Movie #2071 ......,..................."Love and Sunshine" (Hallmark)

 Movie  #2071 "Love & Sunshine" (Hallmark) --- I noticed that I had skipped writing a blog on this (saw  it  in  November) so since I have a list, I thought I'd add this to it this time --- because it is deserving of recommendation-- it was that good!  The premise was interesting--- a woman who is watching a serviceman's dog has to give the dog up when he comes back  --- and she has fallen in love with the dog --- no surprise, she  will fall for the guy as well. They handle his ptsd well as he comes back and tries to fit back into his life --- and dating again.  I really believed in these two and sharing the dog part of the story I really bought into.  I'd give this 4.5 out of 5  and highly recommend.

"LOVE AND  SUNSHINE"   1 hour, 24  mins  2019

A woman has been fostering a dog as she recovers from a broken heart. As the owner returns to claim the dog will sparks fly or will it just lead to another broken heart?

Director:

 Ellie Kanner

Writers:

 Bart Baker, Glenn Rabney

Stars:

 Danica McKellar, Mark Deklin, Christine Chatelain

Movie #2070 ........................."Swept Up by Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2070 "Swept Up by Christmas" (Hallmark) Rarely do I ever say this, but this film was boring  --- the woman looked so  white with her makeup --- no flesh color at alto her ---does she ever eat, I wondered?  and I didn't like  the guy. Soemthing she  pointed out about him was a deal breaker  to me ---  he kept parking his car right by her so she couldn't get out --- that was just inconsiderate.  And  the change remade was hard to believe.  I  found the auction and prepping for  it boring!  I'd give this a 2.5 ---  don't bother.  the secondary story was more interesting, but  the film didn't spend enough time on them!

"SWEPT UP BYCHRISTMAS"  1 hour, 24 mins      2020

An antique seller and a cleaner clash over how to downsize a magnificent estate right before Christmas. As the two uncover the house's treasures, they find a way to reconnect the reclusive owner with his own Christmases past.

Director:

 Philippe Gagnon

Writers:

 Nicole Baxter, Hilary Galanoy  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Lindy Booth, Justin Bruening, Vlasta Vrana 

Movie #2069 ........................."Christmas Carousel" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2069 "Christmas Carousel (Hallmark) Girl is always watchable to me, but this guy  came across pretty narcissistic from the get go --- Even at the end,  I was not sure they would ever be good together.  But what I did like is that I learned a lot  about restore these antique carousels, and the film made me think a lot about how important Arts Education is because that was the main  thrust of the film--- it is what the prince really wanted to do instead of be  a prince.  I'd give this a 3.5 out of 5.  

"CHRISTMAS CAROUSEL"  one hour, 25 mins   2020

When Lila is hired by the Royal Family of Ancadia to repair a carousel, she must work with the Prince to complete it by Christmas.

Director:

 Don McCutcheon

Writers:

 Uma Incrocci (story by), Uma Incrocci (teleplay by)  |1 more credit »

Stars:

 Rachel Boston, Neal Bledsoe, Stuart Hughes

Movie #2068 ........................."Winter Love Story" (Hallmark)

Movie #2068 "Winter Love Story" (Hallmark)  --- I liked this a lot and I noticed I hadn't blogged on it, so I wanted to make sure I did it now.  But I would never forget this one because it dealt with writing, my favorite subject in these Hallmark films.  He is a writer who has made it big already, and  he is now experiencing a blockage because there's pressure on  him to write the  next book  in his already successful series.  He is also  divorced but shares a dog with his ex --- She is the product of a famous writer (her mom) and is now going out on  her  first book tour.  It's a meet cute and the story moves believably to a successful ending.  I'd give it a 4, for sure, out  of 5 and recommend it!

"WINTER LOVE STORY"     1 hour, 24 mins     2019

Cassie has just published her first book, a romcom on her divorce experience. To help a new writer along, the publisher pairs her with the established "dragon writer" Elliot on a week long book tour. Will they remain singles?

Director:

 T.W. Peacocke (as TW Peacocke) 

Writers:

 MacKenzie Austin, Carrie Freedle

Stars:

 Jen Lilley, Kevin McGarry, Mary-Margaret Humes 

 

Movie #2067 ........................."Project Christmas Wish" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2067 "Project ChristmasWish" (Hallmark) -- It took a while to get into this one --- didn't really like either leads all that much --- they seemed extremes and weren't very convincing --- she was too earnest and he was too hesitant ---they had a long way to  go to convince me who they were.  Plus the secondary story was dumb to me --  but  the  story was interesting to me, to offer wishes to  people, and to work  on  that even when it isn't Christmas.  And they show the actual granting  of  wishes,  and  it seemed somewhat doable  --- but still not convinced.  But because the story was interesting, I'd  give it a 4 and recommend it.  

