This is the second time my wife and I have viewed this film and we think it's a perfect Christmas film. It's heart-warming and can be viewed by the whole family. I hope in the near future that it is released on video as I would love to purchase a copy for my very own (that's my Christmas Wish).
17 Reviews
A wholesome Christmas movie
Delphian28 December 1999
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The story, although predictable, is interesting enough to keep one's attention. This is good wholesome entertainment, something you aren't afraid to let the kids watch. These types of movies tend to be few and far between. But we must remember that this is a made-for-TV movie, and therefore, it is unfair to compare it to classical holiday theatrical releases such as It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Nevertheless, it is a good Christmas story that bears repeat viewing.
Neil Patrick Harris is the main reason this is a good movie. He tackles the rather lackluster script, bringing life to the whole film. He also out acts his poor supporting cast. One notable exception is Beverly Archer as the loyal employee Mrs Cook, who doesn't like Harris's plans for his grandfather's business. Harris, however, has obviously matured - in more ways than one - since his days as Doogie Howser. He brings a depth to his character, that is lacking in so many TV movies. I can only hope he will take his talent to the big screen more often in the future. Harris proves that not all child stars have to pass by the wayside the minute they reached adulthood.
The combination of Harris' commanding performance and his urgency to find out the identity of the mysterious woman his grandfather visited every Christmas Eve, make the movie enjoyable. Perhaps it is a bit overly sentimental, but after all it is a Christmas story.
Neil Patrick Harris is the main reason this is a good movie. He tackles the rather lackluster script, bringing life to the whole film. He also out acts his poor supporting cast. One notable exception is Beverly Archer as the loyal employee Mrs Cook, who doesn't like Harris's plans for his grandfather's business. Harris, however, has obviously matured - in more ways than one - since his days as Doogie Howser. He brings a depth to his character, that is lacking in so many TV movies. I can only hope he will take his talent to the big screen more often in the future. Harris proves that not all child stars have to pass by the wayside the minute they reached adulthood.
The combination of Harris' commanding performance and his urgency to find out the identity of the mysterious woman his grandfather visited every Christmas Eve, make the movie enjoyable. Perhaps it is a bit overly sentimental, but after all it is a Christmas story.
Sentiment that is not sappy.
mark.waltz3 December 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Wall Street Broker Neil Patrick Harris returns to his small town looking after his recently widowed grandmother (Debbie Reynolds) who presents a Christmas Wish to him that threatens to open a Pandora's Box. Find the mysterious Lily, someone his beloved grandfather visited every year on Christmas Eve. Shocked by the thought that his grandfather could have had an affair, Harris begins the search with the help of the patriarch's massive collection of journals. Having been raised by his grandparents after his parents were killed in a car accident, Harris is protective of their marital legacy and hopes for good news rather than either the shock of a mistress or an illegitimate child. What he discovers is more of a legacy than most people leave behind in their entire lifetime.
In his grandfather's real estate office, he finds he has a hard time living up to his grandfather's memory as he deals with employee discord between one of their top real estate agents and the long-time accountant (Beverly Archer of "Mama's Family") who acts like a CEO rather than an employee. But Archer (who resembles Edith Head) is not all she seems to be and sympathy lies on her side as the truth is revealed. As Harris discovers more about his unseen grandfather (we never see a picture or a flashback), he learns what a remarkable man he was, the type that rarely, if ever, exists. This brings him to some conclusions about himself and opens up the door for further change in everybody's lives.
"A Christmas Wish" is one of those holiday movies that threatens to be sappy but never is. The ever-boyish Harris is excellent and gives many dimensions to a character with many levels. Ms. Reynolds, still glamorous today, gives a soft and low-key performance that will thrill her many fans and open up the door for others to check out her 60 plus years of work. There are nice cameos by two actors from "The Young and the Restless" (Michael Fairman and Jerry Douglas) as old chums of the grandfather that add to the old-school gentlemantility that is refreshing to see on screen. The revelation of who the mysterious Lily is, and the devices the writers use to make the revelation, is ingenious. This is a Christmas movie not to miss, especially without Kleenex.
In his grandfather's real estate office, he finds he has a hard time living up to his grandfather's memory as he deals with employee discord between one of their top real estate agents and the long-time accountant (Beverly Archer of "Mama's Family") who acts like a CEO rather than an employee. But Archer (who resembles Edith Head) is not all she seems to be and sympathy lies on her side as the truth is revealed. As Harris discovers more about his unseen grandfather (we never see a picture or a flashback), he learns what a remarkable man he was, the type that rarely, if ever, exists. This brings him to some conclusions about himself and opens up the door for further change in everybody's lives.
