The Christmas Wish (1998)
Returning to his home town after the death of the grandfather who raised him, slick and cynical Wall Street trader Will Martin feels decidedly out of place, and not at all in tune with the Christmas preparations being made by the local citizenry. But Will 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 come across the old man's diary--which reveals a lengthy relationship with a woman named Lillian.
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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.
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!
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.
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.