Movie #1648 ........................."A Gingerbread Romance"

Movie #1648 "A Gingerbread Romance" --- okay, so in this one, they spent the whole time building this Giant Gingerbread house together --- the girl from "Sister, Sister" and the guy from "NCIS" that died at the end of the season last year..... now we know where he went after that!  Anyway, he is phoning in this performance ---- he hardly smiles and he's so low key and mumbling, that he doesn't make a good foil for her --- she's bouncy, energetic and cute.  The little girl is okay, too.  So we are happy the little girl gets a new mother, but not so sold on the guy in this one --- and it was boring after a while just on that big giant gingerbread house!  I kept thinking when the little girl ran in before the competition was judged  to put something on the gingerbread mantle, that the house would fall on top of her and what a scene that would be --- but it didn't happen, so I'm happy about that.  But otherwise, I wouldn't suggest you having to see this one.  But then, I don't like Gingerbread houses or cookies.  I give it 3.5, slow, she's cute, but not much here.



"A GINGERBREAD ROMANCE"      2018    2 hours

With Christmas just weeks away, the architecture firm Taylor works for enters her in a contest in which the teams will design and build life-sized gingerbread houses. After the contest, Taylor will likely be getting a promotion to a position in another city. The firm teams her up with Isabelle, a renowned French pastry chef with whom Taylor instantly locks horns. When Isabelle backs out, Taylor stumbles into a local bakery and meets Adam, a baker and single dad. In an act of desperation, Taylor convinces Adam to partner with her for the contest, arguing that winning would give the bakery and his designs much-needed exposure. For years Taylor has been resistant to call anywhere 'home' for fear it will only be temporary. But the time she spends with Adam and his daughter in their cozy home, decorating for the holidays and exploring the town at Christmas, fills her with a longing for a place to call home.

Director:

 Richard Gabai

Writers:

 Barbara Kymlicka (Written by), Gregg Rossen (Written by)  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Duane Henry, Jordana Lajoie 

Movie #1647........................."A Midnight Kiss"

Movie #1647 "A Midnight Kiss" ---- which you wait for, a midnight kiss, through the entire film.  That's kind of different.  The rest of it shows a lot of work that goes into putting together a high end soiree in about 6 days.  They convinced me they work hard at this, with a lot of minor skirmishes along the way.  In other movies, they keep saying they are working, but we don't see it, but here we do.  The girl is pretty and capable and strong ---- the guy thinks well on his feet and has good instincts ----they show good chemistry working together, but then we must assume it will follow them into their love lives..... I liked how capable and strong the girl was, never got upset through all of the problems that popped up (like the electricity going out, etc.).  There was also a little bit of a surprise in their careers at the end, which was a welcome to this watcher.  I would give this 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it.

"A MIDNIGHT KISS"    2018   2 hours

"With only one week to prepare, Mia Pearson (Adelaide Kane) and her family of party planners are given the biggest job in their company's history: a New Year's Eve party for tech entrepreneur Kate Clark (Pauline Egan). But when her brother breaks his leg and her parents head off on a planned vacation, Mia must reluctantly enlist the help of her brother's visiting college buddy, David Campos (Carlos PenaVega), to help her pull off the event which just so happens to fall on her favorite day of the year. But what Mia didn't plan on was falling in love in the process."

Director:

 J.B. Sugar

Stars:

 Adelaide Kane, Carlos PenaVega, Sarah Troyer

Movie #1646 ........................."A Christmas Prince"

Movie #1646 "A Christmas Prince" -- found this in Netflix (streaming), and I'm glad I did.  I thought it had a pretty phony opening, but I was intrigued with the young woman journalist who poses as a tutor for the young princess in the Kingdom of Aldovia;  the story didn't pull me in , but she did, and the prince who is hiding out (dodging the coronation), his little sister who is wheel-chair bound, and the beauty of the castle (filmed in Rumania, but it looked like the hotel we stayed in Banff last year).  The story  built like it normally would except for a surprise or two along the way, and then the high point came and it was pretty exciting, quite different from the normal fare of Hallmark movies (which this isn't), and it really worked.  And  it has a lovely romantic ending, to boot!  In addition, there's another one evidently to watch because it seems they get married in the next one --- same cast, same location, so I'll have to stream that, as well, because I enjoyed the cast in this one.  I give it a 4 out of 5.

