At the start of this fact-based movie, Hollis tells where she got her name as we look at her beautiful art work. As a baby, she was abandoned at Hollis and Woods in Queens. A note attached to her said to call her Hollis Woods.
Hollis has spent time in a number of foster homes, and apparently she has never been happy in any of them. Edna, a social worker, is driving her to her latest home, with quirky and scatterbrained artist Josie Cahill in a small town with a lighthouse.
In flashbacks, we learn that Hollis was actually happy with the Regans. She spent the summer in a cabin with no TV or phone, but with lots of love and beautiful scenery to draw. She developed a brotherly relationship with the slightly mischievous Steven. And Steven's father gave her his old drawing set, something Hollis really appreciated because she's such a talented artist. But we later learn why she left such an ideal situation.
Hollis may have found yet another loving guardian, and she lies to make sure she will spend as much time with Josie as possible. Her lies may end up having the opposite result, but because of a situation beyond her control, Hollis may not get to stay anyway.
Josie's cousin Beatrice, also an artist, runs the movie theater. She's almost as weird as Josie, and it turns out Josie and Hollis have something in common, which is why Josie and Beatrice are so close.
There are a couple of near-tragedies toward the end, but don't worry. Things will turn out all right. It's a film the whole family can watch, provided the kids are willing to be a little scared.
All the leading actors do a good job. Sissy Spacek stands out from the rest just because she's so delightfully quirky, but also because she has a real challenge. Alfre Woodard has one really good scene that stands out from the rest of her fine performance. And of course Jodelle Ferland is good in the leading role.
Henry the Cat (Josie's best friend) doesn't do much, but he's cute and quite pretty to look at. He doesn't look like he likes Hollis, but later she gets to hold him.
I didn't see the name of the artist who drew Hollis' pictures, but this person is really talented. Josie's sculptures were also quite good.
It's a production worthy of the Hallmark Hall of Fame.
