're gonna be

at the resort, just in time

for Christmas eve.

I don't know

anybody there.

What? What about the parties?

They're just school friends.

I can see them anytime.

What about me?

I don't know anybody.

You'll meet kids.

Guys, we got all kinds

of great presents,

ready to open, on

Christmas morning. Huh?

I wonder what Santa's

doing right now.

We're dyin out there.

I am not gonna let Jeremiah

be right, not this time.

You really think

this is a good idea?

Well, it's too late

for that now.

I'm gonna go look

for Santa.

Okay.

Let's go.

Woo, woo, woo, woo, woo! Yeah!

Okay, come. Good job.

You're next.

Hey.

What are you

doing here?

Uh, just a little unfinished business.

How's it going?

Don't ask.

I can help you

get the girls ready.

Thank you.

Oh.

Oh, here buddy!

Here!

Now he catches it.

Teddy!

When are you on?

We're on next.

Oh!

What are you

doing here?

We need a Santa Claus

for the pageant!

Go home, kid.

I promised them

I'd find Santa.

Deck the halls

with boughs of holly

Fa la la la la

la la la la

Tis the season to

be jolly

fa la la la la

la la la la

Don we now

our g*y apparel

fa la la la la

la la la la

Troll the ancient

yuletide carol

Fa la la la la

la la la la

Follow me

in merry measure

Fa la la la la la

la la la la

While I tell

of yuletide treasure

Fa la la la la

la la la la

Deck the halls

with boughs of holly

Deck the halls

with boughs of holly

Deck the halls

with boughs of holly

Deck the halls with boughs

of holly, deck the halls!

Yeah, Trish. Woo!

She was awesome!

She's

really really good.

She gets it all from her mother.

Attitude too.

You get ready.

Everyone, it's not

over 'til it's over.

You did before,

just like in your picture.

Ya, well what did they do for

me when I needed them, huh?

The Mayor, the local bigwigs,

they sold me out. All of them!

But what would a kid

know about that?

What would a kid know about losing

everything that mattered to ya

because of the greed

of others?

You wanna know about other people,

you take a look out there.

You take a look at them empty

stores, them deserted streets,

that's what other people

do for other people!

They take away

everything.

But what about

all those new toys?

Well, that's for the day we reopen.

If that ever happens.

I think you need

a time out.

What's that?

You know, when a kid

does something bad

and his parents tell him

he needs a time out?

Grownups think it helps.

You need a time out.

So what you do is sit there

quietly and think about stuff.

What kind of stuff?

Your parents usually tell you to

think about what you did bad.

And what's that

supposed to do?

I dunno, usually

by the time I sit down

I forgot what I was

supposed to think about.

So you figure, that I should

forget about what they did to me?

Yeah, so you could be

Santa.

I'm just not gonna get

rid of you, am I?

Good job, good job!

There he is!

What now?

No.

Yes, I think now

is the perfect time.

I, I just don't think,

he's not gonna like it.

Oh, I'm so proud

of you.

Okay, girls,

come here.

Just remember,

lead with your right.

Where's Sydney?

She's not coming.

Her knee swelled up to

the size of a beach ball.

It looks like

your size.

No.

You know you wanna.

No way!

I'll pay you all my allowance

for the next month.

The next two months,

promise.

Oh my.

Is that your Mom?

I don't believe it.

Go get 'em, girls.

I didn't know

Mom could still dance.

Well, she can.

We're a hit!

That was so cool!

Jeremiah!

Jeremiah!

I think I can help you.

Not now, Charles,

I can handle this.

I can't believe it!

We wish you

a merry Christmas

we wish you

a merry Christmas

we wish you a merry Christmas

and a happy new year

Good tidings we bring,

to you and your kin

good tidings for Christmas

and a happy new year

Oh bring us

some figgy pudding,

oh bring us

some figgy pudding,

oh bring us

some figgy pudding

now bring it

right here.

We won't go

until we get some,

we won't go

until we get some,

we won't go until we get some,

so bring it right here.

h*, h*, h*! Merry

Christmas, everyone!

h*, h*, h*! h*, h*, h*, h*!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Nolan!

Merry Christmas!

I have a very special

gift for you.

I'll take good care

of it.

I gotta say. We're

gonna miss you guys.

Your family sure has

touched this town.

Well you're gonna, you're

gonna be seeing more of us.

Really?

I've been able to

arrange the ski lift loan.

Oh.

Okay did you hear

what I said?

I said, I've been able to arrange

to get you the $400,000.

Yeah, it's just uh,

hold on, everybody.

Why would you wanna go on

and do somethin' like that?

For these people. Because,

because they deserve it.

And just like that,

you're gonna go on

and give Nowhere almost

a half a million dollars?

When I first came to

this town I thought,

I thought it was finished.

But then I got to

know the people

and I realized that there

is so much more here.

I mean,

I saved a man's life.

Look, and I saw that

there was hope.

And it, it came in the form of, I

dunno, a bunch of singers and dancers,

and chickens.

You're a banker,

aren't ya?

Yes.

Well, you're gonna need

approval.

Yeah, I will have to

ask the bank president,

but um,

I think I'll say yes.

You're?

Well?

Sure!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas.

Thanks!

I lovI love you.

We wish you

a merry Christmas

We wish you

a merry Christmas

We wish you a merry Christmas

and a happy new year.