Three Wiser Men and a Boy

This is a comedy and at times a little awkward...but in part I think that is what makes it a cute family friendly Hallmark holiday film. This story reunites the cast from 2022's Three Wise Men and a Baby...the three brothers Luke (Andrew W. Walker), Taylor (Tyler Hynes), and Stephan (Paul Campbell), their mother Barbara (Margaret Colin) and Luke's son Thomas. The cast is wonderful and clearly has fun working together which is a large part of the charm in this comedy about brotherly rivalry, family, and being their for one another.

The mom introduces the boys to her new boyfriend...the seemingly perfect pastor Roy (Christopher Shyer), which is one cause the three brothers can unite on...getting rid of Roy. And Luke asks for some help with his son Thomas as he is temporarily single parenting while his wife is out of town. This includes help bringing snacks to Thomas' play practice that ends in a school disaster and the three brothers having to be in charge of rescuing the school's Christmas show which is a play on the Grinch Who Stole Christmas called The Grump.

Lots of holiday sets and clean fun, this film surprised and delighted me in the best way. If you are looking for a lighthearted family friendly hallmark holiday film...this might just be it.

Three Wiser Men and a Boy is a delightful sequel that perfectly captures the magic of Christmas with humor, heartfelt moments, and family drama. The Brenner brothers' chaotic journey to save a school play is filled with laughs, while their bond showcases the true essence of the holidays. Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, and Andrew Walker shine in their roles, delivering performances that feel authentic and relatable. The subplot about their mother's new romance adds emotional depth and unexpected comedy. From festive musical scenes to touching family moments, this film offers something for everyone. It's a holiday treat that's perfect for the whole family. Want to know why it's become a Hallmark favorite?

I have to say that I wasn't exactly harboring the biggest of expectations to the 2024 Hallmark movie "Three Wiser Men and a Boy" when I sat down to watch it. Why? Well, I assumed that it would be a generic Hallmark Christmas movie. But since I had never heard about it, and this being the season, of course I opted to check out the movie and give it a fair chance.

Writers Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad and Russell Hainline put together a fair enough script and storyline. It was not your average over-the-top sugarcoated sappy Christmas dribble that you usually get from Hallmark. There is actually more substance to it than just that. Sure, there is some sappy Christmas elements in here, but "Three Wiser Men and a Boy" was more than just a an average and generic Christmas movie.

I was only familiar with two performers on the cast list, and that was Christopher Shyer and Margaret Colin. However, I will say that the three leading actors Andrew W. Walker, Paul Campbell and Tyler Hynes definitely carried the movie nicely. It should be noted that the acting performances in the movie were good.

"Three Wiser Men and a Boy" is not going to become a returning Christmas classic in my household, but it definitely was an entertaining enough movie. And if you enjoy Christmas movies, then you should check out what director Terry Ingram has to offer.

My rating of "Three Wiser Men and a Boy" lands on a six out of ten stars.

Sequels are tough.

There have been many Hallmark movies whose sequels have not worked well, but this one was awesome and didn't disappoint.

The brother's dynamic is hilarious. It's great to see their characters evolve. However, Taylor is still a bit of a dumpster fire.

Thomas is just too cute. The scene in the blanket fort between him and Taylor was just too sweet. Thomas's interaction with everyone was significant.

I love that Paul Campbell and Kimberly Sustad wrote this one as well. They rock at it. I adore every movie they have written.

This sequel hit all the right notes, and I hope there is a wedding next.

6.6 stars.

I feel like this is a confused film. It's as if it's trying to continue from where the last one left off, while trying to convince us that five years have elapsed. However, I don't feel familiar with the brothers or the story at all. It feels foreign.

When I saw the first one, I felt similar, as if it was too silly with no plot. But I rewatched and it was better. I'm not sure if I have to watch this one again for it to improve, but I'm not feeling up to the challenge at this point. I have a gut feeling it is not going to get any better.

The plot is weak. And the way they orchestrate this children's Christmas play is strange. Would grown men actually be so inept? I'm watching three adult men bumble like adolescents. I thought they grew up by now. They actually regressed.

The story doesn't flow and contains some exquisitely slow moments. It's hard to blow a movie with so many great actors.