Movie #1847 ........................."Christmas on my mind"

Movie #1847 "Christmas on my mind" --- this one, one of the last I watched this year, I really liked so I guess they were saving the best for the last --- at least 3/4 of this was a terrific idea and had some great moments, but then the conflict and resolution were not as good.... I expected some great reveal as to why the two lovers broke up --- so catastrophic to throw her into amnesia, but it was kind of a let down. The acting was pretty good, except the girl mumbled a bit at times.  Overall, though, quite enjoyable --- 4 out of 5 and I'd recommend it.

"CHRISTMAS ON MY MIND"   2019

When Lucy wakes up with a wedding dress in hand, she believes that she is late to her wedding with her ex-boyfriend Zac. However, she has no recollection of the past 2 years, including the fact that she is engaged to another man.

Director:

 Maclain Nelson

Writers:

 Kirsten Hansen, Denise Hunter (based on the novel by) 

Stars:

 Ashley Greene, Andrew W. Walker, Jackée Harry

Movie #1846 ........................."Snowmance"

Movie #1856 "Snowmance" a snowman comes to life and woos a girl who has been making the same wish year after year on him (with her best friend --- guess who she gets by the end of the film?)   --- it was a dumb idea for a film, in my opinion, so the bar was set  low already --- and it was pretty much what I expected --- pretty lame.  The girl could have brought the film more to life if she had more ups and downs in the film, but she delivers lines pretty much the same.  And the humor was kind of goofy --- silly jokes and situations.  I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5 and not a must see at all!

"SNOWMANCE" 2017

Each year Sarah builds her "Snow Beau" snowman with her best friend Nick. After another breakup, she begins to wonder if she'll ever find true love of her own. A little Christmas magic brings her Snow Beau to life.

Director:

 Douglas Mitchell

Writer:

 Blaine Chiappetta (screenplay) 

Stars:

 Ashley Newbrough, Jesse Hutch, Adam Hurtig 

Movie #1845 "Dolemite Is My Name"

Movie #1845 "Dolemite Is My Name" can be streamed on netflix and it has some oscar buzz, so we got a chance to watch it a few days ago and found it a lot of fun.  Eddie Murphy is really good with this persona of Dolemite.  This is a really interesting film for a number of reasons.  First, it is an interesting subject --- a comic who is trying to sell his work that no one seems to buy until he dons this loudmouth character who is crude and lewd and terribly uninhibited and quite enjoyable to people who watch him.  Once he makes a name for himself doing that, he wants to continue to push the envelope and develop a blackspoitation film and it's really funny in the way he does that.  His entourage of friends is a stitch, and if you look at this as part of history in film, like I did, it was a lot of fun and quite insightful.  This is a true story and it made me want to see the original film they show he is making in this film.  But disclaimer:  there's nakedness, bad language, disrespect for women throughout the film, just so you know.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5.

"DOLEMITE IS MY NAME"  1 hour and 57 mins.  2019

Eddie Murphy portrays real-life legend Rudy Ray Moore, a comedy and rap pioneer who proved naysayers wrong when his hilarious, obscene, kung-fu fighting alter ego, Dolemite, became a 1970s Blaxploitation phenomenon.

Director:

 Craig Brewer

Writers:

 Scott Alexander, Larry Karaszewski

Stars:

 Eddie Murphy, Keegan-Michael Key, Mike Epps

Movie #1844 ........................."Little Women" (2019)

Movie #1844 "Little Women" (2019)  there are 7  recognized  film versions of this classic novel   (see below for a ranking by Entertainment) , and I think this is the most well thought out one and therefore the best one of the ones I have seen (all but three -- the disqualified one, #5 and #3 below) There's  so much  that is wonderful here --- the acting, the sisters' relationship, the warmth and generosity and empathy of Marmee, the opposite of those qualities shown in  the aunt (played here beautifully by Meryl Streep) and the exuberant rendition of Laurie --- lovely Laurie --- who loves all the March sisters, esp. Jo and eventually Amy.  The photography is sumptuous, the costumes are drop dead gorgeous, the story isn't told in a straight time line to keep us guessing what will happen next, even if we know this glorious book from beginning to end.....My heart sank when Jo turned Laurie down when I watched the scene here, just like it did when I read it as a little girl--- And then it sank even lower when the film reveals whom Laurie ends up with (again I was reminded of the devastation on the young reader I was when I first read this book).  I really loved this rendition, but with one complaint --- Professor Bhaer.  I didn't like the casting and I didn't like how little he was in this film.  The Winona Ryder version was shown on t.v. this past week, and I watched just a bit, but the bit I watched reminded me how wonderfully  that relationship was developed --- it seemed Gerwig wasn't interested in that relationship in this version and I wonder if she, like me, secretly doesn't want Jo to end up with him.   I can remember NOT liking Professor Bhaer when I read it the first time --- I wanted Jo to remain free and independent, and so I resented any relinquishing of that Jo spirit to any professor bhaer--- and in some of the versions below (like Paul Lukas and  Katherine Hepburn  (who in some ways embodies Jo's spirit the best to  me so I disagree with the writer  below who says she was miscast) , I  accepted it, but this one, I did not.  There's a moment in this film where he leaves after meeting the March family, and Jo looks and sees him go, and then turns back to her family and they all just stare at her and get her to admit she has feelings  for him ---I know that Alcott's ending was about to go in the inevitable direction of her going after him,  but in my heart, I wanted the story not to go that  way  ---- I wanted her to be happy and NOT marry off her lead character!  But that's not the ending Alcott wrote, i know. And so did Gerwig.   But we can dream, can't we?  Hah!  I'd give this film 4.5 out of 5, and it will remain the best rendition of this book to me (and to others, I bet).

