I have watched a few Hallmark romances and this is the first time I've seen a Hallmark couple interact as if they were really in live with each other. Adorably real...these two should be cast again with each other..refreshing...and real. Kudos.
35 Reviews
A Really Cute Movie!
ISmellSnow2 October 2020
Both Jessy and Luke are very good Hallmark actors! I enjoy their movies so I was excited to see them paired in one together. Most Hallmark movies won't make the viewer laugh out loud but this one gave me a few chuckles. Especially when they slip on ice and fall onto each other. I had to rewind and rewatch a few times because it was just so funny. Overall, I think it's a cute movie. I just wish she would've broke up with her boyfriend A LOT sooner than she did.
Nicer One Of The Hallmark Movies
gjacoby-1349517 February 2019
I really like Luke Macfarlane, and Jessy Schram is just lovable in this - and I choose the word advisedly. It's a fun movie, a romantic movie, and better than the usual Hallmark cookie cutter flick. This is one I might buy if it's on DVD.
Freshly done version of a familiar formula
phd_travel4 February 2018
The forumula of girl with the guy who isn't right for her and later finds the ture love is right there all along has been done before. But here it is delievered in a less cliched and more natural feeling way. An advertising commericial producer director falls is engaged to a guy who won't propose. She starts to get closer and closer to her colleague instead.
The 2 leads are good together. Jessy Schram isn't annoyingly perky and LUke Macfarlane isn't too much of a martyr saint. The wrong guy isn't too obviously wrong either.
Worth one watch.
The 2 leads are good together. Jessy Schram isn't annoyingly perky and LUke Macfarlane isn't too much of a martyr saint. The wrong guy isn't too obviously wrong either.
Worth one watch.
Great lead actors!
lyndavanleeuwen31 December 2020
Fun & entertaining evenings entertainment! Love Luke MacFarlane, especially in this film!
The relationship had the usual twists but without the typical goofy snags along the way!
Cute scene with the puppies and the scene in the mini van with the kids!
Luke is super appealing! Even hubby found the story to his liking!
Cast them together more often!
Fun Romance With a Twist
ruthaw_197427 January 2017
First of all, I am a regular viewer of Hallmark films, and I realize that many people will complain that Hallmark regularly does predictable, romantic comedies, and some would call them cheesy and not worth watching. In this day and age with negativity and vile themes spewing forth from our TV sets, computers, and phones, there is nothing like the comfort of curling up on a quiet evening and watching a Hallmark film.
For me, this is a romance that is full of comedy, excellent acting, and fine writing--also directed by one of the best directors out there today, at least in my opinion. While the story is predictable in that it's a typical romantic comedy, it does contain plenty of atypical twists. It is not a traditional time travel romance, and while the ending is assured from the get-go, I never found it dull nor boring as the viewers were taken along for the ride. It had just the right amount of bumps along the way, and the acting was so impeccable that Marcus Rosner's "other guy" role incensed me like very few have. Luke and Jessy were a pure delight on screen as they carried out the comical, clever dialogue, and the visual aspects of the film were exceptional as well. Who could not love the puppy scene? And while there is an element of the supernatural, the intent of the film came across to the viewers in a fun and inspiring way. It is an excellent reminder that life rarely goes the way one plans, but if you are open to possibilities that are tossed your way, your life may end up being more than you could have possibly dreamed. While the ending may have seemed a bit rushed due to time constraints, I truly cannot fault this film nor anyone involved with the film for that minor fault. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel in years to come that shows these two as a married couple with kids and even gives us more than the brief glimpse of their lives through the lens to which we were privy. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves the old-fashioned "romcom" genre. However, if you are tired of the bad news that is constantly flashing across your screen, this is just the sort of good news that can instantly pick up your spirits and help you forget your problems, at least for ninety minutes!
