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Reviews
Savoring Paris (2024)
Paris and A Side of Cheese
I don't know what I loved more: the scenes of Paris or the temptation to order a block-of-cheese for a morning snack each day when I visit there again. (Baguette, too, s'il vous plait!)
The dialogue and situations made me laugh out loud. The expected behaviors, both for Americans and Parisians, were hilarious and could easily be switched back and forth.
The use of French music was a huge plus. The lack of fear to use simple French phrases was most welcomed as well (though the "CC" often covered over translation bubbles).
The film was so enjoyable that it could have been longer. Perhaps a wedding sequel - Pourquoi pas?
The Rack (1956)
More than An Excellent Cast
The cast list reads like a history of cinema both a score backwards and forwards, the greats alongside the greats-to-be.
But the greatest surprise to me--and what caused me to remain with it--was one of the writers: Rod Serling. I wondered what the mastermind of this great storyteller would have to say about a war so recently completed (the film is from 1954).
Fans of The Twilight Zone will remember Mr. Serling's many stories about the past, present, and future--including his stories about the Civil War and World War.
As always, the audience member leaves with a profound takeaway. This forgotten war could use a little publicity to be raised back into the consciousness of all people of good will.
At the End of the Day (2018)
First Timers
While some may say that there is nothing new is revealed this film, the quality alone makes it worthwhile for all. The film is a journey--and without predictability. Important in today's climate is the lack of demonizing the other side, even though we know for whom the team behind the script cheers.
Some surprising notes from the very first scene in Dave Hopper the family counselor's office: (1) "The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha" and its use of the "New Revised Standard Version" of the Bible would never be found in a fundamentalist's library since it is a scholarly work allowing use of literary and historical criticism to help understand a contemporary translation of texts held sacred by many. (2) the calendar on the desk to the side of where Mr. Hopper is seated is a Christian calendar used by members of Episcopal churches in the USA, an LGBTQIA+ affirming and celebrating denomination where all are welcome, including all families.
If you come from a Christian background, be sure to listen for the new lyrics to some of the familiar tunes from your youth group.
A Wish Come True (2015)
Enjoy the Men
This story is atypical in the usual Hallmark storyline brand, so it's a breath of fresh air. And the use of "a wish that comes true" keeps the story moving in various ways (not the usual straight line with the couple doing things together).
There are lots of men who appear throughout the movie--there's even a guest appearance. As the movie progressed, I wondered if this was on the movies and mysteries channel. But then, I actually laughed out loud, very loud, as the revolving door of men started running into one another.
There is always a "problem" in a romcom, but the viewer will have no such thing while enjoying the eye candy.
Love & Jane (2024)
Homage to Literature
I found myself laughing out loud at the literary quotes, particularly from varied authors.
I found myself thinking about the love that my middle and high school Literature (aka English) teachers tried to inspire within me m. (Unfortunately, education is wasted on the young.)
I found myself wondering why a work-colleague/friend would want to set up our character with another colleague who appears to be almost half-her-age (not that there's anything wrong with that).
I found myself thinking that there's a connection between those who traverse the aisles of traditional bookstores (so necessary) and those who first browse online and then visit their local bookshop.
I found myself wondering if I want to pick up a copy of a Jane book (since I didn't do so when I was in middle or high school).
Thank you, dear English teachers, for handing on the tradition of classic literature and the precision that elevated language offers.
Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up (2023)
Loved the original, but....
I loved the innocence of the original Hauling: its overall Christmas spirit in lovable, if not hilarious, characters; the would-be Santa enthusiasm of Jared; as well as the melting jaded-heart of Emily.
I still love the characters, but the story was so dark with celebrity nasty voices influencing a "group think" among residents of the wonderfully fanciful Evergreen Lane. The situation in this "episode" was a little too close to reality (it reminded me of office politics and the like) after a joyful happy-go-lucky first installment (i.e., the first film) which was all about helping to bring a beaming smile to the face of a person in need of a Christmas hug (a reality that many I know also need to experience).
I can watch the first movie over and over again. I really wanted to get the same hearty laughs in this sequel, but....
I will watch this "Lit up" sequel another time because, in the end, goodness wins. I'm willing to give it another go because I love the first movie so very much.
Catch Me If You Claus (2023)
Catch a falling Santa
Hallmark has a new style of romcom which can only be described in one word: hilarious! This movie makes a shiny exhibition of the comic chops of romcom favorite, Luke MacFarlane.
The title of this movie is reminiscent of a film with a similar name, revealing that there's more to this romcom than meets the eye. When a little Christmas Eve/Morning investigation ensues:
Who will be discovered?
Who will be on the run?
Who will be captured?
Who will kiss at the end?
Will it be Santa?
Must be Santa!
(Or, will it?)
Invite your friends to sleigh ride over. As you watch this movie, don't be surprised if you catch yourself smiling with Santa.
Journey to Christmas (2023)
A Model Christmas
A lovely story with "real people." It's a road trip rom com, with the usual twists and turns along the way--it is winter solstice after all!
Our protagonists discover Christmas as a season for expressing love by having the eyes to really see each other at their best.
