Movie #1809 ........................."Our Christmas Love Song"

Movie #1809 "Our Christmas Love Song" I always try to see the Alicia Witt films so I tuned in to this one even though the topic didn't seem like I would like it --- but I liked it because once again, I liked the center couple.  They were former singing partners and separated when she went to Nashville and became a famous country singer and he stayed in town to work the restaurant in town.  The two cute love possibilities face a dilemma while she looks for proof she didn't plagiarize her newest hit.  Cute niece, nice sister, some funny dialogue --- ends on a kiss, of course, and not once but twice (the kiss --- it made me laugh -- trying for variety?) the film is fluff, but this one was more fun than others.  4 out of 5.

"OUR CHRISTMAS LOVE SONG" 2019

When country star Melody Jones is accused of plagiarizing her holiday single, she returns home to spend Christmas with her estranged family and old flame and learns what is important in life.

Director:

 Gary Yates

Writer:

 Julie Sherman Wolfe (teleplay) 

Stars:

 Alicia Witt, Brendan Hines, Andrea del Campo 

Movie #1808 ........................."Time for me to come home for Christmas"

Movie #1808 "Time for me to come home for Christmas" -- meet cute -- he's famous, she doesn't have a clue --- he has to come up with a winning song over the holidays --- they are both on way home and share a car to get there in the snow --- there were some touching moments along the way --- example with a little kid missing his dad in the service, there's a sick mom with cute kids that sing a song they wrote for her for christmas morning --- the secondary woman' story and his writing a song are two storylines that aren't half as interesting as the cute couple --- I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.  It was entertaining, and the guy was different from the others that usually pop in these hallmark christmas movies.

"TIME FOR ME TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS"  2018

• Cara faces a bittersweet Christmas since her mother's passing. Flying to Oklahoma, she meets country singer Heath, facing a tough holiday too since his father's death. He doesn't acknowledge his fame, so Cara feels duped when two attractive women rush him. As weather keeps thwarting their way, Cara and Heath share their losses, and as they head toward their separate Christmases, they grow close. But when Cara sees a tabloid linking Heath with a model, and he unwittingly offends her dad by offering financial help, it looks like it might take a Christmas miracle for this couple to find harmony. Starring Megan Park and Josh Henderson.
  
  
  
  

  Director:

   David Winning

  Writers:

   Shem Bitterman, Marcy Holland  | 2 more credits »

  Stars:

   Megan Park, Josh Henderson, Lindsay Maxwell 

Movie #1807 .........................." A Christmas Miracle"

Movie #1807 "A Christmas Miracle" --- girl is girl (she ran a t.v. show years ago as a little girl) but the guy is stiff --- they are working together on a magazine and have  a self-centered boss who steals the girl's idea, but then that one is overshadowed by the girl's new one....a story about a former jazz musician who plays in the streets -- she seeks his real story (he's played by Barry Bostwick) .  The film shows how cut throat a magazine has to be to fight to get readers ---- but integrity wins out --- The end was powerful --- it deals with a reunion between the musician and his daughter.  It was okay --- kept my interest.  3.5 out of 5.









"A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE 2019

When her boss steals her idea for their magazine's cover story, Emma searches for a Christmas miracle to write about with the help of her son and the handsome staff photographer.

Director:

 Tibor Takács

Writer:

 Mark Amato

Stars:

 Tamera Mowry-Housley, Kendall Cross, Gabriel Jacob-Cross

Movie #1806 .........................""A Gift to Cherish" (or Gift to Remember 2)

Movie #1805 "A Gift to Cherish: (or Gift to Remember 2) -- I enjoyed the first one  "Gift to Remember" where the girl ran into a guy in the street and he had amnesia and while she is helping him piece his life together, they fall in  love --- now it is the second christmas they are celebrating together and the film continues to have heart.  The two are quite congenial and what I really liked about this film is that they push the idea of making gifts for other people and it inspired me to approach christmas a bit differently.  The film was a bit too busy with extra stories, but all around it was a 4.5 out of 5 for me.

"A GIFT TO CHERISH"   2019 (A Gift to Remember 2)

As Darcy and Aiden prepare to celebrate their second Christmas together, an unexpected guest and a fight to save the beloved community center unites everyone for an unforgettable holiday.