"A Christmas Wish" is one of those holiday movies that threatens to be sappy but never is. The ever-boyish Harris is excellent and gives many dimensions to a character with many levels. Ms. Reynolds, still glamorous today, gives a soft and low-key performance that will thrill her many fans and open up the door for others to check out her 60 plus years of work. There are nice cameos by two actors from "The Young and the Restless" (Michael Fairman and Jerry Douglas) as old chums of the grandfather that add to the old-school gentlemantility that is refreshing to see on screen. The revelation of who the mysterious Lily is, and the devices the writers use to make the revelation, is ingenious. This is a Christmas movie not to miss, especially without Kleenex.
Heart-warming, Touching and eventually Satisfying!
daddydow9 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
I liked this TV movie very much; it has touches of Mystery, Suspense and Drama all enveloped with Christmas and Family.
Neil Patrick Harris does an excellent job and shows that he has surpassed Doogie Howser's shadow.
Extremely heart-warming throughout, the interaction between characters is real, the writing and acting are all of top Quality.
The mystery aspect that is the backbone of the story is well thought out.
Possible Spoiler, sorry- fair warning!!!! Neil's character Will Martin, in his trying to discover the mysterious Lilly's identity by tracking down people listed in his Grandfathers journal's leads the viewer on an entertaining and heart-felt tour of small town middle America at it's best.
This TV movie will leave you feeling satisfied and contemplating friends and family.
I wish this title were available on DVD!
Neil Patrick Harris does an excellent job and shows that he has surpassed Doogie Howser's shadow.
Extremely heart-warming throughout, the interaction between characters is real, the writing and acting are all of top Quality.
The mystery aspect that is the backbone of the story is well thought out.
Possible Spoiler, sorry- fair warning!!!! Neil's character Will Martin, in his trying to discover the mysterious Lilly's identity by tracking down people listed in his Grandfathers journal's leads the viewer on an entertaining and heart-felt tour of small town middle America at it's best.
This TV movie will leave you feeling satisfied and contemplating friends and family.
I wish this title were available on DVD!
Well Its All Talk Little Action & A Small Mystery But Play a Game With This Movie
Christmas-Reviewer20 September 2017
BEWARE OF FALSE REVIEWS & REVIEWERS. SOME REVIEWERS HAVE ONLY ONE REVIEW TO THEIR NAME. NOW WHEN ITS A POSITIVE REVIEW THAT TELLS ME THEY WERE INVOLVED WITH THE MOVIE. IF ITS A NEGATIVE REVIEW THEN THEY MIGHT HAVE A GRUDGE AGAINST THE FILM . NOW I HAVE REVIEWED OVER 300 HOLIDAY FILMS & SPECIALS. I HAVE NO AGENDA
A businessman Will Martin tries to uncover a family secret for his grandmother Ruth Martin after he returns to a small town to modernize his family's real-estate company. During thanksgiving dinner his grandmother Ruth tells him she has discovered a woman named Lillian in her husbands Warren's journals. He had visited her every Christmas Eve. Will sets off to solve this mystery.
Now this film is all talk. It's also very quite. Not much happens and the mystery is interesting my not enough to hold most peoples interest.
However what got me through this film was a game. The film had many familiar locations that have been utilized in other films. This film in Southern California and most likely in the Summer. I recognized several locations that were used in "Friday the 13th Part IV" and "Friday the 13th Part V". The Jarvis home from "Part IV". There is also a location from Part V that is used. You will see Neil Patrick Harris by gas pumps. This location is where Lana worked at a diner.
Anyway this film is not boring but its not very interesting. Even Debbie Reynolds scenes are almost limited to one location.
This was not a bad movie but it could of been much better.
A businessman Will Martin tries to uncover a family secret for his grandmother Ruth Martin after he returns to a small town to modernize his family's real-estate company. During thanksgiving dinner his grandmother Ruth tells him she has discovered a woman named Lillian in her husbands Warren's journals. He had visited her every Christmas Eve. Will sets off to solve this mystery.
Now this film is all talk. It's also very quite. Not much happens and the mystery is interesting my not enough to hold most peoples interest.
However what got me through this film was a game. The film had many familiar locations that have been utilized in other films. This film in Southern California and most likely in the Summer. I recognized several locations that were used in "Friday the 13th Part IV" and "Friday the 13th Part V". The Jarvis home from "Part IV". There is also a location from Part V that is used. You will see Neil Patrick Harris by gas pumps. This location is where Lana worked at a diner.
Anyway this film is not boring but its not very interesting. Even Debbie Reynolds scenes are almost limited to one location.
This was not a bad movie but it could of been much better.