"PROJECT CHRISTMAS WISH"      1 hour, 25 mins      2020

For years Lucy has played Santa to her small town's community. As she grants a little girl's wish for a "Christmas like it used to be," she unexpectedly finds her own wishes coming true.

Director:

 Jeff Beesley

Writers:

 Joie Botkin, Brook Durham (story by)  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Amanda Schull, Travis Van Winkle, Stephanie Sy

Movie #2066 ........................."Cross Country Christmas" (Hallmark)

Movie #2066 "Cross Country Christmas" (Hallmark)--- this is one of my favorite this year because it was a lot like "It Happened One Night" --- except the couple knew each other from elementary school.  Rachel Leight Cook is usually a favorite of mine and the guy was quite likable and different --- more rugged than a pretty face.  nothing traditional except that it is a road trip.  Everything  is off kilter --- some things happen, but  we aren't sure why and are filled in later.  They take us along with  their adventure mostly because of the humor they use.  I'd give this one a 4.5 and highly recommend.

"CROSS COUNTRY CHRISTMAS" (Hallmark)   1  hour, 23 mins      2020

Snowstorm threatens both Lina's and Max' holiday plans. They are forced to work together to figure out a way home - without taking it out on each other.

Director:

 Catherine Cyran

Writer:

 Kirsten Hansen

Stars:

 Rachael Leigh Cook, Greyston Holt, Jon Cor

 

Movie #2065 "Christmas Doctor" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2065 "Christmas Doctor" (Hallmark)   from the trailer, I wasn't going to watch it, but  I did anyway, and I'm glad I did. This one had a lot of heart!  And I learned a lot while walking in the shoes of a "locum" doctor, who is kind of a substitute and travels around.  One stint she did was in helping servicemen overseas, and she gets close to this  one patient that she loses --- and it keeps her moving around, haunted by his memory.  Well, her foot gets caught in the door when she comes to Willowbrook because the people are so good to her --- and  appreciative --- and there's this one guy she is renting from that she especially likes, who  is dealing with his college daughter who has come home for xmas (he is divorced from her mother).  It was different because there are no snowball fights or the usual stuff, but more you are going on rounds with the doctor, and there's a mystery as to what one of the patients has.  So I enjoyed this one and would recommend it as one of the better ones --- 4 out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS DOCTOR"  1 hour, 24 mins      2020

A travelling locum doctor finds love and a home at her latest assignment in Willowbrook

Director:

 Kevin Fair

Writers:

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

Stars:

 Holly Robinson Peete, Adrian Holmes, Fred Henderson

Movie #2064 .........................."Christmas Comes Twice" (Hallmark)

 Movie  #2064 "Christmas Comes Twice"  (Hallmark) -- this is one of those going back in time stories and Hallmark  thinks that if she's a scientist aud it is happening to her, that we would be more inclined to believe it! Not really. If the actors were a bit better maybe?  She is stiff and hew is kind of blah, plus through the whole movie she slams him verbally, etc.   He's like a brother  following her around.  So I didn't like the way she treated him through the movie.  But one thing I did like is all the nice comments on teachers ---- so I give it 3.5 out of 5.  I mildly recommend it.

"CHRISTMAS COMES TIWCE"  1hour, 24 minutes   2020

• Cheryl is an astrophysicist who reviews grant applications for the NSF but has regrets about the guy who got away five years earlier. When the Christmas carnival comes to town, a ride around the carousel takes her magically back in time - giving her a second chance at love before she returns to Christmas present.

