Movie #1285 ........................."The Christmas Card"

Movie #1285 "The Christmas Card" -  Kind of a flimsy story here -- believable, but not much here --- soldier kind of lost and becomes enamored with this girl who sent a christmas card so when he gets out of service, he goes to the town to seek her out.  She, of course, has a boyfriend already, but that doesn't stop her and the parents and friends in the town from pushing the two of them together  (the soldier and the girl not the girl and her bf) Once again, I believe it, and I believe it would take a long time to wear the girl down, but the two lovebirds are sticks --- cold fish who don't relate to each other or to each other...thank god for the older experienced actors in the film to pull it out of the doldrums and put some intrigue into it.   But not before we have a strange high point --- all of a sudden in the middle of a church scene, the bf jumps up and leaves the church .  Nothing is said, and girlfriend is apologizing in the next scene?  Did she make him sit on a tack?  or what?  Missed it.  I know it's good to put in the script oftentimes, "That which cannot be said" but ThAT moment was just silly.  Even for Hallmark!  Anyway,  the ending was good, though, so I give it 3 stars out of 5.

"THE CHRISTMAS CARD"  2006       1 hour and 24 minutes     NR      3 stars out of 5.

Edward Asner received an Emmy nod for his role in this holiday story about a soldier stationed in Afghanistan who gets a Christmas card addressed to "Any Soldier" and decides to track down the sender. When Sgt. Cody Cullen (John Newton) returns home, he traces the sender, Faith Spelman (Alice Evans), to her small town, where he ends up saving her father (Asner) and falling for the warm-hearted young woman. The only problem? She's engaged.
Cast: John Newton, Ed Asner, Peter Jason

Movie #1284 .........................."Candleshoe"

Movie #1284 "Candleshoe" - fun to watch Jodi Foster in this early vehicle --- she steals the film from the great dame Helen Hayes and my very favorite British actor of all time, David Niven.  In this film, he gets to do what Sir Alec Guinness (Obi- Won Kenobi)did in many of his films ---- played multiple roles.  And that was fun to see what he would come up with next, whether it was the gardener or the butler or the weird old uncle..... meanwhile, all during the heist major storyline (Jodi pretending she is Helen Hayes' long lost granddaughter), there's some mystery because she is also supposed to be looking for some treasure that is being stored in the castle ---- Yes, there are some slow spots in the film, but the distinctness of the minor kid characters tries to keep the storyline moving in the right direction.  And there's a really good scene between the two great females:  Hayes and Foster, that's worth waiting to see at the very end.  I give it 4 stars out of 5.

"CANDLESHOE"  1977 -- 1 hour and 41 minutes    rated G      4 stars out of 5

Savvy street urchin Casey and an ex-con take advantage of an elderly woman by having Casey pose as her estranged granddaughter to steal a cache of treasure they think she's hiding. But Casey begins to wonder whether their plan has any basis in truth.

Cast: David Niven, Helen Hayes, Jodie Foster,

Movie #1283 ........................."Christmas to Remember"

Movie #1283 "Christmas to Remember" was one of the better ones ---- good acting by the leads, esp. Mira Sorvino (haven't seen much of her since her academy award turn in Mighty Aphrodite for Woody Allen, and the story line was cool because it involved some mystery ---who is she really?  She's in a car accident  and suffering from amnesia, but she learns that she can cook, bake and sew without really thinking about it ---- hmmm.  Clues abound and then the reveal --- The film, of course, involves cute little kids (there are 3 of them in this one) and a happy ending --- definitely in this one's I recommend it as one of the better ones.  4 stars out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER"    2016     1 hour and 26 minutes

• A harsh TV personality needs a break from her own life, so she hops into a car and drives to a small town mountain retreat. On her way there, a blizzard veers her off the road and she crashes. When she comes to, she has complete amnesia and a friendly passerby takes her in.
  
  
  
  

  Director:

   David Weaver

  Writers:

   Dorie Barton,  Jay Lowi

  Stars:

   Mira Sorvino,  Cameron Mathison,  Jesse Filkow 

Movie #1282 ........................."Christmas with the Kranks"

Movie #1282 "Christmas with the Kranks" --- I had to seek this one out, since I just read "Skipping Christmas" by John Grisham, which this film is based upon.  I thoroughly enjoyed the book, which deals with a couple whose daughter recently joined the peace corps and won't be home for Christmas so they decide to take a cruise and skip it this year, not thinking how much that entails.  It isn't as easy as it sounds......anyway, I was laughing out loud more when I read the book but that could be because I knew what was coming, but also I think it's that I don't think Tim Allen is all that funny.  I don't believe most of what he says --- he always seems to be putting us on, not real, so I don't buy his humor, and this film was no different.  Thought I must say, the scene with the surprise twist towards the end of this movie (and book) was written so well, that he couldn't even ruin it.   This is not a bad christmas film at all ---- and it has some wonderful messages to dish out, not to mention some nice shots through the window, of the frosty snowmen, etc.  I recommend it, 3.6 out of 5 stars.