"A CHRISTMAS PRINCE"    2017    1 hour and 32 mins.

When a reporter goes undercover as a tutor to get the inside scoop on a playboy prince, she gets tangled in some royal intrigue and ends up finding love - but will she be able to keep up her lie?

Director:

 Alex Zamm

Writers:

 Karen Schaler, Nate Atkins (as Nathan Atkins) 

Stars:

 Rose McIver, Ben Lamb, Alice Krige 

Movie #1645 ........................."Christmas Made to Order"

Movie #1645 "Christmas Made to Order" --- I liked this one --- yes, it has formula stuff like a  meet cute scene (she douses him with fake snow), interrupted kiss, decorating the trees, carols, making cookies, big corporation vs. small business, etc.  But it doesn't seem forced and there are some different activities.... like collecting toys for kids and making mull cider.*  The girl is so good in this, too.  He says 1/2 the amount of lines as she does, but he's passable.  He looks conceited and arrogant, but he isn't with her, so that persuades the viewer that they are made for each other , and I liked that, too.  Most of all, the theme deals with balance of work and family and to follow your dreams, or at least to modify along the way --- both those lessons are important and make the film, worthy to watch. 4 stars out of 5.
PS * and finally a tradition we have for xmas!   Seeing A christmas movie!!!!

"CHRISTMAS MADE TO ORDER"    2018      2 hours

"When architect and Christmas amateur Steven (Jonathan Bennett) finds himself hosting his family for Christmas, he recruits holiday coordinator Gretchen (Alexa PenaVega) to bring holiday joy to his home. Gretchen's expert Christmas spirit brings Steven's family together, but neither expected it to bring them closer to each other. After a great opportunity presents itself to Gretchen, she and Steven must decide what's really important in life".

Director:

 Sam Irvin

Writers:

 Matt Marx, Anna White

Stars:

 Alexa PenaVega, Jonathan Bennett, Jo Marie Payton 

Movie #1647 ........................."The Ballad of Buster Scruggs"

Movie #1647 "The Ballad of Buster Scruggs" --- ick!  Did not like this at all.  It was recommended to me, but it just isn't my kind of movie.  It is getting good reviews on rotten tomatoes, although audience gives it 20 percentage points lower than the critics.  So the critics see more than John Q. Public.  Perhaps they are bigger Coen brother fans?  Maybe, but I like 80% of their work --- but I did HATE "Barton Fink," and I found "Hail, Caesar" terribly unfunny.  and I HATE HATE HATE "no country for old men (don't get me started on that one!)   But most everything they do is usually worthy of seeing, to me ---- but I wouldn't waste time on this one, unless you really like westerns, which I do not.  They usually have way too much testosterone for me, and way too much violence, esp. in the hands of the Coen brothers.  This movie is divided into 6 segments, and out of the 6 , I only liked one of them and guess what?  it was the one a woman was in --- Zoe Kazan --- she emotionally drew me in to her segment, the rest was just a wash --- one scene blended into another with violence and bad singing and with stories that went nowhere to me.  Sorry, I give this a 2 out of 5.  Bring on "Fargo," "Miller's Crossing," "The Big Lebowski,"  " O Brother, Where Art Thou?" "Raising Arizona," "Blood Simple," "A Serious Man," "Bridge of Spies," (writers),  and "Inside Llewelyn Davis!"

'THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS"   2018

Ranging from absurd to profound, these Western vignettes from the Coen brothers follow the adventures of outlaws and settlers on the American frontier.

Starring:Liam Neeson, James Franco, Tim Blake Nelson

Genre:  comedy? western

this movie is:  offbeat, absurd, witty? (copying from netflix...) 

Movie #1646 ........................."Happy" - the documentary

Movie #1646 "Happy" the documentary --- excellent documentary on creativity, grief, positivity, and much more.  I had never heard of Leonard "Porkchop" Zimmerman and his Happy campaign, but for sure, I will look into it periodically in the future because it is an attitude I would like to adopt.  The movie and he are infectious ---- you want to smile through the whole movie, whether it is the visuals or the music or Leonard himself making faces and giggling and laughing, and considering this is a movie about a guy who goes through a terrible grief experience, that is saying something for his approach to life.  There are some answers in this film if you are willing to open your hearts to it.  It can be streamed on vimeo --- here's the link:  https://happydocmovie.com/watch/
I give it 4 out of 5 stars.