• Cheryl Jenkins is the Deputy Director at the Federal Science Association in Washington DC. She only accepted the initial job five years ago at the Association evaluating grant proposals while she waited for a job in her chosen field of Astronomy, thus she being at the Association doing what she considers largely administrative work five years longer than she would have wanted instead of doing real scientific research. On her week long working trip home to Wellsboro for the Christmas holidays, Cheryl muses about the "what ifs" of that fateful week five years ago that led her on this path to work at the Association. At the annual Wellsboro Christmas Carnival, Cheryl steps onto the solitary carousel by herself, only to step off it five years into the past at the start of that fateful week. She begins to believe she can make some different decisions and have some impact knowing now what she didn't know then to change the past, such as fixing all the problems of what was the disastrous one date she had with her high school crush, the current day mayor Terrence Fletcher, influencing the career path of her younger sister Trish Jenkins, whose dream of opening her own restaurant Cheryl has always seen as a mistake, and most importantly avoiding the meeting with her current boss, Dr. Phillips, so that she would not have even known about the job at the Association. In addition, Cheryl wants to bask in those things she knows she can't change about the present, namely spending time with her mentor, her high school science teacher Miss Nelson, who passed away unexpectedly shortly thereafter. What that entails is also spending time with who was her high school adversary George Campbell, as George works alongside Miss Nelson as a science teacher at the school. As Cheryl tries to change her past for a different present, she may find that she has a different understanding about many issues upon closer examination.

  
  

  
  

  Director:

   Michael M. Scott (as Michael Scott) 

  Writers:

   Gregg Rossen, Brian Sawyer

  Stars:

   Tamera Mowry-Housley, Michael Xavier, Sheryl Lee Ralph 

Movie #2063 ........................."Unlocking Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2063 "Unlocking Christmas (Hallmark)  I just noticed Hallmark is replaying this particular Christmas movie tonight , so I thought I would post my blog on it right now because I thought this was one of the better ones offered this season.  Why?  Well, the two leads are very easygoing with each other --- they both come across laid back, but unlock other Hallmark movies that choose that route, it never got boring.  Why?  Because there is this "hunt" they both get dragged into.  Neither one would probably ordinarily want to find a locked box that their key would unlock, but because they both are "what the heck" in the moment, and they both share that attitude, they both decide to do it.  It isn't hard , then, to see why they keep going --- the audience cheers them on to the end.  They are thoughtful, caring individuals who come together at a magic time, and the magic is more believable because of the clues that are left for them, and not forced.  Even the ubiquitous tree decorating scene isn't forced because it smoothly goes into one of the clues.  I would give this one a 4.5 out of 5.  The only drawback that I saw was that the ends were tied up a bit too quickly --- they both make major decisions on careers in a matter of a couple of minutes, but we can chalk it up to finding their soul mate?   but still, a bit quick to get to the end of this one --- even more than others, but I still highly recommend it.  On tonight (Hallmark, Movies & Mysteries, Saturday, 7 p.m. central time.  

"UNLOCKING CHRISTMAS"   1 hr and 25 mins.   2020

When a mysterious key and a holiday riddle arrive on their doorsteps, Kate and Kevin embark on a Christmas romance adventure they'll never forget.

Director:

 Don McBrearty

Writers:

 Joey Elkins, Blake Silver

Stars:

 Alexandra Augustine, Taylor Cole, Neil Crone

Movie #2062 ........................."A Timeless Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2062 "A Timeless Christmas" (Hallmark)  Ironically, time was an important problem with seeing this film --- I had dvr'ed it and it disappeared, and then I had to tape it again, and finally saw it.  I didn't think of the trailer that I would like it, but just like a lot of these, I started watching and just got sucked into into the story.  I knew it was going to be different because it was about Time Travel, and that isn't used all that much, and esp. back into the turn of the century where costumes and language would be greatly different from the way things are now.  So because he time travels, the guy who is usually stiff and pretentious as an  actor can be that naturally.  And since time is important through the whole film, it is obvious that he is only expected to be softened for a little bit of time in this one --- and he handles it okay. The girl is well done --- she is able to "act" her role in wearing costumes and conducting tours around the rich guy's life, and then she has to try to help him find out why he time traveled and how he can get back in time, and then she has to "act" like she hasn't fallen  for him.  So she has  A LOT more to do that he does, and she does it well.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5 for it being ambitious in the  storytelling.  (and costumes, and makeup, and  props)  

"A TIMELESS CHRISTMAS"    1 hound 24 mins.     2020

Charles Whitley travels from 1903 to 2020 where he meets Megan Turner and experiences a 21st Century Christmas.

