wayfind Reviews

Welcome to Valentine (2023 TV Movie)

I had to wonder...

[5/10 · 13 February 2024]

Boy, I hated to give a movie like this a 5 rating. I'm usually a little more generous. This movie tried hard - too hard! At a certain point, it struck me: "WHY is there so much overacting in this movie?" Except for the fairly appealing male lead (Markian Tarasiuk) most of the actresses need to tone it down a great deal. Gestures too big, facial expressions too big, emotions too big... Then I realized several of them have a lot of stage experience, or maybe they've done a lot of emotion-fraught dramas. Whatever. In a big theatre, an actor HAS to be "big" or the audience can't see what's up. These actresses seemed not have have learned how to "bring it down" for the camera. It got to the point that I had to start skipping through the movie.

Also, the writing was just a little too self-conscious, too "New York," too "Neil Simon-esque" to be enjoyable in a small-town romance Hallmark movie. It sounded unnatural. As I said at the beginning, trying too hard - and it just didn't work. Beautiful faces, for sure, but...no.

My Christmas Hero (2023 TV Movie)

A Lovely Movie

[9/10 · 1 December 2023]

In spite of my delight at seeing Gabe Hogan, one of my favorite actors, onscreen, I was slow to warm up to this movie, for some reason. As the story progressed, however, I was very much drawn into it. It's a lovely, warm story that conveys important messages about what the men and women of the armed services - and their families - go through both abroad and at home.

While I agree that some of the actors and actresses seem much too young, I think it must be difficult to find a capable actor in his mid- to late-nineties to play a WWII vet. Perhaps they could have "aged" those actors, but I will say that the mom of a friend was vigorous in her early nineties, and looked much younger than she was. I concede that an older actress should have been cast as Bure's mother, as the woman would have to have been 78 years old, realistically.

There is some conjecture that the movie isn't historically accurate, since it's supposed by some that there could have been no fighting in northern Italy after June, 1944. However, a quick search using the term "WWII Italy December 1944" instantly turned up the battle that is referenced in the movie. It was the Battle of Garfagnana, Italy which took place in very late December, 1944 and was devastating to the allied forces that were there. So, the creators of this story did, in fact, do their homework.

As I mentioned, I always love Gabriel Hogan's work, and the presence of Robin Dunne was an added treat. Unless someone has such an aversion to Christian references that they couldn't stand two or three, I recommend this well-acted and meaningful movie.

Mystic Christmas (2023 TV Movie)

I'll Come Right Out and Say It...

[10/10 · 3 November 2023]

I loved this movie from the first bit of dialogue. First of all I must say KUDOS to the writer(s). The dialogue absolutely sparkled. I'm truly surprised by the number of people who didn't enjoy this movie.

Maybe I have it wrong, but from the get-go I saw this love story as that of a young woman named Juniper with Asperger's tendencies and a young man who was somewhat avoidant and perhaps had a touch of ADHD. Yes, their interactions were awkward, because they are two very socially awkward people! To me, the dialogue and characters were utterly charming.

(Just as an example of why I made that "diagnosis" about Jessie Schram's character, when her best friend takes her into the backyard where she is to stay in the guest house, her immediate conclusion is that she's being put in the backyard and should get a tent!! (As if her lifelong best friend, after saying "Stay at my place" would put her out in the backyard!) This is exactly the kind of misinterpretation of a situation that someone with Asperger's would make. Also, this is someone who is clearly accomplished and science-based, more comfortable with seals than with people, unable to be certain that she can carry on a "normal" conversation without saying something very awkward - such as the reference to the sand dollar as a "dead body" when speaking to a child - and is obviously very uncomfortable with a "group hug." )

After all, ten years before she had sent Sawyer what many people would see as a very over-the-top romantic message after they had spent some time together...so - not a sufficient filter to fit into social norms! I loved seeing their defenses fall gradually, until the point that they actually got into an argument because they finally opened up enough to be honest about their frustrations.

