Marrying Father Christmas (TV Movie 2018) Poster

(2018 TV Movie)

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5/10
Not entertaining
dontakeitpersonal21 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I feel that they missed an opportunity here. It was really boring and not at all a sparkling christmas wedding. The secret uncle angle could have been much more as well. Perhaps I'm a bit biased because I've been watching so many christmas movies. I didn't feel it four this movie and tuned out several times
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5/10
Everyone is Overly Nice
glanners-708032 January 2021
Third in a trilogy (!) of romantic dramas following 'Finding Father Christmas' and 'Engaging Father Christmas' - see what they did there? As a couple (Erin Krakow, Niall Matter) prepare for their wedding, a stranger arrives in town claiming to be a relative. The performances are OK (although the male lead looks a bit bored), it's nicely filmed, but it's very tame, nothing exciting happens, and everyone is overly nice. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for an afternoon doze.
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7/10
Subtle Hidden Message Makes This Worth Watching
Christmas-Reviewer27 November 2018
I Have Reviewed OVER 500 "Christmas Films and Specials". Please BEWARE Of films and specials with just one review! For instance When "It's a POSITIVE" chances are that the reviewer was involved with the production. "If its Negative" then they may have a grudge against the film for whatever reason. I am fare about these films.

What I like about this film was that this is the third film (maybe there will be a fourth) in a series of films in this Hallmark Christmas Movie. The first two films were "Finding Father Christmas" and "Engaging Father Christmas". Now this one is called "Marrying Father Christmas" and the message this film cleverly does makes this film one that you will long remember in the years to come.

In this film Erin Krakow once again stars as Miranda Chester. She runs the emotional range here from "a-b" but it works! In this Miranda is about to get married. She is closing up her shop in Boston for the holidays and is about to get married on Christmas. At the last minute a man wants to hire her services but she politely declines because of her "Time Restraints".

A day later she sees the man in Vermont (And he looks like Dru for Despicable Me) and she is puzzled. The thing is this man might throw a money wrench into her plans.
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6/10
Christmas Wedding Bells
kz917-115 July 2019
Miranda and Ian met in Finding Father Christmas, got engaged in Engaging Father Christmas, and are now set to get married in Marrying Father Christmas.

Of course there has to be drama and another long lost family member. But is Uncle Charlie legit or just a swindler?

Cute end to the trilogy.
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special
Kirpianuscus3 January 2019
After the first two "episodes", this series , in my case, it is so familiar than , against the not empathy with Hallmark Christmas romance, I admitt, I love it. For performances of actors, for its spirit, for the twist and predactibility, for warm air and for cold obstacles, for the lovely family portrait, for beginners and for solutions. And, sure, for the inn. So, last piece of a seductive story , proposing not exactly a soap opera version but a nice story about love, hope and new start in life. Together.
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6/10
Marrying Father Christmas
JoBloTheMovieCritic20 July 2019
6/10 - yet another completely average 2018 Christmas film
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7/10
Sweet wedding movie
ambie71920 November 2018
Niall and Erin are once again great together, nice addition to the series.
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4/10
Don't watch it
Waterloo197424 December 2020
They try to make a feel good movie but really nothing happens. There's absolutely no storyline. The actress that plays Margaret looks like an evil stepmother but is really a sweet lady. If she was a mean stepmom perhaps it could have saved something. 90 minutes of my life I'll never get back.
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10/10
Marrying Father Christmas
legalsecretary-0393014 November 2018
This was a great sequel. I don't know why it received a 6.2 rating. It was a joy to watch. It had an element of mystery to it and there was romance and love. The acting by Matter and Krakow was great.
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7/10
"Marrying Father Christmas"... (A More Extensive Look at) The Legacy of Miranda and Ian Continues
kellyloco23 February 2019
Well, here we are ready to indulge in the highly anticipated third installment of the fabulous "Finding Father Christmas" & "Engaging Father Christmas" series, as we continue down this sentimental journey of love, devotion, and finding the true meaning of Christmas, while Miranda discovers her illusive family legacy. As a huge fan of the first two movies, I feel the audience entered into this film with great expectations, leading up to Miranda and Ian's blossoming relationship, unfolding into this highly anticipated wedding.

