Pictures of Hollis Woods

Most Christmas movies are so pat, we know the ending from the start. Though adults may sit with children watching Frosty or Rudolph and enjoy these chestnuts, there are never enough new, great holiday movies.

Pictures of Hollis Woods, a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie on CBS Sunday, December 2, is that rare film. It stars Sissy Spacek as a retired art teacher whose heart exceeds her abilities, who takes in foster kid Hollis Woods (Jodelle Ferland).

Hollis, named after a section in Queens, N.Y., was left on a street corner when she was but an hour old. Understandably, she has a tough shell. A gifted artist who sketches works of beauty, Hollis is perfectly played by Ferland (Good Luck Chuck). Hollis has bounced around the foster care system and runs away when unhappy, leaving her with a spotty school record and a reputation as difficult. Given that she's 12, she must remain a ward of the state.

As they drive to yet another home, Edna Reilly (Alfre Woodard) says, "I'm a social worker, not a magician. We are running out of options for you."

Finally, it looks as if the right match is made. Josie Cahill (Spacek) continues to sculpt and paint in the warm home she shares with ornery cat Henry.