'HAPPY"    2016    documentary    1 hour and 18 minutes

Based on the life of Visual Artist Leonard "Porkchop" Zimmerman and his HAPPY campaign, this is the story of one man's transformational journey through the storm, and his desire to share the sunshine he found on the other side of it.

Director:

 Michael Patrick McKinley

Writer:

 Michael Patrick McKinley

Stars:

 Leonard Zimmerman, Steven Uhles, Jon Waits 

Movie #1644 ........................."It's Christmas, Eve:"

Movie #1644 "It's Christmas, Eve" or should we call it the LeAnn Rimes' entry this year?  Yeeks!  I read one of those Hallmark bloggers who said this was one of the better ones (and another  high on the list,  "Jingle Around the Clock,"  that I turned off after 15 minutes because I couldn't stand it) so I'm thinking I won't check that blogger again.  Anyway, we all know the movie hinges on the abilities of the leads and their chemistry --- well, they are both so low-key, the film can put you to sleep.  And that's too bad because the conflict is what drove me to watch it --- interim supt. walks into a problem at xmas time where she is forced to axe the music department (which happens to be in the district she graduated high school from).  Of course, you can guess the guy she falls in love with is head of the music department.  The film is full of awkward, angst-driven looks and movements from Rimes  --- until the end when they just let her sing (which is supposed to be a high point, but it is difficult to understand the words she is singing -- bummer!)  The guy is really kind of funny in parts --- he reminded me of Castle, and you can tell he would be fun to have as a teacher in class, so it's too bad he is paired with her and the story is not one of the better ones in the Hallmark offerings.  But the secondary story with her mother and new hubby is kind of cute and kept me watching.  It's a 3 out of 5.  But wile I was looking at another blogger's notes, I came across this list on line and thought this was a good time to share it with other Hallmark watchers because I thought it was funny/true!  You can use it as an activity while watching your next Hallmark movie!  Another Merry Xmas from me!


"IT'S CHRISTMAS, EVE "    1 hour 24 mins (aren't they all?)  2018

Interim school superintendent Eve Morgan finds herself in a tough spot when she is assigned to shut down a school's failing music program and must come to terms with her musical past.

Director:

 Tibor Takács

Writers:

 Tracy Andreen (teleplay), Mark Amato (story) 

Stars:

 LeAnn Rimes, Tyler Hynes, Gwynyth Walsh 

Movie #1643 ........................."Christmas in Angel Falls"

Movie #1643 "Christmas in Angel Falls" --- I ordinarily stay far away from "angel" movies, but I started watching this the other day and the lead (Rachel Boston) was such a cutie and so cheerful, I guess I just latched on to it while I was working on the computer. The guy was cute, too, but that was it , oh, except for Beau Bridge who s stepped in once in a while as the head angel.  I kept watching to see what would happen if/when she falls in love with this winsome guy who is following her around and helping her out to put on a pageant (or whatever, there's always some big festival in these movies) --- and the end came, and (I'm sorry if I'm spoiling it here) she just gives up being an angel so she can live the rest of her life with this cute Hardware store man ---- and I wondered how bad heaven must be for her to end up in Angel Falls..... and what are the rules for being angels?  I thought angels were people who had died?  how can she just all of a sudden live again?  where does she get a social security card?  I guess I'm just too much of a realist to watch some of these films, and I should continue staying away from the angel ones...... until I get a rule book about them.  I give it a 3 out of 5.  Don't bother --- I told you the ending any way .  Sorry about that!  But now you don't have to watch it.  Merry Christmas!

Christmas in Angel Falls (2017)

TV-G | 1h 24min | Family, Romance | TV Movie 2 November 2017

Guardian angel Gabby is sent to Angel Falls to revive the town's forgotten Christmas spirit, and unexpectedly finds love in the process.