As Margaret indicated in the first movie.. her draw to Carlton Heath, is a return to: "indulge in a bit of Nostalgia"... That exemplifies the aura of magic in this special series. However, I feel his film leaves the viewers wanting more, out of this third chapter. For example: Rick Torrance (the thoughtful stage hand who arguably single handedly was responsible for motivating Miranda to pursue her secret journey (in the first place) - culminating in finding out her real father's true identity; or possibly including Miranda's school teacher best friend, Blair (from Seattle), or even inviting Miranda's enthusiastic workplace (secretary) assistant, Annie (who appeared in first two chapters), from her Seattle interior decorating firm... The point being, none of these characters were included in this third movie, and subsequently missed the wedding.. a bit disappointing, leaving us all to wonder... what if ? On the other hand, other than familiar family characters, there seems to be too many strangers (guests) attending the final wedding scene. Opportunity lost for some great nostalgia, and an opportunity to re-introduce these reunion characters seem lost.

Notably there are some awkward moments in the film, which occur in "Marrying Father Christmas", that should probably have been smoothed over a bit better... such as Margaret's old family friend - Thomas, who in one scene, barges into Margaret's house front door, without even knocking !! (really ?) ...and remarks after some conversation: "(gee) maybe I should have called first..." There are other moments in the film, where Margaret ambitiously overplays her roll, leading up to Miranda's and Ian's final wedding day plans, and of course replacing the familiar: Ellie in the movie, with an unfamiliar new face, to play the roll. Another awkward moment... was the opening scene at the wedding (immediately following the appearance of the violinist), where there appears to be a moment (edited) out-of-sequence, when Margaret's friend: Thomas, and Uncle Charlie are clearly seated together, engaging the pastor in conversation, seated in the front row - as the guests begin arriving at the wedding. A few moments later, Uncle Charlie is seen walking thru the front door, upon his initial arrival, and proceeds to the front row, and introduces himself to Thomas, after they have already been noticed engaging in conversation, with the pastor.

This movie seems to be overly fixated on (pre)wedding arrangements and spends too much time talking thru 'validation' of the wedding - with the pastor, when the viewers already know, Miranda and Ian are already a perfect match for one another. It seems to suppress much of the energy of the movie, that should instead have spent more time enhancing some of the sentimental aspects of the theme, and better engage the audience. The introduction and solving the mystery of the Uncle Charlie story line, is a solid catalyst to this film, and seems to take-off, as an unexpected bright spot / twist, as Miranda unexpectedly discovers more of her family, and this works well to enrich the scope of the film. Very Nice Touch.

Let me say the loss of transferring some of the nostalgia, introduced in the first two films, leaves the audience wanting more, as the lure of this third installment unequivocally draws the audience in wanting get to know better these two irresistible characters (Miranda & Ian), as well as the supporting cast. As for that alone, the affection for this couple remains intact throughout the movie. As for "Marrying Father Christmas", I have to rate this latest installment as a solid - 7 (better than the critics !). However, I happened to rate the first two movies as solid - 10. As a dedicated fan, please let us continue on this sentimental journey, and continue to indulge the audience, in a bit of "nostalgia", the way Margaret would have wanted, by introducing a 4TH MOVIE !! We will be waiting; and make it brilliant !!

Special note: Waiting for someone to market those replica 'Christmas Angel' bracelets.. what a memorable gift and compliment to this classic movie series treasure !

Though a 4th movie would exceed the book series.. why not indulge us with a fourth installment: entitled: "Father Christmas Holiday Reunion"... Hallmark Movies could (with all their immense story writing talents) create a magnificent final reunion.. indulging all us dedicated fans in a perfect holiday nostalgic dream performance, with all these lovable family characters !! A real drama performance.. like Margaret on her death bed final wish (with Thomas and family at her bedside) emphasizing her passion for the spirit of Christmas, and family unity.. "drawing us all closer" (once again) in the spirit of love (and in the fine James Whitcomb tradition) - demonstrate the resilience of this family (even when dealing with tragedy/adversity), preserving the importance of family always coming together during the Christmas holiday season. High drama is Hallmark's hallmark. This story is so good (with its movie character performances), it really can take on a life of its own beyond the wonderful book series. Carry-on.
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2/10
Disappointed In Bakersfield
chris_reyes-8986918 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Having enjoyed the other two films of this particular series, I full expected to like this one but I found it to be one of the most disappointing Hallmark films I have ever seen--- and I've seen a LOT of Hallmark movies. It isn't the acting that's terrible; it is the message of the film. The absolute worst scene in the movie was when so-called Christian Pastor Charlie calls himself arrogant for telling his sister that she shouldn't be in a relationship with a married man, stating that he was wrong to see the world in black and white instead of acknowledging that the world is gray. It makes me wonder who wrote this movie and whether their intention was to push the idea that there is no right and wrong.
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10/10
Finding Father Christmas 4?????
wwwpennyfullick9 November 2018
Love the Finding Father Christmas Series! Will there be a number 4?? Love the story and the cast is awesome!
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7/10
Surprises and twists help make this sequel a successful conclusion
SimonJack28 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Very few times in history have sequels been as good, or even better than the original film. And, succeeding sequels seldom match the second film/first sequel, and so on. The exceptions are notable and among the great films of all time - The Godfather, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings. But most often, sequels are well below their originals, and the next sequels are disasters.

