Wish Upon a Christmas

Wish Upon A Christmas is a heartwarming holiday film from 2015 starring Larisa Oleynik, Aaron Ashmore, and Linda Darlow. This melodious and festive drama unveils the magical spirit of Christmas and highlights the power of love, family, and the miracle of holiday wishes.

Larisa Oleynik, popularly known for her roles in 'The Secret World of Alex Mack' and '10 Things I Hate About You', appears as Amelia, an effective business executive who is tasked with the unenviable job of downsizing a cherished ornament manufacturing company in her hometown. Amelia's reputation precedes her, and she’s often described as the "Savior of failing businesses" in the corporate world. We see her struggle with this emotionally charged assignment due to her shared past with the town and the company.

At the heart of the narrative is Amelia’s emotional homecoming and the memories it stirs up. Years ago, she had left behind not only this close-knit community but her high-school sweetheart Jesse, the factory's dedicated manager, portrayed by Aaron Ashmore (Smallville, Veronica Mars).

Ashmore’s earnest and touching portrayal of Jesse adds depth to the character, a man fighting to save the jobs of his workers and struggling to safeguard the only world he knows and loves. His character grows when faced with the potential closure of the factory and the sudden return of his past love. The actor with his tremendous performance captures the heart of a man grappling with personal and professional dilemmas.

The company is at the heart of this small town, and its closure would mean the loss of the community's lifeblood just before the holiday season. Faced with the pressing task of making the company profitable again, Amelia must also wrangle with old feelings for Jesse and her desire to do what’s best for the town.

Linda Darlow gives a notable performance as Amelia's mother, the moral compass guiding our protagonist through this nostalgic journey. Her motivating speeches about hometown and the spirit of Christmas weave a personable undertone throughout the film narrative.

Wish Upon a Christmas beautifully captures the character transformations triggered by the holiday spirit. Much more than just a holiday movie, its narrative offers a panorama along themes of corporate responsibilities, workforce realignment, and highlighting the power of community spirit in challenging times.

The title hints at the magic of Christmas wishes and the power of hope. It asks audiences to put faith in the Christmas miracles that can happen when we believe in the goodness of people, love, and the importance of home.

Set against the backdrop of holiday festivities, the film's repeatably catchy Christmassy jingle, reminiscent of traditional carols, pervades the storyline, creating an ambient atmosphere and making it a perfect watch for the holiday season.

Wish Upon a Christmas presents an array of subplots in the wider palette of a holiday movie, adding a thoughtful yet joyous essence to the festive film spectrum. It shows how commercial interests often clash with human sentiments and how empathy can lead to unexpected resolutions.

Director Terry Ingram masterfully captures the struggles and victories of our characters in a snow-dusted small town. Each beautifully composed shot, combined with a tightly crafted narrative, evoke a wave of nostalgia for simpler times and community togetherness.

The delightful, absorbing, and emotional performances of the cast bring to life relatable characters. As viewers, we can't help but root for Amelia and Jesse to achieve their goals; we share in their victories, their setbacks, and their journey towards rediscovery.

In conclusion, Wish Upon A Christmas offers more than just holiday cheer. It combines the magic of Christmas with the harsh realities of the business world, and the importance of community, love, and miracles. The film beautifully explores the nuances of rekindling old love, saving a failing business, and the true spirit of Christmas. It’s indeed a movie that warms the heart and reaffirms one's belief in miracles of the holiday season.