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.
