Returning to his home town after the death of the grandfather who raised him, slick and cynical Wall Street trader Will Martin feels decidedly out of place, and not at all in tune with the Christmas preparations being made by the local citizenry. But Will isn't really taking a sentimental journey at all: He's merely in town to modernize and streamline his family's real-estate company. While going through his grandfather's effects, Will and his grandmother come across the old man's diary--which reveals a lengthy relationship with a woman named Lillian.
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Touches You
Excellent, Without a doubt!!
Yo, there's no way for me to review this film without saying, take your *insert ethnicity + "ass" here* to see this film,like now. You have to see it in order to know what you're really messing with.
The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.
Wall Street Broker Neil Patrick Harris returns to his small town looking after his recently widowed grandmother (Debbie Reynolds) who presents a Christmas Wish to him that threatens to open a Pandora's Box. Find the mysterious Lily, someone his beloved grandfather visited every year on Christmas Eve. Shocked by the thought that his grandfather could have had an affair, Harris begins the search with the help of the patriarch's massive collection of journals. Having been raised by his grandparents after his parents were killed in a car accident, Harris is protective of their marital legacy and hopes for good news rather than either the shock of a mistress or an illegitimate child. What he discovers is more of a legacy than most people leave behind in their entire lifetime.In his grandfather's real estate office, he finds he has a hard time living up to his grandfather's memory as he deals with employee discord between one of their top real estate agents and the long-time accountant (Beverly Archer of "Mama's Family") who acts like a CEO rather than an employee. But Archer (who resembles Edith Head) is not all she seems to be and sympathy lies on her side as the truth is revealed. As Harris discovers more about his unseen grandfather (we never see a picture or a flashback), he learns what a remarkable man he was, the type that rarely, if ever, exists. This brings him to some conclusions about himself and opens up the door for further change in everybody's lives."A Christmas Wish" is one of those holiday movies that threatens to be sappy but never is. The ever-boyish Harris is excellent and gives many dimensions to a character with many levels. Ms. Reynolds, still glamorous today, gives a soft and low-key performance that will thrill her many fans and open up the door for others to check out her 60 plus years of work. There are nice cameos by two actors from "The Young and the Restless" (Michael Fairman and Jerry Douglas) as old chums of the grandfather that add to the old-school gentlemantility that is refreshing to see on screen. The revelation of who the mysterious Lily is, and the devices the writers use to make the revelation, is ingenious. This is a Christmas movie not to miss, especially without Kleenex.
chased this little gem down, had to buy it on DVD and closest place to purchase was America. lovely film.. saw it years ago on TV and always wanted to share the experience with friends that never got an opportunity to watch it themselves.never have i forgotten the story or the film's name , waited years to see would it appear on TV again. i honestly never considered buying it on DVD. have a packet of hankies ready as even a brute like me shed a tear at the twist in the story line. a real Christmas story, very true to life with a lesson for everyone. you would never catch the twist near the end. being placed in a similar situation to the characters in the movie it is easy to see how quick it would be to pre-judge somebody without knowing all the facts.this film first appeared in 1988 (ian Barry), be careful there are similarly named movies out there.....
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The story, although predictable, is interesting enough to keep one's attention. This is good wholesome entertainment, something you aren't afraid to let the kids watch. These types of movies tend to be few and far between. But we must remember that this is a made-for-TV movie, and therefore, it is unfair to compare it to classical holiday theatrical releases such as It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Nevertheless, it is a good Christmas story that bears repeat viewing.Neil Patrick Harris is the main reason this is a good movie. He tackles the rather lackluster script, bringing life to the whole film. He also out acts his poor supporting cast. One notable exception is Beverly Archer as the loyal employee Mrs Cook, who doesn't like Harris's plans for his grandfather's business. Harris, however, has obviously matured - in more ways than one - since his days as Doogie Howser. He brings a depth to his character, that is lacking in so many TV movies. I can only hope he will take his talent to the big screen more often in the future. Harris proves that not all child stars have to pass by the wayside the minute they reached adulthood.The combination of Harris' commanding performance and his urgency to find out the identity of the mysterious woman his grandfather visited every Christmas Eve, make the movie enjoyable. Perhaps it is a bit overly sentimental, but after all it is a Christmas story.
This is a movie I switched onto by accident,and then really enjoyed it.OK so the storyline was predictable and provided an excuse for the viewers to feel sad and shed a few tears.It is one of those movies that has no violence or sex and can be enjoyed by the whole family.Maybe I am too sentimental but I gave it 9/10.