"CHRISTMAS WITH THE KRANKS"    2004      1 hour 39 minutes    PG

A break from the frenetic activity of Christmas is what Luther Krank and his wife have in mind when they decide to skip the holiday, nixing the tree and the rooftop Frosty. But can they handle the fallout from their crestfallen family and neighbors?

Cast: Tim Allen, Jamie Lee Curtis, Dan Aykroyd

Movie #1281 ........................."I'm Not Ready for Christmas"

Movie #1281 "I'm Not Ready for Christmas" --- I've liked Alicia Witt since she played the precocious  daughter on the t.v. show"Cybil" so I welcomed to see this one ---And I wasn't too disappointed.   She's always fun to watch, and the guy is okay and they seem to have some chemistry.  The Magic part of the story was a tad too goofy for me to buy (I have NEVER liked Jim Carrey's "Liar Liar" which had basically the same premise) and that's when the story started spinning out of control for a while --- she starts coming on a bit too strong with the guy when she's honest, and it's hard to believe that she can be so honest and still have a job in the advertising world!   But then that premise is tested, and the film becomes more worthwhile to watch because the theme comes across very strong then!  I'm glad that turn took place; otherwise, the score from me would have been much less.  I'd give it 3.5 stars out of 5. Film seemed to lack its energy and storyline in the middle --- not enough of a story possibly?  and then speeds to a conclusion to the detriment of the love story, but nice theme overall, and well acted.   And the ending had a nice added turn that helped make it better than I expected.   Title could have been a tad better?  Just a suggestion.






"I'M NOT READY FOR CHRISTMAS"  2012     1 hour and 24 minutes    3.5 stars out of 5

Holly's world is turned upside down when her niece's wish to Santa Claus comes true and she cannot tell a lie. As her career and love life go into disarray, she must learn to judge between the truth and what is right.

Director:

 Sam Irvin

Writers:

 Jeffrey Schenck (story),  Peter Sullivan (story)  |2 more credits »

Stars:

 Alicia Witt,  George Stults,  Brigid Brannagh 

Movie #1280 ........................."Hitched for the Holidays"

Movie #1280 "Hitched for the Holidays" --- Loved this one!  It's a winner!  Even though I've seen the story a bunch of times (esp. the Harry met Sally ending), I actually laughed out loud during the family scenes.  Okay, here's the storyline --- guy and girl don't want to be nagged by family because they are dateless for the holidays so they decide to pretend they are together just to get through the celebration time.  And what a surprise, they start to get real feelings.  Okay, that's all been done, but what I thought was the added treat here was the religion conflict --- He tells his folks she is catholic and she tells her folks he is jewish, which leads to some very funny scenes .....and then the humor and mayhem elevate when his mother invites her family over for a Hanukah celebration?  All the people are more than competent actors and they can override the overdone storyline --- esp. Joey Lawrence and the girl lead.  I've never seen her before, but to be sure, I will start to look for her because she was very authentic.  And he was very charming in his part.  And as silly as some of the scenes might have been in the wrong hands (esp. stealing a cop's horse on the streets of new york city), the actors are willing to pull it off.  And this could be a great New Year's Eve move because it covers that holiday, as well!  I give it 4.8 out of 5 stars, and I recommend this one with a big thumb's up!


"HITCHED FOR THE HOLIDAYS"      2012        4.8 stars out of 5

When commitment-phobe Rob breaks up with his girlfriend before Thanksgiving, his big Italian family gives him a hard time about not being able to keep a relationship through the holidays.

Cast: Joseph Lawrence, Emily Hampshire, Linda Darlow

Movie #1279 ........................."Merry Ex-Mas"

Movie #1279 "Merry Ex-Mas" was a different watch for me ---- I was wrapping gifts and actually didn't care what I was watching, and this was the only Christmas movie on the t.v. at the time.  It was just okay --- acting was melodramatic, situations were a bit too manipulative, even more than the normal fare of Hallmark movies (but this wasn't one), and things wrapped up way too well (once again, even more than a Hallmark film).  The film centered around a divorced couple that still share custody of their daughter --- when the guy finally looks like he has found happiness with another woman, the divorced wife sabotages the ex-husband's relationship.  The high point revelation depended a lot on who was who and who had met whom before ---- kind of silly, but theme was strong -- we have to forgive, esp. at these holiday family celebrations.  Perhaps, that's why we have them --- as occasions to wipe the slates clean.  I give this 3 stars out of 5.

"MERRY EX-MAS" 2016       3 stars out of 5

After making a Christmas wish for her single dad, Tiffany is shocked when it comes true: In short order, he falls in love with a wonderful woman and is planning a holiday wedding. But Tiffany's resentful mom has her own plans -- to ruin the nuptials.

Cast: Angell Conwell, London Brown, Faune A. Chambers

Movie #1278 ........................."Finding Father Christmas"

Movie #1278 "Finding Father Christmas"  --- this is one of my favorite so far --- of course, it would be, being grounded in theatre --- the woman (I've seen her a number of times in these Hallmark movies -- she's very natural, but occasionally has trouble with the overly emotional stuff) Erin Krakow had a mother who was an actress but comes to this town where she thinks she might be able to find out about her dad, who, she thinks, was another actor.  Of course, there's a cutesy little girl  ---- of course, there is a winning guy who drives the very romantic horse and buggy everywhere in town, and of course, there's a mother-in-law type person --- this time it is played by Wendi Malick and she's very good and puts all kinds of layers into the character.  I liked this a lot --- I actually put everything down to follow the story --- and I highly recommend it.  4 stars out of 5.

