Let me start by saying that Hilarie Burton is probably one of the best actresses in any Hallmark movie. She is a delight to watch. She is beautiful, her face lights up with joy, her eyes open wide with surprise, her voice is a delight to listen to..She can act! There is nothing ordinary or cookie cutter about her.
That said, there is very little more to recommend this movie. The plot is completely contrived and unbelievable..The background music drowns out the dialogue. The romantic lead characters are strangely unmatched, so much so that the leading lady looks old enough and far too smart to be in any way drawn to the man she finds "true love" with. He looks young enough to be her son. Their friendship is believable..Their romance is not. But, as with all Hallmark movies, a happy ending, with a final kiss.. is expected. And this movie delivers that expected ending. Sadly, it feels forced and more than a bit contrived.
There is also a second relationship in the movie, that of the leading man's brother and his husband. Credit goes to Hallmark for introducing a gay couple into one of their films. Bravo for bringing reality to your viewers. However, there was a tendency t o portray this couple in much too stereotypical a manner, almost bordering on making a caricature of the gay men.
Sadly, this movie had some good potential but it did get lost in the confusing story, the overbearing g background music and the unrealistic pairing of the main leading characters.
Review of A Christmas Wish
