12 Wishes of Christmas

I just watched it and liked the movie somewhat, especially the beginning. A bit corny which I expected. Through the entire movie I kept waiting for her to get her poor dog out of the (dog-friendly) shelter. Of course it eventually happens but it wasn't even one of her regrets or bad choices, which is what the movie was about. She loved the dog so much, was granted 12 wishes and didn't even wish to have her dog back. That would have been my 1st wish. If you watch it, I'm sure you will agree. She won a car, got a new wardrobe and even won the lottery and still stayed in the rented apt that did not allow dogs. Maybe I missed something, since I was not paying 100% attention to the movie .... if so, someone please let me know. It could have been a great Christmas movie if written a little better. It was okay ... I would watch it again.

This is not one of the best productions I have seen. It's lacking a final polish, but the idea is at least a bit different. However I think it needed a bit more focus on the romance element, as the gorgeous David O'Donnell was hardly even in it.

I have to say I did complete a jigsaw puzzle while I watched it, so it didn't completely grab my attention, but I wouldn't turn it off if I saw it on again.

It's a typical film in the genre of "Careful what you wish for". Every action, has a consequence and you should think before you act. It's a good message for any time of the year, but I think that the Christmas message got a bit lost in the process along with the romance.

It does have cute dogs in it though!

'12 Wishes for Christmas' (2011)

Opening thoughts: Have seen quite a few films in the past few years with this type of story, which has been familiar territory for most holidays (all holidays not just Christmas) for a while now, and they have varied in success, some are very charming, sweet and engaging while others are too simplistic, dull and silly. '12 Wishes for Christmas' has elements of both extremes, leaning sadly more towards the more negative category though for other reasons. It is not a terrible film and is semi watchable, but it really did have potential to be a cute and charming film, even with some potential cheesiness, but both only come in spurts in '12 Wishes for Christmas'. Which turned out to be rather mediocre despite a few quite major good things, sadly outweighed by numerous big flaws.

Good things: There are good things. Fred Willard and especially Michael Gross give good performances, Gross being in a role that really plays to his strengths that he brings amusement and charm to. Willard relishes his character's meanness without being too one dimensional. The best performance comes from the absolutely adorable dog, who is immensely rootable throughout.

Did also think that the production values were at least professional and easy on the eye.

Bad things; However, a lot is done wrong. Personally found the main character too self-absorbed and selfish, with her wishes not showing much consideration for others. Elisa Donovan does try hard, but it did feel at times like she was trying harder than she needed to and it came over as mannered. The other characters are thinly sketched and are not much better when it comes to lack of likeability, the treatment of the main character at times is too excessively nasty. The only really likeable character is the dog. The music does not fit, with it being more suited to an action thriller-comedy or something, and is too over bearing.

Furthermore, the script never really sounds natural and has too much cheese and schmaltz. There is nothing surprising about the story, it needed a lot more energy and the charm only comes in spurts (shining only properly with the dog). Really didn't care for the dog subplot, which is not just predictable but also not very realistic and quite mean spirited.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, mediocre but with moments.

4/10.

Enjoyable Christmas movie. We see how Laura handles the 12 wishes she's able to make. Make sure to always read the fine print.

Great performance by Chonda Pierce as Noel the life coach angel.

Excellent actors and a feel good movie.

"12 Wishes of Christmas" is definitely a movie for the ladies. This is as sugar-coated as it comes. This romantic Christmas comedy is molded directly from the foundry that spews out these romantic comedies by the dozens. It has everything that you could want in a movie of this type.

The story is about Laura Lindsey (played by Elisa Donovan) whose life comes crashing down in a series of events, and she is given a second chance at a mystical life coach which grants her 12 wishes. But with these wishes comes responsibility. Will Laura be able to rise to the occasion and make the changes in her life and in the lives of those around her?

"12 Wishes of Christmas" does prove entertaining enough the first time you watch it, despite it being so sugar-coated that your teeth literally hurt while you watch the movie. However, I will say that this is not a movie that I will be watching again. Perhaps because I am not a woman, so I am not a sucker for these particular types of movies.

It was actually quite nice to see Michael Gross in this movie, despite him not having that big a role. He actually did bring something nice to the movie, and he was one of the more interesting of actors to behold in the movie. Of other notable faces in the movie, you have Gabrielle Carteris and Fred Willard.

If you enjoy sugar-coated seasonal comedies with a pinch of romance, then you will most definitely enjoy "12 Wishes of Christmas".