"FINDING FATHER CHRISTMAS"   TV G        2016

With no family to speak of -- her mother dead and her father unknown to her -- Miranda dreads the holidays. But when she receives a clue about her dad's whereabouts shortly before Christmas, she embarks on a fateful trip to a New England town.

Cast: Erin Krakow, Niall Matter, Wendie Malick

Movie #1277 ........................."Merry Matrimony"

Movie #1277 "Merry Matrimony"  --- no way --- dull, dull, dull ---- took 15 minutes to end....it went on and on and on.  Not much story line, the story is a blur, and the leads both slur words and talk way too fast..... not a good one at all.  Skip it ---- 1 star out of 5.


"MERRY MATRIMONY"     2015      tV - G




An ad exec for a fashion magazine lands her dream assignment to organize the perfect Christmas wedding. Just one thing. The photographer she's been partnered with is her ex-boyfriend. She's got to bring her A game, while working through unresolved feelings.

Director:

 John Bradshaw

Writer:

 Rickie Castaneda

Stars:

 Jessica Lowndes,  Christopher Russell,  Jennifer Gibson 

Movie #1276 ........................"Royal Christmas"

Movie #1276 "Royal Christmas" --- I liked this one a lot!  I don't really know why exactly, because there are several that deal with a castle and royalty, but the theme came across rather strong!  A person of royalty CAN marry a normal, civilian.  How about that!  In fact, there is no pretentiousness in this prince --- the chemistry between the two leads worked for me, Jane Seymour was the witchy mother of the prince, and the servants were each individuals and seen that way by the lead girl.  So even though the story is kind of typical for a Hallmark Christmas movie, I liked what they did with it.  I'd give it 4 stars out of 5.

"ROYAL CHRISTMAS"     2014   tV - G        4 out of 5 stars

Prince Leopold, heir to the throne of Cordinia, wishes to marry his young love Emily Taylor, a humble seamstress from Philadelphia. But Leopold's mother, Queen Isadora has other plans for her son.

Director:

 Alex Zamm

Writers:

 Janeen Damian,  Michael Damian  | 2 more credits »

Stars:

 Lacey Chabert,  Stephen Hagan,  Jane Seymour 

Movie #1275 ........................." A Perfect Christmas"

Movie #1275 "A Perfect Christmas" was far from perfect to me, as far as movies go.  This never pulled me in emotionally --- by the end, I could care less.  It bothered me that she never did tell him her news, when he told her his ---- her character seemed really flaky to me so I really didn't care for her or the mother.  The premise was just okay, nothing new to me except that the main couple was married already ---- so that makes it a tad different.  But it's a married coupe keeping two big secrets from each other ---- so there's still that Hallmark scene where they happily come together.  The happy ending is expected, so in that way, it is a lot like the others ---two cutesy families coming together due to a marriage  ---- and of course , there are problems in the coming together.  The two actors could have more charisma; in this one, her strong-minded dad and his strong-minded mother stole the scenes.  You can skip this one.  2.8 out of 5 stars.

"A PERFECT CHRISTMAS"  2016    TV-G    2.8 Stars out of 5

Life rarely goes exactly as planned, but that's not going to stop newlyweds Steve and Cynthia from hosting the perfect Christmas celebration -- which means hiding the news that he's been laid off and she's expecting.

Cast: Susie Abromeit, Dillon Casey, Neil Crone

Movie #1274 ........................."Sound of Christmas"

Movie #1274 "THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS" is another Hallmark Christmas Movie that follows a popular story line --- piano teacher falls in love with student's dad.  After that, the storyline follows   much like "Bells of St. Mary's"  --- woman piano teacher expects "boyfriend" to save the music school, which his company is supposed to buy out from under the teachers.  That's about it.  Not much here except the lead, once again (saw her in "Christmas Magic" a couple days ago)does an impressive job --- I liked this guy lead a bit better than the one she had in "Magic' --- The story includes some student performances from the school that were neat!  Anyway, I would give this a 3 out of 5 --- not bad.

"THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS"   2016      3 out of 5 stars

Lizzie, a young piano teacher, helps Brad's teenage daughter learn music. As she begins to break through to the girl, sparks begin to fly with Brad, but she is shocked to find out that he may want to buy the school's property.

