The Christmas Wish

I'd seen this years ago, and bought the DVD through Amazon in 2015. I'm coming back to offer an opinion, because I believe this film is just so good. Friends and family have never heard of it, but when they watch it, they love it. I was not initially prepared for the request for boxes of facial tissues, though. There's been repeat business, too. I suspect this movie will become a family tradition. Made for TV in 1998, and based on a New York Times bestseller of the same name, "The Christmas Wish" tells of 28-year old Will Martin, reared by his paternal grandparents, struggling during the Christmas season to understand his recently deceased grandfather, a man he thought he knew well. His efforts are on two fronts: trying to reconcile his grandfather's seemingly bumpkin business mentality with Will's big-city approach to business as he tries to overhaul the family business, and seeking an answer to a mystery discovered in his grandfather's journals, one which he's certain will unravel the family's opinion of their beloved patriarch. There are a few elements of this film that feel influenced by "It's A Wonderful Life", not the least of which is the family business, but it's a homage, not a copy cat. At times it also feels a bit like a prototype for Hallmark Christmas movies, but with less formula and more depth. In the end it is it's own work, and a soulful one at that. Neil Patrick Harris and Naomi Watts are marvelous in their roles. Ian Meltzer is scene-stealing and charming as bold little Justin. Beverly Archer was also well-cast as the abrasive moral compass of the company. The real joy, however, is seeing Debbie Reynolds' nuanced act as the quiet, thoughtful, soulful grandmother Ruth. It's one of her best performances, in my opinion.

This is one of my favorite Christmas movies. It exemplifies what Christmas is supposed to be about. It is well written, performed well, and is uplifting and inspiring. There is a thread of romance through the story, but as others have written, the main storyline is a grandson coming home to take care of his grandfather's affairs after he dies. Grandpa had a real estate company and the grandson hires a manager to run it for him, but he clashes with loyal, long-time employees. His grandma is reading her husband's journals and sees repeated references of visits her husband made to someone named "Lillian", but there are no details. She asks her grandson, as his Christmas gift to her, to find out who "Lillian" is. He wants to get things wrapped up and get back to his real life, but between the problems in the real estate office , the mystery of Lillian, and his developing feelings for his grandpa's former secretary, he can't seem to pull himself away. Through it all, what they really learn is what the grandfather was all about. The ending took me by surprise the first time I watched it, and it continues to move me with each viewing. This is not "just another Christmas movie" with a syrupy storyline and a too-good-to-be-true ending. This is a quality production about a life well-lived. I wish it was still available new, as it makes a great Christmas gift.

Unsure when I ordered about the quality of the DVD being from 1998, but the sound, picture are excellent. Great nostalgia movie.

I won't spoil the mystery but this is one of those truly charming tales that will make you cry, smile, and shake your head in wonder. A young man has come home to his small town roots to put his grandfather's affairs in order. The man has been living in the big city and his attitude is one of snobbish sophistication..."Grandfather was a nice old man, but that was THEN...times have changed." He has every intention of selling off his grandfather's company (and the dozens of jobs) and going back to his grand city life. Only he meets this young woman with a little boy...and Grandmother finds a little mystery that might make it real easy to leave his sainted grandfather's legacy behind. As he falls for the young woman and her child, he finds himself wanting to keep the memory of the good grandfather intact...and all the clues that points to an unfaithful old grandpa start to irritate; especially since EVERYONE is so sure that a more wonderful man never lived. Of course Grandfather wasn't having an affair. Of course he was as wonderful as everyone thinks he is. But... But just how good the man REALLY was will leave the viewer breathless.

Before How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris was in this lovely TV holiday movie. Part mystery, part love story, the movie stresses the importance of family, traditions, empathy and forgiveness. Debbie Reynolds gives a lovely understated performance as the grandmother who asks him for a gift that requires him to search through his late grandfather's past and also decide what is really important in his own life. Our family was thrilled to find a copy of the movie through Amazon that was in excellent condition and had never been opened. Maybe some day the movie will again be released for purchase, so everyone can make it part of their Christmas movie collection.

If you are accustomed to the usual insipid, made for the Christmas season movies with boring stories and amateur acting then this is a real treat. These two actors are wonderful together, very believable. The little boy is charming and a good actor. There is just enough mystery to keep you interested and the solution is very touching. Also, just to see Neil tell off the snobbish boring girlfriend is worth watching it. At the end you are left wondering if there could ever be anyone as wonderful as the grandfather was and hoping for one in your life.

Happened upon on this several years ago and loved the story though the acting might be a little cheesy. It is never broadcast or streamed. It's worth the purchase.

I remember this fondly from TV many years back and was very happy to see it finally available. We really enjoyed it and look forward to adding it to our continuing Christmas lineup. The story is about a young man on the rise in the big city who was raised by his grandparents and finds it necessary to return home for a few months to take over the grandfathers business in the small town he was raised in. The grandmother, beautifully played by Debbie Reynolds, asks for his help in solving a mystery she has discovered that indicates that there may have been another woman in the grandfathers life. His search for answers helps him answer some questions about his own life as well. This is all handled quite nicely with solid performances throughout.

Excellent Christmas / Mystery flick. Highly recommended.

beautiful story love this movie

Having just watched this film with my husband I have never been moved so emotionaly by a film,it is a lesson to us all.Even my husband said it moved him and tears came down his face.When money takes over the heart.Beautiful film and the delightful Debbie Reynolds.A must if you love a tear jerker but a very true story.I would certainly recommend this.It makes one really think to get priorities right when" money becomes the root of all evil"A lovely film for all the family and for people to put love before anything else in life.Wonderful story just right to watch in front of xmas!!

I love this movie. Arrived on time.

Just love this movie and needed to add it to my collection. Definitely one to watch again and again.