“LITTLE WOMEN”    2019   2 hrs. 15 mins

Four sisters come of age in America in the aftermath of the Civil War.

Director: Greta Gerwig

Writers: Greta Gerwig, Louisa May Alcott (based on the novel by)

Stars: z Saoirse Ronan (Joe) , Florence Pugh (amy), Meryl Streep, (Aunt March) , Emma Watson (meg), Laura Dern (Marmee),  Timothy Chalamet (Laurie)

Entertainment article by Mary Sollosi

The March sisters on screen 

With the Christmas release of Greta Gerwig's new adaptation of of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, we find ourselves overcome with March sister madness — but this isn’t the first time the proto-feminist bildungsroman has hit the big or small screen. See our countdown to the greatest adaptation of the novel ahead…

DISQUALIFIED: Little Women (2018)

We have admittedly only seen clips of Clare Niederpruem’s 2018 adaptation, but we find the decision to take the tale out of its Civil War setting and place it in the present day utterly baffling. So, for undermining the integrity of the novel, denying us the pleasure of period costumes, and forcing in really awkward soldier-Skype scenes where there ought to have been lovely letter-readings, we hereby disqualify this recent entry into the Little Women cinematic tradition from being ranked.(Lee Thompson as Marmee , really only recognizable one in the cast)

6. Little Women (1978 miniseries)

We cannot even begin to describe why the 1978 miniseries ranks last, because there is not one thing about it that is not as wrong as can possibly be. There is nothing good to say about this adaptation. The costumes are ridiculous, the ’70s hair is outrageous, every single character is miscast (Professor Bhaer is played by, of all people, William Shatner), and the script is nightmarishly bad. Please, let’s just move on to the next one and try our best to forget about this. (Meredith Baxter as Meg, Susan Dey as Jo, Eve Plumb as Beth, Dorothy McGuire as Marmee, Greer Garson as Aunt March.

5. Little Women (1949 movie)

Mervyn LeRoy’s 1949 version of the story lacks any of the specificity that makes Alcott’s novel compelling, particularly in its presentation of Jo (June Allyson) as an irritating cliché of a spitfire screwball heroine rather than a genuine original. The film’s saving grace, however, is Elizabeth Taylor as a perfect Amy.  (Janet Leigh as Meg, Margaret O’Brien as Beth, Peter Lawford as Laurie, Mary Astor as Marmee, Rossano Brazzi as Prof. Bhaer)

4. Little Women (1933 movie)

Nobody would ever accuse Louisa May Alcott of producing a cold, hard book in Little Women, but George Cukor really laid on the schmaltz in this pre-Code take on the story (without any pre-Code sexiness), which stars four women clearly in their mid-20s as the teenaged March sisters (including a miscast Katharine Hepburn as Jo). However! The legendary director managed to inject a little more fun into it than Mervyn LeRoy did in his remake of this version 16 years later, and what’s Little Women without a little schmaltz?. (Joan Bennett as Amy, Jean Parker as Beth, Frances Dee as Meg, and Paul Lukas as Prof. Bhaer)

3. Little Women (2018 miniseries)

The new miniseries, starring Maya Hawke (in her screen debut) as Jo, dutifully checks off the lengthy novel’s greatest hits: the burned manuscript, the ice, the limes, Meg’s solo trip to a fancy party and consequent unnecessary guilt — and looks beautiful. The heavy-handed script and overly theatrical performances, especially from the younger cast, prevent it from being a truly great adaptation, but it’s got charm and sweetness to spare. (angela Lansbury was Aunt March)

