The National Tree

Name: The National Tree
Genre: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Small Town, Father/Son
Released: 2009-01-01
Duration: 1 h 28 min
Rating: 5.8
Cast: Andrew McCarthy, Evan Williams, Kari Matchett, Paula Brancati, Jayne Eastwood

5.8/10 · 716 ratings20091h 28mThanksgivingWeirdness 3/10Bingo card

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The premise

A teenager has his Sitka Spruce tree chosen to be planted outside the White House as the new national Christmas Tree.

How unusual is it?

Honestly? Not very — and that's the charm. It plays the hits, which is exactly the point for a cozy night in.

Who’s in it

Our Guy

Andrew McCarthy

as Corey Burdock

Our Girl

Kari Matchett

as Faith

Alongside them

Show all 10 cast

Behind the camera

Show

Directed by

Graeme Campbell

Written by

Every trope, all in one place

Here’s everything this one has going on, from the setting to the way it wraps up. Tap any of the 26 to find more movies that do the same thing.

26 tropes in one movie

We counted 26 distinct Hallmark tropes packed into this one — a genuine greatest-hits reel.

The backstory

The National Tree is a 2009 American-Canadian made-for-television drama film by Graeme Campbell. It features Andrew McCarthy and Evan Williams as father and son on a road-trip from Oregon to Washington, D.C. transporting their own Sitka Spruce tree on a truck to be planted across from the White House on Thanksgiving.

From Wikipedia, available under CC BY-SA.

How it stacks up

Where this one’s rating lands against every other rated Hallmark movie.

Among the lower-rated Hallmark movies — the median is 6.4.

Where this one fits

The corners of the catalog The National Tree belongs to — handy if you’re after more of the same.

BINGOA calendar reminder raises the stakesSomeone’s guard finally comes downSomeone decorates a Christmas treeA nervous voicemail goes unsentThe lead works as a studentSet in autumnA happy endingA misunderstanding nearly ruins everythingSomeone gets flustered during small talkA first impression that turns out completely wrongA walk-and-talk through townA heart-to-heart on a porch or bench★A cosy interior full of warm lightingA classic Hallmark meet-cuteThe two leads are forced to work togetherA change of heart by the final actPlans get derailed by the weatherA cup of cocoa, coffee or ciderA best friend who has all the answersA pep talk that changes everythingA family reconcilesA class or family reunionA single parentOld flames reunite

Hallmark Bingo

Your The National Tree card is dealt.

Twenty-four squares pulled from this movie’s own quirks — the cosy classics, a few only-in-this-one curveballs, and a couple of decoys. Mark them as you watch.

Open your card

Meet the characters

Who’s who before you press play. Nothing here gives the ending away.

Corey Burdock
Lead
Teenager
earnesthopefulbrave
Faith
Love interest
Person in the family's life
Love interest for Corey's father
warmsupportivekind
Rock Burdock
Supporting
Corey's father
Father
lovingproud
Katie
Supporting
Acquaintance
Person in Corey's life
friendly
Aaron
Supporting
Acquaintance
Person in the story
Jim
Supporting
Acquaintance
Person in the story

Questions people ask about The National Tree

Where can I watch The National Tree?

The National Tree is available via fuboTV, Philo, and Hallmark+ Amazon Channel. Streaming options change often, so check current availability before settling in.

How long is The National Tree?

The National Tree runs about 1 hour and 28 minutes, and was released in 2009.

Is The National Tree a Christmas movie?

Yes. The National Tree is a Hallmark Christmas movie, set during the holiday season.

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