I absolutely loved this movie!! Largely, because I live in the St. Croix River Valley and it was fun to see a movie that was filmed in Hudson. It was, I suppose, a cute movie... I've been oddly attracted to dopey Christmas movies this year, which this most certainty is. I enjoyed it because the acting and script were so bad that it provided a lower end by which to judge other TV shows and movies. For example, I watched "Dead to Me" the following night (with Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini) and was blown away at how good the acting and writing were in comparison. "A Christmas Wish in Hudson" reminded me of a porno flick (bad acting, bad plot and male/female attraction)... only the sex never came. So unusual that it was good.
19 Reviews
Fast talking Lexi strikes again.
micknbabs-2912516 November 2022
Film spoiled for me by not being able to understand what fast talking Lexi croaks. It seems to be an affectation that American /Canadian women use. Very hard to tell what they're saying. The other actors were completely understandable. Especially the older ones.
The film follows the usual formula of boy meets girl, have a fall out, get back together just in time for Christmas.
I have to use a lot of words to fill out this review but I've said all I came to say, in short
LEXI! Enunciate clearly. Watch some real actresses they are all perfectly understandable.
Have a good day thank you, .....
The film follows the usual formula of boy meets girl, have a fall out, get back together just in time for Christmas.
I have to use a lot of words to fill out this review but I've said all I came to say, in short
LEXI! Enunciate clearly. Watch some real actresses they are all perfectly understandable.
Have a good day thank you, .....
My Christmas Wish Was That This Small Town Was More Entertaining.
P3n-E-W1s39 December 2022
Greetings, salutations, and a seasonal welcome to all you movie aficionados. Here are my considerations and recommendation for A Small Town Christmas Wish.
Story: 0.75/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.00/2 - Enjoyment: 1.00/2
Total 4.75/10
The idea of a Christmas in small-town America has been romanticised to hell and back and then back to hell again. So when a film possesses the magic words Small Town along with Christmas Wish, you're forgiven if you think it's going to be good. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings in the season of joy, but the film ain't all that. Thanks to the poor story, it's a smidgen below average. Would anyone really travel miles upon miles to talk to a stranger they'd seen on TV? Okay, so I had this thing with Michelle Pfeiffer, but the courts and the hundred-mile injunction chilled my Amore - now I have to make do with Batman Returns and a cold shower - too much info? Kidding aside, can you say scary stalker? And that is the crux of my dislike, the distinct lack of realism. Everyone appears okay that women from all over America are now stalking Fireman Pat (I thought Pat was a Postman and Sam was the Fireman?). It says a lot for you American guys. And the atmosphere of bland nonchalantness doesn't simply stay with this storyline. No. It weaves its narrative-shredding claws through everything. It doesn't matter what subject comes up it's given the same vapid treatment. Though the actors and actresses are decent, they're not given much to tackle in the way of dramatics. They wander around the town with silly smiles glued to their mugs that don't quite make it to their eyes. And though the director attempts to add some heartwarming touches, I think he was relying on the performers' grins to add the best part of that mood.
I can't recommend A Small Town Christmas Wish, AKA A Christmas Wish In Hudson, as a must-watch Chrimbo Flick. It's more of a movie to watch while you're doing something else, like replying to e-mails or social media.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
Story: 0.75/2 - Direction and Pace: 2.00/4 - Performances: 1.00/2 - Enjoyment: 1.00/2
Total 4.75/10
The idea of a Christmas in small-town America has been romanticised to hell and back and then back to hell again. So when a film possesses the magic words Small Town along with Christmas Wish, you're forgiven if you think it's going to be good. Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings in the season of joy, but the film ain't all that. Thanks to the poor story, it's a smidgen below average. Would anyone really travel miles upon miles to talk to a stranger they'd seen on TV? Okay, so I had this thing with Michelle Pfeiffer, but the courts and the hundred-mile injunction chilled my Amore - now I have to make do with Batman Returns and a cold shower - too much info? Kidding aside, can you say scary stalker? And that is the crux of my dislike, the distinct lack of realism. Everyone appears okay that women from all over America are now stalking Fireman Pat (I thought Pat was a Postman and Sam was the Fireman?). It says a lot for you American guys. And the atmosphere of bland nonchalantness doesn't simply stay with this storyline. No. It weaves its narrative-shredding claws through everything. It doesn't matter what subject comes up it's given the same vapid treatment. Though the actors and actresses are decent, they're not given much to tackle in the way of dramatics. They wander around the town with silly smiles glued to their mugs that don't quite make it to their eyes. And though the director attempts to add some heartwarming touches, I think he was relying on the performers' grins to add the best part of that mood.