Director:

 Bradley Walsh

Writers:

 Melissa de la Cruz (teleplay) (as Melissa del la Cruz), David Golden (teleplay)  | 

Stars:

 Rachel Boston, Paul Greene, Beau Bridges

Movie #1642 ........................."Marvelous Mrs. Maisel " Season 2

Movie #1642 "Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"  Season 2 --- did not disappoint! In fact, there are shows in Season 2 that are even funnier than season 1 (esp. at the summer retreat)  It was never boring, full of some surprises (one HuGE one), and a whole lot more scenes with Midge and Susie (on the road, going from club to club, in the restaurant, etc.) I would say this season even moreso, shows the problems with being a female comic in a man's world.    In Addition, Joel has his own story line, along with Mom and Dad, and her brother shows up with his wife.  The kids are still just baggage, but as they get older, they are starting to be exposed to some of the conflicts.  Once again, it is beautifully photographed, costumed, etc.  We continue to love it!  and can't wait for Season 3.

Movie #1641 ........................."Finding Christmas"

Movie #1641 "Finding Christmas" is kind of the same storyline as the Hollywood movie "Holiday" with Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz, Jack Black and Jude Law.  The guys switch houses --- one is from NYC the other from out in the boonies in North Carolina.  Once that was set up, I was going to stop watching, but the women entered and were kind of interesting so I kept watching.  And Hallmark does this thing where they don't put any commercial in for the first 15 minutes or so, and I think that is a way they hook people into watching the whole movie.  (but oh my, there might be 3 commercials in the last 10 minutes!!!!)  It was kind of funny with this one because they even drew attention to the overused storyline by saying: "This was the best house swap ever" toward the end of the film! The guys were a bit stiff, but the one guy loosened up a bit when he sang (that ended up to be his strong suit), and the other guy handled the truth scenes okay at the end; the girls were very good, esp. the handy woman in NC with the autistic boy.  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.

"FINDING CHRISTMAS"    2013      2 hours

Sean, who runs a New York City advertising agency, and Owen, a small-town handyman and musician, swap residences for the holidays. Mia, who works for Sean, helps Owen get settled into his new apartment while Ryan, sent by Owen to fix a broken heater, helps Sean find the charm of living in a small town. Owen is a fish-out-of-water in the big city and tries to flirt with Halo, an aspiring model/actress/singer who lives in the apartment building. One night, after Mia has shown Owen around the town, Halo sees him entering the elevator while he's dressed in a wardrobe borrowed from Sean's closet. Thinking he's rich, Halo flirts back and sets up a date. Mia, however, warns him that she just thinks he has money because he's living in Sean's apartment and is wearing Sean's clothes. On the day of the big date, Owen realizes who he really is and what he really wants in life. Meanwhile, Sean is falling in love with the local veterinarian, who happens to be harboring a big secret - two, actually. He's surprised when his ex-fiancé' appears on his doorstep, ready to accept his marriage proposal and move back to New York with him. This complicates Sean's blossoming relationship with the small town girl, who has told him that her career as a veterinarian relies on her staying where she is, and to simply enjoy their love while it lasts. On Christmas Eve, Sean invites Owen to come back for a special dinner, where a surprise awaits all of them.

Director:

 Harvey Crossland

Writer:

 Lee Ventura

Stars:

 Tricia Helfer, J.T. Hodges, Mark Lutz 

Movie #1640 ........................."Vice"

