Three Wiser Men and a Boy

This was such a cute movie, I enjoyed it throughout. I will admit I didn't care for the first one, this one however was adorable. These three actors, AW, PC and TH have great chemistry together, I like the fact they didn't make TH so over the top grouchy, grumpy and goth looking, he had real redeeming qualities!

I also loved the Mom and her relationship with her boys. Each brother has his own quirks, insecurities and lovable attributes which brought a nice level of authenticity to the film. I also enjoyed the mom wanting to find her way in the world, have a second chance at love but at the same time wanted to make sure her boys understood where she was coming from, that she loved them and their feelings mattered to her, excellent acting here! The little boy was also very adorable! Congratulations to Kimberley Sustad (one of my favorites), Paul Campbell and Russell Hainline as the writers, great job!

Nicely written again by Paul Campbell and Kimberley Sustad, along with Russell Hainline, the brothers are back along with most of the cast from the first "Three Men" movie. Everyone is excellent here - even the outcast kids who are cute and funny without being overbearing.

The standouts are Paul Campbell and Fiona Vroom as the anxiety ridden couple, Stephan and Susie, and Margaret Colin as the brothers' mother, Barbara. Campbell has a particularly hilarious scene when he has to sit down to dinner with Barbara'a new boyfriend and his interactions with Susie are quite endearing as they both struggle with their emotions. Colin's Barbara is still direct and matter-of-fact yet sweet and good-hearted. Colin excels in this role and her characterization of Barbara may be the best mother ever in a Hallmark Christmas movie. Who wouldn't want a Mom like her ? The producers and director had the good sense to feature many of same locales and sets as in the first movie, which provides some nice continuity so you really feel like you are re-visiting this family. It may not be as perfect as the first movie, but It is definitely a worthy sequel - and it just makes you want to see more of this cast and their characters. A third one would be very welcome. They just have a way of really putting you in the Christmas spirit.

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.

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?

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.