All I Want for Christmas

Forget that she was the murderer on the 2-hour Monk pilot, Gail O'Grady is a beautiful woman and a fine actress, and that's a good reason to watch this movie all by itself.

Here, she's a widow ignoring a possible return to romance while she works at a community center and raises her (now) ten year old son.

She's told right at the beginning that her across-the-hall neighbor has a thing for her, and he already has a great relationship with the son.

Her son enters a contest with the movie's title, and of course he wins, with the wish that his mother find love and get a husband.

The story after that is full of indecisiveness and mixed signals, but it's a nice story and worth a watch.

When little Jimmy 'Jax' Pinchax enters into a department store's "All I Want for Christmas" contest, he has no idea that he's about to completely change his and his single mom's life. All he does is wish for his mom, Gail O'Grady to get remarried so she'll be happier. His entry wins the contest, and Gail is swept up in a whirlwind publicity campaign complete with a makeover, new wardrobe, and camera crew following her private moments. When the suitors don't suit her, she starts to get closer Greg Germann, who is not only in charge of the contest but is the heir to the department store.

Here's my problem with the movie: Robert Mailhouse plays Gail's next door neighbor and friend. He's obviously in love with her, but for some reason has never told her about his feelings. As we see Gail and Greg start dating, we're supposed to think he's a poor substitute for Robert. We're supposed to hope she comes to her senses and sees Greg's flaws. But Greg is extremely wealthy, full of class, romantic, sweet, and very handsome. Robert is poor, has a hardly impressive job, would rather eat at a hot dog stand than a five-star restaurant, and since he's known Gail for years, there's no sweetness or romance present in their rapport. And, although Jimmy gets along better with Robert, he'd never had the opportunity to look upon Robert as a stepfather figure. The first time Robert would scold him, he would get just as upset as he did when Greg scolded him.

I'm not going to spoil the story for anyone who wants to watch it, but I didn't agree with the general tone of the romance. It was clear from the get-go whom the audience was supposed to root for, and I was left on the sidelines. My only consolation: if Gail was stupid enough to choose the inferior candidate (I'm writing 'if' to avoid spoilers) then she didn't deserve him and he'll be better off with someone who can appreciate all he has to offer.

I would much, much prefer to write a favorable review rather than a negative one. And this is one of those movies that I find very favorable.....Consistent with Gail O'Grady's wonderful talent starring in all of her movies, this movie was also very enjoyable....time and time again....(what a tremendous difference a seasoned, talented star makes in Hallmark's Christmas movies!).....I liked the plot, the lines, the directing...the supporting caste was not annoying. I liked and enjoyed almost everything..............Very inspirational: After "Sara" lost her police officer husband in the line of duty, she opened a food pantry for the needy in his memory...She was very dedicated to it for years...as well as she was very dedicated to their son...Then she faced a financial crisis concerning the building, of which she prioritized not to be defeated...and while she continued to prioritize her son.......However, I didn't care for Robert Mailhouse in this or any movie. There is just something about his looks that does not make him appealing to play in (possible) romance parts, and I thought he was detracting.......Gail O'Grady was teamed with attractive male stars in her previous movies, and their (potential) romances seemed more sincere and believable........Anyway, "Congratulations, to Gail and to the staff for making another quality movie!"

Really bad writing. The 10 year old son's lines were written for a 30 year old.

I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

Review Date 1/5/2018

A nine-year-old boy enters a corporate-sponsored contest in which entrants are asked for their greatest Christmas wish. Unbeknownst to his widowed mother he asks the contest organizers to help her find a new husband.

This film could have been much better. What brings this film to being great is the fact the Characters of Sara , Rodger and Jesse are inconsistent. The acting is fine however that can't save this film.

The one character that is always consistent is Ben. I like how is is portrayed. I also love the fact he looks like how the average guy would wear his hair and dress.

This film isn't boring and it is worth watching once. It won't make many people's "Annual Christmas Movies to Watch" list. That of course includes me.

This film should be re-made.