Director:

 Kevin Fair

Writers:

 Melissa Hill (based on the book by), Peyton McDavitt  |1 more credit »

Stars:

 Ali Liebert, Peter Porte, Abby Ross 

Movie #1805 ........................."Christmas At Graceland....Home for the Holidays"

Movie #1805 "Christmas At Graceland...Home for the Holidays"  -- I was looking forward to this one because I recognized that the guy  was  from "Entourage" and "The Devil Wears Prada" but........he approached this movie in such awkward ways --- he looked uncomfortable in most of the scenes --- he would look at the girl (who was working her butt off to get her character across) as if he was listening to her, but then he'd talk so stiffly --- At first, I thought it was the way he was approaching the character, but even at the end when he is supposed to warm up to her, nada.  BUT I have never seen Graceland so that was okay ---- however, Priscilla Presley in the film was way too stiff, and I could do without all the elvis music in the background.  I liked the girl a lot --- I liked the decision making she went through, which was very believable --- kids were okay.  Their singing esp.  added a lot --- Priscilla's plastic face, did not.  I'd give it 3 out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS AT GRACELAND...HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS"    2019

Likely a sequel to 2018's "Christmas at Graceland," this movie has an all-new cast including Adrian Grenier, Kaitlin Doubleday, Priscilla Presley and Chase Bryant. 

synopsis --- girl home for the holidays, acquiesces to serve as a nanny for this guy who is in need of help the first christmas his wife isn't there..... the history.......she is trying to get a job in the big city, but decides to stay in town..... and be part of his family of three kids.

Director:

 Eric Close

Writer:

 Nicole Baxter (Written By) 

Stars:

 Kaitlin Doubleday, Adrian Grenier, Sunny Mabrey

Movie #1804 .........."Holiday Hearts"

Movie #1804 "Holiday Hearts" --- not much plot here --- they guy and girl used to be in love but he left to become a doctor and now has come back.  She is trying to prove to her folks that she can run the annual christmas party in the town --- their mutual  friend breaks his leg and needs an operation and while he's in the hospital the doctor and the girl get roped into playing parents to the best friend's little girl --- who is a bit bossy.  The couple are likable, but the conflict is over jobs (again )----- the secondary people aren't fleshed out enough, but overall the film was okay --- I like the lead girl here in most everything she does.  She makes some interesting choices when she gets into character.

"HOLIDAY HEARTS"    2019

While planning an annual Christmas party, Peyton is forced together with Ben to care for a friend's daughter. While finding their Christmas spirit, will there be some romance along the way.

Director:

 Allan Harmon

Writers:

 Susan Brightbill, Barbara Ankrum (book) 

Stars:

 Ashley Williams, Paul Campbell, Payton Lepinski

Movie #1803 ........................."Holidays for Heroes"

More Hallmark Christmas Movies --

Movie #1803 "HoliDAYS for Heroes"  - I didn't like this movie all that much until the end because I didn't believe the bill --- the main couple weren't together that much to get to the ending successfully to me.  I know the first part was all letters, but once he came to town, they still weren't together because of the secondary story --- the project she was working on.  He'd go somewhere and find out she just left --- that happened a couple of times.  BUT the ending was powerful -- vets deserve a movie's end like this one and it was heartwarming to watch it.  I'd give the film 3.5 out of 5.

"HOLIDAYS FOR HEROES"      2019

The plot revolves around a woman (Egan) and a soldier (Blucas) who exchange letters for a year before their worlds collide.

Director:

 Clare Niederpruem

Writers:

 Todd Messegee (teleplay by), Lisa Nanni-Messegee(teleplay by)  | 3 more credits »

Stars:

 Melissa Claire Egan, Marc Blucas, Latarsha Rose

Movie #1802 ........................." A GodWink Christmas"

movie #1802 "Godwink Christmas" -- I noticed there was a new Godwink Christmas this year, so I thought I better see the first one so when this came on t.v. this week I taped it and watched it.  It was okay.  I like the idea of a "Godwink" (when something happens for the good, it's like god winking at you) but I don't like too much religion in these hallmark movies --- But this was an okay amount.  Kathy Lee seems a bit much as the costar here, but the two leads were congenial enough.  The pacing is a bit slow, but the guy won me over --- he took some chances as an actor, and he seemed to be naturally funny and ordinary.  She was a bit stiff, but he helped to make her look more human.  I liked the antique sub story (what makes a good antique, what sells, etc.)  I'd give this a 3.5 out of 4.  