So, Hallmark and its team had a challenge cut out for it with this film. On first blush, "Marrying Father Christmas" would seem to be a no-brainer. Picking up on the "Engagng" the year before, it had only one way to go, and everyone who know that. But to make it go, it would have to have something new, a different twist, or a surprise or two. The latter is what this film has, and that makes it a good sequel. Not as good as the original, nor of the first sequel. But good enough to still be very enjoyable, entertaining, and heads above many other Christmas films at year's end.

Two surprises and one twist give this film a very good plot, and the couple of new faces who come with the surprises add to the excellent cast. Frankly, but for the superb performances by all of the main actors in the first two films, I probably would not have watched this film. That's because one pretty much knows what to expect from the title and buildup. So, then, the reward is in a very well-done screenplay with a couple of subplots that add much interest and enjoyment to this TV film.

The first big surprise is the appearance of Miranda's previously unknown uncle, Charles Finley. The second is the former friend of Margaret and James Whitcomb, Tommy Reid, who now is attracted to Margaret and she to hm. A twist that keeps the happy planned wedding uncertain is Margaret's over zealous injection in the wedding plans to the tune of trying to get the location moved. And, then a final surprise twist is the wedding itself and Miranda's escort. I guessed that one just before it came about.

There's just one real hole or problem with the screenplay. When Miranda hears from Finley (played by Bill Dow) that he is her uncle, one can understand the shock and disbelief. But the idea, expressed by Ian later and quickly dropped, that he might be someone just trying to cash in on the situation, couldn't be plausibly carried out in the film because there was nothing to cash in on. But the hole is this - Miranda so doesn't want to believe it at first, that she doesn't even want to hear more explanation from the man when Charles tries to explain to her. That only comes much later, after much trepidation, her receiving childhood pictures of her mom that came from Charles, and her feeling of guilt and wanting to connect with her uncle.

All of that consternation could have been avoided if she had just listened to what he had to say at the outset. But she didn't. Now, while most people would see the problem in that, especially for Miranda's character, there is a caveat to it. And that is that had she listened to Charles right away, there would have been about 15 minutes of less movie where that situation occupied her time and discussions with Ian. And that would have meant the need to fill some more time with something else - perhaps a romance with Margaret and Tommy. But it wouldn't have been nearly as interesting, and the writers knew that. So, they had to include the hard to believe hole of Miranda not wanting to hear more - remember, this is the girl who set out on a quest to find her roots and family. And the probably reasoned, aptly, that the audiences would soon get over that and just want to see what happens next and how it will play out.

This is a fitting film for the climax of a trilogy that should become a Christmas holiday favorite for many people.
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2/10
Good cure for insomina
slzander1 December 2020
I'd like to leave a better review but this movie was a snooze-fest! It was an hour and 25 minutes of nothing. To be honest, I didn't make it through, I fell out at least 3 times into a light slumber. And while I felt the acting and production was good and the sets were beautiful, it wasn't enough to make up for how boring this movie was. The whole time, I just kept thinking, something has to happen or resolve itself, but it just dragged on and on and on... Watch any children's movie for more action and drama. Next Christmas, I think I'll pass on this franchise.
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7/10
And they lived happily ever after...
MickyG33327 November 2022
7.2 Stars.

The first movie was kinda like the statement: "once upon a time" a stray fair maiden stumbled on a handsome rugged prince. The second movie was like "a dark mystery shrouded their love", and then they nestled into a happy relationship. This is the third installment, and it is best described as "they lived happily ever after".

