Movie #3400 ........................."The Nearlyweds"

Movie #3400 "The Nearlyweds" (Hallmark)   - I only watched this because the premise sounded amusing to me ---- I actually just had it on in the background for a couple of hours while I was working on the computer.  It was way too silly and overdone for me, but the young people in it were fun.  There was a lot of "taking people for granted" for newlyweds, in my opinion.  The one guy was telling his new wife that she couldn't keep a job and had to have a child --- pretty caveman-type talk.  Another one hired his ex-girfriend who was stunning and flirty for his secretary in his job -- he could tell his new wife was unhappy, but he couldn't figure out why --- just silly stuff like that, gives this movie a 2 for me.  Don't bother.  P.S.  and Naomi Judd was awful as a pushy mom --- 

"NEARLYWEDS"        2013       1 hour and 30 minutes    

Director:  Mark Griffiths

Writers:  Beth Kendrick, Aury 

Wallington

Actors:  Danielle Panabaker, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Britt Irvin

Movie #3399 ........................."Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl" (Netflix)

Movie #3399 "Wallace & Gromit:  Vengeance Most Fowl" (Netflix) AI in the form of robots gets out of hand in a story of how Wallace's inventions are abused when power gets in the wrong hands --- this is a very strong theme in our lives today --- one lesson we need to learn and quickly!  This film ran a bit long to me, but it was a fun watch --- I'm not sure it will beat out "Inside Out 2" or "Wild Robots," but it deserved its Academy Award nomination.

"WLLACE & GROMIT:  VENGEANCE MOST FOWL"     netflix       2024       1 hour and 22 mins

Top dog Gromit springs into action to save his master when Wallace's high-tech invention goes rogue and he's framed for a series of suspicious crimes.

Directors:  Merlin 'Crossingham, Nick Park

Writers:  Mark Burton, Nick Park

Actors:  Ben Whitehead, Peter Kay, Lauren Patel 

Movie #3398 ........................."Inside Out 2" (Disney +)

 Movie #3398 "Inside Out 2"" (Disney +) I was quite surprised I enjoyed this movie so much, since I was one of the few who found the first one annoying and loud.  Because the first  film put on display a young girl with all of her emotions being on exhibit, I guess I took the first one wrong because I thought it was insulting to that young mind.  Anyway, this one I liked from the get go --- maybe because I understand and naturally sympathize with the teen mind, and she  being female was not as pushed as in the first. I esp. liked Ennui (who could be male or female)   ---- just bringing attention to that vocab word was a nice touch.  The story was easier to follow this time, too, and not as noisy, even with anxiety taking the stage.  All around I found this quite enjoyable and a possible winner for the animated feature Academy Award.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"INSIDE OUT 2"     Disney +        2024     1 hour and 36 mins.

A sequel that features Riley entering puberty and experiencing brand new, more complex emotions as a result.  As Riley tries to adapt to her teenage years, her old emotions try to adapt to the possibility of being replaced.

Director:  Kelsey Mann

Writers:  Meg LeFauve, Dave Holstein, Kelsey Mann

Actors:  Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Kensington Tallman 

Movie #3397 ........................."Little House on the Prairie: Look Back to Yesterday 1983" (stand alone movie)

 Movie #3397 "Little House on the Prairie:  Look Back to Yesterday 1983" (stand alone movie)  Disclaimer --- I am a HUGE Little House fan --- in fact, I remember one particular night I was running scenes late into the evening and had told Dave that I was missing Mary getting married on "Little House" (this was before easily taping or DVRing) and after rehearsal, he surprised me by setting up the t.v. so I could watch it before I drove home.  I felt like I was one of the family I had watched the show so many times  and cried through it so much.  But as I got older and was busy teaching and coaching, I missed quite a bit of the last couple of years.    I would just catch a show once in a while after Michael Landon left, and although I made sure to watch the end movie, I had gaps in my memory about the show.  I now  own the whole set of DVD's, and I plan to sit down and watch them in order some day, but that some day hasn't occurred yet.  One thing I always wondered about is   what happened to Albert, the adopted brother.  Well, the other day, I was going through channels and noticed there was a movie just on Albert , and while I was watching, I googled this movie and  discovered that Landon ended the show with 3 stand alone movies --- I had seen the very end, but not the other two.  Well, this was one of them so I took the time to watch it and cry through most of it.  I looked at some critiques on line about this particular movie, the first of the three, and learned quite a bit about how close the actor who played Albert was to Michael Landon and how Landon wanted to finish his story.  There is a controversy about the end and how the Little House series leaves Albert.  After watching this movie,   I think Landon did end it the way he did (up in the air somewhat) with the open door idea that the actor who played Albert might continue the role some day.  If that's the case, what a way to go...in the loving hands of a caring director.  This is also considered one of "the best" in the series shows with an outstanding quiet moment at the very end  ---- nothing said in words but so much in action and emotion.  Wow! I'd give this a 5 out of 5 and recommend you see it some time.  

"LITTLE HOUSE:  LOOK BACK TO YESTERDAY"      1983    2 hours    

Albert Quinn Ingalls wants to be a doctor.  But soon he discovers he is fatally ill.  He decides to spend the rest of his life in Walnut Grove.  Meanwhile, children from school are preparing for their traditional climbing of the mountain.