2. Little Women (1994 movie)

It's a classic for a reason. Winona Ryder makes a wonderfully winsome Jo, Claire Danes an impossibly sweet Beth, and Christian Bale a perfectly charming Laurie in the beloved film which reigned as the unquestionable best for 25 years. Gillian Armstrong's faithful and straightforward adaptation captures much of the magic of the novel, from the authentic intimacy shared by these March sisters to the warmth of this incarnation of their beloved home. Amid a collection of big old drafty New England houses, this Little Women really is a castle in the sky. (Mary Wickes as Aunt March, Kirsten Dunst, young Amy, Susan Sarandon as Marmee)

1. Little Women (2019 movie)

In her second directorial effort, Greta Gerwig didn't just adapt the text of a novel, but the book in all its context, investigating the woman and the world that it came from. In doing so, she created the most inventive cinematic rendition yet — while also being more true to the essence of Little Women than a more straightforward retelling could ever be. The inspired casting of Saoirse Ronan as Jo, Timothée Chalamet as Laurie, and Meryl Streep as Aunt March certainly helped, and Florence Pugh, as the most layered and lovable Amy we've ever seen, practically steals the movie. Vital, romantic, and brilliantly modern, Gerwig's film brings Louisa May Alcott into the 21st century, which is clearly where she belonged all along.

Movie #1843 ....;....................."Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"

Movie #1843 "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood"  - I saw this on Redbox because after  "Hard Eight," which I thought had way too much violence for me to enjoy ,  I decided I would see This director's films on a dvd that I could fast forward through the most violent scenes.  I had mixed emotions about this film --- I read one critic's comments that hit the nail on the head for me:
": This movie is good. It all depends on how hard you're willing to work to justify its pleasures."  It meanders, it's too long and I had time to notice long car rides with nothing else going on, it moves weirdly  from one story to the other (with little reasoning that I could discern, but I guess if I worked hard at it, I probably could come up with reasons why), and that's why I Agree with that quote --- Like most of his films, they have problems in that he seems to be making movies for himself --- and showing everyone that he is a student/fan of film and so pays homage his favorite films  when he can --- but he seems to "Play" while directing and indulge himself into running some scenes twice as long as they need to be --- he needs someone over his shoulder telling him "That's it!  Cut."  Surprising, however, some moments are really good, some shots are worth so much more than others...... but bottom line to me is that he gets away with a lot as far as the critics go --- he is overpraised, in my opinion.  As a result, he is more a critic's director than an average moviegoer's director.  So this film will be liked maybe even loved by some people, but others will leave the experience shaking their heads and saying "Well, that was different."  This was definitely a melding of history and fantasy that left me thinking what I think Tarantno wanted us to think ----- "they picked the wrong house and the wrong people" ---if/when you see the film, you will get what I mean.    Since the film meanders, I guess I can in this blog, too.  So I will move to Leo's acting --- I found it quite amusing that he was playing a bad actor who messed up his lines, had huge anxiety hissy fits and was terribly insecure.  Made me wonder how much of that was him in real life (but I know he's not a bad actor, but probably the best in the business right now)  ....Brad Pitt was to me Brad Pitt.  He didn't change much in the film at all --- he doesn't do the heavy acting --- he's nice & appealing and loyal on the outside....., kind in the way he talked, but mean in the way he acted -- the other people just came in for a line here or a scene here &  there -- would have wanted the film to spend more time on Margo Robbie as Sharon Tate and Dakota Fanning as Squeaky Fromme, and less on Rick Dalton scenes drinking......or smoking....or acting in bad spaghetti films.  We just needed a few of those to get the idea --- Tarantino seemed to hit us on the head with these scenes. As I said, it's long, very violent towards the end, but amusing in showing one of our greatest actors as a bad actor contemplating his future as a has been...... and all heading toward the Sharon Tate tragedy on August 9-10 in 1969.  Intriguing fantasy/history take on the times.  Since I lived through them, I found it all quite interesting.  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.


"ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD"  2019   2 hours and 44 mins.

Quentin Tarantino's ninth feature film is a story that takes place in Los Angeles in 1969, at the height of hippy Hollywood. The two lead characters are Rick Dalton (Leonardo DiCaprio), former star of a western TV series, and his longtime stunt double Cliff Booth (Brad Pitt). Both are struggling to make it in a Hollywood they don't recognize anymore. But Rick has a very famous next-door neighbor...Sharon Tate.

