Review of Wishin' and Hopin'

I attended the premier of this movie this afternoon in New London, at the beautifully restored Garde Arts Center. The movie was filmed locally, with a lot of local folks as extras- which added to the enjoyment of recognizing familiar faces. Two shows, completely sold out, with the net proceeds being divided among three local food pantries. Wally Lamb is a class act, and the folks who made this movie made it true to the spirit of the book. Casting Conchetta Farrell and Meat Loaf as a nun and the parish priest was perfect- can you think of two folks less likely to be playing these parts? I did keep thinking of 'Paradise By the Dashboard Light' and 'Two and a Half Men..." each time they were on camera. The kids were believable,the story line believable.. overall, a thoroughly enjoyable experience!! In fact, it is the ONLY time I have felt the movie was better than the book. It will be on the Lifetime Channel on Dec. 6 at 8- watch it and laugh- finally, a non-smarmy Christmas movie.