" A GODWINK CHRISTMAS"    2018

• As Christmas approaches, Paula (Sustad), a St. Louis antique appraiser, reluctantly accepts a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Daniel (Giles Panton, Chesapeake Shores), a career-focused attorney. When her Aunt Jane (Gifford) senses she has mixed emotions over the engagement, she invites Paula to her Nantucket home. Upon her arrival, Paula plans a trip to the nearby island of Martha's Vineyard where she meets Gery (Campbell), a charming inn owner. When bad weather prevents her from departing, Paula winds up staying at Gery's inn and enjoying local holiday festivities alongside him. They begin to have feelings for each other but when the weather clears up, they part ways and Paula returns to Nantucket. Sensing she's fallen for Gery, Aunt Jane shares with Paula her belief that their meeting was God's way of "winking" at her to help determine which direction her life should take. When Daniel surprises her by spontaneously arriving in Nantucket, Paula decides to move forward with their marriage plans. But back in St. Louis, Daniel soon returns to his all-business ways and a fed-up Paula finally realizes they're not compatible. When Jane invites her back to Nantucket for Christmas, Paula accepts, unaware that Jane has devised a plan to bring her and Gery together. From author, SQuire Rushnell of the God Winks book series.
  
  

  Director:

   Michael Robison

  Writers:

   John Tinker, David Golden  | 2 more credits »

  Stars:

   Kimberley Sustad, Paul Campbell, Kathie Lee Gifford 
  _____________________________________________________________________
  
  
  
  
  
  

  Director:

   Michael Robison

  Writers:

   John Tinker, David Golden  | 2 more credits »

  Stars:

   Kimberley Sustad, Paul Campbell, Kathie Lee Gifford 

Movie #1801 ........................."Write Before Christmas"

Movie #1801 "Write Before Christmas" is a 2019 Hallmark xmas movie and I enjoyed it because it's about the power of writing snail mail to people.  The lead here (a cellist) writes to people who have meant a lot to her during her life and through the notes, they change the receivers' lives.  You'd think with all the stories that are covered in this film that they would bite off more than the film could chew, but that isn't true.  The result was 3 different stories of love done well.  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 stars.

"WRITE BEFORE CHRISTMAS"

The film's Love Actually-esque premise revolves around the recently single Jessica (DeVitto), who sends Christmas cards to five people who have influenced her life: the aunt (Davidovich) who raised her, her younger brother in the military, a pop star Jax (Seeley) who provided the soundtrack to her life, the music teacher who inspired her, and her best friend, who always tells her the truth. As each person receives Jessica's card, they are sparked to act in their own lives to make them better.

Director:

 Pat Williams

Writers:

 Neal H. Dobrofsky (as Neal Dobrofsky), Tippi Dobrofsky

Stars:

 Torrey DeVitto, Chad Michael Murray, Lolita Davidovich

 

MOVIE #1800 ........................."Rocky Mountain Christmas"

Movie #1800 "Rocky Mountain Christmas"  -- this hallmark xmas movie is 3.5 out of 5 --- the guy is very good --- I always enjoy his acting in these movies, but the girl didn't seem to match him --- I just couldn't see the two of them together  --- and in the movie they seem to run out of time --- he's this big actor and she has a job but comes back to her uncle's ranch because he's trying to sell it, and you can guess she is considering to stay.  By the end of the film, I was wondering okay, they are together (don't be surprised!) but what about both of their jobs?  esp. his acting career?  He's giving it up?  Really?

"ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS"   2017        1 hour and 30 mins

• Sarah Davis heads to her uncle's struggling ranch to escape New York and the spotlight from a recent breakup. Returning home for the first time since her aunt passed, complications arise when Graham, an entitled Hollywood star, arrives at the ranch to prepare for his next film. As Sarah and Graham start to bond, Sarah may get more for Christmas than she bargained for.
  