• Rating: 
  R (for language throughout, some strong graphic violence, drug use, and sexual references)
• Genre: 
  Comedy, Drama
• Directed By: 
  Quentin Tarantino
• Written By: 
  Quentin Tarantino
• 
  
• 
  
  
  

Movie #1842 ........................."Cats"

Movie #1842 "Cats" -- Okay, so I am a HUGE fan of the music and this is one show I have seen a number of times on stage and I really think it works better on stage --- it's more suited to the  stage.  That became clear to me when the camera started zooming around so much, and I didn't want to see all that, and I wanted to watch the cats' movements and I wanted to pick which cat I wanted to study (just like cats would do if they were watching the show).  That being said, I continued to watch and become mesmerized by the graceful movements of the dancers --- and I enjoyed understanding most of the words when I was watching it.  If you don't know many of the words, though, I don't think you will all of a sudden become  a huge fan of this show --- the words are so intricate -- the poems are the end all, really.  So if you are not familiar with the show, I think if you want to leave having enjoyed the experience,  you might look up the lyrics and listen to the music at least once before you go.   This is a very powerful score, and this director really tried to get us interested in the whole experience --- he had wonderful attention to detail and lots of creative ideas (love the tap dance on the rails)  but at times, it was too busy, at other times, there was a lot of staring.....and the movie goes on too long.  It really is hard to get used to the costumes and extreme (digitalized) makeup --- it puts huge poundage on everyone, right off the bat, and it detracts at times from what they are saying.  But that happens to be all the leads, but really this show is a handful of leads that do their schtick and leaving the show to be propelled by the chorus of cat dancers --- and really, that is what occurs here.  They are fantastic --- it is and always has been a HUGE dance musical and if you go to the movie theatre  to see that, you will be greatly rewarded by their agility, their ability, their playfulness, their relationships with each other, all their individual characteristics and nuances  they as actors have worked on to create.  THIS MOVIE ISN'T FOR EVERYONE at all --- critics are disliking it in droves --- I can see some of their complaints --- but they are movie critics and they are studying how the musical works in the film, and I think we all know that this is a stage show and most suitable to the stage. Not all broadway shows can become successful movie musicals, esp. when the movie musical has become such a dinosaur.  But hats off to trying --- all these actors work their tails off (excuse the pun) -=-- there's no slouching here --- to give homage to the great poetic  words and the outstanding  Andrew Lloyd Weber musical  score, and I feel if you are willing to suspend some disbelief and go in with the idea you are watching something really different in film, you may come out appreciating, and even liking/loving it.  I give it a 4 out of 5.  But I love musicals and dancing, and always have.  And Judi Dench and Ian McKellan do a great job here and I wouldn't have wanted to miss that for the world!  (P. S.  I skipped  mentioning Hudson --- not very excited about her job here, but then I got to see Betty Buckley as Grizabella on stage the first time around, and it was perhaps the best experience I have ever had in an audience, so it is tough to beat that!)

"CATS"     1 hour and 50 mins      2019
A tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside layer and come back to a new jellicle life.
Director:  Tom Hooper
Writers T.S. Elliot, Lee Hall, Tom Hooper
Stars:  Francesca Hayward, Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson, Rebel Wilson, Ian McKellen, Jason Derullo, James Corden

AS tribe of cats called the Jellicles must decide yearly which one will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and com»

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Movie #1841 ........................."Double Holiday"

Movie #1841 "Double Holiday" -- well, I think this is the best of the bunch of 2019.  The guy, Kristoffer Polaha, steals the film --- He was in a t.v. show a few years ago with Brit Robertson --- and he played the same kind of fast talking charmer, but he can also do a lot of sincere short speeches to woo the gal, and he does both of these  here.  What I also like about this film is that finally we get equal time for Hannukah  ---- in fact, several times, the hanukah traditions are espoused to us in comparison to all the Christmas traditions that these films fall back on quite regularly.  So in that way, this film is very different.  Then, there's heart and a good message --- yes we are dealing with corporations and competition to get the client, etc.  But at the heart of it is a mentoring program that the lead guy works for and that becomes the most important issue in the film and not just the greed of making money.  People are valued and teachers/mentors come out looking good in a film like this, which I thought was very inspiring and hopeful.  I give this a 5 out of 5.  I won't forget this one --- and it was funny through the whole thing.  Time went by quickly.  So I highly recommend this one, and it's on a few more times during the Christmas season, if you want to catch it.


"DOUBLE HOLIDAY"     2019      1 hour and 24 mins

Rebecca endures working with her colleague, and rival, Chris to plan the office Christmas party in the hopes of getting a promotion. While spending so much time together, will they take their eyes off the prize and see each other anew?