Director:  Victor French

Writers:  Vince Gutierrez, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Actors:  Melissa Gilbert, Matthew Labyorteaux, Michael Landon, Victor French

Movie #3396 ........................."Amazing Winter Romance" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3396 "Amazing Winter Romance" (Hallmark)  The maze they made for this film is AMAZING!  and they used it a lot!  I found this one very interesting and wanted to know where the maze was -- they built it all from snow, with hot chocolate shop in the middle, and other cool activities involved with it.  I saw this film a little while ago but noticed I hadn't written a blog on it so I'm including it now (I rewatched it the other night --- never hardly do that with these hallmark films).,  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"AMAZING WINTER ROMANCE"       Hallmark   2020   1 hour and 22 mins

When journalist Julia goes back home to find inspiration, she discovers her childhood friend has built a giant snow maze which prompts her to find her way to true love.

Director:  Jason Bourque

Writers:  Barbara Kymlicka, Ray Galletti

Actors:  Jessy Schram, Marshall Williams, Zoe Fish

Movie #3395 ........................."Taking the Reins" (Hallmark)

Movie #3395 "Taking the Reins" (Hallmark)  Want to watch a film where you learn a lot about Horses?  Here it is.  The story is just okay (and kind of typical for Hallmark) What puts this one up a notch is Corbin Benson plays the overbearing father --- this is a  slow moving and very talkie film.  I'd give it a 3.

"TAKING THE REINS"      Hallmark       2021     1 hour and 24 mins

A writer discovers what ended her marriage and why she stopped riding horses after going back to her family ranch.

Director:  Clare Niederpruem

Writers:  Alex Wright, Ron Oliver

Actors:  Nikki Deloach, Scott Porter, Janine Turner 

Movie #3394 ........................." A Woman Rebels" (TCM)

 Movie #3394 "A Woman Rebels" (TCM)  This is an old Katherine Hepburn feminist film with a neat story, I thought.  The conflict was really an intriguing one dealing with her getting pregnant , and covering that up, but then her having to deal with it much later when her daughter is of marrying age.  The film is a strong piece, historical drama, and still stands up in this age.  You can fault the heavy music here, which is out of date.  And the acting is a bit melodramatic, but the circumstance are, too, so I forgave them for that.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5 and recommend.

"A WOMAN REBELS"      1936      1 hour and 28 mins

Pamela, a woman in late 1800s England, wishes to be her own person and has no intention to ever marry.  After she has a great deal of difficulty finding a job, she finally lands a position at a magazine that covers topics like sewing and cooking.  When the editor takes sick, Pamela moves the magazine into discussing issues like gender equality, child labor, medical care, and job searches.  She is then surprised to find herself the leader of a movement.  After an unexpected event, she is also faced with raising a child without a father, something people at that time in Victorian England  thought was scandalous

Director:  Mark Sandrich

Writers:  Anthony Veiller, Ernest Vajda, Netta Syrett

Actors:  Katharine Hepburn, Herbert Marshall, Van Heflin

Movie #3393 ........................."The Professional Bridesmaid" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3393 "The Professional Bridesmaid" (Hallmark)  I didn't know this job existed so I found  it quite an interesting premise.  I learned a lot about the expectations in the job, how much they make, etc.  They usually work undercover, they keep all the wedding  things in order, help the bride with all the incidentals in planning, and work along with the wedding planner.  The added conflict here is that she has to work with a journalist, who doesn't want to do the story on just a wedding, and he is used to doing undercover serious stories --- so he tries to make one here --- meanwhile, the professional bridesmaid and the journalist are getting used to spending a lot of fun time together.  All the wedding stuff is here, but a bit in disguise because we see it from the professional bridesmaid POV And the journalist's POV.   Good idea, I thought, and I'd give it a 4.5

"THE PROFESSIONAL BRIDESMAID"        2023      1 hour and 24 mins     Hallmark

When a Professional Bridesmaid books a high-profile wedding, she must keep her true identity not only from the wedding party but also from the handsome reporter covering the event.

Director:  Peter Benson

Writers:  Carol Starr Schneider, Brian Sawyer, Gregg Rossen

Actors:  Hunter King, Chandler Massey, Francesca Bianchi

Movie #3392 ........................."My Boyfriends' Dogs" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3392 "My Boyfriends' Dogs" (Hallmark)   this had a funny idea --- every time she breaks up with a guy, she ends up with his dog, in different situations so it is pretty laughable --- Erika Christensen has been a favorite of mine since the t.v. series "Parenthood" so watching her agin was fun (she's is in  "Will Trent" right now) .  I also like that this is a story within a story because the opening sets up that she is in a bridal gown  in the pouring rain with 3 dogs.....  Ironically, the same thing happens here as lucky in love --- less time for the guy that gets her --- oh well, it worked much better here.  I'd give this a 5 --- I really enjoyed it.

"MY BOYFRIENDS' DOGS"       2014     1 hour and 26 mins  Hallmark

The owners of a small diner are surprised one rainy evening when, just after closing , a young woman wearing a wedding dress --- with three dogs in tow - begs to come into their restaurant .  What follows is the young woman's  retelling  of how she arrived at this curious junction in her life and how, through the search for the right man, she ended up as a runaway bride with three new dogs.