Some folks are saying the actors "speed talk" or talk in an unnatural way otherwise, but I'll tell you that - although I don't speak that way myself, at least I dont' think so :-) - I've been around quite a few intellectual, "nerdy," quirky people like the characters in this movie, and that's EXACTLY how they talk!! (People who are socially anxious talk fast out of nervousness, for one thing.)

I enjoyed the characters Brooke, Louise (played by a very likeable child actress,) Candice the sister/best friend. The actors playing the interns and everyone else in this movie did an excellent job. Needless to say, the performances of Chandler Massey and Jessie Schram were beautiful to see.

To me, it seemed that their two characters were made for each other. In many Hallmark movies, I often feel you could switch out the actors and actresses for any others in Hallmark's "stable of stars" and the change wouldn't even be noticeable. Not so, this time. These characters were unique, and the actors owned them.

Finally, I have no interest in marine biology, personally, but when the seal who is at the center of the action for Juniper is healed and released, heading across the sand and reaching the sea, even I felt a sense of triumph, and a thrill at the beauty of life in that scene.

To top it all off, this movie is a great "tour" of historic Mystic, CT - a place that has fascinated me since I was a teen 55 years ago, and that I finally visited in my twenties. A highly entertaining movie.

Dream Wedding (2023)

Jesse Deserves Better

[5/10 · 1 September 2023]

Before I address the quality of the movie, I'd like to let Darlene-Steve know that you did NOT hear what you think. The only thing that comes close to that, and what you must have misheard, is when Jesse says, "You'd have a fake name, of course! Raoul Credenza." Get your mind out of the gutter! (I'm teasing you - but no, he said nothing shocking.)

This movie was a disappointment, but never have I seen a whole string of reviewers give a movie with Jesse Hutch a "1" rating. I may be awfully cynical, but I'm going to come right out and say it: Are a bunch of people from a rival channel on here giving a bunch of "1" reviews?? Just wondering.

As to the movie, itself, the plot is a little outlandish, the writing isn't the best, it's really too unrealistic - but this can apply to many of these romances. I'm wondering if it was the director. Some of the actors - especially the insufferable sister! - play their roles as if they were in a farce. ("Haul Out the Holly" actually was a farce and - if you understood what a farce is - it was wonderful, hilarious, and the over-the-top acting was a natural fit for that movie.)

Wedding Dreams, however, is not supposed to be a farce! Jesse is a splendid actor, and he seemed so subdued in this movie that I felt he was somewhat embarrassed. He probably knew it wasn't going well. The sister overacted terribly, and the actor playing Raoul did somewhat, as well. (Again, I question the direction.) I admit, the movie is especially hard to watch at first. It improves after the annoying sister disappears from the movie for a while.

This movie will never make the "A" list, and honestly it barely makes the "C" list (Okay, maybe a "D.") But a whole bunch of "1" ratings? That seems very strange. To put it in perspective, I usually rate a movie at least a 6, and often an 8 or more. I'm giving it a 5, and if I were in a worse mood than I am I might have gone for a 4. But a 1? I don't believe that's accurate or fair for this effort.

That said, it really won't hurt you if you skip this one, unless - as I do - you just love to watch Jesse Hutch perform in almost anything.

Toby Keith: Big Blue Note (2005 Music Video)

The Actor?

[8/10 · 15 June 2023]

I had to research a lot to find the name of the wonderful actor who plays the businessman whose wife is GONE. Finally, someone suggested Link Neal, and after looking at many photos of him and watching a couple of his videos, I'm sure that's right! He looks very young, but he was born in 1978, which would have made him about 27 when the vdeo was made. He's great! (And Toby is, too, of course!)

Link Neal seems to have several podcasts and is a comedian with a dry sense of humor. He is a married man and has three children. He met his wife, Christy, at a roller skating rink and they were married a couple of years later.

Game of Love (2023)

Thoroughly Enjoyable

[8/10 · 20 March 2023]

I wasn't planning to write a review of "Game of Love," but when I read a couple of lukewarm reviews here, I felt compelled to add my voice.