Director:

 Don McBrearty

Writer:

 Nina Weinman

Stars:

 Carly Pope, Kristoffer Polaha, Judah Katz

MOVIE #1840 ........................."A Christmas Love Letter"

Movie #1840 "A Christmas Love Letter" - this one was silly for the most part --- After she gets an anonymous love letter from a guy she used to know from back home,  she dumps her boyfriend she has now because she didn't think his proposal was effective, and off she goes back to her hometown to find the guy who wrote the note. Of course, the audience gets who it is about 20 mins in, but it takes her much longer -- why?  she is a bit silly --- i.e. she just goes along with a guy once she is with him, much like a lemming, never exerting any power in the relationship except to dump him.  Just looking for a guy she wants to share her life with that depends on one romantic note is a bit silly --- and then the parade of guys are silly, too.  One has an annoying laugh and only talks about fishing, another lies and says he wrote it and just talks about hockey, and the list goes on.... the real letter writer takes the last 5 minutes of this movie to profess his love --- and she'll be with him forever?  The only things I appreciated in the movie were the precocious little girl and the robot dog.  I'd give this a 3 out of 5.

"A CHRISTMAS LOVE LETTER"    2019     1 hour and 26 mins

When relationship advice columnist Amalie Hess receives an unsigned love letter in a Christmas card, she returns to her hometown to solve the mystery of who sent it and maybe find true love.

Director:

 Damián Romay

Writers:

 Kelly Peters, Amy Taylor

Stars:

 Ashley Newbrough, Tilky Jones, Chanté Bowser

Movie #1839 ........................."Christmas Cupid's Arrow"

Movie #1839 "Christmas Cupid's Arrow" --- I noticed when reading a synopsis that there would be an English professor involved in this one so it piqued my interest that the script might be smarter than most----- it was Cyrano de Bergerac!  Yes, the female is very smart and yes she values the written word, esp. poetry.  But she falls for the idea that a good looking guy is writing his own poetry just for her!  There's a good switch here that a not so good looking guy with an adorable kid is really the one who likes her and should get her because the poetry comes from him --- It takes her a pretty long time for figuring it out (meanwhile, while she is confiding in a friend, that friend is going through a bumpy marriage --- that secondary story seemed just put in and not necessary to the rest of it.  Guy with the kid had charm and good rapport with his daughter, girl is believable, just took her a long time to figure it out -- he has to tell her twice that he is sorry and that he really loves her ---- so that part seemed repetitious --- i.e., if she would only believe him, the end of the film could have come earlier!  But overall, the film got points from me because some of the dialogue was smart, esp. between the professors!  I give this 3.8 out of 5.


"CHRISTMAS CUPID'S ARROW"   2018     1 hour and 30 mins

Holly, a single college professor, signs up for an online dating service, but begins to grow suspicious when the guy's beautifully-written texts don't match his actions.

Director:

 Michael D. Sellers

Writers:

 Brian Marchetti (Written by), Jack Marchetti (Written by) | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Elisabeth Harnois, Jonathan Togo, Chad Michael Collins

Movie #1838 ........................."A Prince for Christmas"

Movie #1838 "A Prince for Christmas" - cute people, but pretty predictable story that never really ends..... not sure why --- they had enough time.  But the lovers kiss and the film ends, but I was watching it with my husband (one of the rare times he watches these Christmas movies with me) and we both turned to each other and laughed and said what happens to them?  Will the prince go back with her and get married?  Or will he leave the kingdom and come live here?  What about her sister?  what about her best friend?  Anyway, the film at the end had to use disclaimer boxes to tell us what happened to all the people --- that seemed lame in this particular film that spent so many minutes with the two lovers staring at each other.  But I always am a sucker for the rich coming down from their high horses and thrones and mixing with the common folk, and yes, even falling in love.  So I didn't mind the silly story and I didn't mind watching the two lovers --- they were cute.  I'd give this 3.8 out of 5.


"A PRINCE FOR CHRISTMAS"   2015    1 hour and 27 mins

Wanting to escape an arranged marriage, a European prince flees to the United States. There, he meets a struggling young waitress who may just be his one true love.

Director:

 Fred Olen Ray

Writers:

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

Stars:

 Viva Bianca, Kirk Barker, Aaron O'Connell

Movie #1837 ........................."A Sweet Christmas Romance"

Movie #1837 "A Sweet Christmas Romance" - even though this was pretty predictable (esp. the ending), this film offered a nice, smooth romance that took its time. Along the way, the viewer learns a heck of a lot of baking information.  Competition between the two lovers with a lot of insight in what it takes to be a good baker.  And its ending puts a smile on your face.  I liked this one a lot --- 4 out of 5.

