JinRoz
For all the hype it got I was expecting a lot more!
Limerculer
A waste of 90 minutes of my life
AshUnow
This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.
Scarlet
The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
jeff-american
While watching this film, the question of "Holiday Classic" kept coming to mind. First, we thoroughly enjoyed watching this film as a family. The story line is entertaining throughout. The pace is lively and engaging. The slice of time, along with vibrant writing helps bring nostalgia to the forefront. The bits of coming of age humor make the film just edgy enough to keep you surprised. The film has the feel of "A Christmas Story" without repeating it. The seasoned actors such as Molly Ringwald and Conchata Ferrell were great, but I think the young actors such as Wyatt Ralff, Quinn McColgan and Siobhan Cohen helped cement this film into Holiday Classic status.
carrie-kemether
I watched this with my husband, 11-year-old twins, and 7-year-old...easily a family favorite! We love holiday movies...this one will rank up there with some of our yearly repeats! It was amazing to see Quinn, as Rosalie, in this film...it is truly impressive to see her flexibility as an actress in comparison to prior roles. Who doesn't love a story about children in a Christmas pageant!? My children could totally relate to the various characters throughout the movie and could identify how some situations are universal and do not expire over time. The cast really demonstrated phenomenal chemistry - loved Molly Ringwald & her role as the incoming teacher in the movie. Molly is timeless, much like our impression of this fabulous story!
catherin_thomas
The book was a great read. When I heard they made a movie, I had reservations. I was fortunate enough to attend the first showing and I'm glad I did. It was tastefully made and it doesn't matter how old you are, you will laugh from beginning to end. Wally knew what he wanted when he perfectly cast the six leading kids. Wyatt Ralff (Felix), Quinn McColgan (Rosalie), Olivia Pungitore (Pauline), Siobhon Cohen (Zhenya), Christopher Bogomus (Marion) and Shawn Ervin (Lonny). The kids acting abilities certainly stole the show, not to discredit Molly Ringwald, Annebella Sciora, Danny Nucci. In most movies, we all fall in love with the leading character and this is no different. Felix is adorable, talented and will be a household name real soon. The other kids very talented but we have seen their characters many times in many films. Zhenya (Siobhan Cohen) was fantastic and a breath of fresh air. My favorite has to go to a supporting role. I fell in love with Pauline Papelbon (Olivia Pungitore) who caught my attention since the trailer. Her strapping performance, shy, quiet demeanor had a powerful punch, along with those adorable cheeks, certain to see her in future films. Carmila Banus and Sosie Bacon performances fit their part perfectly. Meatloaf, Cheri Oteri, Blanche Baker, Conchata Ferell and Jesse James all cast sensational.
ianzgreat
To say I was pleasantly surprised by Wally Lamb's WISHIN' & HOPIN' would be a huge understatement. This movie is a total joy! As a male, the "Lifetime" label usually turns me off, but WISHIN' & HOPIN' elevates that label to new heights. Baited by the star names of Molly Ringwald, Chevy Chase and Annabella Sciorra, I was happily surprised to find out that the real stars of this delightful holiday yarn are the cast of mostly unknown child actors, who's obvious off screen summer camp chemistry spectacularly shines on screen. Wyatt Ralff as the lead Felix is an adorable charmer who's fresh faced innocence reminds me of other young stars in their heyday, Macauley Culkin in HOME ALONE and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie in A Christmas STORY. Quinn McColgan plays Felix's nemesis Rosalie with sassy conviction effortlessly carrying the film's conflict to outrageous heights. Then there's the new Russian student Zhenya played by Siobhan Cohen with confident playful glee. Felix's best friend Lonny is played with a Corey Feldman-in-his-GOONIES-glory-days zeal by the charming Shawn Ervin. I could just go on about the rest of the young cast, but you might as well just see for your self. Mark my words, in 20 years people will be watching WISHIN' & HOPIN' and saying they can't believe all of these A-listers got their start in this fabulous little film. WISHIN' & HOPIN" is a joyous laugh-out-loud treat to behold. You might as well start the family tradition this year, because there's no doubt this film will be a staple of the holiday season for years to come. A classic is born. ELF, A Christmas STORY, A MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, A Christmas CAROL and IT"S A WONDERFUL LIFE have new company to augment their ranks of holiday greats and so do we. Enjoy!
