Review: “12 Wishes of Christmas” (2011)

Pre-wish outfits remain basic — jeans, shirts, flats. But after Laura wishes for wealth, wardrobe, and jewelry? That ivory-on-ivory ensemble (scarf, turtleneck, pants) achieves classic chic perfection!

Laura’s stuck in a mediocre relationship when she meets Andy at a dog kennel volunteer session. Their dogs make a mad dash for each other — foreshadowing the inevitable human union. When her boyfriend gets caught kissing another woman, Andy swoops in. Laura makes amends for wish-induced chaos, and they live happily ever after.

Pretty standard formula, elevated entirely by Donovan’s performance.

Honestly, I wasn’t paying close attention during their kiss. My lack of investment in the actor playing Andy meant I watched without really registering “Oh, that’s their first kiss!” Given Elisa’s excellent work with Sebastian Spence, I’m certain she nailed it. But I had zero desire to verify whether he matched her effort.

Absolutely family-friendly! Thanks likely to Chondra Pierce’s presence, God receives honor even while exploring magical wish silliness. No content concerns whatsoever.

This will never reach Eve’s Christmas heights for me, though not because Donovan fails to deliver — she’s as charming here as there. The difference lies in supporting cast and script. Eve’s possessed that indefinable magic this one lacks.

That said, this COULD’VE been a contender with: better casting for Andy, elimination of the “Mom-phone-in” role, and perhaps recasting Sandra’s character.

I think I have a girl crush on Elisa Donovan. She’s a charming romcom actress in the mold of Doris Day — great comedic timing, excellent facial expressions (mandatory for comedy), masters pratfalls when needed, possesses that sunny disposition quirky heroines require, and has probably the best smile, voice, and laugh of any actress since Doris Day herself.

My mom, who LOVED Day (her girl crush), would’ve agreed. Mom adored Eve’s Christmas, and if she were still with me today, I know she’d approve of my assessment of Donovan’s talent.

Here’s the thing: I don’t generally like ANY actress today because few are truly meant to BE actresses. In the words of CSI’s Grissom, they’re celebrities, not actors.

But Donovan may be the exception — at least in holiday romcoms. When I say I have a girl crush on her acting ability, that’s saying something significant.

My mom introduced me to all things Old Hollywood — she’s why I grew up crushing on Cary Grant, loving Big Band, Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, and Dean Martin, and considering Doris Day the best songstress EVER and the measuring stick for all other actresses.

So when I compare Donovan to Day, I’m invoking the highest standard I know.