I so totally understand why they made three movies (and hopefully more) out of this storyline. The actors never disappoint, all three movies are wonderful. This movie is easy and breezy, just flowing along as they prepare for the wedding. It's possibly the conclusion to a fairy tale 3 years in the making, and they certainly have my blessing for a fourth installment. I hope they do. Maybe they could call it "Babies for Father Christmas". LOL.

This is an epic saga of a long and pleasant journey of two people who make it work because they value family and Christmas. Nothing more, nothing less. There is no uncommon moral lesson but to live life with an honest heart, importance of family, friends, and community in your life, be good to others, and treat them as you would like to be treated. I see the Christian values they are ever so subtly conveying. I suppose you can take it or leave it. By now you should realize that Hallmark teamed up with a Christian company some decades ago. Their values are written all over these movies. No fornication, no swearing, no innuendo, full of kindness, forgiveness, and love. I suppose that's ultimately the secondary motivation for why I watch these movies. Peace.
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1/10
Too boring...
BurberryGal12 August 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This one didn't work for me! Boring story. drawn out with this 3rd installment of the Father Christmas series. Do not make a 4th. Does it even make sense that she's looking for her dad in "Finding Father Christmas" and now she's marrying someone else but still called "Marrying Father Christmas"? she's not marrying her dad? Confusing and weird title.
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8/10
Doesn't let you down!!
Marynewcomb20135 November 2018
Just as good as the first two in this series!! Keeps you smiling, keeps you crying. It's a truly heart warming movie & series. Hope when people that read this & watch the movies feel and see the same things I do!! Can't wait for this to come on dvd to put with Finding Father Christmas & Engaging Darher Christmas.
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4/10
Just watch the first one and imagine how their wedding goes instead.
adamjohns-4257512 October 2022
Marrying Father Christmas (2018) -

In this third instalment of Miranda and Ian's romantic journey, it was all a bit too much of the same again.

I still didn't think that Niall Matter, as Ian, should have to put up with her.

She was so dramatic about everything and she was going to make his married life so difficult. I predicted many an argument in their futures.

They also did something awful to Niall's hair and plucked his eyebrows way too much, ruining that rugged charm that he had in the first film.

His character appeared to be a complete wimp too, I don't think there was one scene he was in, where he didn't want to go inside because he was cold, in the entire trilogy.

It turned out that Miranda's Mother was a massive secret keeper/liar too and so was Miranda. Instead of talking about things with everyone, who would have been helpful and eased her mind, she kept everything to herself and then wondered why they got annoyed with her.

And I'm pretty sure that her mother wasn't the saint that she thought she was. I'm just glad that they stopped at a trilogy, because the secrets could probably have kept coming for years, based on just the small part of her life we know.

And the kids were still vile! My teeth nearly fell out because of their sickening sweetness.

Definitely not the best of the three, but watchable enough.

4/10.
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8/10
Lovely movie, emotional wedding, off the charts chemistry.
MIssM1919 February 2019
It took me a while to watch this. This series is SO lovely and sweet, and this is no exception. Just as good as the first two. There is no special plot, just Miranda trying to find out who this mystery guy is while spending time with family and planning her wedding.

The chemistry between the whole cast is amazing but the chemistry between Niall Matter and Erin Krakow is just exceptional, even better than in the last two movies. The wedding scene was so emotional, for several reasons.

The only reason I will accept a fourth movie is if they do a little time jump and we find these two with a child. Otherwise, this is the perfect closure.
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2/10
Worry Over Nothing
cole-wilkes22 December 2018
Everyone loves a cheesy hallmark Christmas movie. In fact my favorite Christmas movie is a hallmark Christmas movie. Either though the conflict in these movies are never really a big deal this movie takes it to a new level. I was just waiting for any conflict or complications to be introduced and when it was introduced it was so underwhelming that I was hoping that there was more to the story. I felt like I was just watching a spoiled family looking for a reason to complain about their perfect Christmas .
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3/10
Not good...
Thanos_Alfie21 February 2023
"Marrying Father Christmas" is a Drama - Romance movie in which we watch a woman searching information about her biological father only to find out more information about her family but also for the love of her life.