Director :  Terry Ingram

Writers:  Gary Goldstein, Jon Maas, Dandi Daley Mackall

Actors:  Erika Christensen, Terri Rothery, Jeremy Guilbaut

Movie #3391 ........................."Lucky in Love" (Hallmark)

Movie # 3391 "Lucky in Love"  (Hallmark)  The guy she gets is hardly in this film --- oops!  This one I didn't get much except as a boss, she learns to accept everyone's ideas which is always a good theme.   The guy she gets she treats like just a "friend"  -- and he was way too submissive through the whole film, loving from afar stuff.  I don't think the film gave him enough time to establish a loving relationship with her --- now, don't take me wrong, the writers didn't solve it by having her hit her head and then all of a sudden she loves him, but it was pretty quick, in film time, for me to buy.  I'd give this a 3.

"LUCKY IN LOVE"     2014      1 hour and 27 mins   Hallmark

When Mira's April Fool's Day tricks materialize, she finds herself promoted to the perfect job, dating the perfect man and living in the perfect home.  Mira's newly upgraded life even involves working with her CEO and her good friend, on a coveted work project.  What could go wrong?

Director:  Kevin Fair

Writers:  Talia Green, Nina Weinman

Actors:  Jessica Szohr, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Ryan Kennedy 

Movie #3390 ........................."Splash of Love" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3390 "Splash of Love" (Hallmark) Ironically, this movie has the same female lead as the previous film about penguins, and she was great in both, but I liked the other one better.  This one had great shots of Whales --- so if you are looking for a whale-watching film, this would be it.  You get tons of info on these sea creatures -- the conflict is time, and it works okay, and the lovebirds have an added  conflict because she comes to her research in the state of Washington with baggage (a boyfriend in Econ. who just doesn't "get" her).  Stage business is diving around a lot - but like I said ---- whale watching is the dominant feature of this film.  I'd give it a 4.

"SPLASH OF LOVE"    Hallmark   2022      1 hour and 24 mins

A PHD student expands her studies to include the whales of the Pacific Northwest.  There she meets a whale-watching tour guide and they soon find themselves bonding over more than just Orcas. 

Director:  Heather Hawthorn Doyle

Writer:  Juliana Wimbles

Actors:  Rhiannon Fish, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Laura Soltis 

Movie #3389 ........................."Polar Opposites" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3389 "Polar Opposites" (Hallmark)  Finally, one of these I liked a lot!  In fact, it was wonderfully different --- took me on a trip to the Antarctica, probably a place I will never be, and taught me more things about penguins.  Beautiful scenery, Antarctica, penguins, love story, mystery and chase scenes, I loved it.  5 out of 5.   (some good climate change coverage, as well!)

"POLAR OPPOSITES"  2025      1 hour and 24 mins      Hallmark

Emma needs to get to Antarctica to reach her father and travels to South America but can't get on a boat for the last leg.  She sneaks onto a cruise ship and meets engineer Andy.

Director:  Colin Theys

Writer:  Barbara Kymlicka

Actors:  Rhiannon Fish, Marilyn Tarasiuk, Dean McDermott

Movie #3388 .........................."Royally Ever After" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3388 "Royally Ever After" (Hallmark)  The conflict is over the question:  Does love really conquer all?  Say you  were studying to take over the crown all the years you were brought up and know that you need to marry royalty, if you fell in love with a teacher from New Jersey, would you give up being a prince or not?  I know there are more third-world problems, and I'm not sure this was handled that well in this film.  Yes, they proved they loved each other, but instead of suggesting in this day and age, if the unforeseen happened to a prince, that he could still be a prince --- what happens with her, not sure?  This film at least covered her trying to be a royal, when she isn't.  And that part made the film funny and more believable.  The ending, of course, failed to me because it went for the easy road.  However, in  this day and age, hard to believe.  I'd give this a 3.8.  

"ROYALLY EVER AFTER"       2019    1 hour and 26 mins     Hallmark

A teacher learns that her boyfriend is actually the prince of a small country called St. Ives.

Director:  Lee Friedlander

Writers:  Duane Poole, Gary Goldstein, Aury Wallington

Actors:  fiona Gubelmann, Torrance Coombs, Barry McGovern

Movie #3387 ........................."Pumpkin Everything" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3387 "Pumpkin Everything"  (Hallmark)  not much new here, except a curmudgeon grandpa, which doesn't usually occur in a Hallmark movie.  In Hallmarkian  world grandparents aren't usually so contrary, so this seemed very real.  In fact, her conflict with her grandfather was much better than the banter between the two lovebirds --- they seemed to say the same things over and over like a broken record.  The conflict was weak with them, but they were rather strong actors.  But a lot of time there was just looking and staring at each other --- they were esp, good at that.   I'd give this a 3.5 and say, don't bother.

"PUMPKIN EVERYTHING"       2022      1 hour and 24 mins     Hallmark

Amy a novelist returns to her hometown to look after her stubborn grandfather, Tom and his pumpkin themed store.  While staying there she crosses paths with a man from her past.