  

  Director:

   Tibor Takács

  Writers:

   Elena Zaretsky (teleplay), Gregg Rossen (teleplay)  |2 more credits »

  Stars:

   Kristoffer Polaha, Lindy Booth, Treat Williams 

Movie #1799 ........................."Christmas Under the Stars"

Movie #1799 "Christmas Under the Stars" this is a 2019 Hallmark christmas movie -- and it never really pulled me in --- it was kind of a strange story --- guy in high- powered job gets fired and while walking down the street helps an elderly man out in a christmas tree lot and decides to work for him for a while.  Meanwhile, the older man kind of looks after this woman (with a very bad wig and I couldn't stop looking at how stiff it was through the whole movie) with a son who both were raised on a christmas tree lot (is that  thing?)  the story just seemed far fetched , and the two actors seemed to have limitations so they weren't able to make the story pop more.  However, the elderly black man who owns the christmas tree lot is the best part of the movie and he kept me watching -- I'd give this 3.5 out of 5.


"CHRISTMAS UNDER THE STARS"    2019

A Christmas tree lot helps two people rediscover their holiday spirit.

Director:

 Allan Harmon

Writers:

 Jamie Pachino (teleplay), Rikk Dunlap (novel) 

Stars:

 Jesse Metcalfe, Autumn Reeser, Clarke Peters

Movie #1798 ........................."Best Christmas Party Ever"

Movie #1798 "Best Christmas Party Ever" is a hallmark xmas movie I really enjoyed --- at first, I wasn't sure because he seemed a hot head, narcissistic in nature, and she seemed namby pamby kind of person, but they grew on me, esp. him.  He was able to show several layers of his personality through his acting and the script.  He was a charmer, but very real around her, so I liked that.  The party thing kind of got tiresome , but this film made me think about people who fall in love working together --- many people say they could never work with their husband or wife,  but in my personal life I have found it quite rewarding so this topic piques my interest.  It can be successful , as shown in this film.  And the film had lots of heart.  I would give it 4 out of 5.


"BEST CHRISTMAS PARTY EVER"     2014     1 hour and 24 mins

Jennie Stanton (Torrey DeVitto) throws the best Christmas parties every year for her company, Petra's Parties. Things are a little different this year, as Petra is retiring and looks to the next generation to take over. Jennie thinks she has her new job in the bag, until Petra's charismatic nephew, Nick (Steve Lund), shows up as "seasonal help" and his natural talent and confidence clashes with Jennie's stern work ethic and traditional values. The pair battle it out for the top job with unmistakable chemistry and symmetry, but when the new owners of the legendary Tyrell's Toys put the bottom line before Christmas spirit, threatening to pull the plug on Tyrell's Toys' annual Christmas party for the community, Jennie and Nick are forced to work together to throw the greatest Christmas party ever.

Jennie Stanton (Torrey DeVitto) throws the best Christmas parties every year for her company, Petra's Parties. Things are a little different this year, as Petra is retiring and looks to the...See full summary »

Director:

 John Bradshaw

Writers:

 Lewis Chesler (story), Fariba Cain (story)  | 2 more credits »

Stars:

 Torrey DeVitto, Steve Lund, Linda Thorson  |

Movie #1797 ........................."Picture a Perfect Christmas"

Movie #1797 "Picture a Perfect Christmas" -- Hallmark xmas movie 2019 --this was just a meh kind of movie --- the kid was loud and annoying and got in way, I thought, of the love story --- yes, he is the reason they meet and get together because she ends up babysitting him most of the week, but he gets tiresome.  And so do the set ups that have her watching the kid instead of him, but then he eventually goes along once in a while.  By the end of the movie I still wondered if she fell in love with the dad or being with the kid, and the dad just comes with the package?  When did the Dad and her build that relationship where they wanted to get together by the end of the movie.  And the biggest wish I had watching this film is I wishes there was more photography.  I wasn't even convinced she knew how to hold a camera --- yet, she makes a living on photography.  Oh well.

"PICTURE A PERFECT CHRISTMAS"    1 hour and 30 mins       2019

A photographer returns home to take care of her grandmother and gets involved with helping a neighbor look after his young nephew.

Director:

 Paul Ziller

Writer:

 Tracy Andreen

Stars:

 Merritt Patterson, Jon Cor, Luke Roessler 

Movie #1796 ........................."Holiday in the Wild"

Movie #1796 "Holiday in the Wild"  --- netflix  streaming --- a little step above Hallmark, but I don't think you can probably tell --- the only big difference is that the third character in this film is Africa and esp. an elephant they nurse to good health.  The film has a typical Hallmark plot, which is fine, except Africa brings in the main conflict (will she stay there with a  college age son back in the states?) and can she survive in the "wild"?  There's not much more to the story but Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe elevate the script , and with their winning personalities they are able to pull it off.  I liked it, but mot very deep --- just a nice breezy love story with drop dead gorgeous scenery, and if you love animals........ you'll love it.  I give int 3.5 out of 5.