While both leads are "easy on the eyes," one handsome and one beautiful, their attractiveness goes beyond the physical to the hearts we see revealed and softened throughout the movie.
If you love romcoms, add this to your list. If you're still feeling the blows of a breakup in your own life, add this to your list. If you are single and a workaholic, add this to your list. If you love the message of the meaning of Christmas (without any sermonizing), add this to your list.
Christmas Island (2023)
For the Family with Tweens
This has been a weekend of family-friendly flicks from Hallmark, especially suitable with tweens or teens--particularly if they have a snarky disposition in need of a lesson to be less so.
An entitled family ends up on, you guessed it, Christmas Island--probably a suitable place to learn about all things Christmas. (No spoilers here.)
Along with "The Mystery at Mistletoe Inn" (Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, 2023), you'll have an opportunity to reflect upon your own family's history and experience of the holidays (no matter which ones you celebrate).
I'm happily surprised to see the "new Hallmark" once again encouraging lost customs. Last season's films included some odd traditions (or were they just "made up"--as happily mocked in the Hallmark 2023 movie, "Mystic Christmas"?).
Sit around the TV with those you love, release jadedness and pessimism as you enjoy some good old Christmastime activities you, too, can do at home.
Mystery on Mistletoe Lane (2023)
Solve the mystery
Bring your friends. Watch your family. Get the kids in the room with you. Put the gadgets aside and make sure everyone has a cup of cocoa. Can you solve the mystery of mistletoe Lane?
This was a very enjoyable, fun, and cute movie. Get into the holiday spirit. Or, get back--or discover for the first time--what the holiday spirit is as you try to figure out the clues.
As I watched the movie, with two of the "main characters" being a historical society and an old house, it made me think of the many historic churches that are open on Christmas Eve, though many have never visited them or experienced a Christmas communion or candlelight service.
This movie celebrates Christmas memories and customs in today's households. It might suggest some customs for your own annual observance.
Watch it. Solve it. Try it.
Journey Back to Christmas (2016)
Remembering
I've watched this flick through the years and can't believe that I've never reviewed it. I get teary-eyed every time.
With what Christmas customs were you raised? Have you passed them onto your children or continued them with your family of choice?
If you weren't raised with them, where may you go to discover them? These are some of the questions answered.
Changing neighborhoods (the salvaging and repurposing rather than destroying of buildings with classic charm) and the effect every person has on all those with whom they interact is celebrated.
Christians will also appreciate a tip of the hat to Easter, with an "empty tomb"-like scene (not literally)--unsure if this was intentional by the writer.
A Fabled Holiday (2022)
A Complicated Holiday
I loved the literary references throughout the movie--and the basis of the movie's plot, itself based on an imaginary book known to the characters.
The actors themselves do a wonderful job. The Christmas decorations are as stunning as ever. The holiday activity variations from the usual Americana (and ridiculously made-up "traditions" to avoid real religiously-inspired customs) was surprisingly fun and non-offensive. That said, though I didn't laugh enough, it was very enjoyable.
I was left wondering if Wunderland is like an annual Christmas "Brigadoon."
The "New Hallmark" movies are a little more difficult to find relaxing because the management seems to fear the classic guaranteed romcom levity and brightness (the channel's past distinctiveness from Lifetime and other channels). While character negativity is "real life," it gets in the way of the joy one expects from the romcom genre.
Take Me Back for Christmas (2023)
Take Me Back
Christmas aside (it was a minor part of the story and actually could have been Thanksgiving or no holiday at all), this is a sentimental story about balancing family, friends, work, and personal ideals.
Our protagonist has a lot going on: work, husband, mother, and house--as well as fear.
I love the genre of going back in time or into an alternate dimension. It's always fun to see the individual in flux while getting familiar with the new setting into which they have been magically placed.
Self-discovery is always interesting to me and I found the ways of the protagonist's learning in this film to be unique--we're talking tear-jerker potential.
Endings and new beginnings. Love and loss and love. A romcom happy ending.
Merry Kissmas (2015)
Three!
What a surprise to see three of Hallmark's star-studs in this film. Though not the channels hard-hitters, they always bring a smile to my face.
First, the very cute Ben Levine always brightens the screen. His star first shines mid-movie as the story shifts towards love.
The handsome David O'Donnell always commands a wonderful presence in his scenes. When sporting a beard, I often do not recognize him at first, but looking more closely, his eyes give him away.
Love-interest Brant Daugherty offers the warmth that a Christmas romcom needs. He is like the whip-cream atop a cup of hot cocoa.
But I still have questions: is it Santa, the bellhop, or Mrs. Billings (Doris Roberts aka Mrs. Miracle in other xmas movies) who plays any magical role in the blooming relationship?
And who hung the mistletoe in the elevator in the first place?
B&B Merry (2022)
A feast for the eyes
Sitting by a fireplace bedecked with Christmas stockings along with sumptuous Christmas decor.... Baking is always an idea starter for the wannabe pastry chefs watching.... Lavish embellishments to the standard romcom formula (yes, it is a romcom, along with the customary ridiculous angst arising at the eleventh hour; also, a less-so present familiar comparison between a cold "big business" corporate-feel vs. The warmth of a mom&pop-owned enterprise).... Nice use of classic carols of the season.... Lovely make-up and costuming adorn the actresses, including soap opera fan favorite Jen Lilley.... And, finally, that well-wrapped gift for the audience, the ever-handsome Jesse Hutch.