Director:

 Ron Oliver

Writers:

 Duane Poole (teleplay), Ron Oliver (teleplay)  |1 more credit »

Stars:

 Erin Cahill, Ryan Paevey, Brandi Alexander    

Movie #2061 ........................."Angel Falls: A Novel Holiday" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2061 "Angel Falls:  A Novel Holiday" (Hallmark) I usually don't see these Angel Falls Hallmark films because they have a huge fantasy  element in them , but I tuned into this one because the two leads I had seen in other films and liked them.  The lovers are cute and I really liked that the story was built around writing and publishing.  They also  had a past, albeit their experienced  occurred back  in high school, but still  left some hurt feelings on her part. So it took a while to straighten that out.  The angel who poses as a secretary gets a bit preachy in  some of his scenes and some of the film is a bit corny, but like I said, it was about writing, so I put up with it.  3.5 out of 5 

"ANGEL FALLS;  A NOVEL HOLIDAY"  2019 

A book editor must work with a former rival to help a potential writer find her way. He reminds all of them about the Christmas spirit and the value of community.

Director:

 Jonathan Wright

Writers:

 David Golden (story by), Samantha Herman (story by)  |2 more credits »

Stars:

 Jen Lilley, Carlo Marks, Eric Close     

Movie #2060 ........................."Christmas She Wrote" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2060 "Christmas She  Wrote" (Hallmark)  I never liked the guy in this film ---  very narcissistic,cruel at times.  He comes across that way  when he calls her in to fire her in the opening --- then, she leavesto take a break from her column  writing, and she goes back home to regroup and make  some career decisions. Meanwhile her boss gets an ultimatum that if he doesn't rehire her, he will lose his job, so he goes to her hometown town  her  back. There's not much  to like  of him through  2/3's of this  film  -- oh, he has baggage and tells his story,  somewhat, but he is still cold,  and we still see him work hard at  winning her over  -- to keep his job?  His  acting doesn't show  he has mixed feelings. I like Danica, and I try to watch everything she  does during the year, and she,  once again, came across believable as a  very strong  woman  searching for a new career or a way to hold on to her other one without having to sell her soul.  I have suggestion for Hallmark  -- why not put Danica back with  her "Wonder Years" partner, Ben Savage's brother Fred?  That would be fun to watch! I'd give this one a 3 out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS SHE WROTE"  

• When Kayleigh, a romance writer, has her column cancelled right before Christmas, she heads home to reconnect with her family. Kayleigh gets an unexpected visit from the man who cancelled her column who fights not only to bring her back to the publisher but also for her heart.

  
  

  
  

  Director:

   Terry Ingram

  Writer:

   Andrea Canning

  Stars:

   Danica McKellar, Dylan Neal, April Telek 

Movie #2059 ........................."Glenbrooke Christmas" (Hallmark)

Movie #2059 "Glenbrooke Christmas (Hallmark)  -- a rich woman goes to Glenbrooke to get  holiday experiences akin to what  her deceased mom had when growing up in  the same place.   But, as  in all hallmark films, she keeps running into (literally sometimes) a fireman.  He  doesn't know she's rich....dum, dum, dum, dum...... therein lies the conflict.  One aspect of this that I really liked is that the bells ring on Christmas Inn in this area, and you are allowed a wish!  Very romantic  that the town, including the fireman and the rich CEO try to get them to ring to keep up the tradition.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5, mostly for its emphasis on the arts (she draws  and takes a job on at the local  art center).  Also liked  the setting and  her relationship with her dad.  In addition, it's nice to see that not all rich people are uncaring, which balances out  all the old films  we  watch at Christmas time. 

"GLENBROOKE CHRISTMAS"   1 hr and 25 mins    2020

As Christmas nears, heiress Jessica Morgan seizes what seems like her last chance to experience a relaxed Christmas and heads off to the small town of Glenbrooke, where she meets a handsome fireman.

Director:

 David I. Strasser

Writers:

 David Golden (screenplay), Robin Jones Gunn (based on a book by)  | 1 more credit »

Stars:

 Autumn Reeser, Antonio Cupo, Quinn Lord

 

Movie #2058 ........................."Love, Lights and Hannukah" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2058 "Love, Lights and Hannukah" (Hallmark) Oh Vey!  Sorry, but this wasn't a good one at all --- the lead couple (I didn't know of the credits of the couple but evidently they have done some good stuff in their younger years) were stiff, awkward, and not just for the characterization --- they stood like they couldn't move from their marks, and said lines like they were reading them.  Not good.  And  the story was boring --- there were a few nice moments between Marilu Henner and the lead girl (Mia) but the love interest backed away from each other noticeably,I thought.  Love Hannukah movies that have been done, so this was a shame that  it finally  tried to teach some Jewish traditions and the movie over all wasn't that good.  I give it a weak 3 and suggest you can forget this one for your Christmas movie to  watch list.