For me, this is a romance that is full of comedy, excellent acting, and fine writing--also directed by one of the best directors out there today, at least in my opinion. While the story is predictable in that it's a typical romantic comedy, it does contain plenty of atypical twists. It is not a traditional time travel romance, and while the ending is assured from the get-go, I never found it dull nor boring as the viewers were taken along for the ride. It had just the right amount of bumps along the way, and the acting was so impeccable that Marcus Rosner's "other guy" role incensed me like very few have. Luke and Jessy were a pure delight on screen as they carried out the comical, clever dialogue, and the visual aspects of the film were exceptional as well. Who could not love the puppy scene? And while there is an element of the supernatural, the intent of the film came across to the viewers in a fun and inspiring way. It is an excellent reminder that life rarely goes the way one plans, but if you are open to possibilities that are tossed your way, your life may end up being more than you could have possibly dreamed. While the ending may have seemed a bit rushed due to time constraints, I truly cannot fault this film nor anyone involved with the film for that minor fault. In fact, I wouldn't mind seeing a sequel in years to come that shows these two as a married couple with kids and even gives us more than the brief glimpse of their lives through the lens to which we were privy. I highly recommend this film to anyone who loves the old-fashioned "romcom" genre. However, if you are tired of the bad news that is constantly flashing across your screen, this is just the sort of good news that can instantly pick up your spirits and help you forget your problems, at least for ninety minutes!
adorably cute
SnoopyStyle31 December 2020
Gwen Turner (Jessy Schram) and Dave McGee (Luke Macfarlane) are TV commercial directors forced to work together. They don't have the same style. She is turning 30. She expects her boyfriend to pop the question but he doesn't. She fails to get engaged by 30 which is one of her life goals. Dave shows up to support her on her birthday and she makes a wish on his cookie. She starts having visions of her future.
Jessy Schram is just so adorably cute especially when she's flustered. The plot is simplistic nothingness. It's perfect Hallmark. I wouldn't say that this is great but it is good at being what it is. It's nice.
Jessy Schram is just so adorably cute especially when she's flustered. The plot is simplistic nothingness. It's perfect Hallmark. I wouldn't say that this is great but it is good at being what it is. It's nice.
Enjoyed watching this movie
MovieNight12314 December 2018
For some people, the DELAY steers them to the right path.
Reno-Rangan24 February 2017
This is the first Hallmark film I'm watching after the end of the winter. When it is the Christmas season, I always go for the Hallmark films, but I got interested on this after learning about the plot. If you are very familiar with Hallmark films, you will know what to expect and how to enjoy them. I totally got entertained. This story is obviously not fresh, but refreshed with the great characters.
Gwen is who just tuned 30, was expecting the marriage proposal from her boyfriend, but nothing happened. She's an ad filmmaker, as her focus slipping away from the duty for not getting married, then she meets a new workmate, whose their initial impression does not go well. But later they start to have feelings for each other. If that's true how they are going make it real was revealed in the rest of the film.
Some of the lines were very nice. Well executed utilising fine cast and locations. Jessy Schram was simply amazing and also the plus point of the film. The rest of them were not bad either. Since it is a television film, it did not go past the 90 minute mark. That means well paced narration with the well developed storyline. I think it will work better for family audiences. But I suggest it for everyone, if they watch it with low expectation. Surely worth a try, particularly in a date night.
7/10
Gwen is who just tuned 30, was expecting the marriage proposal from her boyfriend, but nothing happened. She's an ad filmmaker, as her focus slipping away from the duty for not getting married, then she meets a new workmate, whose their initial impression does not go well. But later they start to have feelings for each other. If that's true how they are going make it real was revealed in the rest of the film.
Some of the lines were very nice. Well executed utilising fine cast and locations. Jessy Schram was simply amazing and also the plus point of the film. The rest of them were not bad either. Since it is a television film, it did not go past the 90 minute mark. That means well paced narration with the well developed storyline. I think it will work better for family audiences. But I suggest it for everyone, if they watch it with low expectation. Surely worth a try, particularly in a date night.