"HOLIDAY IN THE WILD"   PG     1 hour and 25 mins

Jilted by her husband on the eve of embarking on an African safari, a woman travels to the continent alone where she meets an elephant conservationist.

Director:

 Ernie Barbarash

Writers:

 Neal H. Dobrofsky (as Neil Dobrofsky), Tippi Dobrofsky

Stars:

 Rob Lowe, Kristin Davis, Fezile Mpela  |

Movie #1795........................."Christmas Reservations"

Movie #1795 "Christmas Reservations" was actually a funny Christmas movie --- not an effort to be funny, but actually really amusing.  The characters are funny, the dialogue is quick and humorous, and the situations are cute.  Of course, in comparison to Hallmark movies, the cast all the way through is competent and upper tier, and the scenes vary a tad from the gratuitous cookie bake, turning on of the  tree lights, snowball throwing, etc.  But it still is very familiar to those of us who see many of these Christmas movies at this time of the year.  Yes, it happens in a ski lodge, but a lodge that offers a trivia game, parties with Indian Dancing, a boy who runs to help a young girl and her mother with their luggage, but then when the mother gives him a tip, everyone is  surprised because he didn't work at the lodge --- he was just helping.  There's a lot of variety  --- and I found the basic premise very universal --- it's a what if?  what if when you were younger, "the one" got away --- what happens when you have the change to meet up with that person again?  This film investigates that and in a humorous way with variety, and I recommend it.  4.5 out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS RESERVATIONS"   1 hour and 26 mins     PG

It's Christmas at the Treeline Ski Resort, where Holly is the event coordinator at her family lodge. She plans every event and keeps all the guests happy. But when her college sweetheart, now widowed with two children, checks in, Holly discovers she has her own reservations about life and love.

Director:

 Deanne Foley

Writers:

 Juliet Giglio, Keith Giglio

Stars: Melissa Joan Hart, Markie Post, Michael Gross, 

 Angel Alvarado, Ricardo Chavira (Carlos in Desperate Housevies), Moonie Fishburn

Movie #1794 ........................."Harriet"

Movie #1794 "Harriet"  --- there's no doubt, the subject of this film Harriet Tubman deserves a film that sets her story straight in American history --- esp. when she was so close to being on a piece of money to show  respect of all that she did to free so many slaves.  (I hope once this administration leaves that the government  carries on that objective). There was a lot I liked about the film, but up at the top was the female lead  who embodied the character Harriet Tubman (originally "Minty"was her name) .  The host of secondary actors as her family members and the white owners, etc. were very supportive, but she shines above them all.  I loved the use of her voice singing spirituals to communicate to the other slaves --- that was so appropriate,  and it  provided   such a mood invoking moment whenever it was used.   But then on the other hand, the "Miracle" moments when she goes under some kind of precognition spells were a bit melodramatic and never pulled me in,  It came across, in fact, a bit hoaky --- and that and some of the other moments (I think they dealt with the dialogue) made the movie a bit overdramatic to me.  One more complaint was that I felt a lot of the movie was just running and praying --- I had read Colson's "Underground Railroad" and some articles on the subject, and I thought the whole underground railroad process was full of creative hiding places and intricate maneuvers to get these slaves to freedom, so I expected to see that in action --- but in the movie those scenes just seemed full of  running over the same terrain and we didn't get to know the people that much who were running so the film  wasn't as effective as it could have been in portraying the actual process of the underground railroad,. The Thrust of this film was more to show a lot of time passing in a short amount of time.    However, the film is well worth a viewing ---it is, after all, such an important story to be told!  I give the film a 4 out of 5 and recommend.   (there are some violent moments, but it shouldn't prevent anyone from seeing it)

"HARRIET"   2 hours and 5 minutes    PG-13

The extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman's escape from slavery and transformation into one of America's greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity freed hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history.