So many people in our society today are "gamers" of one sort or another. My millennial older son has been a devotee of online role-playing games and card games like Magic, as has his wife. In fact, gaming drew them together. (Sadly, with adult responsibilities, neither of them has much time to enjoy those pursuits.) I, myself, am a lover of traditional board games, plus online Mahjongg, jigsaw puzzles, and so on.

What I'm getting at is: Aren't we glad no one in this movie baked cupcakes or planned weddings for a living? I'm so happy to see Hallmark opening up to horizons beyond baking, chocolate making, and so on!

This movie doesn't stun us with surprises, but I was taken in by the naturalness of the dialogue and of the situations. Kimberley Sustad and Brooks Darnell were beautifully suited to each other as actors, and carried off their roles with sensitivity and sincerity. Brooks D. Is extremely handsome. I looked at the stills from some of his films and at photos from his work as a model - and they don't do him justice! You need to see his expressive face "in action" to get how very appealing he is.

Lest I give the impression that the movie is all calm, sincere dialogue... This movie is fun. I loved that the calm, serious interactions were interspersed with excited, bouncy scenes when the four-person team was working together. Christin Park brought so much verve, sweetness and fun to her role. It was a joy to watch her. She and her team partner, "Marshall," who was acted by the always wonderful Edwin Perez, played off each other beautifully. Their "bouncing with ideas" scenes were accompanied by some great, NOT HEARD BEFORE IN HALLMARK MOVIES, music that truly enhanced the scenes. (I had begun to find hearing the same tunes repeated in movie after movie so annoying.)

All the supporting roles, such as Matthew's (Darnell) brother, and Audrey's (Sustad) friend, Evie, were very well played and added a lot to the movie - especially the Evie character. It's always nice to see Antonio Cupo on the screen. :-)

Nothing in this movie made me laugh out loud, and I didn't expect that. I enjoyed the emotional ups and downs, the colorful, different-from-the-ordinary backgrounds and settings, and the way love between the two leads grew in a thoughtful, gradually opening up sort or way.

Also, something I would never usually say about one of these movies is that I noticed and appreciated the camera work!

Two things I had a problem with: It was clear from the beginning that the secret, casual friend, game partner- texter would turn out to be the male lead. It's a device that has been overused, at this point, and we can always see it coming. The movie wouldn't have suffered any loss without it. The other thing was that - yes, of course, there was the kiss at the end - but I really wanted to see a less restrained, more full-on kiss. Wrap your arms around him, for Heaven's sake!

All in all, I feel this movie richly deserves my "8" rating. It isn't the best Hallmark has ever made, but it's very good!

A Paris Proposal (2023 TV Movie)

I Adored this Movie

[10/10 · 8 March 2023]

I'm truly surprised that there are negative reviews here about this romantic movie. I just loved it. The dialogue is smart and natural. The acting is some of the best I've seen, and the writers were able to take an oft-used, fairly hackneyed Hallmark theme - pretending to be married - and make it feel fresh.

I admit, I got some heavy "French Kiss" vibes from this - and that is one of my favorite "modern" (which, for me, means post-1950s,) movies of all time. A couple of negative reviews stated there was no chemistry, but to me the chemistry was so strong it made me worry for Penavega's marriage! (Kidding... I think.)

She is such a classic beauty, and the male lead, Nicholas Bishop, has an achingly-attractive charisma and is excellent in the role. Also, I rarely laugh out loud at the humor in a Hallmark movie, but a couple of his lines (especially the one referencing "Legally Blonde,") caused a burst of laughter.

The disdain-to-love relationship between these two develops very naturally, and the first kiss sneaks up on the viewer and was - to me, at least - pretty thrilling!

One reviewer commented that she threw a glass of wine at him after he accidentally spilled some on her. I pictured him spilling a small amount of red wine on her, then her throwing a full glass of red wine on him in anger, and expected one of those horrible romantic movies that is ridiculous and embarrassing. No!