7/10
chemistry good for a change
celticwarrior_amazonwoma1 January 2022
Love the male and female lead, together and separately, there are so many regular Hallmark leads I get tired of seeing, or they rub me the wrong way, or the chemistry is bad etc. And ironically, I don't like the 'boyfriend' as an actor and well he always plays the a hole types, but he does them so well lol. My only criticism is that even for Hallmark, she seriously can't be that obtuse that douche boyfriend does one narcissistic thing after another and yet she still professes profusely to be committed to him. Hallmark doesn't tend to delve into abusive relationship dynamics. Which is the relationship she's in. So I suggest they either jump in both feet and address the subject, or not make her that stubbornly in love with such a narcissistic personality. And/or tone down his tendencies. Without actually broaching the subject or making it part of the story, you can't make it believable. Hallmark is supposed to be fairy-talish and light. OK? So dear writers, again, tone down boyfriend's narcissism, recommendation number one, recommendation two, she dumps him sooner but then you don't have a 90 minute story.
Believe
smathews-9194228 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The Birthday Wish is a whimsical creation written by Third Rock from the Sun alumna Julie Sherman Wolfe. This is her fourth Hallmark movie installment and she is slated for more projects with Crown Media. About the movie, the birthday girl, Gwen, makes a wish about her future. She sees a future that her current life path is not on. Even though she has a steady beau sometimes the "perfect" guy isn't the best fit for you. Through seeing her future self she begins to realize what she has now is not what brings meaning and happiness to her life. She eventually falls for Dave a fellow coworker and "THE" guy she has been waiting for. This is a cute family fun movie the entire family can watch without pausing to rush the kids out of the room. A great underlying theme is people show love in the most normal ways we may not realize at the moment. The moments whether it is a large chocolate chip cookie for your birthday or being surrounded by a pack of cute puppies defines that special wishes can reveal the greatest stories about our lives. This movie is about which path is really the best one.
Fun, and enjoyable with one or two eye rolls.
MIssM1924 February 2019
This is not a new concept for me. I have seen movies with this kind of "magical realism" before and I love it. I like that Hallmark used it, but the only thing I ask is that they don't try to use this concept again, otherwise this original movie will be ruined.
Jessy Schram is a pleasure to watch, she is fun, energetic, and I adore her characters. Luke MacFarlane is a a refreshing face to see. (I know, I'm watching this two years later). And the chemistry was wonderful. The plot was, indeed, stupid, but fun and enjoyable. I like these movies because you get away from the real world for an hour and half.
I only had two problems with this: the fact that the character was desesperate to get married and I get it, it was part of the plot but I couldn't help but to roll my eyes in more than one ocassion. And the other thing was the classic cliche that must be in a Hallmark movie: characters assuming thing they shouldn't and just running away. The less cliches there are, the better.
What I did like, and a lot, was the humor in the movie. They don't tend to include a lot, but this did. And the characters, being a contrast to each other was beautiful: Dave encouraging Gwen to just live and don't let herself carry away with her life plan. And both of them motivating each other to face their fears, it made it look like a real relationship. And I always like when they know each other beforehand. It makes the romance more realistic.
Jessy Schram is a pleasure to watch, she is fun, energetic, and I adore her characters. Luke MacFarlane is a a refreshing face to see. (I know, I'm watching this two years later). And the chemistry was wonderful. The plot was, indeed, stupid, but fun and enjoyable. I like these movies because you get away from the real world for an hour and half.
I only had two problems with this: the fact that the character was desesperate to get married and I get it, it was part of the plot but I couldn't help but to roll my eyes in more than one ocassion. And the other thing was the classic cliche that must be in a Hallmark movie: characters assuming thing they shouldn't and just running away. The less cliches there are, the better.
What I did like, and a lot, was the humor in the movie. They don't tend to include a lot, but this did. And the characters, being a contrast to each other was beautiful: Dave encouraging Gwen to just live and don't let herself carry away with her life plan. And both of them motivating each other to face their fears, it made it look like a real relationship. And I always like when they know each other beforehand. It makes the romance more realistic.