I can't recommend A Small Town Christmas Wish, AKA A Christmas Wish In Hudson, as a must-watch Chrimbo Flick. It's more of a movie to watch while you're doing something else, like replying to e-mails or social media.
Please check out my HO! HO! HO! Christmas Belles list to see where I ranked the movie.
Take Care, Stay Well, And Best Wishes For A Merry Christmas.
Not really good
dredzo2 January 2023
Ignore the 10-star reviews from the crew and cast, this movie's acting, script and direction are distracting bad. I mean, it is cringeworthy. The daughter, the daughter's boyfriend, the bad boss with a man-bun.
Wow, writing a 500 word review is insane. I really don't have that much to say about this forgettable movie, but a 500 word requirement is ridiculous.
The lead character is pretty but very flaky, and her whole trip to meet the guy on TV is creepy and desperate. The lead male is not very attractive, but he's in good shape. The dialogue is very two-dimensional, and fairly flaccid. Yay, 500 characters!
Wow, writing a 500 word review is insane. I really don't have that much to say about this forgettable movie, but a 500 word requirement is ridiculous.
The lead character is pretty but very flaky, and her whole trip to meet the guy on TV is creepy and desperate. The lead male is not very attractive, but he's in good shape. The dialogue is very two-dimensional, and fairly flaccid. Yay, 500 characters!
Poor production values.
adamjohns-4257519 November 2022
A Christmas Wish in Hudson/ A Small Town Christmas Wish (2021) -
This film was like some sort of lame, poorly made and cheap ass version of 'Sleepless In Seattle' (1993), but without the joy or decent humour.
Although I'd probably check him out in the gym showers, I wouldn't call Rib Hillis much of a looker in the same way that others in these films have been usually. Luke Macfarlane, Jesse Hutch and Brendan Penny would all get more than just checked out, but Rib would probably be what I call a bit of a neck down, because his muscles did look nice, but otherwise he looked a bit like a cousin of Steve Buscemi or something.
However, just for balance I'd like to say that none of them would look at me at all, I'm not a Hollywood star though.
The leading lady, Alex Rinehart looked like she would be a miserable so and so or some sort of weird hybrid cat person. I wasn't bothered in the slightest by either of their characters or performances and didn't really care if they got together, because I just felt no connection between them.
And the daughter was like an even sicklier sweet version of Kirsten Dunst from 'Spider-Man' (2002) and with all the emotional range of a spoon. Please, don't get me started on her love interest Chase.
And although it was a relatively small role, I have to mention the character of Jason, who was just ridiculous, like something from a kids programme. And he wasn't the only supporting actor to really ham it up, but the leads weren't much of a step up either.
The props and costumes were really quite questionable too and the other production values all seemed very cheap as well, with bad lighting and camera filters among other things.
The delivery of the concept was done in such a daft and thoughtless way, as if they were just rushing out another film, so that they could move on to the next one without any care at all and it all felt very forced, even more so by the way the daughter kept pushing them together, which made it hard to believe.
There were too many things to do and for them to attend as a couple, so that nothing flowed, because they were too busy to actually form any sort of connection. The setups in to it were all so contrived too.
And the amount of times she tried to tell him why she was there and something happened to get in the way was really annoying.
I thought about turning it off a few times, because it just bored me and the acting was so twee. If it hadn't been such a short film, I probably would have ended it and saved myself the pain. Not one to watch again.
3.07/10.
This film was like some sort of lame, poorly made and cheap ass version of 'Sleepless In Seattle' (1993), but without the joy or decent humour.
Although I'd probably check him out in the gym showers, I wouldn't call Rib Hillis much of a looker in the same way that others in these films have been usually. Luke Macfarlane, Jesse Hutch and Brendan Penny would all get more than just checked out, but Rib would probably be what I call a bit of a neck down, because his muscles did look nice, but otherwise he looked a bit like a cousin of Steve Buscemi or something.
However, just for balance I'd like to say that none of them would look at me at all, I'm not a Hollywood star though.
The leading lady, Alex Rinehart looked like she would be a miserable so and so or some sort of weird hybrid cat person. I wasn't bothered in the slightest by either of their characters or performances and didn't really care if they got together, because I just felt no connection between them.
And the daughter was like an even sicklier sweet version of Kirsten Dunst from 'Spider-Man' (2002) and with all the emotional range of a spoon. Please, don't get me started on her love interest Chase.
And although it was a relatively small role, I have to mention the character of Jason, who was just ridiculous, like something from a kids programme. And he wasn't the only supporting actor to really ham it up, but the leads weren't much of a step up either.
