A Holiday Wish Come True/Every Other Holiday (2018) -
For a priest's wife, Dee Wallace as Mimi and most of the rest of her family needed to re-read the bit in the Bible about forgiveness and the one without sin casting the first stone. I've probably misquoted, because I've never read it, but then I've never used a book to defend my own actions either.
And Ed played by Glenn Morshower wasn't exactly the best Preacher for impromptu prayers, as he stumbled over the simplest of sentiments. He also wasn't the strongest man of the house, ceding to his wife's honorary attitude, which had kept his daughter and her family away, without stepping in, but at least his heart was in the right place, unlike his Wife and he did what was right in the end.
And let's not forget that Dee wasn't very hospitable towards 'E. T.' (1982) either.
Despite the fact it was the season of the birth of our Lord and Saviour, the whole household was actually lacking in love AND what would traditionally be classed as a Christian attitude.
Mimi was really quite unbearable for me and wound me up inside. If I had been her visiting daughter Tracie (Schuyler Fisk) I would have taken my kids and my ex back to the city after five minutes with her, Mother or not. The whole atmosphere of the house was toxic for all involved.
Mimi's character alone would usually be enough to make me switch off a film like this, because I can't stand hypocrisy, which she was drenched in and I tend to steer clear of the religious, Bible bashing films too, regardless of what preference the producers seem to be erring towards, but there was something about this one that kept me watching. It might have been the leading man David Clayton Rogers, playing Rick, who was quite pleasant to look at, but I thought that there was something else too.
I did stick with it, despite the religion in it, because it had lulled me in with the first half an hour of regular story and then Bam! It hit hard with the Bible quotes and a very unchristian way of treating guests, but it wasn't in the standard preachy way that always aggravates me.
And right from the start I also found myself drawn to and liking the character of Rick. I could easily sympathise with him, which was tougher to do with Tracie, who was a bit hard faced and seemed to feel sorry for herself a bit too much.
He reminded me of Paul Rudd and I liked his rough, but kindhearted nature and his sense of fun, but also his sweet face.
She was obviously the problem, as a result of her issues with her Mum. Perhaps she was praying that she would never turn out like her and that's why she couldn't let herself love Rick?
I always seem to like a film that rekindles an old love, as much as I enjoy the new romances. Perhaps it gives me hope that love can still be found even after it's lost, not that I would want any of my exes back, except maybe one. It's just nice to know that it might be possible and that love can be found later in life too.
Overall it definitely wasn't a cheery film, there was minimal comedy in it and a lot of misery and upset. However it did contain a lot of heart and good intentions to warm the soul for the season, as well as a bit more depth than some of the usual Hallmark offerings.
If you can put up with Mimi, the story was worthwhile.
6.50/10.
