vincentlynch-moonoi 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.

nowego Some viewers will find this a bit slow for them, but if you perceivere you will love it.I don't think I have ever seen an Ellen Burstyn performance that I did not like and MacKenzie Foy was just excellent in her role. In fact both children were rather well played by MacKenzie Foy and JP Vanderloo.If you are not into historical stories or aren't fond of feel good movies, give this a miss, you probably won't like it either. This is no lovey dovey romance, but it is a really good movie that can be watched by most, although not necessarily appreciated by all.Overall I really liked it and recommend it to anyone who wants to feel good about the world for a moment.6/10

magman0222 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.

Tom Littrell Ellen Burstyn and MacKenzie Foy are well cast. The setting of the movie in 1940 and Southwest Virginia are both nostalgic and beautiful. The movie faithfully follows the excellent book by the same name. The story moves along with a good pace. Josh Lucas' portrayal of a country lawyer is very believable. Keith Tyree handles his part very professionally. The different areas for filming were well chosen with the courthouse very representative of a period building. The antique vehicles picked to compliment the year 1940 were a good touch. The cinematography and sound is well done. The editing had a few areas that overlooked some obvious mistakes such as the 1938 Buick had 1938 license plates rather than the correct 1940 ones. There was a cell tower on a hill in the background and there were round bales of hay which wouldn't have around in 1940. All in all, a wonderful film.