"A SWEET CHRISTMAS ROMANCE"    2019     1 hour and 27 mins

When a food stylist finds out the owner of her favorite bakery is retiring and sponsoring a baking contest to see who will be her successor, she enters but then is forced to join forces with a rival chef to try and win.

Director:

 Michael Robison

Writer:

 Kim Izzo

Stars:

 Adelaide Kane, Greyston Holt, Loretta Devine

Movie #1836 ........................."Christmas Parade"

Movie #1836 " The Christmas Parade" - I liked the story and the main guy, and the townspeople (esp. the kids) were effective. But the lead girl  was one of those "Mean Girls" you knew in high school......fakey to your face, but mean behind your back, who dated all the good looking guys and made fun of YOUR friends who weren't "In" --- she just had that look, that style about her and her clothes.  Even when she was supposedly falling in love with the nicest guy in this town, she acted like she was "Putting on" in being nice.  So I had problems with the story.  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.









" THE CHRISTMAS  PARADE"    2014           1 hour and 30 mins
Hailee Anderson (AnnaLynne McCord), the famous talk show host, is preparing for the holiday season by working; she's planning her very important TV show, her Christmas special. Already a scrooge, Hailee is even more miserable when she finds out her real-estate fiancée Jason (Drew Scott) is cheating on her - on air. To clear her head, she goes on a drive and ends up in Carver Bend, Connecticut, unfortunately crashing through a local judge's fence. Forced to do community service, she helps out her rescuer Logan (Jefferson Brown), by building a float for the town's annual Christmas parade to help save the town's art center. While Hailee bonds with the locals, the art center kids, and grows closer to Logan, she re-learns why the holidays are important to spend with those you love.

Director:

 Jonathan Wright

Writers:

 Lewis Chesler (story) (as Lewis B. Chesler), Carley Smale  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 AnnaLynne McCord, Jefferson Brown, Jennifer Gibson

Movie #1835 ........................." A Cheerful Christmas"

Movie #1835 " A Cheerful Christmas" --- a cheerful Christmas it was not --- at least not in viewing it.  This is a weak one, in my opinion.  I think the title might refer to the only emotion the lead female actress can easily show throughout the film --- she mugs the rest of the time.  To make matters worse, she is acting opposite a stuffed shirt.  So 2 "goonie" people and we are expected to believe they fall in love? I was going to give it a 2 out of 5, but the ending redeemed the work because it reminded the audience of good deeds the rich can do for others.  So 3 out of 5, but you could skip this one.

"A CHEERFUL CHRISTMAS"   2019

A woman and her best friend think they landed the job of their dreams by giving people a great Christmas until they get a client who doesn't feel the same way.

Director:

 Marita Grabiak

Writer:

 Barbara Kymlicka

Stars:

 Erica Deutschman, Chad Connell, Jennifer Vallance

Movie #1834 ........................."Christmas in Montana"

Movie #1834 "Christmas in Montana" --- I like this one for a number of reasons. Kellie Martin, for one, because I have been a fan of hers since "LIFE GOES ON" when she (and I) was a kid.  Another reason is the beautiful scenery in the background of all the scenes.  Still another one is how smart the lead actress is playing --- she comes to problem solve a way to keep the guy's property afloat.  I also love that there is a strong mother-daughter relationship  and then when it goes in jeopardy, we can see them actually working it  out and getting closer to each other --- it's nice to see that in the xmas season...She and daughter fall in love with the place (not difficult to believe, either) and open their hearts after grieving for the lost dad/husband for a couple of years.  Nice, calm story with little dramatics, but a good storyline and good acting. and good locations.  I give it a 4 out of 5.   ( Just one small complaint:  the lovers could have a few more ups and downs in their voices to help  keep the minute by minute scenes to go  by with more energy)


"CHRISTMAS IN MONTANA"    2019      1 hour and 22 minutes

Before the holidays, Sara goes to Montana to help a man save his ranch.

Director:

 T.W. Peacocke

Writer:

 Julie Sherman Wolfe (teleplay) 

Stars:

 Kellie Martin, Colin Ferguson, Ava Preston

Movie #1833 ........................."Knives Out"

Movie 1833 "Knives Out" --- This is a well-acted murder mystery that was full of surprises and a pretty involved plot.  Several people to get straight from the get go, but this was really no problem because the characters each had their memorable quirks ---- except for Daniel Craig.  He has a terrific opening and closing, but the in between, he just kind of blends in to the furniture and could use a bit more quirkiness (like a Columbo type characters, or sherlock , etc.)  The young girl is a very strong characters (nominated for golden globe) and  easily identifiable.  And I couldn't guess this one --- I had a guess but it was way off, so I urge you to watch very closely and guess along and see how you do.  The film kept my interest throughout and I recommend it to you --- and don't talk about it much once you see it so others can enjoy it, as well.  4 stars out of 5.


