Very disappointing...

The first must-see film of the year.

It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable

So good to finally see a movie that made me laugh-out-loud. It brought back so many wonderful memories of growing up in the early 60's!! The cast, which is mostly kids, did an outstanding job. I could see myself, and so many of my classmates in their characters. No detail was left out.I could not believe they put bells on their shoes, something I did as a young girl during the Christmas season. I felt like I was reliving every Christmas production I had been in, including the mishaps. Thanks to Wally Lamb, Cast, and Everyone involved, for bringing this story to life. I was fortunate to be able to attend the Premiere in New London, Connecticut and now I am looking forward to seeing it on the Lifetime Channel. This film will be one of those Christmas Classics that we watch with our families every year .

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!

This reminded me of The Christmas Story... Very funny, the kids outshines the adult actors. The setting was perfect... NFA school in Norwich. Molly was a little disappointing.. Hated the accent! There were several times where I was brought back to my own Catholic school experiences and the narration by Chevy Chase was perfect. I am a big fan of Wally Lamb as an author and wish they made all his books into movies. This one being the only none serious one I can see why it was chosen. Hope to see his other works on the big screen soon. The kids were the breakout stars particularly Felix's best friend. The references to Annette Funnicello as the cousin with the French kissing and confessional were hilarious!

"'Wishin and Hopin" has all the makings of the next Christmas classic. Family, traditions, and the stereotypical Catholic school influence culminating in the inevitable Christmas pageant gone awry. The kids steal the show in this one and Ralphie (Christmas Story) has met his match in the young Wyatt Ralff as Felix Funicello. The gags are predictable, but innocent enough to have you burst out laughing because you know whats coming. The best part of this movie is that each of us have lived some part of it growing up. Watch and see where you find yourself or your family...The movie is shot mostly in the Norwich CT area, home of the original author Wally Lamb. The sets include places familiar to his childhood, and his Christmas memories. The movie does a terrific job of capturing Christmas with 1960's values. It will remind you of the good times adults remember about their childhood Christmases with family.