The Third Wish

The Third Wish is a charming, heart-warming adventure into the lore of magical fairy tales. Released in 2005, the movie is a delightful blend of humor, whimsy, and a touch of romance. Boasting a fantastic cast, including Jenna Mattison, Sean Maguire, and Armand Assante, the movie grandly explores the human desire for wholesomeness, making it a delightful watch for audiences of all ages.

At the heart of The Third Wish is Jenna Mattison, in the role of Maggie Malone – the quintessential “girl next door”. Maggie's world revolves around her work at the public library, her fish Bob, and her close-knit group of friends. The energetic librarian gets more than she bargained for when she comes across an ancient, enchanted book, ‘The Book of Wishes’ and absent-mindedly makes a wish, triggering a series of unexpected events.

As Maggie, Jenna Mattison is utterly endearing, portraying a woman who is caught between fantasy and reality with charming naivety. Her life is significantly complicated by the arrival of a handsome, suave stranger who she never expected to cross paths with. Sean Maguire magnificently embodies this character of Oliver Gillis, turning in a memorable performance that is both charismatic and likeable. His irresistible charm and wit keep the audience guessing as to his connection with Maggie’s third wish.

Providing further depth to this delightful fairy-tale scenario is Armand Assante. The esteemed actor brings significant gravitas to the character of ‘The Benefactor’, a mysterious figure in the movie. Assante’s performance is riveting, acting as an intriguing counterpoint to the developing relationship between Maggie and Oliver.

Beyond the main characters, the movie features an ensemble cast of lively, quirky characters, from the desk-bound Roland (James Avery) to the enigmatic Jennifer (Betty White). These diverse, vibrant characters form a rich, often amusing backdrop to the unfolding magical narrative.

The story of The Third Wish unfolds in a world that is a delightful blend of sensory magic and modern-day reality, a testament to the imaginative storytelling of the director, Shelley Jensen. Showcasing her whimsical ingenuity, Jensen guides us through the narrative with humor and enchantment at every turn. The lensing by photographer Dan Heigh captures this mix of warmth and enchantment perfectly, while the artful score by Guy Ross adds an additional layer of depth to the plot.

Through the narrative, The Third Wish gently nudges us to examine some universally pertinent themes, such as the importance of friendships, the place of dreams in our lives, and the often-forgotten magical nature of everyday reality. It succeeds in seamlessly embedding these messages within the story without detracting from the enjoyable, uplifting plot.

Notably, The Third Wish also addresses the universal human sentiment of longing - longing for something we might not even have defined yet. Through Maggie's journey, the movie explores this theme in an amusing yet touching narrative. Her character’s longing for something ‘beyond’ the monotony of her daily life forms a relatable, enchanting story backdrop.

To conclude, The Third Wish is a delightful dive into a magical world where wishes come true, but not without their surprising twists. The plot, the performances, the direction, and the score all intertwine to create a movie that is as charming as it is whimsical, making for a truly enjoyable cinematic experience. Despite its fairytale premise, the themes are unmistakably real, allowing viewers of all ages to relate to the storyline. A perfect mix of romance, humor, and a dash of magic, The Third Wish is an enchanting watch, reminding viewers that the extraordinary often lies within the ordinary, a wish away!