Director:

 Harvey Crossland

Writers:

 Rick Garman (screenplay),  Lisa Reisner  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Lindy Booth,  Robin Dunne,  Jennifer Gibson

Movie #1273 ........................."Christmas Magic"

Movie #1273 "Christmas Magic" -- okay, this one HAS been done over and over, so here we go again..... woman in car accident, not sure if she is dead/alive or the ever popular "in a coma" .....some head angel says she's an angel and she has assignment before she crosses over ---- she has rules to follow --- the one not clearly stated is:  DO NOT FALL IN LOVE WITH ANYONE ALIVE --- and guess what?  yep, she falls in love.  the ending is about the corniest I have seen through all of these --- so if you want to see one really lame ending, watch this one.  Otherwise, you can skip it.  I fell asleep through this one several times and still managed to follow it, which is a prerequisite for these Hallmark films --- but there wasn't any Russian hacking, or denying of climate change, and it did have a happy ending, so I would give it a 2.8 (I don't know what the Russian judge would give it, though!)

'CHRISTMAS MAGIC"   2011     1 hour and 24 mins

Carrie Blackford (Booth) lives for her successful career as an event planner in New York City, but her life changes in an instant after a nasty car accident in a snowstorm. Carrie suffers head trauma and regains consciousness in Central Park with an older man, Henry (Derek McGrath, "Little Mosque on the Prairie"). Henry is Carrie's spirit guide and is there to help her "pass over" to Heaven. But before Carrie can move on, she must fulfill one last task on Earth - a type of Angel Duty. Henry tells Carrie that she must help guide a widowed, young restaurant owner, Scott Walker, (McGillion) who has recently considered suicide because his beloved restaurant/catering business is utterly failing. Carrie befriends Scott and his 8-year-old daughter and immediately displays a knack for promoting the restaurant. But time isn't on Carrie's side on this mission. She has until midnight Christmas Eve to turn the eatery around. As friendship grows, romance blooms, and Carrie finds it a struggle to keep business and pleasure separate. Will the heat in Scott's kitchen be all about the food? Or is one Angel on a meteoric rise to earn her wings?

Director:

 John Bradshaw

Writers:

 Joany Kane,  Rickie Castaneda  | 2 more credits »

Stars:

 Lindy Booth,  Paul McGillion,  Derek McGrath

Movie #1272 ........................."Love You Like Christmas"

Movie #1272 "Love You Like Christmas" was a good Hallmark offering tonight that I enjoyed watching.    Even though the plot is quite popular in the Hallmark genre, that being usually a woman executive rethinking that her life is missing something when she gets stuck in some town that celebrates Christmas and one of its citizens is a good looking father of a cutesy daughter, whom the exec comes to care about through the film.  Okay, that being said, the leads were competent, yes, the kid was better than average, the townspeople were fun to watch and diverse, and the spirit of Christmas was infused in most of their actions.  I liked it and I recommend it as one of the better ones Hallmark is offering.  3.8 out of 5 stars.

"LOVE YOU LIKE CHRISTMAS"  2016     t.v.-g

Director:

 Graeme Campbell

Writer:

 Karen Berger

Stars:

 Jack Berger,  Wes Berger,  Madison Brydges 

Movie #1271 ........................."A Christmas Wish"

Movie #1271 "A Christmas Wish" was a Hallmark movie on t.v. last night and I tuned into it because it sounded a bit different from the others --- a mother of three is left pretty much homesless by her husband , and she moves to a town that helps her out --- and this all plays out at Christmas time.  bummer!.. The kids are facing their own problems at their school, and they are trying to deal with the abandonment and mom's money problems as best as they can.  It's a George Bailey story but without George........this lead female was very cold, and yes, she had to go through a lot of emotional stuff trying to keep her head above water while dealing with the kids and working a couple of jobs and dealing with a broken down car, and etc..... but she just was really cold, so although I understood her plight, I didn't feel for her.  The plot seemed pushed at us, like let's make a list of everything that can happen to this family and see what will happen --- I give it 2.8 stars out of 5 because the kids and the guy love interest were moderately intriguing.

"A CHRISTMAS WISH"  2011    1 hour and 37 mins        2.8 stars out of 5



MARTHA EVANS has been abandoned by her ne'er-do-well husband, who took all their cash and left her homeless and virtually destitute with her two daughters and stepson. Martha leaves town in hopes of finding a job and a place to stay, she finally finds a job at a sleepy rural diner, formerly famous for its home-made root beer. But with her car broken down and the bills piling up, it looks like it's going to be a bleak Christmas for the Evans family. However, there are warm hearts working behind the scenes that ultimately make this the happiest holiday of Martha's life -- a real answer to her prayers..

Director:

 Craig Clyde

Writer:

 Craig Clyde

Stars:

 Kristy Swanson,  Edward Herrmann,  K.C. Clyde

Movie #1270 ........................"Hell or High Water"