In fact, in that scene they are standing outdoors admiring the view, and beginning to open up to each other. He has just mimicked a fake proposal to her, showing her how he would propose - if he ever did - so they are both nervous as a result of this play acting!! (This film is proposal focused because they're an ad team working on an ad for diamond engagement rings.)

As he's rising from his "down on one knee" position, he accidentally jostles her and spills a little white wine on her. She then playfully tosses the small amount of white wine that's left in the bottom of her glass on his sweater.

He says, "You did not just do that." She (who is the "buttoned up," reserved one to his creative free spirit in this movie,) says, "I did. I did," while nervously laughing, surprised at her own spontaneous move. It's a playful moment, not an angry one.

By the way, the director (et al,) did a pretty good job of bringing the feel of Paris to this movie, although the filming took place in Bulgaria. The only bit I found questionable was that the owners of a $23M rose diamond ring would allow a relative stranger to wear it to a gala. That was the real "stretch" for me, but it was the only one. That part could have been left out of the film and no one would have missed it.

So - spoiler! - they get together in the end. This is such a romantic, heartfelt, beautiful movie, with a terrific cast of supporting characters, too. I hope those who read these reviews will choose to watch it - and enjoy it as I did.

Christmas Bedtime Stories (2022 TV Movie)

I Wanted so Much to Give this Movie a Higher Rating

[6/10 · 15 December 2022]

I agree with so many people here about the absurdly quick turnaround and wrap up at the ending, and also about the faux pas anyone who had been in the military would notice. The first thing that shocked me early in the movie was a photo of the missing hero/husband in uniform giving a totally unacceptable salute with his wrist bent. Hallmark, if you're going to do military movies, please, please at the very least teach your actors how to salute!

I'm different from a lot of the other reviewers in that, early on, I began to see that the movie might well end with the husband, Colby, returning. After all, it HAS happened that military personnel who were missing and thought dead have been located and returned, alive, to their families. Yes, that's an extraordinary situation, but I don't see why Hallmark should be denied the right to make a film about an extraodinary, but sometimes realistic, occurence.

Since I have had "mystical," weird and confusing experiences myself, I had no trouble believing that Danielle, played by Erin Cahill, was receiving "signs," and that those signs were from her husband's Higher Self, signalling that he was still alive.

However, I had a HUGE problem with the way the movie was wrapped up. You don't take a presumably dead Marine husband and have him suddenly show up in a hallway at his kid's school on "Daddy Daughter Dance Night." You don't have a General who knows absolutely nothing about one of the Marines under his command who has escaped from an enemy compound in the Middle East and made it all the way to the U. S. Embassy! You don't have a wife who, suddenly - with no preparation and in an unexpected place - seeing the husband she has been told was dead for the past three years, just looks surprised and kisses him and does not PASS OUT.

This movie devotes only about a minute and a half (if that!) to the husband, Colby, explaining how he got from an enemy compound in Yemen to a dance at his daughter's school in Virginia, USA - which he apparently accomplished in about three hours time. (At least, that's how it felt to the viewer.) Come on, People!

Hallmark has made wonderful movies about miracles before: an unknown grandfather who shows up in spirit to help his grown granddaughter, etc. This COULD have been one of them. Heck, you wouldn't even have to believe in miracles, since such wonderous returns from captivity have actually happened before in real life, not just in "movie life."

As it turned out, my "6" rating is pretty generous due to errors that should have been caught and fixed before silly Hallmark foisted this "could have been great" movie with its preposterous ending on a trusting, hopeful viewership.

All the actors were absolutely great. They deserved better than this.

My Favorite Christmas Tree (2022 TV Movie)

Nice Premise Plus Giles Panton

[7/10 · 24 November 2022]

I loved seeing Giles Panton as the romantic lead. He is a great actor and - let's face it - uniquely gorgeous. The first time I saw him in a supporting role, I began hoping to see him as a leading man. His performance in this role was very, very good.

So many of us are interested in our family history or are actively working on our genealogy, so it was very satisfying to have that as a motivating factor in this story. I actually wish it had been the primary factor, rather than having the rather worn "save the family business" theme dragged in once more.