"LOVE LIGHTS, AND HANNUKAH"  2020

As Christina prepares her restaurant for its busiest time of year, she gets her DNA test revealing that she's Jewish. The discovery leads her to a new family and an unlikely romance over eight nights.

Director:

 Mark Jean

Writer:

 Karen Berger

Stars:

 Mia Kirshner, Ben Savage, Marilu Henner

Movie #2057 ........................."A Little Christmas Charm" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2057  "A   Little Christmas  Charm" (Hallmark)story based on the investigative reporting of  charm bracelet--- He  is a reporter searching for his next big story, and   she loves antiques  and vintage clothing and finds a beautiful bracelet with charms in a pocket of a coat that was donated to her shop. Great idea for a film  for  Hallmark --I'd give this 4  out of  5.

"A LITTLE CHRISTMAS CHARM"  1 hour&26 mins      2020

Holly, a jewelry designer finds a lost charm bracelet and teams up with investigative reporter Greg in hopes of finding the owner and returning it by Christmas Eve.

Director:

 R.C. Newey

Writers:

 Christine Conradt (teleplay by), Melissa Hill (based on the novel by)  |1 more credit »

Stars:

 Ashley Greene, Brendan Penny, Britt Irvin

Movie #2056 ........................."Love at the Thanksgiving Parade" (Hallmark)

 Movie#2056 "Love at the Thanksgiving Parade" (Hallmark)  I like  watching Autumn -- she varies from one movie to another ---the  first time I saw her, I thought she was too bland, but she comes alive in this one ---it took a while for me to warm up  to the stuck up guy --- but because she's so broad in her acting in  this one, it lightens him up a bit --- so by the end, he came across much more  human and pleasant and worthy of her love.  What I really  liked  about this one,though, was all the stuffI learned about the thanksgiving parade in Chicago ---I didn't even know that  one happened  every year! The film also reminded me of  "Pillow Talk" with the  two talking to each other in bed and the editor using a split screen.  It was a fun watch!  4 out of 5. 

"LOVE AT THE  THANKSGIVING PARADE"  1 hour & 24 minutes    2012

An eager Thanksgiving parade coordinator is shocked when a wealthy consultant is hired to analyze its finances. Faced with teaching him that the parade means so much more to her than money, she finds herself reluctantly falling for him.

Director:

 Ron Oliver

Writers:

 Nancey Silvers (teleplay), Nancey Silvers (story)  |1 more credit »

Stars:

 Autumn Reeser, Antonio Cupo, April Telek 

Movie #2055 ........................."Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2055 "Christmas  in Evergreen:  Bells are Ringing" (Hallmark) I  have liked the  other Evergreen movies, but this one was boring!  same people, same red truck, same town, that's the  gimmick with these evergreen movies and  all that doesn't bother me, but  the story and conflict seemed manufactured. And they might have noticed that,too, because they  brought in the previous people a lot more than the others.  I give this a weak 3 --- don't need to see this one, in my opinion.  

"CHRISTMAS IN EVERGREEN:  BELLS ARE RINGING"   1 hr& 24 mins     2020

As Michelle's wedding approaches, Hannah steps up to help finish the launch of the new Evergreen museum while questioning her relationship and future with Elliot.

Director:

 Linda-Lisa Hayter

Writers:

 Zac Hug, Shari Sharpe

Stars:

 Rukiya Bernard, Antonio Cayonne, Holly Robinson Peete 

Movie #2054 ........................."Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2054 "Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas" (Hallmark) -- the premise is a bit of a mystery --- a handful of people show up, not  knowing  who invited them  until well into the film.  The lead woman who is trying to figure out the mystery is a diva  of Hallmark films, Lacey Chabert  ---I always have to see her movies because , well, just because --- it's like seeing Patti Lupone plays, you know?  Anyway, the guy she snags  in this one,  to no one's surprise, is the guy who runs the inn they are all invited to  -- the  one who helps her figure out the  mystery.  And the mystery is a good one, and somewhat believable.  The guys was just okay, but likable --- he is always working, cutting wood, decorating,  whatever --- he works so much that in  order for her to talk to  him, she has to help him (free charge --- that must be love!)  I enjoyed this one, even though it has the longest title ever!  4 out of 5 stars

"TIME FOR US TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS      2020    1 hour and 24 minutes

Five guests are mysteriously invited to an inn to celebrate Christmas. With the help of the owner Ben, Sarah discovers that an event from the past may connect them and change their lives forever.