The props and costumes were really quite questionable too and the other production values all seemed very cheap as well, with bad lighting and camera filters among other things.
The delivery of the concept was done in such a daft and thoughtless way, as if they were just rushing out another film, so that they could move on to the next one without any care at all and it all felt very forced, even more so by the way the daughter kept pushing them together, which made it hard to believe.
There were too many things to do and for them to attend as a couple, so that nothing flowed, because they were too busy to actually form any sort of connection. The setups in to it were all so contrived too.
And the amount of times she tried to tell him why she was there and something happened to get in the way was really annoying.
I thought about turning it off a few times, because it just bored me and the acting was so twee. If it hadn't been such a short film, I probably would have ended it and saved myself the pain. Not one to watch again.
3.07/10.
Terrible attempt to remake Sleepless in Seattle
jenathrash21 December 2022
This movie was terrible....
The storyline clearly attempted to rip off Sleepless in Seattle and didn't do it very well at all. The acting was completely unbelievable and the scene set ups to try to show the actors falling for each other were very forced and fake. The boss in the beginning was one of the worst, most faked performances I've ever seen. Everything about this movie was unbelievable and poorly done.
I can't get that 2 hours back and I'm pretty mad about that. About 20 minutes in, I started multitasking so the time wouldn't be completely wasted.
Who thought this was a good idea and wasted the time and money to make film?
I can't get that 2 hours back and I'm pretty mad about that. About 20 minutes in, I started multitasking so the time wouldn't be completely wasted.
Who thought this was a good idea and wasted the time and money to make film?
Same ole Cheesey Christmas Movies
dawnwaterbury22 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The story line isn't bad, yes it is like Sleepless in Seattle, but it's fine for a GAF movie.
And yes, they follow the same formula as always. Fall for each other, oh no! A problem, but we worked it out and lived happily ever after.
My problem is the acting, it's horrible!! It just feels like most of them are doing this for the first time. Seriously the director shot this and thought this is amazing, let's go with this. Just no chemistry. There had to be better actors than this. I don't expect Oscar winning performances, but something better than this.
I really do expect a lot, but more than this!
And yes, they follow the same formula as always. Fall for each other, oh no! A problem, but we worked it out and lived happily ever after.
My problem is the acting, it's horrible!! It just feels like most of them are doing this for the first time. Seriously the director shot this and thought this is amazing, let's go with this. Just no chemistry. There had to be better actors than this. I don't expect Oscar winning performances, but something better than this.
I really do expect a lot, but more than this!
An Incredible film for heartfelt Christmas lovers
laurenschuster-442372 November 2021
It was such an honor to be a part of this cast and I wouldn't have wanted to debut in my first film in any other way. Download the Roku app and watch this fun Christmas movie filmed in Hudson, Wisconsin! 10 out of 10 in my opinion!!
Must Miss
queenofcrops-6308410 July 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I'm a sucker for romance movies, but this one was a time waster. As other reviewers have written, the acting, production, writing are all sub par. All the actors could use acting lessons. In particular, the actress playing Lori chose to play the role as an innocent, inexperienced adolescent. I kept expecting her to coyly look to the dude while shuffling her feet and saying "aw shucks". Her reaction to the kiss was that of someone who had never been kissed before.
There was absolutely no chemistry between the lead actors, which is especially ironic considering that they have a conversation about how they felt inexplicably drawn to each other the first time they met.
There was absolutely no chemistry between the lead actors, which is especially ironic considering that they have a conversation about how they felt inexplicably drawn to each other the first time they met.
Family friendly snoozer
Jackbv12318 December 2022
This is pretty much all the usual Christmas romance movie stuff. The idea of Patrick attracting hordes of single women based on a random cooking show appearance is a bit unusual, but after that it is all the usual stuff. Lori is hiding that she came to town because of the show which Patrick has already said is stupid. They meet almost by accident and then do a lot of Christmas activities together. But there are no highs or lows or surprises. The only tension is Lori's secret. The conflict is totally expected but it seems overblown.
The acting is barely fair. The dialogue is totally flat. There isn't really any good humor. Everything is so flat that it's hard to see any chemistry between Alex Rinehart and Rib Hillis. The most appealing character is Patrick's daughter Nicole and she is part of a secondary romance.
The acting is barely fair. The dialogue is totally flat. There isn't really any good humor. Everything is so flat that it's hard to see any chemistry between Alex Rinehart and Rib Hillis. The most appealing character is Patrick's daughter Nicole and she is part of a secondary romance.
