Review

Movie Review: Project Christmas Wish
Subtitle: “Making Holiday Dreams Come True, One Awkward Meet-Cute at a Time.”

Project Christmas Wish is Hallmark’s heartwarming tale of a woman who takes her job as the town’s unofficial Christmas genie very seriously. It’s a story about granting wishes, finding love, and rediscovering the true meaning of the holidays—all while ensuring no one ever underestimates the power of twinkling lights and festive cookies.

The movie follows Lucy (Amanda Schull), a relentlessly cheerful woman who runs a program called “Project Christmas Wish,” where she grants holiday wishes for her small-town neighbors. This year, Lucy meets Max (Travis Van Winkle), a ruggedly handsome widower whose daughter, Maxie, wishes for a magical Christmas like the ones she used to have. Lucy, being the embodiment of Christmas spirit, takes on the challenge, and before you can say “mistletoe,” she’s practically part of their family.

Amanda Schull’s Lucy is peak Hallmark heroine: kind, overachieving, and the type of person who probably carries emergency tinsel in her purse. Travis Van Winkle’s Max is her perfect match—grumpy at first but gradually won over by Lucy’s endless supply of holiday cheer (and possibly her gingerbread cookies). Their chemistry builds through a series of increasingly adorable moments, from tree decorating to heartfelt chats about loss and love.

The real scene-stealer, though, is Maxie (Averie Peters), who might as well have a PhD in matchmaking. Whether she’s dragging Lucy into family traditions or dropping not-so-subtle hints to her dad, she’s basically running her own Project Christmas Love on the side.

The movie is packed with classic Hallmark moments:
- A snowball fight where no one gets cold but everyone somehow gets closer emotionally.
- A cookie-baking montage that ends with flour on faces and flirtatious laughter.
- And, of course, a Christmas tree decorating scene where Max learns that ornaments are not just for trees—they’re metaphors for life and second chances.

The town itself feels like a character, with its endless Christmas events, perfectly timed snowfalls, and neighbors who apparently have no jobs other than making sure Lucy and Max get together. By the time the big town festival rolls around—complete with carolers, cocoa, and just the right amount of mistletoe—you’ll be ready to pack your bags and move there immediately.

The plot’s main conflict revolves around Lucy learning to prioritize her own happiness while Max comes to terms with opening his heart again. It’s predictable but sweet, with plenty of emotional moments that will tug at your heartstrings—assuming you’re not already crying into your hot cocoa during Maxie’s wish scene.

The grand finale ties everything up with a Hallmark-approved bow: Lucy and Max share a romantic confession, the town celebrates another successful Project Christmas Wish, and Maxie gets the magical Christmas she dreamed of. It’s cheesy, sure, but also irresistibly feel-good.

Project Christmas Wish is a festive, funny, and unapologetically sentimental holiday movie that delivers exactly what you want from Hallmark: heartwarming romance, adorable family moments, and the unwavering belief that Christmas really can make dreams come true. Watch it with tissues, cookies, and an open heart—you’ll need all three. 🎄🎁❤️