Engaging Father Christmas

Those who rated low maybe are expecting award-winning performances. I personally think that this is as good Hallmark gets. Maybe there were a few things I didn't agree with but compared to the messes that there were this year, those where just details.

I was such a fan of the first movie and luckily this one didn't disappointed me. I even understood the family's point of view of the conflict.

Miranda and Ian were even cuter than in the first movie, the chemistry was so much better. And it was kind of predictable from the first moment but it was such a good movie i'm letting that go.

Hallmark does a really good job at making me love Christmas. It really makes me want to sit next to the fire and read while drinking hot chocolate. Cliché, I know.

Both movies, starting with "Finding Father Christmas" complement each other VERY nicely. Very Well Directed, and 'Miranda' (Erin Krakow) comes across as a very believable / sensitive character, searching for answers leading to the identity of her real father, and her place with a far away unsuspecting family (back east, in Vermont), far removed from her Seattle connections. Her subtle but highly talented acting skills convincingly captures the audience, and takes them on a sentimental journey into solving a family mystery, and her place in not only finding who is 'Father Christmas', but the meaning of Christmas, itself ! Some subtle changes between the first movie, and the second movie are inherent, as you plunge into the sequel: "Engaging Father Christmas"... Daughter Julia Whitcomb changes young actresses (from the first movie), and one of the premises, behind the family mystery.. 'the captivating poem', behind the mystery to: "the beguiling eve".. actually changes content (a subtle line is added to the original poem, in the second movie. as was initially introduced in the first movie); But these are subtle elements / modifications that actually complement the overall finish product.

BOTH - GREAT FAMILY HOLIDAY productions - a Must See !! But these are so good, you do not have to wait for the Holiday Season, to enjoy. Can't wait for the third movie to be released, (could it be: "Marrying Father Christmas" (??). High marks in this quality holiday drama series, as we have come to know and love - both Miranda and Ian, in this instant Christmas Classic journey...

In writing this review, I am reminded by one of the 'hallmark' quotes, from the movie, that stand out - as that we should be reminded: "May Truth and Grace Reside Here".. how poignant.

I watch most of the Hallmark Christmas stories and unfortunately, the majority of them are clearly made in the summer. This, then is one of the worst. It does have likeable proficient actors, but despite talking a lot about the cold and chopping wood and sitting around the fireplace, anyone who's lived through a real winter can see how phony the setting is! The outdoor scenes are ridiculous. No one has buttoned their coats and there's no misty breath from cold temperatures. Also at times the background shows greenery where there shouldn't be any. Also little piles of snow with a lot of puddles are not convincing.

I gave the film a 6 because I liked the actors, but every time I noticed the fake setting, I was pulled away from the story and just saw a shabby production.

Yes, the titles are a twist, but adds to the intrigue! I love both of these Hallmark movies. I missed seeing "Finding Father Christmas", last season, as my dau and grand-dau were visiting from Rio. But WHAT A DOUBLE TREAT this season!! I loved both! And especially Niall Matter as Ian! Yes the story is a bit bizarre, but the acting was superb for me! I liked the array of a strong cast. I hope to see them again next season, having seen them each twice already this year! All Hallmark movies are predictable, but this had a few curves to navigate. They just gave me so much enjoyment and lifted me into the holiday season. Going to get to baking today!! Hope the authors, Gunn & Golden are busy writing next years part 3!

An American-Canadian TV film drama; A story about a young woman who travels to a small-town in Vermont hoping to spend the perfect Christmas with her boyfriend and long-lost family, but someone wants to reveal who her real father is. This is the second film in a trilogy, based on the book Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn. It's theme is about engaging with a new found family, commanding some mystery early on and evening out to a wait-and-see scenario later. As a Hallmark TV movie, it has a certain style, ticking the feel-good boxes, and offers an upbeat story about truth and grace. It is simply told, lightweight but self-contained so as not to require a viewing of the other two in the series for it to work.