I have to admit that I did not enjoy this movie even though I was prepared for the worst case scenario. The plot was boring since it was too predictable even for this kind of movie and it did not have something new to present or even a plot twist. The interpretations of Erin Krakow who played as Miranda Chester and Niall Matter who played as Ian McAndrick followed the same medium pattern and they did not make the difference. Lastly, I have to say that "Marrying Father Christmas" is a below the average Christmas movie and I do not recommend you to watch it.
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10/10
One of the BEST Holidays series I have ever seen!
ilovealoha5 November 2018
This movie has everything. Love, mystery, romance, and is filled with Joy. This series filled my Heart to overflowing. I could watch these movies over and over and still love them. They are at the Top of my favorite Christmas Movies.
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9/10
And we come full circle!
Carycomic5 November 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Part Three of Hallmark's most poignant trilogy of Xmas movies premiered last night. And it had me shamelessly weeping at all the right spots!

Refreshingly, the primary subplot this time around focused on the mystery of Miranda's matrilineal past. Although, it was somewhat predictable. My guess concerning the true identity of the stocky bald gentleman proving only half-right.

The secondary subplot focused on the wedding preparations, themselves. Would Miranda find the courage to ask Margaret (her future stepmother-in-law) to cease her well-intended-but-overzealous meddling? Would Margaret, herself, find the courage to fall in love a second time? And would poor Ian ever get the wording right for his self-written wedding vows?

The only reason I don't give this a perfect ten is that replacing Aaliyah O'Brien, with Julia Benson (as Ellie Whitcomb) wasn't exactly unnoticeable. And, therefore, not quite acceptable. To me, anyway! Plus, there's the inexplicable absences of Bethany Brown as Annie (Miranda's former secretary at her old Seattle workplace) and Jordana Largy as Blair (Miranda's school teacher friend).

Even if Annie had been promoted to Miranda's successor, would it actually have killed the writers to come up with one or two lines of in-story explanation for that absence? Like, say, too much of a holiday workload at that place? And what about Blair? I've always thought she was the daughter of Miranda's foster mother. That is; the old friend of Eve Chester who raised Miranda after Eve's death circa 1996. So there's no way, in the real world, Blair would have failed to attend Miranda's wedding!

Those nitpicks aside, however, this conclusion to the "Father Christmas" trilogy was everything I hoped it would be. Well worth the year-long wait!
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8/10
Third time's the charm
TheLittleSongbird2 February 2021
The first film in the series 'Finding Father Christmas' was a very pleasant and welcome surprise, and up there as one of Hallmark's better Christmas films. The second film 'Engaging Father Christmas' also pleasantly surprised me and nearly as good, proof that Hallmark can do sequels well if anybody is in doubt. So hearing that there was a third film, part of me was looking forward to seeing it but part of me was also a bit worried that it would feel like one film too far.

'Marrying Father Christmas' to me didn't feel like one film too far. Far from it. It works really well as part of the series and was very well done in its own way. Comparing it with the previous two films, it's one notch up from 'Engaging Father Christmas' and on the same level as 'Finding Father Christmas'. Though quality-wise, the three are very close together, with the same strengths and similar flaws to each other. Like 'Engaging Father Christmas', it compares very favourably as a sequel to a Hallmark film.

It is a little awkward in the writing, which also could have been tighter, at times. The ending was also a bit rushed and too convenient.

Where it does improve over 'Engaging Father Christmas', and where it is more on par with 'Finding Father Christmas', is the story, it's fresher in execution and nothing feels too silly or bizarre here like it did occasionally in that film.

Good things are many, well actually everything else works. It looks pleasing, despite the location not being authentic to me it didn't look too fake and was attractive in its own way. The photography is slick enough. There is a tendency in Hallmark to have the music too prominent and intrusive, found neither to be the case (not distractingly so anyhow) here. The script may be imperfect, but it was light hearted and had good intentions, the cheese and schmaltz not feeling too much.

Likewise, the story has imperfections but for all its predictability as such it did make me feel warm inside, it was very charming and it did have heart without being heavy or over serious. Erin Krakow and Niall Matter return again, as does Wendie Malick, and they don't disappoint. Krakow is restrained and sensitive while never looking phoned in or stiff. Matt is pleasantly understated and sympathetic too without ever being too low key, and he looks relaxed. Their already charming and genuine chemistry went from strength to strength with each film and the spark increased each time. Malick is a breath of fresh air once again. Everyone is well above average and while the characters are not deep they were at least worth connecting with in my view. The direction is accommodating without being too deliberate.

In summary, really liked it. 8/10
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10/10
Best
cassiescuddlycanines29 December 2018
Awesome, Erin is fabulous as always. Enjoyed first two, but this is best yet
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