Director:  Jeff Beesley

Writers:  Paul DEitty, Beth Labonte

Actors:  Taylor Cole, Corey Sevier, Michael Ironside

Movie #3385 ........................."Christmas in Love" (Hallmark)

Movie #3385 "Christmas in Love" (Hallmark)  It was hard to like this pompous guy, but because the girl was so good, I got used to him.  He was playing a part that seemed easier for him to play in the start of the film, a smarmy condescending CEO boss kind of person, but as he got nicer, he had to work harder.  Story ho- hum.  But  the film gave some insight into what small businesses go through --- she spent most of her time making wreaths, which is even a smaller venture in business than the bakery, but that was kind of an interesting venture , too, (since I had experience  trying to make ones of those one year at Christmas time --- not easy at all!)  I'd give this a 4 --- I'm a  sucker for Brooke's authenticity.  

"CHRISTMAS IN LOVE"         2018    1 hour and 24 mins   Hallmark

An aspiring crafter working in her small town's bakery shows the new big-city CEO that it's people and not machines which make the business a success.

Director:  Don McBrearty

Writers:  Stephen A Stewart, Bob Saenz

Actors:  Brooke D'Orsay, Daniel Lissing, Mary-Margaret Humes 

Movie #3386 ........................."Love of the Irish" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3386 "Love of the Irish" - Well, this was one of the first offerings on Saturday night on the Hallmark Channel after the  Christmas Season -- it seems all of of  these Saturday films this winter for Hallmark  will take us to a different location, and this one was Ireland.......again.  It seems this is second home for the Hallmark films these past couple of years, and it probably is because of how much this country can offer to the viewer with its gorgeous locations, unparalleled storytelling, and food traditions.    Anyway, the story was okay, but the stage business got boring when it included mostly picnics between the two lovebirds.  As a   result, it never really pulled me in, and I'd only moderately recommend it with a 3.8 out of 5.

"LOVE OF THE IRISH"        2025      1 hour and 24 mins      Hallmark

Fiona and her mother embark on an Irish adventure, where Fiona unexpectedly finds love with a charming single dad who helps her embrace her own fortunes.  

Director:  Ali Liebert

Writer:  Justin D. James

Actors:  Shenae Grimes-Beech, Stephen Hagan, Moira Kelly

P.S.  the mom was good --- played by "West Wing" alumnus Moira Kelly ---she had to be to hold up at least 1/2 of the movie.

Movie #3383 ........................."A Different Man" (Max)

 Movie #3383 "A Different Man'" (MAX) Here's another AA nominated film, this one for Makeup/Hairstyling.  This is usually given to some use of artistry in the film dealing with makeup, etc. , and this film just might get it because it goes way beyond the usual --- in fact, the entire film goes where I can't remember any film going to..... I knew when I started watching it that it would be a story with its center a very facially impaired actor by the name of Edward who felt his face was preventing him from getting jobs in the entertainment industry.  And when you see him (heavily makeupped with an Elephant Man mask  as his face, you would easily  agree with him --- it would cause lots of problems in hollywood or on the stage.  He plays the victim to the hilt --- he avoids people, confrontations, life itself, really -- an example, there is a gaping hole in his apartment on the ceiling, but he lets it go because he doesn't want to "make waves."  He has a beautiful new neighbor who takes an interest in him  - says she wants to write plays, perhaps one about him.  Meanwhile, he is trying to find a way out of his disfigurement by taking an experimental drug ---- the parts of the film showing what he goes through when he takes the drug  are so difficult to watch that probably most people will turn the film off at that time   (about 40 minutes in.  I know i did at that point --- but I wanted to see where it would all go, so I ventured forward.)  i don't want to give too much away, but it sure is a "trip" to watch.  Most people turn away, I think, when faced with Edward's looks, but when you are forced to watch just that through the whole 100+ minutes of the  film, well, there's some adjusting to it and focusing on the story..... and this story leads to a lot of lessons that the viewer could learn -- and possible  discussions that viewers could engage in by the end of the film.  If you do end up seeing this film, I would love to find out how you felt about it, for sure, so please let me know. For those who probably won't ever see it, know there are still some gutsy films out there being made on subjects you never thought would be examined in film.  This is one of those out-of-the-box kind of watches that i'm glad , since it was nominated, that I ended up watching.  I don't recommend it, really,  for the faint of heart,  or unless you want to see something really different .  P.S.  this film garnered a golden globe for Sebastian Stan this year --- and this seems to be his "hot" year because he was nominated for both "Apprentice'  and this film for the Globe, and he's up for "Apprentice' for the Oscars.  Whew!  Quite a year!

"A DIFFERENT MAN"        Max     2024    1 hour and 52 minutes        R    

An aspiring actor undergoes a radical medical procedure to drastically transform his appearance , but his new dream face quickly turns into a nightmare.

Director;  Aaron Schimberg

Writer:  Aaron Schimberg

Actors:  Sebastian Stan, Renate Reinsve, Adam Pearson

Movie #3382 ........................."Real Pain" (Hulu)

 Movie #3382 "Real Pain" (Hulu)  Since Culkin took the Golden Globe for supporting actor for this film, I thought I would take a look see, even though it sounded like one of those buddy films --- cousins go on trip to Poland to find their grandmother's house, a tribute trip to her since she died recently.  The cousins seem like oil and water (not too original also)  --- so I was right, it is a buddy roadtrip film, but there are a few differences , one being it retraces steps through history of the Holocaust, so we see the remnants of a concentric camp, and various other places.  I also enjoyed the short time we were with the quirky colleagues on the trip -- but they weren't used as much as they could have been.  And the film is all over the place --- sometimes having very little motivation shown as it goes from one place to another.  The emotion and heart of the film was lost to me --- maybe it was just me, but just not enough there to pull me in.  I'd give it a 3.8, and like I said, the best part of the film was the places it went to in Poland.