The gorgeous, Christmas tree farm scenery, the small town library ambience, and the presence of Giles Panton made this a nice watch for me. I also appreciated the comraderie between the sisters.

Jolly Good Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

Good Chemistry, Strange American Accent

[7/10 · 31 October 2022]

Overall, I found this movie charming. I love the gorgeous and very likeable Will Kemp, and Reshma Shetty is beautiful. Her character in this movie was quite natural and relatable, and I thought the chemistry between the two was great. It was easy to see how love could grow between these two,

The trouble I had, which constantly distracted me, was that poor Will Kemp was really struggling with the American accent. (He is British.) I'm not sure if his character was supposed to have been a New Yorker, born and bred, but he often sounded as if he came from the most "flat 'a'" regions of Minnesota.

The accent was really a little bit all over the place, but not only that - The character's speech was simply written strangely, as if the writer was doing his best to imagine how an "American guy" might speak.

I've noticed that Australians seem to understand us Americans, our activities and our speech patterns pretty well. The British and Canadians, however, seem to think American males are all cowboys, hayseeds or frat boys, and overly casual even in the most formal situations.

Just as an example, when the Will Kemp character meets the female lead's parents and they ask if he is an architect, he replies, "Uh-huh." They ask him another related question and he again says, "Uh-huh." !!! In my world, a man who has attained the level of education of a successful architect would not be uncouth! When speaking with an older couple he had just met, he would reply with, "Yes, I am," - or even "Yes, Sir," especially if he's from the American South - but never "uh-huh!"

In another scene, he meets a man who is going to interview him, and when the man says, "Hello," the Will Kemp character actually replies "Hey." What??!! The writer must think we Americans are inclined to just throw our jackets over a chair, take our shoes off and pop open a beer, no matter what the setting or situation.

Mr. Kemp also seemed to have some trouble simply moving as an American man would normally move...which is "normally!" We don't really wag our heads around or walk differently from the Brits or anyone else.

Before I lay all this on Will Kemp, I have to note that it might have been the director forcing him into some of this.

(I was an amateur stage actress for decades, and the director can make or break you, and has the power to make you look and feel foolish. As much as you might plead, "I don't think the character would ever do this," what the director says usually goes. I had many great directors whose direction I trusted completely, though. I'm just speculating. Hate to blame Will if it's not his fault!)

Aside from these annoyances, it really is a pretty good movie. I got to see a lot of scenic London, and as I mentioned, there was a sweet chemistry between the two leads. Did I mention Will Kemp is gorgeous? (Ha! Sorry. Couldn't help it.)

A Match Made at Christmas (2021)

A Realistic Movie About Imperfect People Who Learn and Change

[8/10 · 29 October 2022]

There isn't much I can add to the many positive reviews here. I enjoyed this movie so much, as I've gotten so, so weary of the formulaic, Barbie and Ken romances I've subjected myself to for years now. (Don't get me wrong. I enjoy some of those movies a lot and appreciate many of the actors we see so often.)

This movie depicts a relationship between two people who are flawed - not just superficially flawed so that they can easily "snap right out of it" by the end of the film as we most often see. They have real personality flaws.

The male lead is deeply sad due to a dysfunctional childhood, and it has made him a bit cynical, standoffish and sometimes overly blunt. The female lead hides a need for approval and to control by "helping" everyone all the time, often winding up imposing her ideas on them.

The great thing is, by the end of the movie each of them has acknowledged some of their flaws and have been able to change SOME of their pespectives. They have not magically become everyone's ideal of what a person should be.

There are many negative reviews on here, declaring that the male lead character is "abusive," that he "yells" in an old lady's face, and so on. I read some of these reviews before I finished watching the movie, so I was expecting a really disturbing scene of cruel "yelling" that might turn me against him, after all.

Well, in no way does he yell. He is firm and he is blunt, and tells her he didn't care for her meddling. It's completely obvious the whole time that the "old lady," who is hardly pitiful or helpless, has the emotional upper hand and walks away unscathed after presenting him with a pithy observation of her own.