Infantile
hilary_mae-912-8056126 January 2017
Just watched this film and it was a ridiculous waste of time and so boring. The movie is absurdly juvenile and predictable; a carbon copy (music included) of every other movie that they make. Script written, acted and released for the intellectually stunted. The dialogue was simplistic and "short"; it seems like all their movies are written with two sentences and the scene changes. The protagonist is supposed to be 30 yet has the emotional and intellectual maturity of a 13 year old. The other characters buzzing around her in her fluffy little world have no depth. Not even pretending to work like grown ups. I think a teenager wrote this script.
Predictable & non original redeemed by cast
Lew7774 March 2020
Supernatural storyline being rehashed where Jessy Schram has her life all planned out with career , boyfriend etc but following her 30th Birthday, magically sees her life in 10 years time & it's not with Alex , her one-dimensional self-absorbed boyfriend. Pretty hokum stuff lifted from other Hallmark movies , just given a twist or two. I would have given a 4 or 5 marks for the film were it not for a smashing performance from Jessy , who's comedic and elements of genuine surprise, elevated the film hugely.
Good & not deserving of its RASPBERRY
TKBlackburn24 March 2017
As these kinds of movies go, it's pretty good with good casting.
At 1:10 the lead character kisses her boyfriend & there's an inappropriate, unacknowledged FART NOISE in the bg. It's as if the sound editor was giving a big raspberry to the filmmakers. WEIRD!
Other than that really big oddity, it's got good momentum & though a little predictable, there are few HM movies romances that are completely unpredictable.
At 1:10 the lead character kisses her boyfriend & there's an inappropriate, unacknowledged FART NOISE in the bg. It's as if the sound editor was giving a big raspberry to the filmmakers. WEIRD!
Other than that really big oddity, it's got good momentum & though a little predictable, there are few HM movies romances that are completely unpredictable.
Well Worth the Watch!!
pennysmomma2 March 2018
Simple and sweet romance with between to actors with great chemistry.
cgvsluis3 November 2022
Jesse Schram and Luke MacFarlane have wonderful chemistry together and really make this film a nice romance playing tv commercial directors Gwen Turner and Dave McGee.
Gwen is in a relationship with weatherman Alex and thinks that their life is perfect. It is the Eve of Gwen's thirtieth birthday and she is sure that Alex will propose. It doesn't help that her best friend Mia also thinks it's going to happen. When Alex doesn't propose Gwen makes a wish that she will see her life in ten years...but when she does it isn't with Alex making her question their relationship.
This is a straightforward romance where it is obvious from the beginning that Gwen is with the wrong guy.
If you are a romantic you might like this sweet romance between two leads with great chemistry.
Gwen is in a relationship with weatherman Alex and thinks that their life is perfect. It is the Eve of Gwen's thirtieth birthday and she is sure that Alex will propose. It doesn't help that her best friend Mia also thinks it's going to happen. When Alex doesn't propose Gwen makes a wish that she will see her life in ten years...but when she does it isn't with Alex making her question their relationship.
This is a straightforward romance where it is obvious from the beginning that Gwen is with the wrong guy.
If you are a romantic you might like this sweet romance between two leads with great chemistry.
Super Cute!!!!
jamjam-001885 August 2020
The chemistry between Luke and Jessy is spot on!!! This movie is cute and fun! The acting is fantastic as these two are always great in their Hallmark roles!!Grab a bowl of popcorn your favorite Afghan and enjoy!!! You won't be disappointed!!
Cleverly done
Sergiodave15 June 2022
Hallmark has succeeded in re-invigorating a scenario that has been used again and again in film. The lead actors were great, the humour, just right and overall sprinkled with just the right amount of Hallmark Schmaltz. I enjoyed it.
confused 40years old teenagers reprising the era of "silent films" facial play
pleione-1068724 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
LIGHT Spoilers! An autistic self indulgent mix between a stand-up comedy, Charlie Chaplin era and a confused teenager romance (with two 40 years old as teenagers). To make it more sparkly they added scenes like "chomping on a soya sandwich like piggies" and "slippery-look I've hurt myself" by him jumping in the air in front of his wannabe girlfriend and landing smack on his arse on frozen concrete pavement. The Hallmark Channel made a few months ago a very nice "The Mistletoe Promise" with the same Luke MacFarlane in the lead role. This "The Birthday Wish" is a totally different product; it's boring, irritating and less romantic than a concert of cats in heat.
