I was watching this film today and at first I thought it was maudlin and sentimental. Then as it got closer toward a climax I was thinking how wonderful it was for Ronny Cox and daughters Natasha Gregson Wagner and Tracey Needham to get a return visit from his late wife and their mother Meredith Baxter. And just in time for Christmas.

Call me a sentimental fool, but I have to say I wouldn't mind a return visit from both my parents and my sister who've gone from this life.

That's what happens to Cox after he sustains a mild stroke and for his recovery Wagner takes him back to the small town and the house that they grew up in. She also calls Tracey Needham in who has moved to another big city and is an advertising executive. When they get home certain things start to happen as if by magic. Cox knows what's going on, but eventually the daughters are clued in when Meredith Baxter returns from the beyond to spend Christmas with her still earthbound family.

As you can imagine a whole range of issues bothering the still living relatives are thrashed out to the point where the film is getting a bit bogged down. I guess it's what happens when you have an Angel In The Family and they come calling.

Angel In The Family is somewhat talky and verbose, but who could argue with a wonderful concept that I only wished happened in my life. And I suspect those of you reading this will feel likewise.