Enjoyed this movie very much.
bamckibb25 December 2000
I have seen this film twice and liked it even more the second time around. With so much commercialism of the Christmas holiday, this film promotes all that the season is supposed to be about, that people are more important than money, compassion for others in difficult situations, and finally, the ultimate and hardest lesson, that of true forgiveness. Many films have great scripts or excellent acting but this film was about the story and the lessons to be learned. I hope that it will become available for purchase in the near future.
Nice cast, dull movie
sydneypatrick26 January 2002
Even as tv christmas fare goes, this one's a snoozer. I usually adore the leads in this but could they possibly have had a more plodding vehicle? There were no surprises, nothing refreshing; in fact, the story line was so tepid and ridiculously drawn that I hated it. I simply hated it. The one shining spot in it all was Naomi Watts' performance as the single mom / love interest. Even Debbie Reynolds' typically vibrant self couldn't pull this one off the pillow. I'm glad I saw it once, but once was quite enough for me.
did the grandfather have a secret?
lib-47 December 1998
Excellent film - entire family would enjoy.
nyjets-126 December 2002
This movie is one of the very best Christmas movies around. It has a good mystery along with a good lesson to be learned regarding the important things in life. Also, the love between the grandparents and grandson is very moving. Highly recommend this movie.
Stupid with a Capital S
brianclarkdallas20 September 2017
This film is boring. It take forever for even the simplest of scenes to end. There is lots of scenes where NPH enters rooms and walks across them that were not needed. Every scene had 20 seconds that should have been cut. Almost Every scene with his "Girlfriend" were not needed.
Now the story is about a man returning to his home town after the death of the grandfather who raised him. He is now a slick and cynical Wall Street trader! He isn't really taking a sentimental journey at all: He's merely in town to modernize and streamline his family's real-estate company. While going through his grandfather's effects, Will and his grandmother (Debbie Reynolds) come across the old man's diary--which reveals a lengthy relationship with a woman named Lillian.
Before he leaves he wants to find out who Lillian is. Now this sounds like a good story and "Part of it is". The main problem is that this film has too thin of a plot. It would have made a better film had they edited it down or come up with a more suitable B Story!
Now the story is about a man returning to his home town after the death of the grandfather who raised him. He is now a slick and cynical Wall Street trader! He isn't really taking a sentimental journey at all: He's merely in town to modernize and streamline his family's real-estate company. While going through his grandfather's effects, Will and his grandmother (Debbie Reynolds) come across the old man's diary--which reveals a lengthy relationship with a woman named Lillian.
Before he leaves he wants to find out who Lillian is. Now this sounds like a good story and "Part of it is". The main problem is that this film has too thin of a plot. It would have made a better film had they edited it down or come up with a more suitable B Story!
I bought the DVD
kennyfone3 January 2004
One Great movie, I've watched it several times. The music in the background is moving---it might not win any awards but if the spirit of Christmas is in your heart, you'll like this movie. I wish I could find the soundtrack.
An intimate, heartfelt Christmas movie
kga585 February 2007
This is one of my favorite Christmas movies. It is slow, to be sure, but the whole feel of it and the ambiance created are beautiful. It is such a heartfelt story and the cast is excellent. Neil Patrick Harris still comes off very young, but his work as Will is multi faceted. Debbie Reynolds is, as always, a joy to watch, and her restrained performance helps anchor the story. I usually can figure out plot twists from the get-go, but the final revelation of who Lillian is was a complete surprise--heart wrenching and uplifting all at once. If you want an intimate, heartfelt holiday movie don't miss THE Christmas WISH.
A pleasant surprise
Freddie-611 December 1999
This is a movie I switched onto by accident,and then really enjoyed it.OK so the storyline was predictable and provided an excuse for the viewers to feel sad and shed a few tears.It is one of those movies that has no violence or sex and can be enjoyed by the whole family.Maybe I am too sentimental but I gave it 9/10.
The Christmas Wish...the TRUE spirit of Christmas
teacherdan24 November 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Having watched this movie for the umpteenth time, it still retains its freshness and charm. Neil Patrick Harris is perfect as the grandson intent on fulfilling his grandmother's Christmas wish...to discover who the woman Lillian was that her husband wrote about in his journals. Harris comes home to arrange for a long-distance management of his grandfather's real estate business, and discovers along the way that there is more to life than business. He discovers that loyalty, friendship, kindness, and compassion are still values worth embracing. Naomi Watts is perfect as Harris's love interest, and Debbie Reynolds lends charm and dignity to the role of Ruth. The movie could be maudlin, but avoids the syrupy sweet moments that often wreck Christmas movies. Since forgiveness is the true spirit of Christmas, The Christmas Wish delivers. This movie is worth the time invested in watching it. I never leave it feeling empty.
