Intense, gripping, stylish and poignant

A Brilliant Conflict

Tells a fascinating and unsettling true story, and does so well, without pretending to have all the answers.

This is a small, humorous movie in some ways, but it has a huge heart. What a nice experience.

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..

Finding a treasure! That's how this made me feel! Every Christmas I search for the movie(s) of the season to add to other favorites. (Grandpa for Xmas; all the Peter Falk Xmas movies, I'll be Home for Xmas....and several more) This year is definitely the "Father Christmas" duo! I missed this one in 2016, and didn't realize that "Engaging Father Christmas" was like a sequel. And the lead man, Niall Matter, is ho ho hoo hoo....leaves me breathless! Sure hope we see more of him in Hallmark movies!! How this story begins and continues in the 2nd feature, I can see it, going forward, in at least two more features. Next the wedding, followed by whereever the author takes us. I noticed both of these stories have the same authors, Golden and Gunn, so keep it going, please! I've already watched both "Finding" and "Engaging" twice already this season! Just make me feel good all over and feel the holiday spirit at it's best!

This should read 'Finding my unknown father at Christmas time'. The actual title could mean shopping malls, low-rent bars, old people's homes and very occasionally somewhere very far north. In fact it's about a young woman who lost her mother very early in life and has grown up never knowing who her father was. She unexpectedly discovers a number of clues about her mother's secrets, the most important clue for us being that it's just before Christmas. From here we are presented with a mystery which she has to follow, with some of her own concerns; but for us it is most engaging and heart-warming.Early in her pursuit of answers she comes across a suitable interest. To test my observation I rewound, and sure enough, the expression and turn of her head gave it away. Unlike most other romances, he remains as a constant, providing a counter-balance for her fears and anxieties. Together, she is better equipped to handle what turns into a very complex situation.Set in a small Vermont town, the customs and Christmas activities of the villagers introduces us to all the main characters. Finding that one person who knows everything takes us down a winding path with a surprising ending. An ending that leaves the warmth from a good helping of Christmas delights.Conclusion: 8.0 Xmas points, for a delightful cast and a story to keep our interest throughout.

Having said that I will note several good things about the movie. Krakow is really nice as the restrained lead, she has a sort of comfortable Sigourney Weaver look to her. Her mom dies and she heads to a Vermont town at Christmas time trying to learn more about an old picture she finds in her mom's stuff. Krakow appears good to absolute go for future Hallmark Christmas pictures. Matter was okay as the romantic interest, the obviousness of the potential hookup I can't blame on him any more than the writers. The rest of the crew was fine, Malick is good as the local wondering why Krakow's in town. I think my problem is all the developments seemed sort of destined from the beginning and it is always better if there is at least a little question as to where things are going. The wrap Is a little talky and complicated but nice.