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The Christmas Wish

  • TV Movie
  • 19981998
  • 1h 33m
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
740
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
35,742
19,651
The Christmas Wish (1998)
Drama
Intent on fulfilling his grandma's Christmas wish, a man sets out to find the woman mentioned in his late grandfather's journals. He learns the secrets of his past and the true meaning of Ch... Read allIntent on fulfilling his grandma's Christmas wish, a man sets out to find the woman mentioned in his late grandfather's journals. He learns the secrets of his past and the true meaning of Christmas.Intent on fulfilling his grandma's Christmas wish, a man sets out to find the woman mentioned in his late grandfather's journals. He learns the secrets of his past and the true meaning of Christmas.
IMDb RATING
6.9/10
740
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
35,742
19,651
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Director
      • Ian Barry
    • Writers
      • Richard Siddoway(book)
      • Beth Polson(television story)
      • Greg Taylor(teleplay)
    • Stars
      • Neil Patrick Harris
      • Debbie Reynolds
      • Naomi Watts
    Top credits
    • Director
      • Ian Barry
    • Writers
      • Richard Siddoway(book)
      • Beth Polson(television story)
      • Greg Taylor(teleplay)
    • Stars
      • Neil Patrick Harris
      • Debbie Reynolds
      • Naomi Watts
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 17User reviews
    • 3Critic reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
    • Awards
      • 1 nomination

    Photos

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    Top cast

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    Neil Patrick Harris
    Neil Patrick Harris
    • Will Martin
    Debbie Reynolds
    Debbie Reynolds
    • Ruth
    Naomi Watts
    Naomi Watts
    • Renee
    Alexandra Wilson
    Alexandra Wilson
    • Julia
    Beverly Archer
    • Miss Enid Cook
    Ian Meltzer
    • Justin
    Gary Bayer
    • Jimmy Hanning
    James Greene
    James Greene
    • Warren Martin
    Jerry Douglas
    Jerry Douglas
    • Mr. Askou
    Michael Fairman
    Michael Fairman
    • Mr. Connor
    Adilah Barnes
    Adilah Barnes
    • Mary
    Frank Birney
    Frank Birney
    • Ray Spellman
    Ismael 'East' Carlo
    Ismael 'East' Carlo
    • Jose Rivera
    Jan Hoag
    Jan Hoag
    • Mrs. Baker
    Stuart Mitchell
    • Mr. Quinn
    Alexander Zale
    Alexander Zale
    • Mr. Taylor
    Rebecca Codling
    • Lucy Askou
    • (uncredited)
    Phil Gold
    Phil Gold
    • Christmas Caroler
    • (uncredited)
    • Director
      • Ian Barry
    • Writers
      • Richard Siddoway(book)
      • Beth Polson(television story)
      • Greg Taylor(teleplay)
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

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    Storyline

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    Did you know

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    • Trivia
      In one scene a character asks for an address. It was given as 7800 Beverly Blvd. In real life that is the address for CBS Television City in Hollywood CA. This film premiered on CBS Television.
    • Goofs
      At the restaurant, Will and Julia's ice cubes sit at the bottom of their water glasses. This reveals them to be prop ice cubes, as real ice floats in water.

    User reviews17

    Review
    Review
    Top review
    7/10
    A wholesome Christmas movie
    I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. The story, although predictable, is interesting enough to keep one's attention. This is good wholesome entertainment, something you aren't afraid to let the kids watch. These types of movies tend to be few and far between. But we must remember that this is a made-for-TV movie, and therefore, it is unfair to compare it to classical holiday theatrical releases such as It's a Wonderful Life or Miracle on 34th Street. Nevertheless, it is a good Christmas story that bears repeat viewing.

    Neil Patrick Harris is the main reason this is a good movie. He tackles the rather lackluster script, bringing life to the whole film. He also out acts his poor supporting cast. One notable exception is Beverly Archer as the loyal employee Mrs Cook, who doesn't like Harris's plans for his grandfather's business. Harris, however, has obviously matured - in more ways than one - since his days as Doogie Howser. He brings a depth to his character, that is lacking in so many TV movies. I can only hope he will take his talent to the big screen more often in the future. Harris proves that not all child stars have to pass by the wayside the minute they reached adulthood.

    The combination of Harris' commanding performance and his urgency to find out the identity of the mysterious woman his grandfather visited every Christmas Eve, make the movie enjoyable. Perhaps it is a bit overly sentimental, but after all it is a Christmas story.
    helpful•10
    3
    • Delphian
    • Dec 28, 1999

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 6, 1998 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Un regalo de Navidad
    • Production companies
      • Bonneville Worldwide Entertainment
      • Madison Avenue Productions Inc.
      • The Polson Company
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 33 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Stereo
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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