a great great movie
ydarbd16 December 2006
chased this little gem down, had to buy it on DVD and closest place to purchase was America. lovely film.. saw it years ago on TV and always wanted to share the experience with friends that never got an opportunity to watch it themselves.never have i forgotten the story or the film's name , waited years to see would it appear on TV again. i honestly never considered buying it on DVD. have a packet of hankies ready as even a brute like me shed a tear at the twist in the story line. a real Christmas story, very true to life with a lesson for everyone. you would never catch the twist near the end. being placed in a similar situation to the characters in the movie it is easy to see how quick it would be to pre-judge somebody without knowing all the facts.this film first appeared in 1988 (ian Barry), be careful there are similarly named movies out there.....
One of my all-time favorite Christmas movies...
ahight-114 November 2015
Debbie Reynolds and Neil Patrick Harris make this show wonderful. The plot and the way it plays out was new and different and really touched me, deeply, having lost all my own parents and grandparents. I can imagine being in the role of the son/grandson and wanting to know...
The twists and turns as he searches for the needed information from the journals was beautifully thought out. A great story, for all generations to enjoy, together, as a family... It speaks of family bonds and things more important than the almighty dollar.
The very believable performances by Neil Patrick Harris and Debbie Reynolds as grandson and grandma put this movie in my top 5 favorites.
I watch this every time I can catch it on TV.
The twists and turns as he searches for the needed information from the journals was beautifully thought out. A great story, for all generations to enjoy, together, as a family... It speaks of family bonds and things more important than the almighty dollar.
The very believable performances by Neil Patrick Harris and Debbie Reynolds as grandson and grandma put this movie in my top 5 favorites.
I watch this every time I can catch it on TV.
Definitely a feel-good movie
jeezypete17 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Although the stars of this movie are known for a lot of comedy, this is a very serious and heartwarming film.
Will Martin, (Neil Patrick Harris), is a young man rising up the corporate ladder in New York when he is called home to settle his recently deceased grandfather's estate. The grandfather owned a real estate business and now it belongs to Will. Will's parents were killed in an auto accident when he was a child and he was raised by his grandparents. Ruth, (Debbie Reynolds), is Will Martin's grandmother. Julia, (Alexandra Wilson), is a young divorcée with a son about 10 years old. Miss Enid Cook, (Beverly Archer of Mama's Family), is an accountant in the real estate company.
Ruth surprises Will with his grandfather's diary, which she only discovered after his death. It is mostly the mundane stuff of day to day life. The big surprise to Ruth and Will is the grandfather's frequent references to a mysterious female named Lillian. Will promises his grandmother that he will discover the truth about Lillian by Christmas Day. Both greatly loved the grandfather and give him the benefit of the doubt - up to a point. The nagging mystery is troubling. Will begins a search via old photos, old friends and employees of the real estate business. It leads Will to learn a lot about himself, as well as his grandfather.
The movie includes side plots of problems for the Alexandra Wilson and Beverly Archer characters.
No spoiler here. Trust that all mysteries are resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, not least the viewer. The Christmas Wish has a pip ending. Some might consider it slightly schmaltzy. If so, it is very high quality schmaltz. I was engrossed from beginning to end. Get out your handkerchiefs.
Will Martin, (Neil Patrick Harris), is a young man rising up the corporate ladder in New York when he is called home to settle his recently deceased grandfather's estate. The grandfather owned a real estate business and now it belongs to Will. Will's parents were killed in an auto accident when he was a child and he was raised by his grandparents. Ruth, (Debbie Reynolds), is Will Martin's grandmother. Julia, (Alexandra Wilson), is a young divorcée with a son about 10 years old. Miss Enid Cook, (Beverly Archer of Mama's Family), is an accountant in the real estate company.
Ruth surprises Will with his grandfather's diary, which she only discovered after his death. It is mostly the mundane stuff of day to day life. The big surprise to Ruth and Will is the grandfather's frequent references to a mysterious female named Lillian. Will promises his grandmother that he will discover the truth about Lillian by Christmas Day. Both greatly loved the grandfather and give him the benefit of the doubt - up to a point. The nagging mystery is troubling. Will begins a search via old photos, old friends and employees of the real estate business. It leads Will to learn a lot about himself, as well as his grandfather.
The movie includes side plots of problems for the Alexandra Wilson and Beverly Archer characters.
No spoiler here. Trust that all mysteries are resolved to the satisfaction of all concerned, not least the viewer. The Christmas Wish has a pip ending. Some might consider it slightly schmaltzy. If so, it is very high quality schmaltz. I was engrossed from beginning to end. Get out your handkerchiefs.
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