P.S.  I was also left with the question:  Why did he win the Golden Globe?  Didn't see that great of an acting stint here.

"REAL PAIN"      hulu      1 hour and 30 mins       R      2024

Mismatched cousins reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother, but their old tensions resurface against the backdrop of their family history.

Director:  Jesse Eisenberg

Writer:  Jesse Eisenberg

Actors:  Kieran Culkin, Jesse Eisenberg, Olha Bosova

Movie #3381 ........................."Back in Action" (Netflix)

 Movie #3381 "Back in Action" (Netflix)  This was surprisingly very entertaining from the first moment to the last.    In the trailer I thought it was going to be just about them being spies, but first and foremost they are parents, and I loved all of those scenes, esp. dealing with teens.  Even though the spy stuff is overdone in film after film, it didn't get tiring here because 1) each was different with various props, and 2) the music was antithetical to the fight scene it was playing under.  I esp. liked the one-liners back and forth, and acting is on shoulders of Cameron Diaz and Glenn Close who plays her mother.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

"BACK IN ACTION"       2025       1 hour and 54 mins      PG-13     Netflix

Former CIA spies Emily and Matt are pulled back into espionage after their secret identities are exposed.

Director:  Seth Gordon

Writers:  Seth Gordon, Brendan O'Brien

Actors:  Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, McKenna Roberts

Movie #3380 .........................."Nobody Wants This" (Netflix) Season 1

 Movie #3380 "Nobody Wants This" (Netflix) Season 1  - I liked this show from the start and watched it all in one night --- I thought it was esp. good in showing relationships -- I am a huge Hallmark watcher, and most of the conflicts in those relationships stem from not being truthful about something, so I welcomed a relationship building here mostly based on truth --- and if someone is caught covering something up, that person apologies immediately --- so in that way, it is not Halmarkian.  And it's still not that easy when truth is used most of the time.   Plus, very rarely is religion hit head on like this show, and as a result I feel I learned a lot about the Jewish religion just by watching this show.  One theme  I liked about the show is that it argues with the the thought that love isn't always enough (a strong Hallmark theme, for sure).  I'd give this 4.5 --- there will be a second season.

"NOBODY WANTS THIS"      2024    11 episodes, 30 minutes each   season 1     Netflix

An agnostic sex podcaster and a newly single rabbi fall in love....discovering if their relationship survive their wildly different lives and meddling families.  

Creator:  Erin Foster

Actors:  Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe

Movie #3379 ........................."Argyle" (Apple)

 Movie #3379 "Argyle"  (Apple)  I was a fan of the "Kingsman" films, so I wanted to watch this when I saw the trailer a while ago.  There were lots of twists and it ws a fun film to watch --- however, there was too much violence and fighting for me, along with colored smoke from blowing up stuff.  I did like the music, and all the famous people who showed up in it --- esp. Sam Rockwell!!!! The story within the story was a cute idea, but the story got too long for me and a bit convoluted with lots of small details that weren't used well enough, and a macguffin (masterkey).  By the end, the film did hit on the major plot line of the story fairly easily and tied up those lose ends.  Plus, it hinted at the next Kingsman, I think.  I'd give this  a 3.8 out of 5.  

"ARGYLE"      netflix      2024   2 hours and 19 mins       PG-13

A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes that the plot of the new book she's writing starts to mirror real-world events in real time.

Director:  Matthew Vaughan

Writer:  Jason Fuchs

Actors:  Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill

Movie #3378 ........................."English Teacher" (Netflix) Season 1

 Movie #3378 "English Teacher" (Netflix)  Season 1 --- Being a former English teacher, I had to check this one out --- and I must say I normally don't like a lot of films and t.v. series on school --- for example, I am not a huge fan of "Abbot Elementary" when it focuses on the quirkiness of their individual lives instead of funny things that can happen when dealing with their students --- whenever the students become just puppets in the background, I don't like it.  Well, these kids in this show are very much involved, and the subjects are real issues in school --- and I do like that.  One episode, for example, was about how the football guys were supposed to flip jobs and cheer, while the gals played the powder puff football game --- it's a tradition in a lot of schools; however, several kids bring up to the "English Teacher" (who is very young and involved, and happens to be the resident gay guy) that when the guys perform it comes across offensive to the female population, so the English teacher decides to hire a drag queen to teach them a real dance routine that hopefully would be less insulting --- well, this high school is in Texas, so you can imagine the problems  --- and it is a crazy episode, but it ends really in a thoughtful , appropriate, manner --- but other episodes, don't necessary work out that way --- I DO like a lot of moments, but many I cringe at --- it is a very potty mouthed show and when it's fixated on the language like it does very often, I don't like it --- I also don't like stereotype teachers --- like the PE coach, but he's one of the smartest in the building, so that's good.  There's another female teacher that is the lead's best friend whom I really think is funny and a fast talked, but they have to be careful with her and not take her too far out of reality  just for the laughs.  I like this principal and he's more believable than the one at Abbott's Elementary because he can't take a stand on anything --- he goes with the wind...They've dealt with CRT, field trips, a parent who gets on the lead's case because he is gay, and other believable subjects, and occasionally it gets poignant and gets to the legitimate funny in a school setting, and also makes a good point -- but I just wish it would do more of that.   there will be a second season.  I would give this 3.9 out of 5 --- not for everybody.