Movie #1640 "Vice" -- there is so much good about this film, but there's some that isn't.  Lots of info of Dick Cheney's life starting with his school years, getting kicked out of Yale, and then his wife stepping in to straighten him out to find a focus --- which he does finally get in politics.  The info goes by very quickly, sometimes, too much so, but we hang on and get to another dot that  connects to another  story we heard in the news the past few decades.  The film makes it quite clear that this movie was not easy to make because he keeps everything "close to his vest" --- so the research dealt with archives, news articles, interviews, etc.  And there's a disclaimer that they tried to do the best they could, with what they had....the film even has a narrator that ties in later in the film to give it a documentary kind of feel, esp. at the beginning.  And what a beginning --- we had a problem with the picture not being set up right on the screen in the opening , so it took a little away from the explosive opening, but starting with 9/11 and going back to lead us up to it was very effective. I don't want to tell too much more of the plot --- that is stated quickly  below, and know that you are in for some ride with  Mr. McKay at the  reins (he did "The Big Short" with the same people -- Bale, Adams, Carrell, etc.) The film stands alone this year  in the various techniques it uses ---- very unique, and I enjoyed that and the humor infused in a lot of it (dark humor, of course --- look what subjects we are dealing with!)  I loved the use of metaphors (eg teacups, lures, fishing in general) to make it more of a think piece, anything to help us get the info in the quickest amount of time --- and as we follow along, you can't help thinking how timely this film is --- wow!  The acting is terrific ---finally, there's a better use of Bale's Batman whispery low voice here,  and Sam Rockwell's Bush is spot on, as is Carell's Rumsfeld. And Amy Adams is almost hidden as Mrs. Cheney --- she's that good!  Now to the not-so-good --- it's all over the place and hard to follow at times because of the speed, so it demands your attention (something I had to get used to --- I've been watching a lot of Hallmark films, lately!) ; the narrator was annoying at times, but I understood why he was used; the film  gave so much info, but I wanted to know even  more about what makes this guy tick --- ( eg. was his gay  daughter & his wife  the only thing he ever protected, and when he didn't, what changed that?) Overall, I think most of you  will  want to see this one because it is very entertaining...... and like I said above, it may  connect some dots for you (eg. for me, how Isis got started)  P.S.  make sure you stay through the credits --- there's a funny bit that breaks the 4th wall, in it and worth the wait, I think)  4 stars out of 5.  This may have a good chance being the best picture of the year, but it's nominated for several Golden Globes.  Too early for me, though --- haven't seen many of the ones out in December yet!


"THE VICE"   2018

Vice

 2018 R 

Focusing on his powerful two-term tenure as second in command to U.S. President George W. Bush, this biographical drama chronicles the long and controversial political career of Dick Cheney.

Cast 

Christian Bale, Amy Adams, Steve Carell, Sam Rockwell, Bill Pullman, Alison Pill, Lily Rabe, Tyler Perry, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Shea Whigham, Bill Camp, Kirk Bovill, Adam Bartley, Jillian Armenante, Stefania Owen

Director 

Adam McKay

Genres 

Drama, Biographies, Political Dramas

Movie #1637 ........................."Christmas in Tennessee"

Movie #1637 "A Christmas in Tennessee" --- I was doing stockings on christmas eve and while working on that project, I had this on in the background.. It was a bit farfetched with the daughter thinking that Santa and Mrs. Claus were buying cookies from her mom's bakery that has been in the family for years! Also a tad far fetched that the big bad corperation guy that wants to buy up the town and who is so "all business" in the opening can change so much in the course of the film. Of course, he meets up and falls in love with the lead baker, but still........This had competent leads, but story a bit weak. And the "Hard to believe" factor was tough to swallow as well. I'd give it a 3 out of 5 stars.

A Christmas in Tennessee (2018)
TV-PG | Comedy, Family | TV Movie 9 December 2018
A baker unites the people of her small mountain town to stop a real estate developer.
Director: Gary Yates
Writer: Cassie Doyle
Stars: Rachel Boston, Kate Moyer, Caroline Rhea

Movie #1639 ........................."Northern Lights of Christmas"

Movie #1639 “Northern Lights of Christmas”  —- this one is a bit different in that it takes place in Alaska, and the female is more than capable of doing a lot of stuff on her own.  She’s also so uP through the whole movie that she is fun to watch —- she is working through more than half the film with a very quiet, no nonsense, hesitant original worker on this ranch that she inherits.  So the conflicts are not mundane. The, of course, have to do the formulaic pageant together, and although she loved attending it as a kid, this is the first time either of them are running it.  I doubt this was filmed in Alaska, but it keeps showing that even though it is really cold in the state, it looks drop dead gorgeous —- so that’s a nice ad for Alaska.  I’d give it 3.5 out of 5. 

“NORTHERN LIGHTS OF CHRISTMAS”   2018

Zoey Hathaway (Williams) has been working towards her lifelong goal of being a pilot for years, but everything is thrown off-course when she unexpectedly inherits a reindeer farm, along with the dangerously handsome ranch hand Alec Wynn (Sevier). Now buried in taking care of reindeer and all the Christmas responsibilities, Zoey thinks life has delivered her a strange and cumbersome blow, and she isn't sure about Alec, who has his own ideas how best to run things. Alec, who has never had many people have faith in him, opens up when Zoey invests trust in him, and the two find themselves falling for each other. Could they both find happiness in the most unlikely of circumstances right before Christmas? 

