The Christmas Path

An angel cast out by Santa Claus must restore a young boy's faith in order to regain his wings in this family holiday fantasy in the tradition of Miracle on 34th Street and starring Vincent Spano and Dee Wallace Stone. Jenny Banks (Stone) is a widow and single mother doing her best just to make ends meet and care for her young daughter Dora (Madylin Sweeton) and pre-teen son Cal (Shia LaBeouf). Unable to afford a pair of angel wings for Dora's role in the upcoming school play, Jenny helps her daughter pen a letter to Santa in hopes that the jolly man in red will provide a bit of assistance.

Directed by Bernard Salzmann, The Christmas Path leans on a strong ensemble — Vincent Spano, Dee Wallace, Shia LaBeouf — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about family titles of 1998.