Side note: Luke MacFarlane displayed such eating skills he should get a role in "cop doughnut eating contest".
Side note: Luke MacFarlane displayed such eating skills he should get a role in "cop doughnut eating contest".
The Birthday Wish Comes True...
abcj-211 April 2020
The Birthday Wish comes true in a cute film with perfectly casting and chemistry with Jessy Schram and Luke MacFarlane. The story is refreshingly different with the element of a hilarious but genuinely sweet look into the future. The script was well done from beginning to end. All of these factors add up to high marks and a delightful Hallmark film that I highly recommend!
Not good at all
vahid-a-838-14962615 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Was on TV and I decided to watch it. It was horrible.
You watch for 5 minutes and you can predict the whole thing. Girl wants to get married but boyfriend doesn't propose (like 2 billion other movies). Then a wild handsome colleague appears. At that point you can guess what's going to happen and this movie makes sure that it does. I don't understand why someone would find this movie any good let alone 10 star reviews here. Maybe they have a crush on one of the actors or they are very young and this is the first time they see this story.
You watch for 5 minutes and you can predict the whole thing. Girl wants to get married but boyfriend doesn't propose (like 2 billion other movies). Then a wild handsome colleague appears. At that point you can guess what's going to happen and this movie makes sure that it does. I don't understand why someone would find this movie any good let alone 10 star reviews here. Maybe they have a crush on one of the actors or they are very young and this is the first time they see this story.
The Birthday Wish
Guyot4m18 August 2019
Wish For a Better Movie...
chiltonsjillfreeport7 January 2020
"I'm in control of my own destiny."
No, sweetie, you're so not.
Gwen (Jessy Schram) is a 30-year-old woman who can't dress herself, who's so marriage-starved she's blind to who her boyfriend is. Three years in, she's afraid to ask for what she wants in her relationship, in things big or small.
So Gwen obsesses. And complains. Generally conducts herself like a hyper teenager. It's embarrassing to watch.
With comedy, Hallmark needs to realize you have to walk before you can run. Physical comedy is hard. Two out of three leads, Schram and Marcus Rosen, are wincing over-actors without comedic skills. (Imagine what a funnier actress could've done with the chocolate cake or dog park moments...) Only Luke Mcfarlane as Dave had some funny.
This thin story, written like a middle school view of adulting, was a bust except for Mcfarlane. Dave was the funny, thoughtful, interesting guy Gwen couldn't be less mature about liking.
I kept waiting to believe she deserved him.
Finally, how many sappy s'more scenes do we have to endure before HMC realizes no one, not even helpless female leads, eats their (completely unmelted) s'mores wearing leather dress gloves?! I guess it takes the guy with a sock monkey hat to get s'mores.
No, sweetie, you're so not.
Gwen (Jessy Schram) is a 30-year-old woman who can't dress herself, who's so marriage-starved she's blind to who her boyfriend is. Three years in, she's afraid to ask for what she wants in her relationship, in things big or small.
So Gwen obsesses. And complains. Generally conducts herself like a hyper teenager. It's embarrassing to watch.
With comedy, Hallmark needs to realize you have to walk before you can run. Physical comedy is hard. Two out of three leads, Schram and Marcus Rosen, are wincing over-actors without comedic skills. (Imagine what a funnier actress could've done with the chocolate cake or dog park moments...) Only Luke Mcfarlane as Dave had some funny.
This thin story, written like a middle school view of adulting, was a bust except for Mcfarlane. Dave was the funny, thoughtful, interesting guy Gwen couldn't be less mature about liking.
I kept waiting to believe she deserved him.
Finally, how many sappy s'more scenes do we have to endure before HMC realizes no one, not even helpless female leads, eats their (completely unmelted) s'mores wearing leather dress gloves?! I guess it takes the guy with a sock monkey hat to get s'mores.
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