"KNIVES OUT"      2019        2 hours and 10 minutes

A detective investigates the death of a patriarch of an eccentric, combative family.

Director:

 Rian Johnson

Writer:

 Rian Johnson

Stars:

 Daniel Craig, Chris Evans, Ana de Armas, Toni Collette, M. Emmet Walsh, Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Michael Shannon, Christopher Plummer....

Movie #1832 ........................."Holiday Date"

Movie #1832 "Holiday Date" =-- this one I thought had a great opening --- yes, it was typical in that she loses her boyfriend before going home for christmas to introduce her family to him, and her friends convince her to take actor Joel to play her boyfriend Ethan.  Joel is up for a big part but he has only been a big city person, so he wants to do some research in a small town --- seems just a bit stretched, but it was funny because Joel is supposed to be "Mr Christmas" but because his folks were always away at a the holidays (they are both actors, as well) he knows nothing about it and to make matters worse ---- HE IS JEWISH!  When he finally can't pretend to be all knowledgeable about Christmas, he finally tells them he is jewish --- then the film shifts a bit and instructs the viewer on what kind of celebrating jews do during Christmas time.
But shortly after that, it starts to get silly --- it's because they run out of things for this family to do --- there's a secondary story about a community theatre play that loses its lead star and bet you can't guess who could step in for that!  The architect Ethan!  (who is really the actor Joel, in case you weren't paying attention earlier.  Through this whole thing, the guy works his butt off to get this convoluted plot across, and that wouldn't be bad if the girl were more likable and less of a cold fish.  I'd give this 3.5 out of 5.  It was hot and cold to me.

"HOLIDAY DATE"  2019    1 hour and 30 mins

After a woman's boyfriend breaks up with her right before the holidays, she agrees to go home with an actor who will pose as her boyfriend.

Director:

 Jeff Beesley

Writers:

 Karen Berger (teleplay by), Kraig Wenman (story by) 

Stars:

 Brittany Bristow, Matt Cohen, Teryl Rothery 

Movie #1831 ........................."A Star for Christmas"

Movie #1831 "A Star for Christmas"  -- I liked this one --- it was very refreshing to see something a bit different from all the other Christmas fare --- I guess it is because it reminded me of a very favorite film of mine "Nottinghill" except in this one, the guy is famous, but the girl doesn't know it, and when she finds out, she discovers it isn't all that good of a thing.  I thought it would be too silly, at first, but then it grew on me and it made fun of action films and the paparazzi and fans.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.  And I recommend it.


"A STAR FOR CHRISTMAS"   2012      1 hour and 28 mins

The only thing that is working in Cassie's world is her small town business. Her Christmas Cupcakery is a huge success, but her love life is a mess. Cassie's whole universe is turned upside down when she falls in love with a co-worker who is revealed to be the famous and notoriously troubled actor Alex Gray. There's no denying that Alex and Cassie are in love, but can their relationship survive the pressure of Hollywood and the holidays?

Director:

 Michael Feifer

Writer:

 Amy Heidish

Stars:

 Briana Evigan, Corey Sevier, Karissa Vacker 

Movie #1830 ........................." Time for You to Come Home for Christmas"

Movie #1830 "Time for you to Come Home for Christmas -- this film is surprisingly about grief --- very touching dealing with a real situation ---- the guy is awkward through most of the first half of the film, until you know how he knows the woman in the film --- it drew me in and I found it very poignant --- the reveal was handled well, too.  I liked this and would give it 4 out of 5.


"TIME FOR YOU TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS"   2019

A recent widow travels with her son to Virginia hometown for Christmas. On the way they meet a man, who is also heading to the same destination. As they continue to spend time together, the pair grows closer.

Director:

 Terry Ingram

Writers:

 Marcy Holland, Dorothy Shackleford (based on the book by) 

Stars:

 Alison Sweeney, Lucas Bryant, Kiefer O'Reilly

Movie #1829 ........................."Christmas in Dollywood"

Movie #1829 "Christmas in Dollywood"  - I normally like Danica McKellar (Winnie from "Wonder yEARS")  in these hallmark movies, but this one isn't a favorite.  There was a lack of chemistry between her and her costar (both vying for the same job) -- they appeared to work well together in the film, but most of the time when not working , they annoyed each other --- but all things worked out with Dolly's help --- ugh!  3 out of 5 for this one.


