SteinMo What a freaking movie. So many twists and turns. Absolutely intense from start to finish.

SeeQuant Blending excellent reporting and strong storytelling, this is a disturbing film truly stranger than fiction

Motompa Go in cold, and you're likely to emerge with your blood boiling. This has to be seen to be believed.

Nicole I enjoyed watching this film and would recommend other to give it a try , (as I am) but this movie, although enjoyable to watch due to the better than average acting fails to add anything new to its storyline that is all too familiar to these types of movies.

lindawmson-00274 Wish you well. Always happy to watch a movie with Ellyn Burstyn. She plays the quintessential kindly, wise grandmother and a strong, smart woman, leaving an amazing legacy. The actors were well cast, stellar cinematography showcasing Virginia's glorious fall colors, and overall quality of this film and story is well done.FYI, David Baldacci, the author, started the 'Wish You Well Foundation' to help fight illiteracy, hunger and make the world a better place.I am surprised that no one has pointed out the unscrupulousness, dishonesty, greed and corruption on the part of the the coal company way back in the 1940s, and the pain and disharmony it caused in the community. It wasn't the first murder cover-up by big oil and it sure won't be the last. To me, that stands out as a main point to this story.A deeper lesson to be learned...

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.

ihavebestdogever 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.

Bart Wilner A wonderful story of two young siblings transplanted from New York City to rural Virginia and the many lessons about life that occur. David Baldacci is a master story teller with his many books and it is a real treat to see his characters in "Wish You Well" come to life on the big screen. Ellen Burstyn, Josh Lucas, Ned Bellamy, Mackenzie Foy, and JP Vanderloo all are outstanding making their characters real and take the viewer on a wonderful journey back to the 1940's and show what life was like on a typical farm in the Virginia countryside. The movie is filmed on location in the beautiful mountains of Southwest Virginia and the scenes are stunning. This film will make you laugh and cry and will have you leaving the theatre feeling good about your journey.