Movie #1638 ............................"Christmas Contract"

Movie #1638 "Christmas Contract" was a movie I never really connected to --- it had nice scenery, and the leads were good but the story was so weak, I could never get past that.  I give it a 3 and a "you can skip this one" attitude.  Ending was dragged out, too.


"CHRISTMAS CONTRACT"    2018

A recently-single woman dreads the thought of going back to her home town in Louisiana for Christmas when she finds out her ex-boyfriend will be there with his new girlfriend.

Director:

 Monika Mitchell

Writer:

 Cassie Doyle

Stars:

 Hilarie Burton, Robert Buckley, Danneel Ackles 

Movie #1636 ........................."Merry Kissmas"

Movie #1636 "Merry Kissmas" was not on the Hallmark channel last night, but could have been.  It has a nice charming couple for the leads, the conflict deals with an over possessive, bossy boyfriend she has....a guy whom she has now fallen out of love with, and voila, in enters a caterer (her boyfriend has hired for their engagement party)!  The only twist to this story is instead of waiting for that first kiss (that is usually interrupted that first time), they meet by kissing in the elevator --- it's a meet-cute moment, but after that, the boyfriend is way too creepy and so we start to think the movie should end more quickly because it's obvious she should get the nicer guy --and since she keeps going back to him and forgiving him, we start to think she's not very smart.  I give it 3.5.  Silly me, I just kept watching it --- oh well, call me not so mart either.  hah!


"MERRY KISSMAS"   2015       one hour and 29 minutes

A woman engaged to marry a self-centered film and stage director/choreographer falls for a caterer whom she kisses, as does he for her.

Director:

 Michael Feifer

Writer:

 Joany Kane

Stars:

 Karissa Lee Staples, Brant Daugherty, David O'Donnell 

Movie #1635 ........................."Christmas Bells Are Ringing"

Movie #1635 "Christmas Bells Are Ringing" had a nice winning couple, but the plot was pretty shallow.  I watched it because I was interested in the main lead actress being a photographer --- she was dealing with some decisions that I've seen Dave have to make when entering a contest for her pictures to win.  Because she needed to find that special picture that reveals what Christmas is all about , the film set up that her x-boyfriend was giving her a tour of a town that she grew up in ?  I know, weird, but evidently there have been enough changes to warrant a tour?  Whatever. It was manufactured reason, to me, to throw them together and blend that with her photography gig.  3 out of 5 stars.  It was just okay.  Nothing you need to see really.

"CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING "  2018

• Samantha "Emilie Ullerup" is a free lance photographer. She is on her way to Cape Cod to celebrate her father's Christmas Eve wedding. She enlists the help of an old childhood friend Mike to meet a deadline for a big Christmas spread that could very well ignite her career. Along the way she falls in love and realizes that Christmas is wherever your family is.
  
  
  
  

  Director:

   Pat Williams

  Writer:

   Nicole Baxter (Writer) 

  Stars:

   Josh Kelly, Rebecca Staab, Cadence Compton |

Movie #1634 ........................."Christmas at Grand Valley"

Movie #1634 "Christmas at Grand Valley" was one I seeked out because it was a 2018 movie and it had Winnie Cooper from "Wonder Years" in it, and I usually like her.  The guy and her father are capable ---- but story is predictable having a big corporation wanting to buy out the inn that serves so many people in the Christmas season.  The conflict seemed manufactured because it dealt with back and forth decisions on leaving the area for the big city (without the other one --- oh, perish the thought!)  But I DID like that she knew from the beginning he was representing the corporation --- most of the times before that fact was hidden from one of the partners.  I'd give this a 3.5 out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS AT GRAND VALLEY"  2018

"Burned out from the hubbub of the Chicago gallery world, artist Kelly (Danica McKellar) returns home to the picturesque Grand Valley just in time for Christmas. Maybe her favorite town's shining season will reinvigorate her love of art and guide her down her next path. Leo (Brennan Elliott), businessman and all-star dad to his children, struggles to balance his time this holiday season. When he is assigned to review a hotel in Grand Valley for its value, he sees this as the perfect opportunity for a Christmas family vacation. It isn't long until Kelly and Leo's worlds collide. As Kelly re-experiences her favorite Grand Valley traditions with Leo and his children, she begins to find her way back to her passion for art."