Director:

 Kasi Lemmons

Writers:

 Gregory Allen Howard (screenplay by), Kasi Lemmons (screenplay by)  

Stars:

 Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr., Joe Alwyn

Movie #1793 ........................."Ford v Ferrari"

Movie #1793 "Ford v Ferrari" --- not usually my kind of movie (race cars going around and around and around), but I did find this film mostly very intriguing. I, of course, preferred the conversational scenes between Damon and Bale and that relationship. The wife was good, too, and the right hand man added quite a bit of drama, considering he was a very quiet man. What I didn't appreciate is the extensive racing around in circles --- I don't understand the strategy, and I am oftentimes overwhelmed by the action scenes and can't follow for any length of time --- but the acting is top notch and the story is very good --- just too much racing and a bit too long. I give it a 4 out of 5 and recommend it to any people who want to see a piece of history within the racing world.

P.S. Noah Jupe does an amazing acting job here! He plays the son and he enriches the film so much, at least to me! He's gonna be a big star some day (he was the best friend in "Wonder," too), I think!

"FORD V FERRARI" PG-13 2 hours and 32 mins

American car designer Carroll Shelby and driver Ken Miles battle corporate interference, the laws of physics and their own personal demons to build a revolutionary race car for Ford and challenge Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966.

Director:

James Mangold

Writers:

Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth

Stars:

Matt Damon, Christian Bale, Jon Bernthal , Noah Jupe

Movie #1792 ........................."Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas"

Movie #1792 "Blue Ridge Mountain Christmas" -- I have been a fan of Rachael Leigh Cook ever since the Freddie Prinze movie "She's All That" and the t.v. show "Perception" so this was one film I was looking froward to seeing and I found it very enjoyable --- the scenery itself of the fictional(?) Eagle Ridge Resort was drop dead gorgeous ---her reason to return is quite believable because she can't forget the great times  growing  up at a place like this  -- he is a lawyer on his way up the ladder who feels empty  since his wife/partner died a couple of years ago,  & he is left raising their daughter all alone and running the inn alone that was her dream.  Once he gets a better legal job, he's ready to sell the place with the excuse to get rid of the past and move on --- he and the viewer learn that you can't run away from the past, but you can wrap your memories around yourself at times and they will comfort you and make you ready to accept new adventures. What a wonderful way to deal with grief --- i found it very inspirational and entertaining and heartwarming, and I'd give it a 4.5.



"BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAIN CHRISTMAS"   2019

Hotel manager Willow returns to her stunning Virginia hometown to help her sister plan a Christmas wedding at the inn her family once owned. She must work with current owner and single dad David, who wants to let go of the past.

Director:

 David Winning

Writers:

 Rick Garman (Writer), Hope Ramsay (novel) 

Stars:

 Rachael Leigh Cook, Benjamin Ayres, Christie Burke 

Movie #1791 ........................."Fir Crazy"

Movie #1791 "Fir Crazy"  (or "Oh Christmas Tree")  this film had a pacing problem to me --- it seemed to start and stop a lot --- as a result the story didn't get a smooth straight telling ---what I mean is that the guy approaches the girl, they have a nice moment and then that moment fizzles out --- next day, the same occurs..... it centers on this high powered NY woman coming home to sell christmas trees on a lot usually run by her family --- it has a Mr. Potter character it relies on, who isn't very interesting, although his revelation scene  towards the end was tender and nice. The guy in the lover twosome  seems to have a huge amount of patience with this woman and I found that hard to believe. The leads are "cute" but hard to believe.  There actually is a more interesting couple that is in the film for about 2 minutes (they become friends of the lead)  -- too bad film didn't follow them!  I would give this a 3 out of 5.

"FIR CRAZY"  1 hour and 27 mins   2013    (another title:  "Oh Christmas Tree")

Elise MacReynolds is no fan of Christmas. Growing up on a tree farm meant every holiday was spent selling Christmas trees on a cold street corner. But when she loses her job and her dad breaks his leg, Elise agrees to run the family tree stand for one last season. Unfortunately for Elise, the family business that has always hosted the MacReynolds' Farms tree lot has been acquired by home decor conglomerate Brook Glen Elise gets off on the wrong foot with surly Brook Glen CEO Gary Dixon when she almost knocks him down while unloading a big tree. Gary thinks the trees are horrible for business and sets in motion a plan to get rid of the lot, for good. Despite her battles with Gary, Elise finds herself catching the holiday spirit as she helps the denizens of NYC find their one perfect tree: Everyone from a baby-on-the-way couple, to a professional basketball team, to a young boy picking out his first tree. Christmas also proves to be the season for romance when charming repeat customer Darren admits he's been buying trees simply in the hopes of talking to Elise. But when Gary convinces the NYFD to impound the trees and shut down the lot, Elise must find a way to crack his scrooge exterior and make up for lost time. Can Elise pull off a Christmas Eve miracle in time to save the family business? With help from her new beau, family, friends and customers, and a little holiday magic, she just may have a shot.