"THE ENGLISH TEACHER"     Netflix     2024    22 mins episode,  8 episodes

It follows Evan, a gay high school English teacher, and his coworkers as they try to balance the demands of the students and their parents.

Creator:  Brian Jordan Alvarez

Actors:  Brian Jordan Alvarez, Stephanie Koenig, Enrico Colantoni  

Movie #3377 ........................."Emilia Perez" (netflix)

 Movie #3377 "Emilia Perez" (Netflix)  this movie will probably be nominated for best foreign film (or even best film) this year --- but to me, the pickings are few this year, so I wouldn't be surprised if it is nominated for  both and lots more awards  --- it did well at the Cannes Film Festival, and won a best acting nod at the Golden Globes for Zoe Saldana.  Anyway, it is a very out-of-the-box type of story and one you probably have never seen in another film or heard about .  A kingpin Cartel leader wants to change to a female and go through the complete physical operation and all.  Because he wants it done right, he finds the "best lawyer" in Mexico (Zoe Saldana) to do the research and find the best doctor.  It is done, and we think the story is over....but then he/she (Emilia) longs for her two kids, so Emilia pretending she's his cousin,  lives with her children and her wife from her former male life --- and fakes the death of that former male kingpin.  The operation and living like a woman changes Emilia's POV on earlier misdeeds and she starts an organization that helps the families of victims of the Cartel to find their dead loved ones.  There's more, but I don't want to tell too much, but this film is not for everybody.  First, it is all done in Spanish, so you have to read all the dialogue --- and because it's Spanish, it goes by really fast.  Secondly, it is like an opera, with many of the lines of dialogue sung, and by people who don't necessarily sing well (like the doctor).  Also, there's some violence in it that may turn off a viewer.  However, it is beautifully done, nice photography, good acting (the three main women, Saldana, Gomez, and the trans who plays Emilia are all very strong actors - And the songs are for the most part (at least for me)  very powerful!  Esp. Zoe's song 3/4's of the way in, and the individual victims and their family members that have been abused by the cartel all sing in unison at one point that I found most powerful.  I would give this a 4 out of 5 and recommend it as something different --- maybe give it a chance and see if it measures up to its hype.  I thought it did.

"EMILIA PEREZ"       Netflix     2 hours and 12 mins       2024

Emilia Perez follows four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing her own happiness.  Cartel leader Emilia enlists Rita, an unappreciated lawyer, to help fake her death so that she can finally live authentically as her true self.

Director:  Jaques Audiard

Writers:  Jac    questions Audiard, Thomas Bidegain, Lea Mysigs

Actors:  Zoe Saldana, Karla Sofia Gascon, Selena Gomez

Movie #3376 ........................."Silver Bells" (Hallmark)

Movie #3376 "Silver Bells" -- yes, a hallmark one, but it's old and I didn't see it on the Hallmark channel. This was a very human family story with Anne Heche playing a editor of a magazine/newspaper who shows interest in a xmas tree farm boy's photography --- his dream is to be a photographer and not work on the family farm, but he has a hard time telling that to his dad --- he eventually runs away, which causes a lot of family problems --- esp. since Anne Heche gets closer to his dad and feels to blame for all the problems they have. I liked this film a lot -- kept my interest throughout. I'd give it a strong 4 and recommend it.

"SILVER BELLS" 2006 one hour and 35 mins

Manhattanite Catherine O'Mara (Heche) bonds with a young man who has run away from his father. When the father returns to New York a year later to sell his Christmas trees, he and Catherine cross paths.

Director: Dick Lowry

Writers: Jim McGrath, Luanne Rice

Actors: Anne Heche, Tate Donovan, Michael Mitchell 

Movie #3375 ........................."Christmas with Tucker")

 Movie #3375 "Christmas with Tucker" -not Hallmark, saw it on another channel, but what a nice family film. It is a kid's story about his stay with his grandparents after the death of his father. He is trying to help the folks out while everyone is dealing with grief. It's a coming of age kind of film because he starts to milk cows on his own and do other more mature jobs on the farm. The way he opens the film, he says that it's about one Christmas season the year his dad died and the year he got his best friend -- a dog named Tucker. This was a strong 4 --- loved it!

"CHRISTMAS WITH TUCKER" 2013 1 hour and 27 mins

A young boy learns to be a man after the death of his father and forms a special bond with a dog.

Director: Larry A. McLean

Writers: Greg Kincaid, Dave Alan Kristin Johnson

Actors: James Brolin, Gage Munro, Barbara Gordon

Movie #3374 ........................."A Christmas to Remember" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3374 "A Christmas to Remember" --- whenever I see this one advertised on the Hallmark channel, I always say to myself that it is one of my all-time favorites. When I went back to my blogs recently, I discovered I never wrote a blog on it, so this is just a comment on how good it is. Mira Sorvino plays an amnesiac out in a new place at Christmas time rescued by a wonderful family who takes her in and takes care of her until she gets her memory back --- meanwhile, of course, they all fall in love with each other. It is well acted, well scripted and a charming film that Highly recommend. 5 out of 5.

