Finding Father Christmas

Having said that I will note several good things about the movie. Krakow is really nice as the restrained lead, she has a sort of comfortable Sigourney Weaver look to her. Her mom dies and she heads to a Vermont town at Christmas time trying to learn more about an old picture she finds in her mom's stuff. Krakow appears good to absolute go for future Hallmark Christmas pictures. Matter was okay as the romantic interest, the obviousness of the potential hookup I can't blame on him any more than the writers. The rest of the crew was fine, Malick is good as the local wondering why Krakow's in town. I think my problem is all the developments seemed sort of destined from the beginning and it is always better if there is at least a little question as to where things are going. The wrap Is a little talky and complicated but nice.

It is not real comfortable , for me, to say that about a >H>allmark Christmas film. because all films from this serie are, at the first sigh, the same. but this film is special. I can explain why. for the plot, remembering a labyrinth or the improvisation. for the performances - Wendie Malick and Erin Krakow as lead examples. and , sure, for the small change of sentimental side. off course, many familiar parts. and the impression about storz to have the mark of improvisation. but the film works and seems more profound than others about pink Hallmark Christmas universe. and that is, for me, the most significant detail.

The concept did sound interesting, not innovative but it didn't sound like too standard Hallmark. Am not one of those people, have said this more than once, that hates on anything from Hallmark (actually have liked a good deal of their festive efforts surprisingly, though they have done a lot of misfires) and tries to not judge them too seriously. Erin Krakow and Niall Matter have been somewhat hit and miss for me in their other work, an opinion that probably not everybody will share.

'Finding Father Christmas' contains some of the best work of both Krakow and Matter, will come onto that later. It is also not only one of Hallmark's best 2016 festive efforts (in a not particularly amazing year for them), but also towards being one of my favourites of theirs overall. While not quite a classic, 'Finding Father Christmas' surprisingly really impressed me. Was hoping that it would be at least average, but was not expecting it to be this good and proof that Hallmark do have good work in them.

Sometimes the script could have been tighter, parts are a little too heavy on the talk.

Also found the ending slightly rushed.

However, Krakow and Matter excel hugely in the lead roles. Krakow is a lot more restrained than she was in 'Sense, Sensibility and Snowmen', here she is quite understated but she never phones in and her performance is charming and heartfelt. Matter is a great sympathetic partner for her and gives a much better performance here than he did in 'Christmas at Dollywood', much more relaxed and looking a lot more engaged in the drama. The chemistry between them is natural and affecting, looking as though they did care for each other. Wendie Mallick is also terrific and is a breath of fresh air. The acting from all is well above average and the chemistry is always there and never looks disengaged or stiff, while the characters aren't complex they have enough to them to make them worth connecting with. The direction is sympathetic while never being dreary.

Visually, 'Finding Father Christmas' is slick and attractive. Hallmark often did deliver on the scenery, the locations were seldom authentic to the real thing but they still looked great and lovingly shot, and 'Finding Father Christmas' is no exception. 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 flows well and is easy to take seriously without being overly so. Really appreciated its sincerity, something that's evident in the story. There is not much innovative here and the mystery element is not surprising as much, but it's always compelling and has a warm heart delivered with little signs of heaviness. Without going too heavy on the schmaltz.

In conclusion, very well done. 8/10

Niall nailed it again.... Best actor on Halmark.He comes off so sweet, and kind. His personality shines in every show that he is in. This, and engaging Father Christmas were fantastic.... I will watch again several times. I wish that Marrying Father Christmas would come on sooner than November, but can't wait to see it. I wish you would act and more of the Hallmark movies. Love him.

This should read 'Finding my unknown father at Christmas time'. The actual title could mean shopping malls, low-rent bars, old people's homes and very occasionally somewhere very far north. In fact it's about a young woman who lost her mother very early in life and has grown up never knowing who her father was. She unexpectedly discovers a number of clues about her mother's secrets, the most important clue for us being that it's just before Christmas. From here we are presented with a mystery which she has to follow, with some of her own concerns; but for us it is most engaging and heart-warming.

Early in her pursuit of answers she comes across a suitable interest. To test my observation I rewound, and sure enough, the expression and turn of her head gave it away. Unlike most other romances, he remains as a constant, providing a counter-balance for her fears and anxieties. Together, she is better equipped to handle what turns into a very complex situation.

Set in a small Vermont town, the customs and Christmas activities of the villagers introduces us to all the main characters. Finding that one person who knows everything takes us down a winding path with a surprising ending. An ending that leaves the warmth from a good helping of Christmas delights.

Conclusion: 8.0 Xmas points, for a delightful cast and a story to keep our interest throughout.