Wish for Christmas

Wish for Christmas is a heartwarming and uplifting family drama that tests the notion of faith and the true spirit of the holiday season. Released in 2016, this film stars Joey Lawrence, Leigh-Allyn Baker, and Anna Fricks.

The movie is centered around high-school student, Anna, played by talented rising star Anna Fricks. Anna is a well-liked, popular girl whose life is seemingly perfect. However, she yearns for a bit more freedom and independence, primarily stemming from the restrictions set by her parents due to their religious beliefs, particularly during Christmas. Anna's parents are devout Christians, and their faith is an integral part of their family life, which sometimes contradicts with the worldly desires of an ordinary teenager. Leigh-Allyn Baker and Joey Lawrence convincingly portray the roles of Anna's caring and concerned parents.

As the story unfolds, the usually festive preparations for the holiday season turn slightly sour when Anna's parents (Leigh-Allyn Baker and Joey Lawrence) decide to volunteer at the local church on Christmas Eve rather than attending Anna's annual school ball. Filled with teenage angst and fueled by youthful rebellion, Anna makes a wish that her parents couldn't exercise their faith anymore. Little did she know, the repercussions of this seemingly harmless whim are more profound than she could have ever imagined.

When her wish actually comes true, Anna's world is turned upside down. The family that was once the epitome of love and faith starts spiraling into chaos. As her parents lose their faith, they become more engrossed in their personal ambition, neglecting their duties and leaving the family fragmented. This drastic change forces Anna to reconsider her perspective on faith, family, and the essence of Christmas.

Anna Fricks gives a moving performance as a troubled teenager navigating the complexities of faith and family dynamics. Joey Lawrence and Leigh-Allyn Baker bring depth to their characters, perfectly embodying the transformation from loving, faith-based parents to self-absorbed individuals devoid of their spiritual anchor.

One of the key themes of Wish for Christmas is the exploration of Christianity within the family unit. It showcases how faith can serve as the glue that holds a family together, and without it, even the most seemingly perfect families can fall apart. It delves into the sometimes underrepresented subject of teen rebellion within the context of a religious family.

Despite the seemingly serious-toned premise, Wish for Christmas retains the magical, joyous spirit associated with holiday movies. There is plenty of Christmas charm throughout the film, from the snowy landscapes to the warmly decorated interiors, and not to forget the suspenseful countdown to Christmas day. The movie is balanced with moments of joy, despair, awakening, and redemption, ensuring the audiences stay hooked on the unfolding events.

Moreover, its strong narrative and focus on a Christian family's faith make it a fitting choice for family movie nights, particularly during the holiday season. The film resonates with family viewers, as many of its themes like family dynamics, teenage rebellion, yearning for independence, and testing of faith are universally relatable.

In essence, Wish for Christmas is not just an enjoyable holiday movie; it's an emotional journey that underlines the importance of faith and family. It encourages viewers to cherish and respect their loved ones' beliefs, demonstrating that overlooking superficial desires and understanding the deeper meaning of festivals like Christmas can lead to genuine happiness. With a delightful ensemble cast and a thought-provoking plot, Wish for Christmas is a must-watch for film enthusiasts seeking a wholesome, meaningful holiday movie.