Engaging Father Christmas

Many flaws. First, the pretext of second part of the story who seems too...fake.But a nice atmosphere. A predictable story who has the excuse of familiar characters and interesting -soft solution for save a crisis.. And not bad performances. Few strange scenes , off course, but a reasonable result. And, for a Hallmark Christmas movie , for a second part of a story about a lovely town, a daugther looking for her father and a love story , too, it is enough for enjoy it.

An American-Canadian TV film drama; A story about a young woman who travels to a small-town in Vermont hoping to spend the perfect Christmas with her boyfriend and long-lost family, but someone wants to reveal who her real father is. This is the second film in a trilogy, based on the book Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn. It's theme is about engaging with a new found family, commanding some mystery early on and evening out to a wait-and-see scenario later. As a Hallmark TV movie, it has a certain style, ticking the feel-good boxes, and offers an upbeat story about truth and grace. It is simply told, lightweight but self-contained so as not to require a viewing of the other two in the series for it to work.

Both movies, starting with "Finding Father Christmas" complement each other VERY nicely. Very Well Directed, and 'Miranda' (Erin Krakow) comes across as a very believable / sensitive character, searching for answers leading to the identity of her real father, and her place with a far away unsuspecting family (back east, in Vermont), far removed from her Seattle connections. Her subtle but highly talented acting skills convincingly captures the audience, and takes them on a sentimental journey into solving a family mystery, and her place in not only finding who is 'Father Christmas', but the meaning of Christmas, itself ! Some subtle changes between the first movie, and the second movie are inherent, as you plunge into the sequel: "Engaging Father Christmas"... Daughter Julia Whitcomb changes young actresses (from the first movie), and one of the premises, behind the family mystery.. 'the captivating poem', behind the mystery to: "the beguiling eve".. actually changes content (a subtle line is added to the original poem, in the second movie. as was initially introduced in the first movie); But these are subtle elements / modifications that actually complement the overall finish product.

BOTH - GREAT FAMILY HOLIDAY productions - a Must See !! But these are so good, you do not have to wait for the Holiday Season, to enjoy. Can't wait for the third movie to be released, (could it be: "Marrying Father Christmas" (??). High marks in this quality holiday drama series, as we have come to know and love - both Miranda and Ian, in this instant Christmas Classic journey...

In writing this review, I am reminded by one of the 'hallmark' quotes, from the movie, that stand out - as that we should be reminded: "May Truth and Grace Reside Here".. how poignant.

Follows Finding Father Christmas and we find that Miranda (Erin Krakow) and Ian (Niall Matter) are getting engaged this Christmas. Of course reporters are sniffing and want to blow the story of who Miranda's father is. Will they succeed?

If you enjoyed the first film, you'll be sure to enjoy the second and third installments..

Found myself really liking the first film 'Finding Father Christmas', which did live up thankfully to its intriguing premise. It was not a masterpiece certainly, but it was one of the best 2016 Hallmark Christmas films and one of their better Christmas films overall too in my view. It similarly contained some of the best work of both Erin Krakow and Niall Matter. Seeing that they had returned for its follow up 'Engaging Father Christmas', expectations were far from low.

Despite worrying that, considering that it is a sequel (and Hallmark are very variable at best usually when it comes to their sequels), it would be too more of the same. Luckily, 'Engaging Father Christmas' doesn't feel too much like that. It is not quite as good a film perhaps as 'Finding Father Christmas', but as far as Hallmark sequels go it is up there as one of the better ones and doesn't disgrace the first film at all. They do go well with watching back to back.

'Engaging Father Christmas' isn't perfect. Will admit to not liking the story as much, this aspect had a good deal more freshness in 'Finding Father Christmas' and tonally it felt more focused tonally. Actually didn't mind that the film was predictable, but the moments of bizarre silliness and not always tight enough pace were less forgivable.

Again the ending was on the rushed side, contrived somewhat too, and the script could have been tighter.

However, there is so much to like about 'Engaging Father Christmas'. It looks pleasing, despite the location not being authentic to me it didn't look too fake and was attractive in its own way. The photography is slick enough. There is a tendency in Hallmark to have the music too prominent and intrusive, found neither to be the case (not distractingly so anyhow) here. The script may be imperfect, but it was light hearted and had good intentions, the cheese and schmaltz not feeling too much.

Likewise, the story has imperfections but for all its predictability as such it did make me feel warm inside, it was very charming and it did have heart without being heavy or over serious. Krakow and Matter return, as does Wendie Malick, and they don't disappoint. Krakow is restrained and sensitive while never looking phoned in or stiff. Matt is pleasantly understated and sympathetic too without ever being too low key, and he looks relaxed. While their chemistry was natural and affecting in 'Finding Father Christmas', it has even more spark and growth here in 'Engaging Father Christmas'. Malick is a breath of fresh air once again. Everyone is well above average and while the characters are not deep they were at least worth connecting with in my view. The direction is accomodating without being too deliberate.

Concluding, well done. 7/10