Director:

 David Winning

Writer:

 Marcy Holland

Stars:

 Lacey Chabert, Stephen Huszar, Lini Evans 

Movie #2053 ........................."Love at the Christmas Table" (lifetime?)

 Movie #2053  "Love at the Christmas  Table" (lifetime?) I know if you read the synopsis below, it seems a retread, but the way the film is done, you can tell it isn't a Hallmark.  The humor has such a variety --- the speed of the dialogue between the two leads, the humorous antics that occur that spur the story along, Lea Thompson (the mother in  Back to the Future) is a young  looking mother  here who happens to be the host of the annual neighborhood Christmas party that the two leads are always  attending year after year, but early teen years into their late 20s.  It was a fun watch and it has become my FAVORITE one that I have seen all year.  I highly recommend it for being so different and entertaining!

"LOVE AT THE  CHRISTMAS TABLE"  2012      1 hour  and  29 mins

A man realizes that his best friend since childhood is the woman that he loves.

Director:

 Rachel Lee Goldenberg

Writer:

 Dayan Ballweg (screenplay by) (as Patrick J. Hobby) 

Stars:

 Danica McKellar, Dustin Milligan, Lea Thompson

Movie #2052 ........................."Twinkle all the Way" (Lifetime?)

 Movie #2052 "Twinkle all the Way" (Lifetime?)  I watched this because the story seemed  different, well a little --- and the people seemed new --- she was really good, but he just smiled lot through the whole film.  But the ending was GREAT!  and we all know that if the end works, it's the first thing that is remembered.  It  was a wedding, but not there's --- and  I liked the way that they would all work together to make it happen even after all the problems came their way.  And it was nice to see Leslie Ann Warren in a  bigger role (she is the mother here, and "twinkle" in the title, the owner of the lighting crew.  I would give this a 4 out of 5 --- a little slow, but a fun watch and lots of smiling!

"TWINKLE ALL THE  TIME"   1 hr & 27 mins        2019

Two single parents of young daughters, grow closer as they contribute to each others' projects - Cadence with the wedding and Henry with his high-profile client, Mrs. Sutton, and her annual VIP Christmas Eve party.

Director:

 Brian Herzlinger

Writers:

 Megan Henry Herzlinger, Brian Herzlinger

Stars:

 Sarah Drew, Ryan McPartlin, Lesley Ann Warren

Movie #2051 ........................."Carrie Pilby" (Netflix streaming)

 Movie #2051 "Carrie Philby" (Netflix streaming)  -- this was  recommended by an alum, and I am glad because it was  quite enjoyable --- loved the sarcastic way about Carrie, and how she looked at things.  She  is stunningly  smart and observant as she talks to others, esp. her therapist (and friend of her father) Nathan  Lane.  We esp. liked those exchanges. A very good study of extremely smart young people who try to weather through life full of a lot of mopes like me. I would give this 3.5 ----not quite a 4 because the story could  have been a tad more active.   But I enjoyed her and Nathan Lane so much, I barely noticed.

"CARRIE PILBY"    2016     1 hour and 38 mins    PG-13 (my rating)

A person of high intelligence struggles to make sense of the world as it relates to morality, relationships, sex and leaving her apartment.

Director:

 Susan Johnson

Writers:

 Kara Holden (screenplay by), Caren Lissner (based on the novel by) 

Stars:

 Bel Powley, Nathan Lane, Gabriel Byrne 

Movie #2050 ........................."Ted Lasso" (t.v. series, season1 on Apple)

