The Birthday Wish

I really like Luke Macfarlane, and Jessy Schram is just lovable in this - and I choose the word advisedly. It's a fun movie, a romantic movie, and better than the usual Hallmark cookie cutter flick. This is one I might buy if it's on DVD.

I have watched a few Hallmark romances and this is the first time I've seen a Hallmark couple interact as if they were really in live with each other. Adorably real...these two should be cast again with each other..refreshing...and real. Kudos.

This is not a new concept for me. I have seen movies with this kind of "magical realism" before and I love it. I like that Hallmark used it, but the only thing I ask is that they don't try to use this concept again, otherwise this original movie will be ruined.

Jessy Schram is a pleasure to watch, she is fun, energetic, and I adore her characters. Luke MacFarlane is a a refreshing face to see. (I know, I'm watching this two years later). And the chemistry was wonderful. The plot was, indeed, stupid, but fun and enjoyable. I like these movies because you get away from the real world for an hour and half.

I only had two problems with this: the fact that the character was desesperate to get married and I get it, it was part of the plot but I couldn't help but to roll my eyes in more than one ocassion. And the other thing was the classic cliche that must be in a Hallmark movie: characters assuming thing they shouldn't and just running away. The less cliches there are, the better.

What I did like, and a lot, was the humor in the movie. They don't tend to include a lot, but this did. And the characters, being a contrast to each other was beautiful: Dave encouraging Gwen to just live and don't let herself carry away with her life plan. And both of them motivating each other to face their fears, it made it look like a real relationship. And I always like when they know each other beforehand. It makes the romance more realistic.

First of all, I am a regular viewer of Hallmark films, and I realize that many people will complain that Hallmark regularly does predictable, romantic comedies, and some would call them cheesy and not worth watching. In this day and age with negativity and vile themes spewing forth from our TV sets, computers, and phones, there is nothing like the comfort of curling up on a quiet evening and watching a Hallmark film.

For me, this is a romance that is full of comedy, excellent acting, and fine writing--also directed by one of the best directors out there today, at least in my opinion. While the story is predictable in that it's a typical romantic comedy, it does contain plenty of atypical twists. It is not a traditional time travel romance, and while the ending is assured from the get-go, I never found it dull nor boring as the viewers were taken along for the ride. It had just the right amount of bumps along the way, and the acting was so impeccable that Marcus Rosner's "other guy" role incensed me like very few have. Luke and Jessy were a pure delight on screen as they carried out the comical, clever dialogue, and the visual aspects of the film were exceptional as well. Who could not love the puppy scene? And while there is an element of the supernatural, the intent of the film came across to the viewers in a fun and inspiring way. It is an excellent reminder that life rarely goes the way one plans, but if you are open to possibilities that are tossed your way, your life may end up being more than you could have possibly dreamed. While the ending may have seemed a bit rushed due to time constraints, I truly cannot fault this film nor anyone involved with the film for that minor fault. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel in years to come that shows these two as a married couple with kids and even gives us more than the brief glimpse of their lives through the lens to which we were privy. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves the old-fashioned "romcom" genre. However, if you are tired of the bad news that is constantly flashing across your screen, this is just the sort of good news that can instantly pick up your spirits and help you forget your problems, at least for ninety minutes!

Gwen Turner (Jessy Schram) and Dave McGee (Luke Macfarlane) are TV commercial directors forced to work together. They don't have the same style. She is turning 30. She expects her boyfriend to pop the question but he doesn't. She fails to get engaged by 30 which is one of her life goals. Dave shows up to support her on her birthday and she makes a wish on his cookie. She starts having visions of her future.

Jessy Schram is just so adorably cute especially when she's flustered. The plot is simplistic nothingness. It's perfect Hallmark. I wouldn't say that this is great but it is good at being what it is. It's nice.