I feel as if the people who couldn't see the deeper truth of this scene - that he is hurt and she is the strong one - really must be blinded by their agendas, and that's sad. They couldn't even give the older woman character her due as a strong, knowing, self-confident person.

The reviewers who see nothing redeeming in the male lead disregard the many kind and caring things he did for the female lead, and disregard the rudeness and lack of consideration she displayed toward him at times. (She essentally blows him off on their one date in a way that would be very hurtful to anyone! It's weird to me how some of the reviewers can skew it so much!)

Anyway, I loved this somewhat gritty but ultimately very fulfilling story of a "true love never runs smooth" relationship that actually shows much promise, as we see for ourselves that they can grow and develop more self-awareness, and correct their behaviors. I feel (my opinion, only!) that many of those who hated it so much might have some sort of chip on their shoulders.

You'll either love this movie or hate it - or be among the few who "tried to like it." Take a good look at your own perceptions about real life and real love before you decide to either subject yourself to this movie - or treat yourself to it. For me, it was a treat filled with lessons about growing, forgiving, and loving - because not a single one of us is perfect.

Noel Next Door (2022 TV Movie)

Noel Next Door is Realistic and Warm

[10/10 · 22 October 2022]

I just watched this movie, and it was such a satisfying experience. Before I go on, I want to apologize for an earlier review in which I said Natalie Hall can't act. Apparently, that was simply because the movie I was reviewing then - a dopey little nonsensical film called "Fly Away with Me" - gave the actors nothing to work with.

Natalie Hall was great in "Noel Next Door" as a newly divorced mom raising her son. Corey Sevier, who can always be relied upon to give an outstanding performance, went even beyond that in this role. He performance was so true and moving.

I loved the realistic settings of this movie. The romance didn't blossom on a tropical island, on a rugged mountain, or in an ice castle. The pair, unaware that they were neighbors in a condo community, met in a diner, and again in the local drugstore.

The chemistry between the two actors was terrific, and when the character, Noel, told her sister that what she felt for Sevier's character, Jeremy, was not a spark but "a flame," I believed her.

They both played the instant mutual attraction extremely well. (The script and direction were great. There was no coy, goofy, unauthentic stumbling over objects or words. Those scenes in other movies often feel so artificial.)

I loved the true-to-life dialogue and honest reactions of the characters. For instance, when things go terribly awry, (as they must at some point in a Hallmark movie!) Sevier's character goes home and downs a couple of glasses of what appears to be vodka and falls asleep on the couch. Some of us may be teetotalers, but I think most of us can relate to the feelings!

Their difficulties, which involve conflict between Noel's young son and Jeremy (who doesn't realize the boy is her son,) wind up being resolved in a very believable and satisfying way.

I keep using the word "satisfying" because it's so nice to see a romance you can really imagine ordinary people in any community experiencing. No one is a rising sports star or a once-famous author.

This is just an excellent movie. The words that come to mind are: honest, worthy, classic, relatable, moving. You'll love it.

Perfect Harmony (2022 TV Movie)

An Unusually "Wow" Hallmark Movie

[10/10 · 19 October 2022]

This is a beautifully written romance, with genuine characters and situations, completely lacking any of that embarrassing sense of being contrived that Hallmark romance viewers often must squirm through. Musical numbers in Hallmark romances often seem corny to me and make me uncomfortable. That wasn't the case in this movie.

Expertly acted by all involved, especially the two leads and the main three supporting actors. (It's always a treat to see husband-and-wife Peter and Julia Benson perform together. Also, the young man who played James Denton's son actually is his son, so it was a family affair all around.)

All the characters - and the actors who played them - were wonderfully nuanced and extremely likeable. I recommend this unabashedly intelligent and real romance.

Pumpkin Everything (2022 TV Movie)

Everything Required for a Great Movie

[10/10 · 9 October 2022]

This is one of the best Hallmark romances I've seen in a while, with a believable and relatable storyline and a cast of excellent actors. I think I have a bit of a crush on the always appealing Corey Sevier, if I'm being honest. Taylor Cole's beauty never fades a bit, year after year. Both leads are perfectly cast and do wonderful work in this movie.

