How sad is this?

Absolutely amazing

It's the kind of movie you'll want to see a second time with someone who hasn't seen it yet, to remember what it was like to watch it for the first time.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

It is not real comfortable , for me, to say that about a >H>allmark Christmas film. because all films from this serie are, at the first sigh, the same. but this film is special. I can explain why. for the plot, remembering a labyrinth or the improvisation. for the performances - Wendie Malick and Erin Krakow as lead examples. and , sure, for the small change of sentimental side. off course, many familiar parts. and the impression about storz to have the mark of improvisation. but the film works and seems more profound than others about pink Hallmark Christmas universe. and that is, for me, the most significant detail.

And, so, I now watch it everytime it comes on Hallmark. I mean, let's face it. It's got everything a non-discriminating Hallmark watcher could want. A little comedy; a little pathos; a lot of romance; and even an element of mystery! The only things I do have (more than a little) trouble with are the in-story chronology and logistics. Unless the fictional town of Carlton Heath is situated between Bennington and Brattelboro, Vermont, I can't picture the efficiency-minded Miranda driving up from Logan Internation Airport (in Boston, Mass.) when the international airport in Burlington, Vermont, would have been much more feasible! Unless, of course, she hopped a commuter flight to Burlington and rented her four-wheel drive SUV, there?Then, there's the confusion about precisely when she leaves Seattle and arrives in Carlton Heath. Considering that Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday, in 2016, when did Miranda get that suitcase from Rick Torrance; when did she have the second of two fateful discussions with her good friend (and, possibly, foster sister) Blair; and, considering that most small towns in Vermont are built around their churches, why would the townsfolk hold their annual performance of "A Christmas Carol" on Xmas Eve (instead of the night before)? This is the only way I can sensibly work out the timeline in my head. Especially given the earliness of sunsets in wintertime New England!Thurs. 12/15/16: Miranda has those first two discussions with Annie and Blair, respectively.Fri. 12/16/16: She gets the fateful phone call from Torrance.Sat. 12/17/16: She meets him at the old theater and gets the old suitcase that belonged to her mother. She opens it, later that night, and finds the old photo!Sun. 12/18/16: She has her second talk with Blair. Folowing which, she hops an east-bound redeye that lands just after sunrise.Mon. 12/19/16: She spends half the day catching up on her sleep, though not before leaving Annie a reassuring phone message, The rest of the day is spent aboard a commuter shuttle to Burlington Int. Airport. Spending another night, in a local hotel, there, before renting a car the next morning.Tues. 12/20/16: She arrives at Carlton Heath by early afternoon. There, she learns the photography studio is long out of business. And that Ian McKendrick is more than just the handyman at the local inn.Wed. 12/21/16: Ian shows Miranda around town and they bond even further at the annual town Xmas Tree lighting.Thurs. 12/22/16: She confesses the true reason for her visit to Carlton Heath, and Ian gets the phone call about his dad.Fri. 12/23/16: The show goes on. Sat. 12/24/16: The truth about Miranda's quest is revealed at Xmas Eve dinner in front of all concerned.Sun. 12/25/16: tbcAll that aside, however? I eagerly await Part 3 of Robin J. Gunn's lovely trilogy..

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.

Our family loves Christmas movies. This one failed the doze test, we fell asleep for 5 to 10 minutes during the movie (we watched it commercial free). Very nice movie. Story line was decent. The filming and acting did not give it what it needed to be more exciting.Erin Krakow is the lead actress and is so pleasant to watch. The lead actor Niall Matter was also very pleasant and likable. The two deciding that they had to be with each other was not quite developed and the romance lost some of its appeal. The mother was a good supporting role but the fathers role was rather bland. Also the role of the step brother did not seem quite right.