Wish You Well (2013)

Absolutely the worst movie.

It's hard to see any effort in the film. There's no comedy to speak of, no real drama and, worst of all.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

I have always maintained that we should not compare books to movies. Each format is a distinctly different way to tell a story. And, this story is a case in point: although I am a fan of author Baldacci, I didn't particularly enjoy this particular book. But, I really enjoyed this film (and interestingly, Baldacci wrote the screen play for the movie). This film is what I refer to as a serious film. I don't just mean that it's a drama; I mean that it's a film to watch when you are in a serious frame of mind.I found aspects of the film predictable. But that's not a bad thing. Because often the joy is in finding HOW we get from start to finish in a film; in fact, we usually know the general thread of a film before it begins. Nevertheless, this film unwinds in an interesting manner, and while the general direction of the film may be somewhat predictable, there are lots of detours that surprise one.The acting here is top notch. Ellen Burstyn proves once again that she is an actress whose potential is often underestimated; solid performance. Mackenzie Foy, as the young girl puts in a strong performance for a child actor. Josh Lucas is excellent as a lawyer who takes an interest in the family..it's a fine performance, with an emphasis on the best meaning of the word fine. You'll hate Ned Bellamy, but it's a good performance. I was particularly impressed with the young Black actor, Alano Miller; I hope we see lots more of him.Having spent most of my life in Virginia, I enjoyed the setting, much of it filmed in the autumn.Recommended for serious film lovers. Very strong.

Saw this film at the Richmond International Film Festival and was blown away. Made on a small budget, you wouldn't know it from the finished product. Great performances from Ellen Burstyn and Josh Luckas I was expecting but the children in the story, Mackenzie Foy and JP Vandeloo surprised me with wonderful performances as well. Terrific story of a family thrown together after tragedy and their struggles to overcome rural hardships in the 1940's by David Baldacci who I believe wrote the screenplay as well? Great family film, no reason to worry about young children watching it. Shot entirely amongst the beautiful scenery of southwest Virginia. Hope it sees wide distribution so my niece and nephew can see it in theaters.

Wish You Well is a surprisingly Great film with an awesome cast. It is Super to have a feel good real life film that everyone in the family can see together. It is a need alternative to the plethora of action adventure and dark movies that have prevalent the past several years.The film is very well acted. Great scenes. Believable. I think it has the potential for numerous awards.Brought tears to most viewers eyes. Baldacci is a fantastic author and this, although out of his usual genre, is one not to be skipped over. I hope he does more films.WIsh You Well should be on the Annual Watch list along with Miracle on 34th Street and Its a Wonderful Life!I would highly recommend this to virtually everyone.

I had such a nice time seeing this film for the festival in Indianapolis. I was particularly impressed by its content. It is sure to be a family favorite. There aren't many films that are fit to take children to see. This film is both appropriate and enjoyable for the entire family. It was heartbreaking at times to walk the life of these young children. the film easily moved a mother to tears. tears of sadness and confusion on how a mother could lose her connection to her children. And then to tears of joy as she reclaims her position as a loving mother. The shots from autumn in Virginia were gorgeous with their valleys of crimson and amber. The crew did an amazing job capturing the beauty of this area. The leading characters also gave a very memorable performance. I hope that many others will have the opportunity to see this film on the big screen. Family films like Wish You Well are what's my mothers are hoping to see more of in the theaters.