Michael Ironside as Grandpa is truly superb, and wonder of wonders, every single actor in this movie, from the mom to the agent to the guy selling lattes, can act.

Let's face it: Hallmark movies aren't the most gripping. I'm not saying this movie had me on the edge of my seat, but the realistic dialogue, sympathetic characters and meaningful (but never a downer,) story held my attention for the entire movie. More like this, please!

Fly Away with Me (2022 TV Movie)

So Much Wrong with this Movie

[2/10 · 3 October 2022]

I hardly know where to begin, but I'll start with my shock that the doorman in this movie quoted Gladys Taber, a "woman's writer" who died in 1980, and whose "hearth and home" type column ("Butternut Wisdom,") my mother and I read in "Family Circle" magazine until the column ended in 1967. It makes me wonder if the author of this script is some Hallmark bigwig's 80-year-old mom who wanted to try her hand at script writing for the first time in her life...

I mentioned the doorman. It so happens that, to me, he was the most interesting and convincing character in the movie. That should tell you something!

As other reviews here have mentioned, the script was silly, disconnected, and made almost no sense. The direction was...odd. It would seem the director advised one actress, Melinda Michael, who plays the building manager, to overact to a maddening degree, but no one else got that memo. Also, a director with any sense would have had "Ted" simply stash the chew bone under the toss pillow (which was RIGHT THERE,) instead of sticking it under his arm. No, that move did not make the scene funnier.

Natalie Hall sings to her adopted parrot in this movie - and, although the scene was silly, she demonstrates that she has FAR more singing talent than acting talent. She's a pretty girl, but her acting is just... Let's just say she should pursue singing as a career, instead. She has a beautiful voice.

As to Peter Mooney, his casual charm and ability to throw away a line (actors will hear this,) are wasted on this ridiculous script. I would love to see him as the lead in a decent Hallmark movie, playing against an actress who can match him in the believability department.

Some reviewers have mentioned the clothes, and I agree! The female lead and her "bestie" look absurd most of the time due to the costuming. I noticed that the men weren't in silly get-ups. Does the costumer have something against women? (I'm far from a feminist, but can't help but wonder!)

Note to Hallmark: Since many actors who have repeatedly played fatherly mentor roles in your romances over the years are aging out of Hallmark, I advise you to hang onto that guy who played the doorman.

Love's Everlasting Courage (2011 TV Movie)

Disappointed and Sorry I Watched It

[5/10 · 6 September 2022]

I'll say from the start that I've never really read Janet Oke's books. I actually attempted one about 15 years or so ago, and found it so dreadfully boring that I couldn't carry on. (I don't mind wholesome! I was an avid reader of the "Anne" series from childhood into my thirties.)

Anyway, after watching "Love Begins" just last night, I was eager to see Wes Browne (Clark) and Julie Mond (Ellen) in what I thought would be a continuation. Of course, it wasn't - or maybe it was, because the young sister Cassie had been replaced by a daughter named Missy. Perhaps 10+ years had gone by and Cassie was grown and gone. There was no explanation.

At the start, their well has run dry, they have no crop, and the bank is ready to take their house and land because Clark took out a loan he can't pay back. Clark is bringing barrels of water (by horse cart,) from the local stream every day. HUGE stress already, and a bit of a bummer for the viewer.

SO, before the movie is even half over, Ellen dies of scarlet fever! The daughter, instead of being the truly helpful and cheerful character that sister Cassie was, is a contrary brat who repeatedly refuses to do as she's told and winds up setting the house on fire as a result. Then, near the end of the movie, she hears something that upsets her and runs away, scaring her already traumatized father half to death.

In the end, Clark finds his daughter in the dry, dark, hilly fields after a long search, he has finally found water on his land, and ta-da! - all is well. NOT. Wife just died and daughter is still a brat. (I know I sound so hardhearted! I was just very disappointed by all this - and I'm sorry to say the young actress who played Missy was off-putting to me.) Maybe Oke fans will enjoy this movie a lot more than I did.

