Well, here we are ready to indulge in the highly anticipated third installment of the fabulous "Finding Father Christmas" & "Engaging Father Christmas" series, as we continue down this sentimental journey of love, devotion, and finding the true meaning of Christmas, while Miranda discovers her illusive family legacy.
As a huge fan of the first two movies, I feel the audience entered into this film with great expectations, leading up to Miranda and Ian's blossoming relationship, unfolding into this highly anticipated wedding.
As Margaret indicated in the first movie.. her draw to Carlton Heath, is a return to: "indulge in a bit of Nostalgia"... That exemplifies the aura of magic in this special series. However, I feel his film leaves the viewers wanting more, out of this third chapter. For example: Rick Torrance (the thoughtful stage hand who arguably single handedly was responsible for motivating Miranda to pursue her secret journey (in the first place) - culminating in finding out her real father's true identity; or possibly including Miranda's school teacher best friend, Blair (from Seattle), or even inviting Miranda's enthusiastic workplace (secretary) assistant, Annie (who appeared in first two chapters), from her Seattle interior decorating firm... The point being, none of these characters were included in this third movie, and subsequently missed the wedding.. a bit disappointing, leaving us all to wonder... what if ? On the other hand, other than familiar family characters, there seems to be too many strangers (guests) attending the final wedding scene. Opportunity lost for some great nostalgia, and an opportunity to re-introduce these reunion characters seem lost.
Notably there are some awkward moments in the film, which occur in "Marrying Father Christmas", that should probably have been smoothed over a bit better... such as Margaret's old family friend - Thomas, who in one scene, barges into Margaret's house front door, without even knocking !! (really ?) ...and remarks after some conversation: "(gee) maybe I should have called first..." There are other moments in the film, where Margaret ambitiously overplays her roll, leading up to Miranda's and Ian's final wedding day plans, and of course replacing the familiar: Ellie in the movie, with an unfamiliar new face, to play the roll.
Another awkward moment...
was the opening scene at the wedding (immediately following the appearance of the violinist), where there appears to be a moment (edited) out-of-sequence, when Margaret's friend: Thomas, and Uncle Charlie are clearly seated together, engaging the pastor in conversation, seated in the front row - as the guests begin arriving at the wedding. A few moments later, Uncle Charlie is seen walking thru the front door, upon his initial arrival, and proceeds to the front row, and introduces himself to Thomas, after they have already been noticed engaging in conversation, with the pastor.
This movie seems to be overly fixated on (pre)wedding arrangements and spends too much time talking thru 'validation' of the wedding - with the pastor, when the viewers already know, Miranda and Ian are already a perfect match for one another. It seems to suppress much of the energy of the movie, that should instead have spent more time enhancing some of the sentimental aspects of the theme, and better engage the audience. The introduction and solving the mystery of the Uncle Charlie story line, is a solid catalyst to this film, and seems to take-off, as an unexpected bright spot / twist, as Miranda unexpectedly discovers more of her family, and this works well to enrich the scope of the film. Very Nice Touch.
Let me say the loss of transferring some of the nostalgia, introduced in the first two films, leaves the audience wanting more, as the lure of this third installment unequivocally draws the audience in wanting get to know better these two irresistible characters (Miranda & Ian), as well as the supporting cast. As for that alone, the affection for this couple remains intact throughout the movie. As for "Marrying Father Christmas", I have to rate this latest installment as a solid - 7 (better than the critics !). However, I happened to rate the first two movies as solid - 10. As a dedicated fan, please let us continue on this sentimental journey, and continue to indulge the audience, in a bit of "nostalgia", the way Margaret would have wanted, by introducing a 4TH MOVIE !! We will be waiting; and make it brilliant !!
Special note: Waiting for someone to market those replica 'Christmas Angel' bracelets.. what a memorable gift and compliment to this classic movie series treasure !
Though a 4th movie would exceed the book series.. why not indulge us with
a fourth installment: entitled: "Father Christmas Holiday Reunion"... Hallmark Movies could (with all their immense story writing talents) create a magnificent final reunion.. indulging all us dedicated fans in a perfect holiday nostalgic dream performance, with all these lovable family characters !! A real drama performance.. like Margaret on her death bed final wish (with Thomas and family at her bedside) emphasizing her passion for the spirit of Christmas, and family unity.. "drawing us all closer" (once again) in the spirit of love (and in the fine James Whitcomb tradition) - demonstrate the resilience of this family (even when dealing with tragedy/adversity), preserving the importance of family always coming together during the Christmas holiday season. High drama is Hallmark's hallmark. This story is so good (with its movie character performances), it really can take on a life of its own beyond the wonderful book series. Carry-on.
