The Wishing Tree

I like Jason Gedric as an actor but starring in this made for TV film he plays a sombre teacher who lost his wife so he buries his emotions and focuses on three students who won't get to go home over the Christmas holidays. It's a cheap and sobby drama/romance with a supposedly "feel-good" ending which I didn't get and the story line has been done a hundred times before but the other versions must be better than this one because it was quite frankly lousy.

I know, I know, it's a somewhat Christmas themed story so I may end up with coal in my Christmas stocking for writing a negative review but I call them like I see them.

I rate it a low 3 out of 10 rating.

We enjoyed this film very much. Particularly liked Jason Gedrick! Would like to see more of him.

This movie delivers exactly what sappy Christmas movies are supposed to! It has all the ingredients to raise your spirits, life your hopes and make you want to enjoy the Season by being more loving, caring and giving. That's why it's an 8 in my world.

The classic formula in constructed here. Good guy, victim kids and antagonist parent who eventually "sees the light" and gives her wayward son the love and attention he needs.

There is one musical number that is done well. The romance component is in place. And truth wins over deception and love over hate.

It's a good way to spend a couple hours.

What to say about The Wishing Tree (not to be confused with the Showtime movie of the same name)? Well, it's not one of Hallmark's greatest Christmas films, but it was OK.

On the plus side, the plot was decent and the acting from the actors was pretty good. On the minus side, the human characterizations was not too good and needs more work.

I will admit, I did felt uncomfortable during many of the scenes in the film, even the scene where Teryl Rothery's character said she won't forgive the boy for what he did to the Wishing Tree.

Despite these problems, The Wishing Tree is still an OK Christmas film, though it's definitely a holiday film worth watching once.

I was happy discovering this Halmark film. Maybe, because I am teacher , too, maybe because it is a joy to discover new idea for collaboration with students, maybe for Jason Gedrick new role , preserving memories about his work in different other films. It is a good Christmas film and this fact is the most significant thing to tell about it. The rest - pieces from Halmark universe.