More Than I Wished For

The original title, "More than I wish for" seems more appropriate. This movie has nothing to do with Christmas. If the story had been set at Labor Day time, it would not change a iota. It's another spin on the "fake fiancee" theme, where the reasons for needing a fake fiancee are becoming increasingly more outlandish. In this one, it appears whoever knows the lead character, Sawyer, cannot live unless she is engaged, and just a hint this may be happening becomes reason for a 4th of July- like celebration. Hence, you may guess the emotions in the story are far overplayed. The tone keeps wavering between serious and farcical, not necessarily at the most suitable moment. The psychology of the action keeps swinging from cheesy to childish, with occasional charming moments. The mother, Marie Osmond, acts so over the top to suggest a case of severe mental regression. With some caveats, I find Amanda Payton likeable and I really wanted to like the movie. The more I think about it, though, the less I can. Whether it is a case of bad casting, poor acting, a senseless script, or all combined, the result is a mostly forgettable show.

Have been on a roll watching Hallmark/Lifetime etc Christmas films for a few years now. It has been an interesting and worthwhile endeavour, though a very inconsistent one. There was never the mentality of expecting a classic or the film in question to be flawless. Something that was never managed with pretty much all the films seen. There was always the expectation of seeing a film where one can see at least some effort rather than merely cash-in level. The former being obvious in most luckily.

'More than I Wished For' (which is the more appropriate title in my view than 'A Fiance for Christmas' as it is not very Christmassy in feel) is one of the Christmas films in the former category. 2021 was very hit and miss for Christmas films and for Lifetime, but 'More than I Wished For' is somewhere around high middle in ranking on its own terms and if you don't mind that it would pass more for a film set in Summer than at Christmas time. Good to know that others liked it too, though can understand if anybody isn't crazy about it.

Will agree that Marie Osmond is far too hammy and it did not gel with the film very well, even when it was more farcical she felt too over the top.

Did find the ending too neat and on the too hasty side. And that the comedy could have been toned down more, in quality though not placement. It did at times become too over-egged and forced, especially when more farcical.

On the other hand, there is a good deal to like about 'More than I Wished For'. Did like the two leads a lot, particularly Amanda Payton who is very charming with no signs of overplaying or looking bored. Adam Gregory is easy going and subtly charismatic and the two looked at ease together in a romance that was very sweet but not too much so. Most of the supporting cast are fine and the same goes for the characters, with only Osmond's being annoying.

Production values are pleasing. It's not too drab or garish in photography, the editing didn't seem rushed or disorganised and the scenery has a real charm to it. The music didn't sound over-bearing or like there was too much, which can be a common issue with Lifetime. The dialogue has flow and doesn't get too cheesy or too schmaltzy. The story on the whole is light hearted and heart warming.

Nice film if not mind blowing. 7/10.

A Fiancé For Christmas/More Than I Wished For (2021) -

I've definitely turned off better, sooner, but I did stick with it and I liked the romance that grew between them mostly.

Although he was reasonably handsome and had lovely eyes, leading man, "Joshua"/Landon (Adam Gregory) was soooo gay! And so was her ex, the other Joshua.

Amanda Payton as Sawyer and Adam Gregory might have been okay with a different director, story and less jolly background music, but it all just contrived too hard to be over the top and silly.

The concept in itself was really daft and Marie Osmond (Mother) was far too much.

It was a bit like a car crash, but I found that I couldn't turn away from it.

I hate it when the characters lie and it gets too extreme. Nobody in their right minds would follow through with the idea to pretend to be dating for so long, especially if they actually did develop real feelings for each other.

I'd like to see the two leads given a better opportunity with different direction, Etc, because I think that they were the reason that I did make it to the end, but there are other actors out there that deliver better for me without having to try so hard.

3.25/10.

You would think two well-educated people would not get themselves into a web of lies about being engaged. That is what happened in this movie. Nothing new here except for the ending which did not have the couple living happily ever after. The movie just ended. There was no chemistry between the leads. The supporting cast did a reasonable job of keeping the story going except for Marie Osmond who was the bold and brassy mother of the female lead.

Her acting was overly theatrical, and not really funny. It is not her fault, the script was not really funny or touching.

It was your standard TV holiday movie. Skip this movie and do something that will leave you feeling good.

We have all seen a fake fiancé movie. Pretty standard. This one starts rather oddly when Sawyer's friend convinces her to make a bridal registry on a lark. A first date leads to Landon taking on the role. The story is not so much the focus as how much fun all misunderstandings and near misses while Sawyer tries to figure out how to deal with everything. Several are quite clever. Amanda Payton has excellent timing and does quite well with the role.

Payton and Adam Gregory have great chemistry. The dialogue is good. There are some great lines. The Anthropologist angle provides a few good ones. The acting is good. Basically, the whole thing is well done.

Both Landon and Sawyer seem to good to be true as characters.

The last part of the movie after the reveal is not quite as sparkling as the rest, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with it.