Director:

 Don McCutcheon

Writers:

 Mark Amato, Karen Berger | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Danica McKellar, Brennan Elliott, Dan Lauria 

Note:  Dan Lauria, playing Winnie's dad here, was Kevin Arnold's dad in "Wonder Years."

Movie #1633 ........................."A December Bride"

Movie #1633 "A December Bride" This particular film fit the lead girl better than others (I usually complain about her speaking way too fast), and there were some scenes where she reminded me, just a little, of Sandra Bullock (because she looks a bit like her) --- she had to act less sure in this movie, and I think that is a better fit for her because she comes across oftentimes very cold and conceited --- when she is in a power part.  This one she is forced to pretend, and the guy is so genuine and so good who plays opposite her, he makes it believable.  She spends most of the time in the film decorating one room and she keeps adding to it --- I wondered how the walls remained standing with so much stuff hanging on them.....but anyway, I liked that the script was different here ---- even with the pretending premise, which I realize is used quite often --- there were enough turns and surprises along the way to true love, and I found this enjoyable .  4 out of 5 stars.

"A DECEMBER BRIDE"   2016

A holiday wedding brings no joy to the bride's cousin, who was literally left by the groom right at the altar. But she might find her true love there when she gains a fake fiancé in the process.

Director:

 David Winning

Writers:

 Denise Hunter (novel), Karen Berger

Stars:

 Jessica Lowndes, Daniel Lissing, Jay Hindle 

movie #1632 ........................."The Mule"

Movie #1632 "The Mule"  --- well, there's no doubt there should be a story here when an 80 year old starts to be a mule for the drug cartel, but to me the script doesn't give enough info --- instead of musical interludes on his several trips with drugs from Arizona to the east coast, I wanted more info on what goes on in his mind.  Why does he purposely miss his daughter's wedding?  and then why does he show up later to make a scene?  How does he feel about carrying all the drugs and the amount of drugs escalating on each trip?  There are more questions, but sufficeth it to say that his character could have revealed more about what was on his mind instead of just angst to the camera.  I liked the cast and they were all capable --- his daughter as HIS daughter in the film was a nice touch.  Dianne Wiest always makes her partner look good in a scene.  It's just the script isn't up to these actors' abilities.  And it's hard to feel sorry for Clint's character ---- esp. when we don't seem to have all the info.  Good idea for a script, good cast, BUT  somewhat weak script.  3.5 out of 5 stars.

"THE MULE"   2018 

In his 80s, Earl Stone is facing business foreclosure when he's offered a job that merely involves driving a truck. But what he doesn't know is that he'll be smuggling huge loads of cocaine for Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel.

Cast 

Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Peña, Dianne Wiest, Andy Garcia, Alison Eastwood, Taissa Farmiga, Ignacio Serricchio, Loren Dean, Victor Rasuk, Manny Montana

Director 

Clint Eastwood

Genres 

Drama, Dramas Based on Real Life, Crime Dramas

Moods 

Suspenseful, Exciting

Movie #1631 ........................."Christmas at the Palace"

Movie #1631 "Christmas at the Palace"   --- I like these palace Hallmark movies a lot, and this one was a fun watch.  Another bonus is that it was a little bit about ice skating, which is always fun to watch, too.  Too bad there wasn't more, but I'm thinking the actors cast in the film couldn't really skate well enough to show that much on the ice.  Anyway, I like that it took a long while for the two leads to fall in love, because they seemed so different (well, of course, they were from two different worlds); The couple  were both "easy on the eyes," and she never stopped smiling....the film also tried to add several secondary stories, like another skater falling in love with the King's chief of staff, and a little girl who is missing her mom and is in need of one when her father seems to be called the Christmas grinch in the kingdom.  Good, involved story, winning couple, very enjoyable .  I'd give it a 4.5.










"CHRISTMAS AT THE PALACE"    2018      1 hour and 25 minutes

• Katie, a former professional ice skater (Patterson), is hired by the king of San Senova, Alexander, to help his daughter in a Christmas ice skating performance. As Katie spends time in the castle and with the king, she and Alex begin to develop feelings for each other and ultimately fall in love. But will the tradition-loving people of San Senova allow their king to make a foreigner their queen?
  