"A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER" 2916

Following a car accident which leaves her with a bout of amnesia, a celebrity chef gets stranded in a small town over the Christmas season.

Director: David Weaver

Writers: Dorie Barton, Jay Lowi

Actors: Mira Sorvino, Cameron Mathison

Movie #3373 ........................."Happy Holidays" (Hallmark)

 Movie # 3373  “Happy Howlidays”  oh gosh, where to begin.  This one got a lot of PR because the guy who plays the lead was some kind of winner of the Bachelor contest on the Hallmark channel.  I missed that, don’t have it, but decided to see what all the hubub was about.  The woman lead has never been my favorite — she usually plays  sarcasm to the hilt —- put that combo together and the film is not a winner — a 2 out of  5 in my books.  The guy was like talking to a wall —- all his lines sounded the same and memorized…. The girl was actually better than I have seen her before  because she  had to work so hard playing opposite to this guy.    The dogs were cute, though.  But not enough to make the movie that good.

“HAPPY HOWLIDAYS”   2024

Mia (Lowndes), a meticulous webpage editor for the Seattle Tourism Board, finds herself unexpectedly navigating the holidays alone. As the only one working, she's drawn into an unusual encounter when she encounters a stray dog.

Movie #3372 ........................."Believe in Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie  #3372 “Believe in Christmas:” this story was all over the place, and what made matters worse, the guy was stiff and the girl had limitations — fake smiled a lot.  I honestly don’t remember it that much —- just a trip to “Chistmasland” —-ugh!  I’d give it a 3 and not recommend it.

“BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS” 2024

Two best friends travel to Christmasland, a place filled with hope and miracles   (These two are actually married  hmmm.  I didn’t see the chemistry but maybe that’s why she smiled so much)

Movie #3371 ........................."Falling Together" (Hallmark)

Movie #3371 “Falling Together”  - this film had everything going for it, a winning combination of actors (Ashley Williams and Paul Campbell), and an interesting story — but the stage business is forced - building guy vs. girl who wants to make friends of her neighbors —- I was a little disappointed  with the script but I’d still give it a 3.8 —- good strong theme about the value of coming together.

“FALLING TOGETHER”   2024

Natalie tries to bring feuding neighbors together in her new condo building .  Her unexpected ally is the building’s super, who prefers to avoid getting involved.

 

Movie #3370 ........................"The Finnish Line" (Hallmark)

Movie #3370 “ The Finnish Line”  - very interesting to watch a race like this with dogs in Finland —- location was beautiful, too.  I learned a lot about Finland from this film, and it’s become a place I’d like to visit some day.  The conflict was a bit manufactured but it resolved quickly so I guess that is good.  I’d give it 3.8

‘THE FINNISH LINE”   2024

Anya follows her father’s footsteps in sled dog racing.  In Finland, she enters his last race but her lead dog is injured.  Teaming with Cole’s dog, she battles her father’s rival Monty while learning to trust her new canine partner to win.

Movie #3369 ........................."Christmas with the Singhs" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3369 “Christmas with the Singhs” - this movie was well done with a nice believable conflict  and a good lesson in tolerance —- nice argument at the end that comes well together.  I’d give it a solid 4 and recommend it.

“CHRISTMAS WITH THE SINGHS”  2024

Holiday traditions and cultures collide when Asha and Jake meet their families.  

Movie #3368 ........................."The Santa Class" (Hallmark)

Movie #3368 “ The Santa Class” —- here’s another collaboration of Kimberley  Sustad and Paul Campbell, but this time they are not the writers, just actors in the film.. — Their work together usually means it will be funny, and this was —- Paul was a small part but added some funny bits being an actor, taking notes while  trying to get into the part of Santa Claus — badly.  Kim runs the class —- this is way out- of- the- box  story , always straddling the line between make believe and reality.  I loved it but it is silly in parts — I’d give it a 4.

“THE SANTA CLASS”   2024

Kate North, the owner of a struggling Santa School, and her instructor, Dan, must help an amnesia-stricken Santa Claus regain his memories to save Christmas and hopefully her school as well.

 

Movie #3367 ........................." A Dance in the Snow" (Hallmark)

Movie #3367 “A Dance in the Snow”  —- great idea but I wasn’t crazy about the mother and daughter each planning the same thing for each other….it didn’t work for me.  Mom’s voice was tough to hear, kind of weak.  This focus was on the autistic daughter and all others who have trouble with loud sounds in the world and what we in society can do about it —- so that theme makes the movie important to see — I’d give it a 4. 

“A DANCE IN THE SNOW”    2024 

 Melanie's autistic daughter Jenny, a high school senior, plans her own party with friends while Melanie works with Jenny's teacher to create an inclusive school dance, leading to romance for both.

Movie #3366 ........................."Christmas on Call" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3366 “Christmas on Call” — Wow!  This was different.  While we are all spending time with our family, this film reminds us that there are people necessary to work through the holidays —- this follows a young girl newly moved in to Philadelphia serving as a doctor “on call” through the holidays.  I’d give it a strong 4.

“CHRISTMAS ON CALL”   2024

In the lead-up to Christmas, emergency room doctor Hannah Michaels juggles her demanding job and a budding romance with EMT Wes Sullivan in Philadelphia.