Great concept, poor execution.
tngrrl16 January 2023
I'm sure GAC is falling victim to quantity over quality & is rushing production. I felt like the actors weren't given enough time to prepare. As a result, there was some overacring. Some of the scenes & script were awkward & clunky - almost too painful to watch. Make movies people will want to watch again & again. Give the actors a chance to show what they can do. Also, please change the formula... they're all so predictable. Beautiful scenery, I'm glad it was a real town in Wisconsin. I'm running out of things to say. This didn't start out to be overly critical, but I had to meet the character count requirement.
Terrible leading Men
shoeatlanta21 July 2023
Great story line -You have a habit of using terrible leading men. In this movie Rib Hillis is not working with the female star Alex Rinehart AT ALL! The young boy, I think that's Carlos Merchay does not fit the movie either. The young girl playing the daughter needs a better actor to fit the script. This is not the only movie that We as a family have recorded and started to watch but when we see the pairings of male stars with the Female actress and they just are terrible lookers we end up deleting the movie. Most of the time they are also a sad actor, no acting abitlity at all. We love this channel, it gives the Hallmark channel competion .
Beautiful location for this movie
susanrosshill4 January 2023
Best part of the movie was the location. It was beautiful, charming, breathtaking! I would love to visit. The movie tried, but it really fell flat. Some of the acting was good, some of the acting was fair. Storyline , unfortunately, was same cookie cutter that we see in most Christmas movies. It had potential.
Most of the snow looked beautifully real! That was an added bonus! And most of the Christmas decorations felt joyful!
I'm glad the movie was made during a cold time of the year it made it feel more Christmassy and more real. Lot of these movies are filmed with fake snow in the warmer months and it feels fake.
Most of the snow looked beautifully real! That was an added bonus! And most of the Christmas decorations felt joyful!
I'm glad the movie was made during a cold time of the year it made it feel more Christmassy and more real. Lot of these movies are filmed with fake snow in the warmer months and it feels fake.
Wish to Watch it Again!
Elizabeth-248820 October 2022
This is a really cute film. It is basically about a widower who has lost his wife and as a result, he has lost his joy and Christmas spirit. Being also a widow, it really spoke to me personally about finding love after you think that your life is over and that it is possible to feel love again. That is one of the reasons why I love this film and it's message. I thought the actors were great and that the two leads had a lot of chemistry. I never understand why some reviewers are so hateful, but this is a typical feel good movie that is going to have a happy ending, and I guess I love those! If you are looking for a true life drama, then this is not the one to watch. But if you want a feel good movie, watch this one!
Feel good snuggle up and watch movie.
alindabery23 December 2022
I loved this movie. The setting was charming. Hudson Wisconsin is definitely a town I hope to visit one day. The supporting characters Nicole and Chase reminded me of my teenage years and the the things I tried in order to get closer to the person I wanted to be with. The lead, Alex Rinehart has a rare ability to transform herself. Change of hairstyle, wardrobe or makeup and she looks completely different, each look stimulating our visual senses. In the thank you dinner scenes she was absolutely stunning. The scenes at the firehouse reading and in the park near the end really highlight the desperation, search and eventual discovery that these two lost souls were meant to be together.
Cute movie
hillstud7 November 2021
Cute heart felt movie filmed locally, would be 10/10 stars if there were mountains in-between Minneapolis and Hudson. I think they should have filmed the driving on the bluffs around the Mississippi river not some random mountain range.
Great Hallmark Movie
daniellesteinik7 November 2021
#ChaseSupremacy
abbymarthaknoke26 November 2021
This was a average movie. If a certain someone (Chase obviously) was not in it I would have rated it 3/10. But Chase was such a dynamic and charismatic character he totally stole the show. Can't wait to see were this actor will go!
Charming!
jodilynne-1073026 November 2023
I knew going in that this movie wasn't a big budget movie. With that being said, I loved the charm and simplicity of the scenery and characters.
The storyline was what I would expect, the title gives it away.
Christmas is a magical time to spend with friends, family and going home, Hudson WI is a quaint Wisconsin town that offers all of this for a true Midwestern Christmas experience.
This little movie is family friendly and will remind viewers of their small hometown, the shops, locals and friendliness.
If you grew up in a small town, visited grandparents in a small town and have memories of the lights, traditions and quaint charm, this gem is for you!
The storyline was what I would expect, the title gives it away.
Christmas is a magical time to spend with friends, family and going home, Hudson WI is a quaint Wisconsin town that offers all of this for a true Midwestern Christmas experience.
This little movie is family friendly and will remind viewers of their small hometown, the shops, locals and friendliness.
If you grew up in a small town, visited grandparents in a small town and have memories of the lights, traditions and quaint charm, this gem is for you!
See also
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