"Finding Father Christmas" might be seen as a play on words, and whether or not it was so intended, it's surely appropriate and right on target with the story. The plot and everything else about this film are superb. It's always a joy to find one of the many year-end holiday films that is exceptional.
While the story should appeal to most, it will have special meaning for people who have not known one of their parents, or who their father (or mother) were. Besides the Christmas setting, and the drama, this film has a nice element of mystery and some very good bits of light comedy just in the right places. And, as some Christmas films end, this one too has love. Not romance, but love.
The story itself makes this a different enough Christmas season film to rate keeping in one's film library. But then, the cast, especially the leads, are truly outstanding. Erin Krakow as Miranda Chester and Niall Matter as Ian McAndrick are superb in their roles. Her reticence and hesitation in places are very believable and real. And Ian's down to earth, listening and perfect responses are the work of excellent screen writing and performance. He is so at ease in the role that it's easy to put oneself in the scenes and story and not even think there is acting tacking place. Then, the chemistry between the two is perfect.
All of the rest of the cast also give superb performances. Wendie Malick as Margaret Whitcomb, Jim Thorburn as Peter and Aliya O'Brien as Ellie are affable, so naturally at ease and believable. And, Ian's parents, Lynn Johnson and Michael Kopsa as Katherine and Andrew McAndrick make a viewer feel comfortable and invited into their inn.
This is a delightful film I will enjoy watching over Christmas seasons to follow, and to share with others. Here are some favorite lines from the film.
Miranda Chester, expressing surprise to Ian, "Get out of town!"
Ian McAndrick, "Well, I will say that what we lack in talent we make up for with form."
Miranda, "I don't think I'm gonna find the answers I'm looking for." Ian, "I'm not sure what brought you here, Miranda. But I'm glad it did. And, while you are here, you might as well enjoy it. After all, it is Christmas. All those questions you have - they'll still be waiting for you."
Santa Claus, passing by in a horse-drawn wagon, "Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Miranda." Miranda, after he passes, "How did you know my name?"
Miranda, "I don't belong here, Ian - not the way you do." Ian, "It's a tricky thing - belonging." Miranda, "Tricky? What does that mean?" Ian, "Well, take me, for example. After I finished law school, I had job offers coming in from all over - New York, Los Angeles, you name it. Some of them were pretty good, too." Miranda, "I'm sure they were." Ian, "When I told them I was happy here, they assumed it was because this is where I grew up. Because it was so comfortable."
Margaret Whitcomb, "I'm afraid we may never be able to solve the mystery." Miranda, "Well, some mysteries are better left unsolved." Margaret, "Perhaps you're right."
While the story should appeal to most, it will have special meaning for people who have not known one of their parents, or who their father (or mother) were. Besides the Christmas setting, and the drama, this film has a nice element of mystery and some very good bits of light comedy just in the right places. And, as some Christmas films end, this one too has love. Not romance, but love.
The story itself makes this a different enough Christmas season film to rate keeping in one's film library. But then, the cast, especially the leads, are truly outstanding. Erin Krakow as Miranda Chester and Niall Matter as Ian McAndrick are superb in their roles. Her reticence and hesitation in places are very believable and real. And Ian's down to earth, listening and perfect responses are the work of excellent screen writing and performance. He is so at ease in the role that it's easy to put oneself in the scenes and story and not even think there is acting tacking place. Then, the chemistry between the two is perfect.
All of the rest of the cast also give superb performances. Wendie Malick as Margaret Whitcomb, Jim Thorburn as Peter and Aliya O'Brien as Ellie are affable, so naturally at ease and believable. And, Ian's parents, Lynn Johnson and Michael Kopsa as Katherine and Andrew McAndrick make a viewer feel comfortable and invited into their inn.
This is a delightful film I will enjoy watching over Christmas seasons to follow, and to share with others. Here are some favorite lines from the film.
Miranda Chester, expressing surprise to Ian, "Get out of town!"
Ian McAndrick, "Well, I will say that what we lack in talent we make up for with form."
Miranda, "I don't think I'm gonna find the answers I'm looking for." Ian, "I'm not sure what brought you here, Miranda. But I'm glad it did. And, while you are here, you might as well enjoy it. After all, it is Christmas. All those questions you have - they'll still be waiting for you."
Santa Claus, passing by in a horse-drawn wagon, "Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas, Miranda." Miranda, after he passes, "How did you know my name?"
Miranda, "I don't belong here, Ian - not the way you do." Ian, "It's a tricky thing - belonging." Miranda, "Tricky? What does that mean?" Ian, "Well, take me, for example. After I finished law school, I had job offers coming in from all over - New York, Los Angeles, you name it. Some of them were pretty good, too." Miranda, "I'm sure they were." Ian, "When I told them I was happy here, they assumed it was because this is where I grew up. Because it was so comfortable."
Margaret Whitcomb, "I'm afraid we may never be able to solve the mystery." Miranda, "Well, some mysteries are better left unsolved." Margaret, "Perhaps you're right."