'Christmas Magic' (2011)
Opening thoughts: The premise, while not novel, did sound very sweet and moving as well as easy to relate to. Have seen some other work starring Lindy Booth, and both her performances and filmography are variable. Have been watching Christmas films (namely Hallmark), as someone who has always loved the holiday (if not quite as much in recent years for obvious reasons), as part of a completest quest started around 2018/2019, and 'Christmas Wish' was part of the quest.
Seeing it, 'Christmas Wish' is above average and has quite a lot of good things. At the same time, it could have been better, with some things that easily could have done better. Not one of the best Christmas films seen, but also a long way from being one of the worst. Booth comes off well, though the rest of the cast varied more. As far as Christmas films go, 'Christmas Wish' is in the somewhere in the middle and a little above mixed feelings category.
Good things: Booth is the best thing about the film. She is absolutely radiant, and succeeds in bringing depth to a flawed yet likeable character. The other casting standout is Derek McGrath, in a charming and sincere performance in a voice of reason sort of role. Most of the characters are easy to connect with, as are enough of the situations, and are developed quite well, particularly Booth's.
It is a good looking film, very nicely shot with beautiful scenery. The music is soothing and never seemed too loud or at odds tonally or in placement. The direction is confident enough, and appropriately low key without indifference. Tue film has a honest, thought-provoking script that doesn't sound awkward or too soapy. As well as a charming, heartwarming and moving story with inspiring messaging.
Bad things: However, Booth did deserve a better male lead than wooden, uncomfortable looking Paul McGillion, who also didn't look that happy to be there. Also standing out in a bad way is an incredibly annoying Teresa Pavlinek, her character really grated to the point of inducing a day long headache.
Detected very little chemistry between McGIllion and Booth and the relationship itself felt underwritten and mismatched. Admittedly, despite delivering on the emotional impact the story is predictable and is at its weakest with the very rushed, too schmaltzy ending. That also came over as far-fetched because of its unrealistic patness.
Closing thoughts: Overall, decent but not great.
6/10.
Opening thoughts: The premise, while not novel, did sound very sweet and moving as well as easy to relate to. Have seen some other work starring Lindy Booth, and both her performances and filmography are variable. Have been watching Christmas films (namely Hallmark), as someone who has always loved the holiday (if not quite as much in recent years for obvious reasons), as part of a completest quest started around 2018/2019, and 'Christmas Wish' was part of the quest.
Seeing it, 'Christmas Wish' is above average and has quite a lot of good things. At the same time, it could have been better, with some things that easily could have done better. Not one of the best Christmas films seen, but also a long way from being one of the worst. Booth comes off well, though the rest of the cast varied more. As far as Christmas films go, 'Christmas Wish' is in the somewhere in the middle and a little above mixed feelings category.
Good things: Booth is the best thing about the film. She is absolutely radiant, and succeeds in bringing depth to a flawed yet likeable character. The other casting standout is Derek McGrath, in a charming and sincere performance in a voice of reason sort of role. Most of the characters are easy to connect with, as are enough of the situations, and are developed quite well, particularly Booth's.
It is a good looking film, very nicely shot with beautiful scenery. The music is soothing and never seemed too loud or at odds tonally or in placement. The direction is confident enough, and appropriately low key without indifference. Tue film has a honest, thought-provoking script that doesn't sound awkward or too soapy. As well as a charming, heartwarming and moving story with inspiring messaging.
Bad things: However, Booth did deserve a better male lead than wooden, uncomfortable looking Paul McGillion, who also didn't look that happy to be there. Also standing out in a bad way is an incredibly annoying Teresa Pavlinek, her character really grated to the point of inducing a day long headache.
Detected very little chemistry between McGIllion and Booth and the relationship itself felt underwritten and mismatched. Admittedly, despite delivering on the emotional impact the story is predictable and is at its weakest with the very rushed, too schmaltzy ending. That also came over as far-fetched because of its unrealistic patness.
Closing thoughts: Overall, decent but not great.
6/10.