This movie was fantastic. Not only did we find ourselves laughing throughout the movie, but it really spun a story that we got invested in. The cast was a great mix, really drawing us in, as if we were there experiencing it along with them. I'm so glad that we watched this movie! This is a movie that the whole family can enjoy for sure. My husband is more of an action movie type of guy and he was laughing through the entire movie. I would recommend this movie to anyone! They also did a fantastic job portraying the period of time this movie was supposed to take place. So authentic!!! They focused on every last little detail!!! I just can't say it enough, they did everything right to pull us right in to the story and feel as if we were truly there!!!!

To say I was pleasantly surprised by Wally Lamb's WISHIN' & HOPIN' would be a huge understatement. This movie is a total joy! As a male, the "Lifetime" label usually turns me off, but WISHIN' & HOPIN' elevates that label to new heights. Baited by the star names of Molly Ringwald, Chevy Chase and Annabella Sciorra, I was happily surprised to find out that the real stars of this delightful holiday yarn are the cast of mostly unknown child actors, who's obvious off screen summer camp chemistry spectacularly shines on screen. Wyatt Ralff as the lead Felix is an adorable charmer who's fresh faced innocence reminds me of other young stars in their heyday, Macauley Culkin in HOME ALONE and Peter Billingsley as Ralphie in A Christmas STORY. Quinn McColgan plays Felix's nemesis Rosalie with sassy conviction effortlessly carrying the film's conflict to outrageous heights. Then there's the new Russian student Zhenya played by Siobhan Cohen with confident playful glee. Felix's best friend Lonny is played with a Corey Feldman-in-his-GOONIES-glory-days zeal by the charming Shawn Ervin. I could just go on about the rest of the young cast, but you might as well just see for your self. Mark my words, in 20 years people will be watching WISHIN' & HOPIN' and saying they can't believe all of these A-listers got their start in this fabulous little film. WISHIN' & HOPIN" is a joyous laugh-out-loud treat to behold. You might as well start the family tradition this year, because there's no doubt this film will be a staple of the holiday season for years to come. A classic is born. ELF, A Christmas STORY, A MIRACLE ON 34th STREET, A Christmas CAROL and IT"S A WONDERFUL LIFE have new company to augment their ranks of holiday greats and so do we. Enjoy!

This reminded me of The Christmas Story... Very funny, the kids outshines the adult actors. The setting was perfect... NFA school in Norwich. Molly was a little disappointing.. Hated the accent! There were several times where I was brought back to my own Catholic school experiences and the narration by Chevy Chase was perfect. I am a big fan of Wally Lamb as an author and wish they made all his books into movies. This one being the only none serious one I can see why it was chosen. Hope to see his other works on the big screen soon. The kids were the breakout stars particularly Felix's best friend. The references to Annette Funnicello as the cousin with the French kissing and confessional were hilarious!

I had the privilege of seeing the world premiere of this movie yesterday and it was awesome! Wally Lamb is one of my favorite authors, and I was not disappointed in this film adaptation. Not only did it bring on the nostalgia through it's filming locations, but I laughed so much while watching it. Molly Ringwald was fantastic, as were the kids. Definitely ones to watch! As one fellow attendee put it, it's "the new Christmas classic." I couldn't agree more. It will be part of every Christmas from now on. I can't wait to read the book now! Watch this movie. You'll love it. Wally, the cast, and the crew all did a marvelous job bringing 1960's life to the big screen. I would give this an 11 if I could.