25 reviews
- dontakeitpersonal
- Dec 20, 2020
- Permalink
Third in a trilogy (!) of romantic dramas following 'Finding Father Christmas' and 'Engaging Father Christmas' - see what they did there? As a couple (Erin Krakow, Niall Matter) prepare for their wedding, a stranger arrives in town claiming to be a relative. The performances are OK (although the male lead looks a bit bored), it's nicely filmed, but it's very tame, nothing exciting happens, and everyone is overly nice. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an afternoon doze.
- glanners-70803
- Jan 1, 2021
- Permalink
I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.
What I like about this film was that this is the third film (maybe there will be a fourth) in a series of films in this Hallmark Christmas Movie. The first two films were "Finding Father Christmas" and "Engaging Father Christmas". Now this one is called "Marrying Father Christmas" and the message this film cleverly does makes this film one that you will long remember in the years to come.
In this film Erin Krakow once again stars as Miranda Chester. She runs the emotional range here from "a-b" but it works! In this Miranda is about to get married. She is closing up her shop in Boston for the holidays and is about to get married on Christmas. At the last minute a man wants to hire her services but she politely declines because of her "Time Restraints".
A day later she sees the man in Vermont (And he looks like Dru for Despicable Me) and she is puzzled. The thing is this man might throw a money wrench into her plans.
What I like about this film was that this is the third film (maybe there will be a fourth) in a series of films in this Hallmark Christmas Movie. The first two films were "Finding Father Christmas" and "Engaging Father Christmas". Now this one is called "Marrying Father Christmas" and the message this film cleverly does makes this film one that you will long remember in the years to come.
In this film Erin Krakow once again stars as Miranda Chester. She runs the emotional range here from "a-b" but it works! In this Miranda is about to get married. She is closing up her shop in Boston for the holidays and is about to get married on Christmas. At the last minute a man wants to hire her services but she politely declines because of her "Time Restraints".
A day later she sees the man in Vermont (And he looks like Dru for Despicable Me) and she is puzzled. The thing is this man might throw a money wrench into her plans.
- Christmas-Reviewer
- Nov 26, 2018
- Permalink
After the first two "episodes", this series , in my case, it is so familiar than , against the not empathy with Hallmark Christmas romance, I admitt, I love it. For performances of actors, for its spirit, for the twist and predactibility, for warm air and for cold obstacles, for the lovely family portrait, for beginners and for solutions. And, sure, for the inn. So, last piece of a seductive story , proposing not exactly a soap opera version but a nice story about love, hope and new start in life. Together.
- Kirpianuscus
- Jan 2, 2019
- Permalink
- JoBloTheMovieCritic
- Jul 19, 2019
- Permalink
Miranda and Ian met in Finding Father Christmas, got engaged in Engaging Father Christmas, and are now set to get married in Marrying Father Christmas.
Of course there has to be drama and another long lost family member. But is Uncle Charlie legit or just a swindler?
Cute end to the trilogy.
Of course there has to be drama and another long lost family member. But is Uncle Charlie legit or just a swindler?
Cute end to the trilogy.
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.
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.
They try to make a feel good movie but really nothing happens. There's absolutely no storyline. The actress that plays Margaret looks like an evil stepmother but is really a sweet lady. If she was a mean stepmom perhaps it could have saved something. 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back.
- Waterloo1974
- Dec 23, 2020
- Permalink
This was a great sequel. I don't know why it received a 6.2 rating. It was a joy to watch. It had an element of mystery to it and there was romance and love. The acting by Matter and Krakow was great.
- legalsecretary-03930
- Nov 13, 2018
- Permalink
- chris_reyes-89869
- Jan 17, 2020
- Permalink
Love the Finding Father Christmas Series! Will there be a number 4?? Love the story and the cast is awesome!
- wwwpennyfullick
- Nov 8, 2018
- Permalink
7.2 Stars.
The first movie was kinda like the statement: "once upon a time" a stray fair maiden stumbled on a handsome rugged prince. The second movie was like "a dark mystery shrouded their love", and then they nestled into a happy relationship. This is the third installment, and it is best described as "they lived happily ever after".
I so totally understand why they made three movies (and hopefully more) out of this storyline. The actors never disappoint, all three movies are wonderful. This movie is easy and breezy, just flowing along as they prepare for the wedding. It's possibly the conclusion to a fairy tale 3 years in the making, and they certainly have my blessing for a fourth installment. I hope they do. Maybe they could call it "Babies for Father Christmas". LOL.
This is an epic saga of a long and pleasant journey of two people who make it work because they value family and Christmas. Nothing more, nothing less. There is no uncommon moral lesson but to live life with an honest heart, importance of family, friends, and community in your life, be good to others, and treat them as you would like to be treated. I see the Christian values they are ever so subtly conveying. I suppose you can take it or leave it. By now you should realize that Hallmark teamed up with a Christian company some decades ago. Their values are written all over these movies. No fornication, no swearing, no innuendo, full of kindness, forgiveness, and love. I suppose that's ultimately the secondary motivation for why I watch these movies. Peace.