Northern Lights of Christmas (2018 TV Movie)

Best Hallmark Movie I've Seen in a While

[8/10 · 30 June 2022]

I'm just seeing this movie for the first time in the summer of 2022. Hallmark romances had grown pretty stale for me after years of watching, and in the past I haven't cared for Ashley Williams's acting. To me, she always seemed to be grinning maniacally at inappropriate times, but she was very good in this movie. Her acting is so much more natural that before, and she brought great energy to the story. Of course, it's always going to be the standard "boy meets girl, etc." formula, but the setting and storyline felt fresh here. The male lead, Corey Sevier, is always superb as far as I'm concerned. I felt the chemistry between them was fine - enough that I really wanted it to work out for them! I recommend.

Transcendence (I) (2014)

Interesting, Engaging, but Something is Missing

[7/10 · 18 June 2022]

Although this movie is all about exploring the potential of AI, whether for good or bad, and the intentions of its proponents, the plot really hinges on the love story of Will Caster and his wife, Evelyn. Without that, 7/8 of the action in this movie would never even have occurred. In order for the movie to work, the chemistry between Depp and Hall has to be palpable, and for me, there was little to none. In the first place, we see too little of Depp as a living human being relating to his wife. What little time we are given to take that in isn't well utilized to make the audience feel the connection between them. There is intrigue, excitement, fear, action and philosophical musings running through this movie, but without that romantic chemistry, the whole thing falls flat because the premise isn't believable. (Honestly, there was much more chemistry between Depp and Gwyneth Paltrow - whom I usually view as bland - in the uproariously silly "Mortdecai," which I recommend if you're up for a romp.)

Just One Kiss (2022 TV Movie)

A Wonderful Departure for Hallmark

[10/10 · 4 April 2022]

A breath of fresh air! Hallmark incorporated music into this very entertaining love story without bringing in the awkward sappiness that sometimes accompanies that effort.

The cast is wonderfully talented, the script is brilliant. There was a twist at the end that took me completely by surprise. (I couldn't believe I didn't see it coming, but it totally got me.) I had started to get so bored with Hallmark movies, but this one I highly recommend.

Love & Where to Find It (2021 TV Movie)

When the Actors with One Line are Better than the Lead

[2/10 · 14 February 2022]

The reviewer who said "boring" is absolutely correct. The reviewers who said this movie is a copy of "You've Got Mail" are also correct. The script - being dopey, prosaic, and soooo slow - didn't give the actors much to work with, but they could have at least picked up their lines! They really didn't need those loonnnggg pauses, bashful glances, etc., etc. To "emote" their way through this rather silly movie. The most refreshing moments were actually when the "one or two lines" actors came into the shop near the end of the movie and expressed how much they loved the place. Their acting was MUCH more authentic and engaging than the lead(s), I'm sorry to say!

Married by Christmas (2016 TV Movie)

Quirky, Bewildering... and in the end, Funny and Sweet

[7/10 · 1 January 2018]

Okay, I admit that the first time I watched this movie, somewhere in the middle of the female lead's "crazy" phase, I ranted, "This movie is about an insane woman! Why would they make a Christmas romance about a crazy woman?!" - BUT did I turn it off? No. I needed to see what happened. :)

This movie is definitely not the typical "Hallmark-type" movie, and it challenges the viewer a little. (The heroine gets sloppy drunk at one point. The Dad of the family gets a little more suggestive with the Mom than we usually would see - but it's very funny and not offensive, at all.) The actors are unusually talented and I advise sticking with it to the end. Our heroine eventually... well, you know. It ends nicely.

Btw, one reviewer referred to a weird "family contract". No. The trouble starts with grandma's WILL - and as I understand it, a properly executed will is legally binding. Just sayin' - the story line doesn't have some nonsensical base to set the action in motion.... I'm watching it a 2nd time.