Engaging Father Christmas

I watch most of the Hallmark Christmas stories and unfortunately, the majority of them are clearly made in the summer. This, then is one of the worst. It does have likeable proficient actors, but despite talking a lot about the cold and chopping wood and sitting around the fireplace, anyone who's lived through a real winter can see how phony the setting is! The outdoor scenes are ridiculous. No one has buttoned their coats and there's no misty breath from cold temperatures. Also at times the background shows greenery where there shouldn't be any. Also little piles of snow with a lot of puddles are not convincing.

I gave the film a 6 because I liked the actors, but every time I noticed the fake setting, I was pulled away from the story and just saw a shabby production.

Our public library added this movie on DVD and my wife and I watched it at home, just under 85 minutes with no commercials!

Erin Krakow is a cutie and a capable actress, she plays Miranda Chester in this second in a series of movies telling her story. She lives and works in Seattle but is traveling back again to Vermont for Christmas. She had found out her real father was a now deceased famous actor and she was welcomed by his primary family, wife and grown children, but cautioned not to tell anyone else about her real father. They thought it would bring shame and tarnish his memory.

However a reporter finds out, confronts her, and announces his intention to write a story. She can either help or not. But working together the extended family figure out a way to handle it all in a productive manner, in the spirit of "family" for the Holidays.

The other story involves Miranda's boyfriend she had met the previous Christmas, he is a local and they both seemed right for each other. So the "Engaging" in the title of the movie is a reference to their intent to eventually get married.

It is a bit too sweet at certain moments, as Hallmark movie tend to be but overall it is good, clean entertainment for the holidays. We enjoyed it.

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..

This movie, & series is probably the best out there for Christmas!! I am excited to see the third installment when it comes out in a few weeks!! This series has it all, comedy, some wondering & most of all heart!! Heart is what movies have been lacking from Hollywood really, & originality!! I'm not going to ruin anything for anyone who hasn't seen theses movie but I will say this, I cry every time I see these first two movies. I actually own this & the first on dvd. I am one that really doesn't listen to reviews because a lot of people get PAID to give reviews, (if you understand my meaning). So when someone says after they try to bash others reviews that they are not bias or anything like that, you ignore them!! Those are bias because they are paid to post reviews on places like this & rooten tomatoes!! I do give honest reviews & a lot of mine have been negative!! Just see these movies & decide for yourself!!