  

  Writers:

   Joie Botkin (Writer), Rick Garman

  Stars:

   Merritt Patterson, Andrew Cooper, Brittany Bristow 

Movie #1630 ........................."Christmas Joy"

Movie #1630 "Christmas Joy" -- oh my, this movie is the other extreme from the previous one --- the lead woman gets a phone call and drops everything to help her aunt with some cookie bake -- and believe me, all she does the whole movie is look like she is baking cookies with a guy she used to have a crush on.  And all they do is talk about how busy they are.....hmm.  I give it a 2 --- don't bother.  You can do that in the confines of your own kitchen without their help!











"CRISTMAS JOY"    2018    1 hour 26 minutes

Joy Holbrook is a market researcher about to get a sweet promotion just in time for the holidays. But she receives an urgent phone call from home and rushes back to help her Aunt recover from surgery, reuniting with her former crush, Ben.

Director:

 Monika Mitchell

Writers:

 Jennifer Maisel (teleplay), Tracy Andreen (teleplay) 

Stars:

 Danielle Panabaker, Matt Long, Lucia Walters 

Movie #1629 ........................."Looks Like Christmas"

Movie #1629 "Looks like Christmas"  looks like it will be another favorite of mine because I really enjoyed.  The people were relatable, the script was good, things made sense in movement from one scene to the next.   And the theme of moderation has always been a favorite of mine --- i.e.  two single-minded people when faced with working together decide compromise is the best way to get things done --- perhaps we should have everyone in the House and Senate of our Congress sit down and watch Hallmark movies like this one, and then they could prevent a shutdown like the one we have now.  I really identified with the main character in the film who leads a lot of her groups, and who researches what's the best christmas tree, etc.  At one point, I totally identified with her when her son told her new boyfriend that she would think a gift card was the most lame gift to give because it shows very little thought!  (to me, so right!)  Anyway, I would give this a 4.5 and highly recommend it.

"LOOKS LIKE CHRISTMAS"     2016       1 hour and 26 minutes

Two single parents battle for control of the Christmas holiday at the middle school their children attend and learn a lesson about the meaning of Christmas.

Director:

 Terry Ingram

Writer:

 Mark Amato

Stars:

 Anne Heche, Dylan Neal, Sean Michael Kyer 

movie #1628 ........................."Christmas Wonderland"

Movie #1628 "Christmas Wonderland" was a bit strange from the start because the two leads are so reluctant to talk to each other --- it's so funny to watch them so uncomfortable they are with each other --- didn't see the chemistry -- would love to follow them into married life just to see how uncomfortable they are on a daily basis.  We follow a couple of stories and really the couple was my least favorite --- I like the teen boy who is trying to get a date, his little sister who has to sing a lead song in a play and can't remember the words,  their  parents who are having trouble getting back to them, the snotty lady boss of the lead girl --- we'd follow those stories and then when we went back to these two people who are shopping for  and decorating this ugly barn to make it into a beautiful christmas pageant, I would think:  "oh yeah, it's them again --- now what are they doing?"  He was supposed to be teaching, coaching , and she was supposed to be running her sister's household/dealing with the kids AND working on line for her fastidious, pushy boss, and they both have time for so many other things (like decorating ornaments, dancing goofily when the little girl is trying to remember the lines in her song, going to rehearsals, painting a big painting and a mural )  silly, silly, silly.  I give it 3 out of 5.  The secondary stories help it get a 3 for me.

"CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND"     2018

"Heidi (Osment), who initially left her small town of Pleasant Valley with the dream of one day becoming a successful painter, has put her own art on hold to excel as an art gallery curator. Now, a week before the gallery's big Christmas party, she must return home to watch her niece and nephew. She comes face to face with her high school love, Chris, now a teacher, who is in over his head after he must find a new last-minute location for the Christmas dance. Heidi offers to help him and together they discover a beautiful place for the dance, perfectly capturing the Christmas spirit, called Wonderland Farms. The more time Heidi spends in Pleasant Valley decorating for the Christmas SnowBall, the more she finds herself inspired to start painting again. With Christmas fast approaching, Heidi soon becomes torn between the life she built in the city and the life she is surprisingly charmed by back in Pleasant Valley, embracing her true passion."

Director:

 Sean Olson

Writers:

 Jay Cipriani, Anna White | 3 more credits »

Stars:

 Emily Osment, Ryan Rottman, Kelly Hu