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Movie #3365 ........................."A 90s Christmas" (Hallmark)

Movie #3365 “A 90s Christmas” all around a silly pre,mise and it remained silly most of the time, but the ending finally got to the theme —- the pacing was off in this one — and it uses “Back to the Future” gimmicks like the disappearing picture —- but all round because it is different and the people are capable actors, I’d give it a 3.8 — not for everybody.  But I would think if you are a lover of 90s music and fashion, etc., you might like this.

“A 90s CHRISTMAS”    2024

While celebrating her promotion alone on Christmas Eve, a workaholic lawyer is transported back to 1999 via a mysterious rideshare experience.

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Movie #3364 ......................... "Leah's Perfect Gift" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3364 “Leah’s Perfect Gift”  - even though the girl took time for me to get used to, I liked that the stage business was a turnabout — i. Building  snowman, etc. were in the film to show how different Jew’ traditions are from Chistian ones.  I’d give this a 4.

“LEAH’S PERFECT GIFT”    2024

A Christmas lover, Leah has admired the holiday from afar because she's Jewish. Though her family celebrates Hanukkah, Leah has longed to experience a traditional Christmas. When her boyfriend Graham invites her to spend the holidays with his classic Connecticut family, she eagerly accepts. Excited to dive into the quintessential Christmas she's always dreamed of, Leah quickly discovers that fitting in with Graham's uptight family and his not-so-welcoming mom is easier said than done. As holiday traditions clash and awkward moments pile up, it is not quite the cozy Christmas that she expected.

Movie #3363 ........................."The Reason for he Season" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3363 “The Reason for the Season”  - this was different, too, about a woman who is very rich, but her mother sends her out in the world to Pay it forward to various people —- her mom doesn’t think she understands the world because she was born with everything she ever wanted —- mom worked her way up, so it’s a way for her to go back and reward people that helped along the way — anonomously.  The girl gets a coach who lives in the one town these  reward recipients are in  to help find the people .  I applaud the attempt to pay it forward, but I think the film supported that money talks — because a lot of the rewards had to take money.  But not all of them so that’s good  — the one with the father and son was without money, but I thought it finished way too fast and as a result hard to believe.  But this had a nice ending… I’d give it 3.8

“REASON FOR THE SEASON”  2024

In order to earn her trust fund, Evie (Cole) is tasked with granting Christmas wishes to the people who saved her life on the night of her birth. To aid in her cause, she employs Kyle (McGarry), a handsome local attorney, to track down those who helped and attempts to secretly learn what they might want while maintaining her anonymity. With Christmas fast approaching, the heiress and the attorney can't resist falling for each other's charms as they ramp up their gift giving efforts. But as time ticks down, will she be able to accomplish the mission and grant all of the wishes by Christmas Eve?

Movie #3362 ........................."Holiday Mismatch" (Hallmark)

Movie #3362 “Holiday Mismatch” — overprotective mothers can be annoying, but also funny at times….until they step in a tad too much.  However, the couple was adorable and authentic,  and o much fun to watch —- offered a nice balance in this.  A Plus for me is the guy is an actor working on building a theatre.  I’d give it a 4.

'HOLIDAY MISMATCH”    2024

New retiree Barb joins a Holiday Committee but clashes with long standing member Kath .  When they realize their kids have started dating, they conspire to break up the happy couple.

Movie #3361 ........................."Trading Up Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3361“Trading Up Christmas” is probably one of the most implausible storylines of all of these films, but somehow it worked.It starts kind of silly but resolves well —- conflict was typical 9not committing)  - actors in the film were a bit stiff, esp the leads, but I found it different from the others.  It was silly they put in a cookie bake and tree hunting (ugh1) and it was silly she is trying to get a house with a stocking on a trade, but otherwise, the stage business was interesting and how it ended made it a good feeling type of film.  I gave it 3.5

“TRADING UP CHRISTMAS”    2024New retire

Michelle is the dreamer of her family, always brimming with imaginative ideas to make the world a better place.  This Christmas, her sister Keri desperately needs a new home, and Michelle hatches a creative plan to help.

Movie #3360 ........................."Private Princess Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3360“Private Princess Christmas” — this was a surprise to me because I didn’t think I would like it from the trailers I had seen before watching it.  The girl came across super shallow at the beginning, so I usually turn a film like his off, but there was something about the guy — after he sang a beautiful rendition of “Eidelweis” I looked him up and glory be — he’s been in several shows and was even nominated for his last sow he was in “Jagged Pill.”  So I’m glad I watched it, and the shallow girl got better as the film progressed —- she had to, or he wouldn’t have fallen in love with her.   I give this one 3.5 —- stage business was boot camp —- always fun to watch other people do it…

“PRIVATE PRINCESS CHRISTMAS”  2024

Princess Violet of Wingravia must complete a tough leadership boot camp in Colorado or risk losing her throne to her uncle.

Movie #3359 ......................... "Five Gold Rings" (Hallmark)

Movie #3359 “Five Gold RINGS” — at first, I was going to turn this one off, but I got hooked on the mystery which I found quite intriguing. Even though the guy seemed “one note” in his acting and the girl made funny faces quite often, it was the story and the history of the coins that kept my interest. And it had a nice wrap up.

“FIVE GOLD RINGS” 2024

A painter and a private eye collaborate during the holidays to complete her late grandmother’s unfinished mission.