The first movie was kinda like the statement: "once upon a time" a stray fair maiden stumbled on a handsome rugged prince. The second movie was like "a dark mystery shrouded their love", and then they nestled into a happy relationship. This is the third installment, and it is best described as "they lived happily ever after".
I so totally understand why they made three movies (and hopefully more) out of this storyline. The actors never disappoint, all three movies are wonderful. This movie is easy and breezy, just flowing along as they prepare for the wedding. It's possibly the conclusion to a fairy tale 3 years in the making, and they certainly have my blessing for a fourth installment. I hope they do. Maybe they could call it "Babies for Father Christmas". LOL.
This is an epic saga of a long and pleasant journey of two people who make it work because they value family and Christmas. Nothing more, nothing less. There is no uncommon moral lesson but to live life with an honest heart, importance of family, friends, and community in your life, be good to others, and treat them as you would like to be treated. I see the Christian values they are ever so subtly conveying. I suppose you can take it or leave it. By now you should realize that Hallmark teamed up with a Christian company some decades ago. Their values are written all over these movies. No fornication, no swearing, no innuendo, full of kindness, forgiveness, and love. I suppose that's ultimately the secondary motivation for why I watch these movies. Peace.
Marrying Father Christmas (2018) -
In this third instalment of Miranda and Ian's romantic journey, it was all a bit too much of the same again.
I still didn't think that Niall Matter, as Ian, should have to put up with her.
She was so dramatic about everything and she was going to make his married life so difficult. I predicted many an argument in their futures.
They also did something awful to Niall's hair and plucked his eyebrows way too much, ruining that rugged charm that he had in the first film.
His character appeared to be a complete wimp too, I don't think there was one scene he was in, where he didn't want to go inside because he was cold, in the entire trilogy.
It turned out that Miranda's Mother was a massive secret keeper/liar too and so was Miranda. Instead of talking about things with everyone, who would have been helpful and eased her mind, she kept everything to herself and then wondered why they got annoyed with her.
And I'm pretty sure that her mother wasn't the saint that she thought she was. I'm just glad that they stopped at a trilogy, because the secrets could probably have kept coming for years, based on just the small part of her life we know.
And the kids were still vile! My teeth nearly fell out because of their sickening sweetness.
Definitely not the best of the three, but watchable enough.
4/10.
In this third instalment of Miranda and Ian's romantic journey, it was all a bit too much of the same again.
I still didn't think that Niall Matter, as Ian, should have to put up with her.
She was so dramatic about everything and she was going to make his married life so difficult. I predicted many an argument in their futures.
They also did something awful to Niall's hair and plucked his eyebrows way too much, ruining that rugged charm that he had in the first film.
His character appeared to be a complete wimp too, I don't think there was one scene he was in, where he didn't want to go inside because he was cold, in the entire trilogy.
It turned out that Miranda's Mother was a massive secret keeper/liar too and so was Miranda. Instead of talking about things with everyone, who would have been helpful and eased her mind, she kept everything to herself and then wondered why they got annoyed with her.
And I'm pretty sure that her mother wasn't the saint that she thought she was. I'm just glad that they stopped at a trilogy, because the secrets could probably have kept coming for years, based on just the small part of her life we know.
And the kids were still vile! My teeth nearly fell out because of their sickening sweetness.
Definitely not the best of the three, but watchable enough.
4/10.
- adamjohns-42575
- Oct 11, 2022
- Permalink
I'd like to leave a better review but this movie was a snooze-fest! It was an hour and 25 minutes of nothing. To be honest, I didn't make it through, I fell out at least 3 times into a light slumber. And while I felt the acting and production was good and the sets were beautiful, it wasn't enough to make up for how boring this movie was. The whole time, I just kept thinking, something has to happen or resolve itself, but it just dragged on and on and on... Watch any children's movie for more action and drama. Next Christmas, I think I'll pass on this franchise.
Just as good as the first two in this series!! Keeps you smiling, keeps you crying. It's a truly heart warming movie & series. Hope when people that read this & watch the movies feel and see the same things I do!! Can't wait for this to come on dvd to put with Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Darher Christmas.
- Marynewcomb2013
- Nov 4, 2018
- Permalink
- BurberryGal
- Aug 11, 2019
- Permalink
This movie has everything. Love, mystery, romance, and is filled with Joy. This series filled my Heart to overflowing. I could watch these movies over and over and still love them. They are at the Top of my favorite Christmas Movies.
- ilovealoha
- Nov 4, 2018
- Permalink
"Marrying Father Christmas" is a Drama - Romance movie in which we watch a woman searching information about her biological father only to find out more information about her family but also for the love of her life.