The Wedding Veil Inspiration (2023)
Everyone's Favorite Art Historian
This is "episode 5" of a loosely related series of RomComs united not by a thread but by an Italian wedding veil.
The familiar cast of favorite TV (and Hallmark) veterans is strong and likable. It is nice to see a G-rated movie with fun and respectful behavior and language throughout. There is an elegance present within the characters and throughout the story itself.
Life's journey has twists and turns. Husband Paolo's dad becomes ill in Italy and calls him to return to be with family. Wife Emma's college teaching job success is on a path toward moving into the administrative higher position of department chairperson.
Love involves sacrifice. We see such love expressed by the couple towards each other, by a child for a parent, by friends (and even co-workers) for one another.
I loved learning that
1. Croissant-like breads are called "cornettos" in Italian.
2. one can prevent wall damage when hanging a painting by "forking a nail."
3. "FOMO" is used beyond texting.
4. new words in Italian, explained throughout the two hours.
5. how a retiring chairperson prepares the protégé for the transition.
6. that there's a baby on the way.
I feel good after watching this flick.
The Holiday Sitter (2022)
Finally!
This is a wonderful family-friendly and family-affirmative Romcom which just happens to have two men as the protagonists. Much of the very best traditional Hallmark elements were happily included. Though other channels/streams have already had their "first" gay romcom, this is clearly one of the best for households with children of any age.
From the surprise discovery that the "other guy" is gay to the reality of not growing up with thoughts of marriage or children available to all, these are sad realities faced for decades by many "older" gentleman. (This is just as surprising to those who feel afraid to "come out" or others who think that they've "never met a gay person.")
Heartfelt. Endearing. Sweet. And recommended for all. Merry Christmas!
The Royal Nanny (2022)
LOL
I did not expect a comedy and mystery in one, especially on the Hallmark channel (as opposed to its Movies and Mysteries channel). I found myself laughing out loud a few times--more than the smile one often reveals during any "standard" Hallmark-like movie.
The who-done-it component was a wonderful addition to the usual girl-meets-prince script. Christmastime themes of gift-giving to others and familial love abound throughout.
The importance of valuing children and one another warms the heart, even as our nanny is accused of being "Scary Poppins."
A great family holiday movie which could spark an interesting conversation around the household table.
Joy for Christmas (2021)
What a joy to watch!
These Hallmark-actors (oops!) knock out a story celebrating actual (as in "real" rather than contrived) Christmas traditions from 20th century America: decorations, gathering as family (in its broadest definition), children and the need to remember gift-giving from the heart to those in need.
The singing of traditional carols (whose origins span the centuries) are sung tunefully with a single guitar, remembering key figures associated with the holiday--like Santa Claus (and Jesus, too).
The classic romcom design is used, though the joy of Christmas as focal point pervades every bit of angst. Enter into the meaning of the season with this GAC movie.
Autumn in the City (2022)
Autumn in New York
NYC is definitely experiencing a long-term autumn after the shutdowns of COVID in the early 2020s. That said, this film has some wonderfully real life NYC experiences (and funny lines).
For added fun while watching, down a shot of your favorite drink or edible every time you see a yellow taxi. (I wondered if it was the same cab in every scene. When I watch this movie again, I'll be checking out the license plate.)
The Washington Square arch and the Brooklyn Bridge Park views were perfection. (There was even a hint of a real taste of NYC fast food, i.e., Nathan's Coney Island hot dogs.)
The script is a love story to the Big Apple, some of its locals, and the people who flee to live there without a plan. Surprisingly enjoyable, despite having little to do with the autumn (and metaphorically more like spring); truly one of the better "new style Hallmark" flicks.
Christmas in Toyland (2022)
Too Fast in Toyland
Loved the premise. Loved me some Jesse.
But: Many of the actors spoke too quickly, inaudible to more "senior" ears--and even the close captioning could not keep up (with typos to boot!).
Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!! (2009)
Oy! You're son is Queer?
This movie is "entry level" for concerned families (about their LGBTQ+ children) who will be familiar and fearful of the stereotypes presented. The central characters are the parents struggling when they find out their son is queer. You won't learn much from them, but you'll also feel less alone.
I Am Syd Stone (2020)
It Gets Better
It's amazing that even as we approach the first quarter of this century we are still in need of such stories. It's gentleness and deeply emotional content are well played by the actors. The diversity of situations will touch many viewers.
Fire Island (2022)
Gay Rom Com
Following the classic rom-con movie format, Fire Island is a slice of how-it-is out there. Not being a fan of Island partying in no way makes this film anything less than realistic. Open your heart, leave judgment at the door, and feel the love. It's okay to laugh; you'll be glad you did.
The 10 Year Plan (2014)
Romance
Following the classic rom-com formula, this belongs on any lover's list of this genre. Jack Turner is a star-staple in such movies, appearing regularly on the Hallmark channel.