Christmas Magic

I completely disagree with the reviewer that gave this movie a poor rating. In a day where all we see on TV is violence, death, and sex- this is a refreshing and heartwarming Christmas story for the entire family. Lindy Booth gives a great performance as a woman who is a planner and assists businesses and individuals who need advertisement or just advise how to succeed- however living such a busy and hollow materialistic life has left her loveless, cynical, and alone. Her relationship with her father is non-existent, and she is in desperate need of a wakeup call before it's too late! She meets a kindly older gentleman while filling up her automobile at a local gas station who will change her life in ways she never expected. This is a must see movie for Christmas!!

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 200 HOLIDAY FILMS. I HAVE NO AGENDA.

One of the rare Hallmark films that had more promise than most of them but then but it almost becomes cringe worthy when the lead male star breakouts into a song.

In this film in order to gain entry to heaven, a woman (Lindy Booth) must help a man (Paul McGillion) and his young daughter.

Carrie Bishop (Lindy Booth) is a successful event planner living in New York City. Her life changes when she is involved in a car accident and wakes up in Central Park, where she is met by an older man, Henry (Derek McGrath), a spirit guide who is there to instruct her how to get to Heaven. He explains to her that in order to move on, she must complete one task: help widower Scott Walker (Paul McGillion), the owner of a struggling restaurant.

In order to complete her mission, Carrie spends time at the restaurant and becomes friends with Scott's daughter Abby. Carrie puts her event-planning skills to good use and helps to promote the restaurant. But there is a catch: Carrie only has until midnight on Christmas Eve (in two weeks) to succeed in helping Scott turn the failing restaurant into a successful, thriving business. And there are rules, including that Carrie is forbidden to contact anyone from her previous life and that ultimately she cannot meddle in Scott's life (he must make his choices by free will, without her influence). These rules prove to be more & difficult to follow, especially when she begins falls for Scott.

This movie is different from the other holiday movies I've seen this year. A few minutes into the film I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue watching. I didn't see how I could like the ending, however I chose to see it through to the end. The movie leads you to believe one possible ending but surprises you with another one.

Lindy Booth brings real depth to her character, which is very likable. The other actors also did a good job of making the story believable. There are some problems with the film such as make-up, the hospital set, lip syncing and how Carrie jumped into her task so easily. Also the end of the film is a little rushed. You have to realize that this is an Hallmark Channel TV movie. It's a less expensive movie than major network TV movies and has maybe one or two recognizable stars. It's meant to be for all members of the family and give a warm fuzzy holiday feeling.

...because it was UNlike some other Hm. Christmas movies that should be shelved permanently! Christmas Magic: 1. none of the characters were irritating. 2. The subject wasn't boring. 3. The plot was nice, decent, flowing...and 4. stayed focused on Christmas, 5. consistent also with Christmas décor. 6. Despite "Carrie," "Scott," and his daughter being in sorrowful situations, there was still a tone of optimism and lightness throughout. 7. Although a fantasy type of movie, it really didn't come across as being corny................................. It was just a very enjoyable movie with enjoyable characters, that I have enjoyed seeing several times.......so I didn't find it necessary or important to care about mistakes..................................On the slight down-side: I didn't care for Scott's attitude...that came out of nowhere...when he defended Carrie's business rival. It was an undeserving, senseless insult to Carrie at that point, after all she did for him and his daughter.

'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.