I have to admit that I did not enjoy this movie even though I was prepared for the worst case scenario. The plot was boring since it was too predictable even for this kind of movie and it did not have something new to present or even a plot twist. The interpretations of Erin Krakow who played as Miranda Chester and Niall Matter who played as Ian McAndrick followed the same medium pattern and they did not make the difference. Lastly, I have to say that "Marrying Father Christmas" is a below the average Christmas movie and I do not recommend you to watch it.
I have to admit that I did not enjoy this movie even though I was prepared for the worst case scenario. The plot was boring since it was too predictable even for this kind of movie and it did not have something new to present or even a plot twist. The interpretations of Erin Krakow who played as Miranda Chester and Niall Matter who played as Ian McAndrick followed the same medium pattern and they did not make the difference. Lastly, I have to say that "Marrying Father Christmas" is a below the average Christmas movie and I do not recommend you to watch it.
- Thanos_Alfie
- Feb 20, 2023
- Permalink
Everyone loves a cheesy hallmark Christmas movie. In fact my favorite Christmas movie is a hallmark Christmas movie. Either though the conflict in these movies are never really a big deal this movie takes it to a new level. I was just waiting for any conflict or complications to be introduced and when it was introduced it was so underwhelming that I was hoping that there was more to the story. I felt like I was just watching a spoiled family looking for a reason to complain about their perfect Christmas .
- cole-wilkes
- Dec 21, 2018
- Permalink
It took me a while to watch this. This series is SO lovely and sweet, and this is no exception. Just as good as the first two. There is no special plot, just Miranda trying to find out who this mystery guy is while spending time with family and planning her wedding.
The chemistry between the whole cast is amazing but the chemistry between Niall Matter and Erin Krakow is just exceptional, even better than in the last two movies. The wedding scene was so emotional, for several reasons.
The only reason I will accept a fourth movie is if they do a little time jump and we find these two with a child. Otherwise, this is the perfect closure.
The chemistry between the whole cast is amazing but the chemistry between Niall Matter and Erin Krakow is just exceptional, even better than in the last two movies. The wedding scene was so emotional, for several reasons.
The only reason I will accept a fourth movie is if they do a little time jump and we find these two with a child. Otherwise, this is the perfect closure.
The first film in the series 'Finding Father Christmas' was a very pleasant and welcome surprise, and up there as one of Hallmark's better Christmas films. The second film 'Engaging Father Christmas' also pleasantly surprised me and nearly as good, proof that Hallmark can do sequels well if anybody is in doubt. So hearing that there was a third film, part of me was looking forward to seeing it but part of me was also a bit worried that it would feel like one film too far.
'Marrying Father Christmas' to me didn't feel like one film too far. Far from it. It works really well as part of the series and was very well done in its own way. Comparing it with the previous two films, it's one notch up from 'Engaging Father Christmas' and on the same level as 'Finding Father Christmas'. Though quality-wise, the three are very close together, with the same strengths and similar flaws to each other. Like 'Engaging Father Christmas', it compares very favourably as a sequel to a Hallmark film.
It is a little awkward in the writing, which also could have been tighter, at times. The ending was also a bit rushed and too convenient.
Where it does improve over 'Engaging Father Christmas', and where it is more on par with 'Finding Father Christmas', is the story, it's fresher in execution and nothing feels too silly or bizarre here like it did occasionally in that film.
Good things are many, well actually everything else works. 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. Erin Krakow and Niall Matter return again, 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. Their already charming and genuine chemistry went from strength to strength with each film and the spark increased each time. 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 accommodating without being too deliberate.
In summary, really liked it. 8/10
'Marrying Father Christmas' to me didn't feel like one film too far. Far from it. It works really well as part of the series and was very well done in its own way. Comparing it with the previous two films, it's one notch up from 'Engaging Father Christmas' and on the same level as 'Finding Father Christmas'. Though quality-wise, the three are very close together, with the same strengths and similar flaws to each other. Like 'Engaging Father Christmas', it compares very favourably as a sequel to a Hallmark film.
It is a little awkward in the writing, which also could have been tighter, at times. The ending was also a bit rushed and too convenient.
Where it does improve over 'Engaging Father Christmas', and where it is more on par with 'Finding Father Christmas', is the story, it's fresher in execution and nothing feels too silly or bizarre here like it did occasionally in that film.
Good things are many, well actually everything else works. 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. Erin Krakow and Niall Matter return again, 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. Their already charming and genuine chemistry went from strength to strength with each film and the spark increased each time. 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 accommodating without being too deliberate.
In summary, really liked it. 8/10
- TheLittleSongbird
- Feb 1, 2021
- Permalink
- cassiescuddlycanines
- Dec 28, 2018
- Permalink