Three Wiser Men and a Boy movie review

MOVIE TITLE: Three Wiser Men and a Boy

RATING: TV-G

LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: B+

IN A NUTSHELL:

The story is about three brothers who step up (under duress) to save the elementary school Christmas musical after the stressed-out director quits. They also have to deal with their mom’s new boyfriend and manage traditions and new family dynamics.

Just like the first one that came out in 2022, Three Wise Men and a Baby, the film was directed by Terry Ingram. It was the most-watched TV movie on cable in 2022! Writing credits go to Paul Campbell, Kimberly Sustad, Russell Hainline. Paul and Kimberly wrote the screenplay for the first movie and starred in it too.

I have 4 sons, so I get a kick out of this little Hallmark channel. It’s cheesy, campy, and I loved it.

THINGS I LIKED:

The handsome brothers are perfectly flawed and played by Andrew W. Walker, Tyler Hynes, and Paul Campbell, making their characters feel realistic. What they do is exaggerated, yet authentic at the same time.
The brothers have a lot of hillarious banter, playful zingers, and physical humor. We even get a reprise of their dance number from the first movie.
I love seeing Margaret Colin as the sweet mom. She’s had a great career for decades.
All of the school children are adorable.
All of the characters learn important life lessons and share the Christmas spirit. They become a little wiser with each movie.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

Some of the scenarios are super ridiculous.
I felt bad for Susie (Fiona Vroom) because her boyfriend, brother Stephan (Paul Campbell) is so clueless that she is dying for him to propose.
One of the brothers has a girlfriend who is gone for the majority of the film. We don’t really learn much about her.

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

Alcohol
Kissing
Sibling rivalry
Some adult bickering

THEMES:

Brotherhood
Competitiveness
Teamwork
Parenting
Not feeling good enough
Second chance of love
Jealousy
Courage
Forgiveness
Change

FUNNY LINES:

“That hurts. Why do I like that?” – Taylor (Tyler Hynes)
“You know the only thing I don’t have?” – Principal “Enough money to retire?” – Taylor (Tyler Hynes)
“Like what you see?” – Taylor (Tyler Hynes) “It’s so bad, but so so good.” – Caroline (Erin Karpluk)
“She’s you but a better version.” – Stephan (Paul Campbell)
“You’re the weirdest thing I’ve ever met. Don’t ever change.” – Caroline (Erin Karpluk)
“Have you met the internet? Everything’s a lie.” – Taylor (Tyler Hynes)
“You’re awesome!” – boy “You’re a man of exquisite taste and I love you for it.” – Taylor (Tyler Hynes)
“Question: What’s the school board’s policy on black-market penguins?” – Mark Laclark (Matt Hamilton)
“It’s like the North Pole and Vegas had a baby.” – Caroline (Erin Karpluk)

INTERESTING LINES:

“As a pastor, Christmas is my business.” – Pastor Roy (Christopher Shyer)
“A noble fir is noble for sure.” – Thomas (Miles Marthaller)
“When you dream big, sometimes you gotta live small.” – Caroline (Erin Karpluk)
“When you go all in, you gotta be willing to risk it all.” – Caroline (Erin Karpluk)
“Life is too much fun to do it alone.” – Caroline (Erin Karpluk)
“Charming is when you may look foolish but you do it anyway.” – Susie (Fiona Vroom)
“I am more than just a mom; I’m a person.” – Barbara (Margaret Colin)
“He loves me…and I need you to let him.” – Barbara (Margaret Colin)

MOVIES LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

Three Men and a Baby (1986): https://amzn.to/3XQnee5
Look Who’s Talking: https://amzn.to/3FpsuhO
Christmas by Starlight (written by Sustad and Campbell): https://amzn.to/3iArX3y