I was a bit disappointed in this Hallmark movie. Primarily, because the premise of a woman finding out what her life would be like without her husband (a la "It's a Wonderful Life") has rich potential for a good holiday time-waster. However, the writers have opted to make our heroine's complaints rather minor. The main thing seems to be that her husband is gone a lot. Other than that, everything seems normal. He is considerate of her and she wants to support him in his work. Her wish to "have never been married" would seem to stem from the frustration of a moment as opposed to some deep-seated issues in their relationship. Such a situation does not seem to merit the kind of universe-altering wish-granting that the Christmas angel (nicely played by Cindy Williams) suddenly bestows. This is too bad because the later scenes between Nikki Deloach (as Penny) and Andrew Walker (as Stu) are actually very good. Ms. Deloach does a great job in quietly communicating her longing for the man who is no longer hers. Mr. Walker is nicely confused by his attraction to the woman who, in this reality, is a stranger to him. The scene at the party where Stu looks around the room and oh so subtly lights up when he sees Penny is a marvelous combination of light, sound and acting. It's a shame really. The too tepid set-up kind of washes out what would be some really emotionally resonant scenes.
Review of A Dream of Christmas