Movie #1270 "Hell or High Water" --- I'll probably ruffle some feathers here, but I thought this was just meh!  To me, it was a poor man's "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" --- what I mean by that, is "Butch and the Kid"  has what I would consider a classic ending in a great film , and then this one that would like its ending to feel emotionally the same --- but it doesn't.  First of all, I didn't feel close to these two guys at all --- I know, we got some back story, but the film could have used more of that, and less of them looking out the window and driving down some highway.  The other is that Chris Pine might be good to look out, but he can't hold his own beside the GREAT Ben Foster.   Also, I expected more from Jeff Bridges, who slid through most of the film pretty much saying most of his lines the same -- I did like the idea they came up with (don't want to mention it here, in case you haven't seen the film yet) to get back at the banks (and ultimately the oil companies) and I appreciated the very last scene, but like I said, it tried to do more emotionally and I think failed.   I didn't really want to see this film  because it isn't my kind of film at all ----(and that was proven when I'm watching this film and  seeing a  scene (that I absolutely hated) where one guy takes one of those rapid fire aka's and tries to mow all the police down in one fell swoop (and I'm watching it on the anniversary of Sandy Hook).  But so many people had told me that it was wonderful ---- well, I didn't think it was wonderful --- just okay, and just okay because of the theme, and BEN FOSTER!  And the repartee between Jeff Bridges and the native American assistant.  But that's about it for me so I give it a 3 out of 5 --

"HELL OR HIGH WATER"  1 hour and 42 mins     2016     R        3 out of 5 stars

Faced with losing the family farm to foreclosure, brothers Toby and Tanner decide that their best move is to rob some banks. Not surprisingly, their plans quickly go awry, and a grizzled but relentless lawman picks up their trail.

Cast: Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine, Ben Foster,

Movie #1269 ..........................'The Edge of Seventeen"

Movie #1269 "The Edge of Seventeen" was touted to me to be a very funny film, and I think I laughed out loud one or two times.  This was a disappointment to me ---- not all that funny --- the trailer showed the best parts --- and it was really difficult for me to become close to the main character --- I found her annoying and wallowing in her own doings  -- i.e.  she really seemed to just see the world revolving around her and trying to destroy her --- she showed very little compassion for others and she didn't seem to learn  when  she hurts people's feelings and just moves on to another situation like that.   The high point I wasn't convinced she actually had been motivated to change and the actual change --- I know there were small things put into the film to show that everybody had changed in one way or another, but it seemed kind of pat and a bit staged.  The actress is very competent --- I just think the script has her whining all through the film, and we wonder why anyone spends time with her --- why do they like her?  there needed to be more convincing on the script's part --- that's just my opinion, and I'm sure there will be people that will love this film and say it is different from other angst teen movies.  It is different in that the teacher doesn't take crap from her, and that's funny how he handles her, and she speaks on very serious subjects in a cavalier way and that is different as well.  Otherwise, it is indeed a  teen angst film and not for everyone.  I would give it 3 stars out of 5.  I recommend seeing her and Woody's scenes because they are the best parts of the film. Oh, and a shout out to her best friend ---- she was excellent in all her scenes, as well!

"THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN" 2016    1 hour and 44 mins   3 stars out of 5    R-rated

High-school life gets even more unbearable for Nadine when her best friend, Krista, starts dating her older brother.

Director:

 Kelly Fremon Craig

Writer:

 Kelly Fremon Craig

Stars:

 Hailee Steinfeld,  Haley Lu Richardson,  Blake Jenner 

Movie #1268 ........................."Blue Jay"

Movie #1268 "Blue Jay" is a black and white romance film starring Sarah Paulson and Mark Duplass, who also wrote it.  I have always been impressed with her, but he does quite an impressive job here as well.  The film is all them --- in that way it is a lot like "Before Sunrise/Sunset" --- one long discussion that starts in a grocery store and ends up at Mark's place that he is fixing up after his mom has died.  They are former high school boyfriend/girlfriend who now rekindle their relationship that went into their early 20s.  They re-share some of the games they played, etc. and we wonder why they didn't stay together...and then we get to the high point and find out --- pretty powerful.  I would liken this film to a less rough "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" without the tearing down part  of the relationship and more just reminiscing --- this is really a talkie film, but it grows on you because the two people are so competent, and their script is very entertaining.  I would give it 4 stars out of 5.

"BLUE JAY"    2016      1 hour and 20 mins      4 stars out of 5

By chance, two former high-school sweethearts meet when they return to their small hometown. Reminiscing about their shared past, the pair forms a new connection over their dissatisfaction with the way their lives have turned out.

Cast: Mark Duplass, Sarah Paulson

Movie #1267 ........................."100-year-old man who climbed out the window and disappeared

Movie #1267 "100 year-old man who climbed out the window and disappeared --- what a pleasant surprise this film was --- I laughed out loud many times, but it's a film you have to concentrate on, for the names and the quick repartee go by quickly --- esp of the 100-year-old who has the funniest things to say in the midst of mayhem.  This reminded me of "Grand Budapest Hotel" with the speed and chaos --- people running around and the quirkiness of the plot and the characters.  The weirdest things happen --- I don't even want to give any examples because it would ruin any surprises, but sufficeth  to say that this guy's life takes a complete turn when he jumps out the window of his nursing home.  Because it hops around from past to present and in the present from one storyline to the next (all eventually related), and the subtitles are all over the place (people speaking German, Russian, Swedish, etc.) and the narration is in English, you have to keep your wits about you when you watch it.  But it's worth the ride.  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5.  Very funny!  I missed this one at a film festival, and I'm glad I remembered the title  to look  up to see if it was available for me to watch!  (on Amazon Prime)  But netflix has it as a DVD, too.  I definitely recommend it.

THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED   2015 R  1 hour 54 minutes.    4.5 out of 5 stars

Allan Karlsson caps off his long and colorful life by escaping from his nursing home on his 100th birthday. In short order, he comes into a possession of a suitcase stuffed with cash. With his new friend Julius, Allan decides to take it on the lam.

Cast: Robert Gustafsson, Iwar Wiklander, Mia Skäringer,

Movie #1266 ........................."A Cookie Cutter Christmas"

Movie #1266 "A Cookie Cutter Christmas" --- well, this was a tad different offering for the Hallmark folks --- it didn't deal with a corporation, a makeover, a nanny, a place someone wants to save from his past, dysfunctional families.......this one takes place in a school, two rival teachers in the same elementary school who both set sights on the new widowed father with an adorable little girl who just arrived in town.  The leads are very quiet and unassuming and this story is just about a cookie contest --- no more or no less......but I liked it.  What I didn't like was how witchy the one girl was......and what lengths she goes to to sabotage the other one's love life ---- only to turn 360 degrees around to making amends --- none of her was believable, really.  The charming part was the two leads and the little girl.  So for that and the strong theme (about seeking revenge is never a good idea), I'd give this 3.8 out of 5 stars.  It was one of the better ones, and I'm glad I watched it.


" A COOKIE CUTTER CHRISTMAS" -- 2014   1 hour 26 mins    

P.S kind of sad that Alan Thicke died today ---- he was in the film, and although he wasn't a very authentic actor, at times he added some good moments to a film.

A Cookie Cutter Christmas (2014)

TV-G |  1h 26min | Comedy, Romance | TV Movie 9 November 2014

Two schoolteachers take their rivalry to a new level, while they scramble to win a holiday baking contest.

Director:

 Christie Will (as Christie Will Wolf) 

Writer:

 Barbara Kymlicka

Stars:

 Erin Krakow,  David Haydn-Jones,  Alan Thicke

Movie #1265 ........................."12 Men of Christmas"

Movie #1265 "12 Men for Christmas" was a male version of Calendar Girls, the movie, for a much weaker reason.  Here's the premise --- Kristin Chenoweth has to leave her high powered job in NYC, settles for another job in Montana, part of her job is to draw more business into the town so she decides to offer a calendar with men in the town scantily dressed to drum up business.  Of course, there's one arrogant guy who won't do it, but then starts to fall for her (too quickly, in my opinion).  No surprises in this script at all ---- the guys are eye candy, for the most part, so it wasn't unpleasant to watch, but it wasn't a recommended watch.  You can pass this one up.  Kristin and the lead guy are the only believable people, but their relationship is way too fast to believe.  They spent most of the film yelling and being smarmy at each other.  3 stars out of 5.

"12 MEN OF CHRISTMAS"    2009     1 hour 30 mins.

Devastated after losing both her influential job and her fiancé at the office holiday party, publicist E.J. Baxter (Kristin Chenoweth) flees New York and lands in Montana, where she decides to produce a racy calendar showing off the local guys. But some of the men take exception to her scheme to raise funds for a search-and-rescue team by having them bare it all. Meanwhile, Mr. December is raising E.J.'s pulse in this Lifetime Original Movie.

Cast: Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Abrams, Peter Mooney

Movie #1264 ........................."Mrs. Miracle" (Debbie Macomber's)

Movie #1264 "Mrs. Miracle" (Debbie Macomber's) -- cute Christmas film that kind of reminded me of "Mary Poppins" or "Mrs. Doubtfire" --- not near as good as those two, but all of them have  a nanny who changes the behavior of some incorrigible kids.  The big difference with Mrs. Doubtfire is the strong possibility of the use of magic, which I don't like as much at all.  Now it worked in "Mary Poppins" to me because it is a musical, which is "magical" in itself, but  in this one, the magic  seems manipulative --- i.e. the way to move the storyline ahead.  The conflict is  doubled , both dealing with Man (or woman) vs. his/her past ---- both of  those secondary storylines seemed manipulative, too, but the director did manage to move the film  along so we didn't notice it that much --- The two women, the lead Erin Karpluk and Doris Roberts were both very good, but the guy is a stick --- I have felt that in everything I have seen him in on t.v. (the last being CIS cyber) -- they had to work around him, which they did, so the film worked out --- I would give it 3.8 out of 5.  Fun, family movie that has a sideline about theater, which I most enjoyed~

"MRS. MIRACLE"    2009 ---- 1 hour 32 minutes, 3.8 stars out of 5

This charming family film, based on Debbie Macomber's popular novel, tells the story of bereft widower Seth Webster, whose lively 6-year-old twins are taken in hand by a nanny they dub Mrs. Miracle. Could she be the Webster family's guardian angel?