"CHRISTMAS IN DOLLYWOOD"   2019

A Broadway producer travels to Tennessee in an effort to save her Holiday extravaganza.

Director:

 Michael Robison

Writer:

 Nina Weinman

Stars:

 Danica McKellar, Niall Matter, Zoë Noelle Baker

Movie #1828 ........................."My Christmas Inn"

Movie #1828 "My Christmas Inn" --I was intrigued with the cast here --- I had never watched "Sister, Sister" but I heard the actresses were good, and so when I saw one of them was in this cast and all grown up, I wanted to see how she did --- and she was very convincing --- evidently, they had to pay too much for her  and a one shot moment in  the opening of the film and another  toward the end where Tim Reid and the mother from the show appeared, because the guy was not very authentic at all.  I never really warmed up to him --- the film is supposed to be about her inheriting an inn in Alaska, but I was disappointed that not much of Alaska was seen.  Bummer!   The lovers quarreled, typically, over a job , but this time, the saving grace, is that the GUY was willing to go wherever he needed to go to ensure she has a better shot at a job!  All right!  3.5 out of 5.


"MY CHRISTMAS INN"     2018

"With the holiday season in full swing, Jen Taylor (Mowry-Hardict) is about to score a big promotion at the San Francisco ad agency where she works. But her life is unexpectedly turned upside down when she inherits a cozy inn in Alaska from her aunt. When she goes to inspect the property and meets handsome town attorney Brian Anderson (Mayes), she's surprised to find that nothing is what she expected. The small town community is full of fun and festive Christmas traditions and soon, Jen starts wondering if the inn might just be the place she belongs, and if Steve could be the Mr. Right she has been waiting for."

Director:

 Peter Sullivan

Writers:

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

Stars:

 Tia Mowry-Hardrict, Rob Mayes, Jackée Harry

Movie #1827 ........................."Grounded for Christmas"

Movie #1827 "Grounded for Christmas" was a fun hallmark movie that I watched with two pilots as the love interest, which was different for this kind of movie ---however, the story is kind of an old one --- she has heard about this fellow pilot's reputation with the ladies, he flirts with her when he meets her when she doesn't know who he is yet, so that made it easier to believe the reputation. Anyway, they are snowbound and the flights is cancelled, but he has nowhere to go --- she does, so she invites him along as her possible "boyfriend" because her ex boyfriend is hanging around the family with all their activities.  The longer he stays, the more she and her family enjoy being around him.  Same old story, but like I said above, rarely  are they  both pilots, and rarely are the lovers cute and real people like they are here.  Situations are not crazy either --- pretty real for a hallmark movie, I'd give it a 4 out of 5 --- this is a good one!



"GROUNDED FOR CHRISTMAS"    1 hour and 26 minutes      2019

When a winter storm hits Cleveland and grounds flights, it brings two opposite fellow pilots together.

Director:

 Amyn Kaderali

Stars:

 Julianna Guill, Corey Sevier, Cheryl Ladd

Movie #1826 ........................."A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood"

Movie #1826 "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" -- the film had a clunky opening --- but it sets up right off the bat that this is NOT a film centered on Fred Rogers, but on a journalist who begrudgingly takes a quick interview with him --- Matthew Rhys is the actor who goes through all the angst, changing his viewpoint of this t.v. phenom Fred Rogers.  His first reaction is one many viewers would go into the film with:  is this guy for real?  And the film answers that by  watching Rogers through the journalist's eyes.     Hanks does a better job, I felt, with Rogers in comparison to his Walt Disney caricature.  But then, you have a different person, and Hanks has always been most comfortable portraying honest, earnest people.  This film had lots of creative moments that kept this viewer watching (I must say, I went into the film not being a huge Fred Rogers' fan but like the journalist, I changed my mind -- so it was successful with me over all)  And I thought the set was very cool, the puppet scenes were fun to watch, and I esp. liked when Tom ended up to be a rabbit in one of the scenes --- very effective and powerful.  I'd give this a 4 ---  esp. impressive is Matthew Rhys (the americans) whom I have enjoyed watching since the t;.v. show "Brothers & Sisters").



"A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD"    2019    1 hour and 49 mins

Based on the true story of a real-life friendship between Fred Rogers and journalist Tom Junod.

Director:

 Marielle Heller

Writers:

 Micah Fitzerman-Blue, Noah Harpster

Stars:

 Tom Hanks, Matthew Rhys, Chris Cooper