the wishing tree

 

the year: 2012

 

the genre: drama

 

 

the cast:

 

 

the plot: Professor Evan Farnsworth  is a widower who works tirelessly at a prestigious boarding school in Maine, dedicating all his time to helping his students believe in themselves. Accepting a job to teach the students left behind during Christmas vacation, including talented scholarship student Juliet, nerdy outcast Albert and privileged bad boy Drew, Farnsworth quickly faces a challenge when Drew gets into trouble. Upset his wealthy parents ditched him for a Paris skiing vacation, Drew takes his anger out on the neighboring town’s Wishing Tree, a bare tree decorated with handwritten notes containing the townspeople’s holiday wishes. A much loved tradition, it doubles as a fundraiser for needy families, depending on donations from eager wish-makers. Drew's misguided mother eventually threatens Farnsworth's job, but with the help of the students, Farnsworth discovers that anything is possible.

 

 

don't miss: Albert's secret hot cocoa recipe.

 

 

listen for: Juliet's solo of "There's a Place for Us".

 

 

I think the trailer is a bit misleading.  The romance takes a backseat to the plot of Farnsworth's interactions with the students - which is a much better storyline anyway.