Cast: James Van Der Beek, Erin Karpluk, Doris Roberts,

Movie #1263 ........................."Hearts of Christmas"

Movie #1263 "Hearts of Christmas" -- I started watching this for a couple of reasons ....1) I like the guy in it (I've seen him in other movies, like at festivals) and the girl in the first couple of minutes was using her face so well, I decided to watch at least two talented people at work, and 2)  the story seemed different than the other Hallmark offerings ---- this was set in a hospital, natal unit, and then it dealt with a real problem of hospital cuts, etc.  And I was right.  It was a good watch --- very positive message, good highpoint and ending, well acted, for the most part (Hooray for Sharon Lawrence -- she is always fun to watch, and she had the big heavy scene toward the end.  Yep, some of it seem manufactured, but there was nice chemistry between the two leads, even though they were asked to be in conflict (according to the script) most of the time --- he was the one to cut the budge, she was the one trying to save someone from that.  I would give it 4 stars out of 5.  And I would recommend it for the christmas season.  I liked how they showed what it was like in one of these units that I read about in Jodi Piccoult's new book "Small Great Things."

"HEARTS OF CHRISTMAS"    2016    TV-G

It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it: this is CFO Matt Crawford's reasoning as he announces the forced retirement of a beloved nurse at Community Hospital. A young colleague, however, hopes the spirit of Christmas may spark a change of heart.

Cast: Emilie Ullerup, Kristoffer Polaha, Crystal Lowe

Movie #1262 ........................."Manchester by the Sea"

Movie #1262 "Manchester by the Sea" was a tough watch, but well worth the time.  You need to know this is a very tense, sad film that the trailer doesn't prepare you for near enough.  The film is yet another one on grief, but the way it attacks that, head on, is like no other.  Such raw, dramatic realism fills scene after scene, and that's thanks to a choice of filling the film with awkward, quiet characters, played by oscar- worthy actors, led by Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, and Lucas Hedges, the nephew.  There's so much said with a look, a shrug, a staring off at a piece of nature with  scenes where music dominates the background and we watch a funeral, but nothing is said.  (However, all together, the film suffers from annoying background music in scenes that it gets in the way) The film is quiet, with explosive moments, and the pacing is slow because you are right there with them every step (and I mean every step) along the way.  The film takes you through the paces of a journey in grief, and since this has the indie feel to the film, don't expect manipulative, sleek scenes --- don't expect a hollywood ending, don't expect an explosive confrontational high point --- don't go in with expectations, and just go along for the ride.  Not everyone will like it , but when done watching it, I think you will respect it for its realness, its poignancy, and how it deals with a very universal subject. I won't be surprised if it is on award lists this year (it already is nominated for Critics' Choice awards which will be given out tomorrow night, and it made the AFI list of best films of 2016).

"MANCHESTER BY THE SEA"  2016    rated R      I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

While working as a handyman in Boston, taciturn loner Lee Chandler gets word that his brother Joe has died of a coronary. After returning to the siblings' hometown, Lee receives another shock: He's been named legal guardian of Joe's 16-year-old son.

Cast: Casey Affleck, Michelle Williams, Kyle Chandler

Movie #1261 ........................."Like Sunday, Like Rain"

Movie #1261 "Like Sunday, Like Rain" --- good, indie film I watched last night, and NOT A HALLMARK one, for a change.  It deals with a very smart cello prodigy whose mom and dad are too busy to raise him, and due to a necessity, temporarily they hire a young girl who seems lost right now in her life --- lost job and just broke up with a long time boyfriend.  The kid and the girl click, and they both learn so much from each other --- enough to carry them onto the road to the rest of their lives.  It's slow, but I'm not complaining about that.  The boy is a bit too precocious, hard to believe some times, but it is a really competent cast with a story that  kept me involved, so I'd recommend this.  The only drawback was the ending --- we build to this big emotional point, but because of ineffective editing with music instruments, it fails.  But I got the gist of it, so it was okay --- but just okay.  Otherwise, good film.

"LIKE SUNDAY, LIKE RAIN"      2015      1 hr 44 min       R rated (for language)

When struggling musician Eleanor takes a position as nanny to 12-year-old cello prodigy Reggie, she's thrust into the role of parent, mentor and confidant -- giving rise to a friendship that has profound effects for them both.

Cast: Leighton Meester, Debra Messing, Billie Joe Armstrong

Movie #1260 ........................."Christmas Under Wraps"

Movie #1260 "Christmas Under Wraps" was a pleasant Hallmark film I viewed last night, and it was better than the other one, as evidence,  I actually watched most of this one.  What made this one a tad different is that it moved the location to Alaska (supposedly, but most of these hallmark films are filmed in Canada, so it was probably there).  I liked the relationship and how much time it took to establish it --- the whole time, I thought we could see a little deeper character in him, but no such luck.  But, other than that, Candace is a winsome, charming actress who pulls the audience in to her character quite well --- she was playing a very intelligent, giving doctor and she got that across quite well.  And her dilemma was playing honestly and by two capable actors playing her parents --- very believable conflict.  I'd give it 3.8 stars out of 5.  This is one of the better ones, in my opinion.

"CHRISTMAS UNDER WRAPS"   2014       1 hour and 28 minutes     TV - G

When a doctor doesn't get the position she wanted, she ends up moving to a remote Alaskan town. She unexpectedly ends up finding love, happiness and discovers that the small town is hiding a big holiday secret.