Director:

 Craig Pryce

Writers:

 Elizabeth Hackett, Hilary Galanoy

Stars:

 Sarah Lancaster, Eric Johnson, Colin Mochrie 

Movie #1790 ........................."Lucky Christmas"

Movie #1790 "Lucky Christmas"  -- I really liked this one --- it stands out above others because of the story and the strong acting and the cute, but believable, kid.  It deals with a winning lottery ticket that somehow ends up in the hands of the brother of the one who stole the car with the ticket in the glove compartment --- but brother doesn't tell the woman, even when he is falling in love with her --- that's the way the story has to go since it would have to depend on some kind of deception, and then someone is forgiven and love is declared.  But i liked the amount of action in the film in this one --- hockey scenes --- not your typical Hallmark movie and is exciting in parts.  4.5.


"LUCKY CHRISTMAS"  1hour 27 minutes     2011

A terminally unlucky single mother wonders if she will ever be lucky as Christmas approaches.

Director:

 Gary Yates

Writers:

 Sheri Davenport (teleplay by), Sheri Davenport (story by)  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Elizabeth Berkley, Jason Gray-Stanford, Mitchell Kummen

Movie #1789 ........................."Nostalgia Christmas"

Movie #1789 "Nostalgic Christmas" -- this one follows a formula, but you can't ignore the heart in this.  The film doesn't rely on a Mr. Potter ---- these people prove it takes a village and it supports old values (il.e. cutting figures out of wood, antique toys, etc.) --- a special thumbs up to the lead guy who manages to be quiet but very effective.  After seeing a few 2019 hallmark movies, I have a question --- Is there a new rule that the lovers shouldn't kiss until the very last minute of the film?  The kiss of previous Hallmark films usually occurred about 50 minutes in, followed by a big fight and then another kiss when they finally make up at the end.  But as everything else, the Hallmark rules seem to be changing a bit... it makes the build in the relationship a bit more believable, but films seem to drag a bit more.  But we'll see --- I will have to see more to make a decision on that one!  I'd give this a 4 and recommend it.

"NOSTALGIA CHRISTMAS"    2019

Anne seems to have it all as a driven toy buyer in New York City, but her father's retirement signaling the closing of the town's beloved toy store brings the city girl back to her small-town roots.

Director:

 J.B. Sugar

Stars:

 Brooke D'Orsay, Trevor Donovan, Jenna Weir 

Movie #1788 ........................."Hats Off to Christmas"

Movie #1788 "Hats Off to Christmas" - this blog will be short -- the two lovers were dull, the story was lame, and the disabled kid stole the movie!  But he isn't in it as much as the lovers, so I'd give this a 3, but just barely.  You don't need to see this one.

"HATS OFF TO CHRISTMAS"  2013    1 hour and 25 minutes
Mia (Duff), the loyal and hard-working manager of her small town's Christmas hat shop, is blindsided when her boss of over ten years asks her to train his son, Nick (Cupo), for a vacant upper-management position that Mia had been coveting. Although Nick is a handsome, successful New York City business consultant, Mia finds training him frustrating until Nick takes an interest in Mia's son Scotty (Sean Michael Kyer, "Girl in Progress," "The Color of Rain"), helping Scotty with a pumpkin carving contest. However, Mia's faith in Nick quickly diminishes when Nick fails to show up at the contest. To protect her son from further disappointment, Mia tries to keep Nick out of her and Scotty's fragile life, and Nick must decide if staying in the small town of Wilsonville is worth giving up the big-city perks he once had in New York. As Mia struggles to find a way to convince Scotty to return to physical therapy so he can walk again, she soon realizes that Nick may be the Christmas miracle she has been waiting for.

Director:

 Terry Ingram

Writers:

 Deanna Talcott (story), Deborah Majinska (story) 

Stars:

 Haylie Duff, Antonio Cupo, Jay Brazeau