 Movie #2050 "Ted Lasso" (t.v., season 1 - Apple) We loved this series and give a big thanks to  Heather Yager for recommending it to us.  I normally wouldn't have really watched it just by the subject matter --- I would've figured there was a lot of soccer (British football) being  played so I wouldn't get the humor and couldn't stand watching the game for any length of time.  But this is about so much more with only glimpses on playing the game.  First, it's a fish out of water kind of show because Ted's gain to fame was being a somewhat successful southern college football coach, and now he is hired for big time Britsh football/soccer.  What's funny about that  is he knows very little about the game or the English , etc.  BUT he has a very funny assistant coach (much like "Coach" assistant  Jerry Van Dyke on t.v.)  except this guy is a savant of sorts --- he's hard to describe.  Right away Ted befriends the manager of the team and listens to him more than  anyone else, much to the chagrin of the players.  The boss is female and trying to get even with her ex husband.  Her assistant is a hoot, and another hard to describe person, along with Juno Temple who plays the narcissistic player's girlfriend, who  is her own kind of individual herself, and very confident.  There are several  others involved in the story, which really makes it a fun character show.  That being said, the storylines are well written, too.  They deal with sportsmanship, true leadership, how to deal with bullying, how to deal with anxiety and being alone, healthy competition, true definition of "success"  --- and so much more.  I know not everyone has apple, but we got it for the "Morning Show" and we haven't watched it all that much in comparison to the other streaming  services we have, there's quality here with "Morning Show" and now this --- and  this is only the first season;.  IMDB says it has at least two more.  I rate it 5 out of 5 and can't wait for the next season. P.S.  you can't put friends  on with your service of Apple, but  it isn't that expensive in comparison to others, and they offer a free trial of 7 days which could get you through this series or much of it, anyway.  just a thought.

"TED LASSO"     season 1, 10 episodes , 40+ mins each       2020        

Follows US American Football coach Ted Lasso heading to the UK to manage a struggling London football team in the top flight of English football.

Creators:

 Brendan Hunt, Joe Kelly, Bill Lawrence   »

Stars:

 Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Jeremy Swift

Jason Sudeikis writes some of the episodes

Movie #2049 ........................."If I only had Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2049 "If I only had Christmas" (Hallmark)  -- yuck!  I like the lead girl (from "Full House") but the guy was so bland, you hardly know he is in it.  And the film was way too business-y for my money.  I  didn't care from the  beginning, but I kept watching, hoping it would get better.  There was a small secondary part of the film that piqued interest to me ---  the lead girl was trying to boost the ego of the people she worked with, and I liked that a lot!  I liked her energy, but didn't pull this movie out of its business funk.  I'd give it a 3 and don't recommend.  PS:  they must have noticed this movie was a blah so they stuck a dance sequence in at the very end to keep us from dozing off ---

"IF I ONLY HAD CHRISTMAS "     2020

At Christmas, a cheerful publicist teams up with a cynical VP and his eclectic team to help a charity in need.

Director:

 David Weaver

Writers:

 Jim Head (story by), Sarah Montana (teleplay by) 

Stars:

 Candace Cameron Bure, Warren Christie, Chris Gauthier

Movie #2048 ..........................."The Angel Tree" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2048 "The Angel Tree" (Hallmark)  nice idea of having a tree that grants wishes when  you hang them on her branches --- and a reporter trying to figure out who the angel is... but for nought --- we all know she'll find out but continue token the secret of thew town --- the  romance in this film was lacking a bit --- one of those this year that has a backstory (flashback) and that seems to be the thing this year.   The kids were cute and the main female lead was good.  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.

"THE  ANGEL TREE"       1 hr, 26 mins.       2020

A writer seeks the identity of the person who helps grant wishes that are placed upon an angel tree, and in the process, reconnects with her childhood friend.

Director:

 Jessica Harmon

Writers:

 Teresa Kale (teleplay), Daphne Benedis-Grab (based on the book ) 

Stars:

 Jill Wagner, Lucas Bryant, Cassidy Nugent 

Movie #2047 ........................"HolIDATE" (netflix streaming)

 Movie #2047 "HoliDate" (netflix streaming) -- well, the premise sounded familiar with a twist (just on holidays) but it was raunchy in humor, to me.  Lots of F words, in front  of kids, big announcement of love on a microphone in front of tons of people (which I hate!) and two "I don't care people" who I guess care, kind of, but as an audience member watching them, I ended up not caring about them.  She is a capable actress from "Shameless" but as I recall from very little watching of that show, she seemed the nicest of the characters, but here, not  so much.  I don't recommend it and give it a mild 3.

"HOLIDATE"  1 HR 43 MINS,   2020    rated R

Fed up with being single on holidays, two strangers agree to be each other's platonic plus-ones all year long, only to catch real feelings along the way.

Director:

 John Whitesell

Writer:

 Tiffany Paulsen

Stars:

 Emma Roberts, Luke Bracey, Kristin Chenoweth