Director:

 Peter Sullivan

Writers:

 Jeffrey Schenck (story),  Peter Sullivan (story)  |4 more credits »

Stars:

 Candace Cameron Bure,  David O'Donnell,  Robert Pine 

Movie #1259 .........................."Secret Life of Pets"

Movie #1259 "Secret Life of Pets" was a movie I had great expectations for, due to its outstanding trailer this summer --- it was one of the best trailers I have ever seen.  Hmmm.  Movie isn't as good as the trailer, but it does have funny bits.  As a whole, it is one very long chase (but then so is Finding Dory), but there are chases and there are chases......that is, the chases here seem more old school type cartoony type of chasing.  So the story wasn't a charmer to me --- I found the secondary story with Kevin Hart took over halfway through, and I was bored through that --- too much screaming --- I get that he is jealous of all the pets that have owners, and that pets might think this way if left alone in the streets of NYC, but I found him annoying --- but that's me, I'm sure.  The rest is cute and imaginative --- the trip through the sausage factory is something I would never have thought of (perhaps it would be a ride in universal studios in the future?)  --- the film covers so many different ways dogs (& some cats!)  spend on their own waiting for their human friends to come home from.....wherever they go during the day! Being dogs, their characters are pretty shallow, but there are some cats to balance that out a bit ---- The music is what I really enjoyed in the film --- and there were so many french names in the credits (like the head of music)  that I looked into why, and found out that this is just one of many films now  sharing animation work with our friends in France --- I wondered what  "he who must  not be named" would think about that!!!! Would I recommend this for a kid?  Sure.  There's nothing disgusting about it --- if he/she likes cartoons, should like this.  Imaginative --- I just think working with the shallow characters there's not much to do but to have them chase around.  But that's an adult point of view.  I'd give it 3 stars out of 5.

'SECRET LIFE OF PETS"   2016    PG    1 hour 30 minutes

Living an easy life, happy terrier Max sees his world upended when his owner brings home Duke, a mongrel Max regards as a loser. But the two soon find themselves allied against a horde of abandoned pets looking to turn the tables on humans.

Cast: Louis C.K., Eric Stonestreet, Kevin Hart,

Movie #1258 ........................."Christmas Cookies"

Movie #1258 "Christmas Cookies"  was an about average film for Hallmark Christmas movies, with a little better than average couple to center on.  What makes it average is the story line:  how many of these films deal with a small corporation getting eaten up by a bigger one, in a cutesy, quaint village full of wholesome families who all have adorable kids, and there are the ubiquitous sled rides, snowy evenings, big dances, and confusion at the high point, with the wounded party leaving with no explanation, for about 10 minutes of film time only to have a confrontation wth the other party where they decide they went crazy for 10 minutes and they really belong together.  Yada yada yada.  Anyway, that's what happens here.  The ending isn't clear how they will fix the woes this Aunt Sally's cookie company had before the big corporation wanted to buy it.   A clearer ending to that storyline might have boosted its rating up with me a bit.  But like I said above, the two leads are cute and have some chemistry.  I would give it 3 stars out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS COOKIES"  2016     TV-G    

Disaster looms for a small town as Aunt Sally's Christmas Cookie Co. -- the community's lifeblood -- is about to be sold to a big conglomerate that wants to relocate the factory. For corporate agent Hannah, that turns out to be easier said than done.

Cast: Jill Wagner, Wes Brown, P. Lynn Johnson,

Movie #1257 ........................."Debbie Macomber's Dashing Through the Snow"

Movie #1257 "Debbie Macomber's Dashing Through the Snow" -- am I the only one in this world who never heard of Debbie Macomber?  What a dumb title, to me.  Why put the author IN the title?  "Stephen King's Rose Madder"? " Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol" --- sure makes long (and I think dumb) titles!  Anyway, the title is much ado about nothing --- Two characters who start out as strangers , who are  driving together (how original) on an uninteresting trip where the big deal is that the she character picks up a dog and never puts it down, and the he character could be replaced by a stick and we wouldn't notice it!  Someone must have noticed how boring the premise was, so they juxtaposed that story with some silly FBI agents following this dumb traveling duo so we think they are terrorists or something!    Dumb, dumb, dumb..... So title should be:  "Debbie Macomber's Dashing Through the Snow is a dumb movie!"  And leave it at that.  Waste of time, but then I was able to get some good ordering and reading on line while watching, so what the heck?  Hope this saves you time if you intend to actually sit down and study some of these hallmark films.  But it did have a happy ending, unlike the news every day lately.  P.S.  one thing I liked was the main character's name is Dash, named after Dash Hammett --- cool name!

"DEBBIE MACOMBER'S DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW"  2015   2 out of 5 stars

Stranded at an airport at Christmastime, Ashley Harrison accepts a ride from Dash Sutherland, who has just rented the last car in town. As the pair heads north, their adventures include car...See full summary »

Director:

 Kristoffer Tabori

Writer:

 Maria Nation

Stars:

 Meghan Ory,  Andrew W. Walker,  Enid-Raye Adams