Movie #2148 ........................."Cloudy with a Chance of Christmas" (Lifetime)

 Movie #2148 "Cloudy with a Chance of Christmas" (lifetime) - this was a fun watch last night because it shows the t.v. morning show/news programming world, very competitive, sometimes fake, all consuming type of activities that have to be done to prep for each show.  It was fun to watch the dramatic conflicts that existed in that world --- There were some funny moments and the love couple was cute and believable, within this t.v. world.

"CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF CHRISTMAS"   (Lifetime)   2022    1 hour and 30 mins

When a weather forecaster is asked to host her network's annual snow-cast in the wintry town of Leavenworth live with the network's morning show host and a longtime rival of hers, tension brews and romantic sparks fly between them on air.

Director:  Jake Helgren

Writer:  Jake Helgren

Actors:  Valery M. Ortiz, Brandon Quinn, Sarah Jane Morris

Movie #2147 ........................."A Puppy for Christmas" (ion)

Movie #2147 "A Puppy for Christmas" (ion) this was a silly film --- why anyone would stick with this naughty puppy without trying to train him or getting someone to train him  is hard to believe --- yet this girl experiences a break up because of him (Buster) --- as the film goes on, she and the dog and the guy she will get by the end of the film become more well-rounded characters and not just act out to make an impression (like they do in the first 30 minutes of the film).  It does focus on the dog through most of the film, and that was different for a Christmas film.  I give it a 3 out of 5. (PS:  I did love watching the puppy and all the outdoors things they did where they were)

"A puppy for Christmas"      2916         1 hour and 25 mins

After adopting a cute puppy, Noelle's world is turned upside down when her boyfriend breaks up with her. After accepting an invitation to spend the holidays with a co0worker, she is surrounded by the Christmas cheer of a happy family and soon sparks begin to fly.  

Director:  Justin G. Dyck

Writer:  Melissa Rundle

Actors:  Cindy Busby, Greyson Holt, Christopher Russell

 

Movie #2146 ........................."12 Pups of Christmas" (Lifetime)

 Movie #2146 "12 Pups of Christmas" (Lifetime)  Boy, you sure can tell the difference between Lifetime and Hallmark Christmas movies --- How?  Acting isn't usually as good in Lifetime films, scripts have huge weaknesses, usually, and the love story is shook up --- this one, they slept together (I haven't really witnessed that yet in a Hallmark squeaky-clean Christmas movie --- If I'm wrong, let me know!)  I was not sold on the girl lead on this one for a long time --- i just thought she was pretty stoic throughout --- and the guy was a jerk from the get go--- when/how he changed,  I must have missed.   They fell in love in montages --- hmmmmm.  And the titled 12 pups went by the wayside and appeared at the end.... anyway, some positive/  this one started with a huge break up, with was kind of funny and a big whoop of an opening --- no meet cutes here -- The high point was my favorite part --- it was a joke on translating --- I give this a 3.5 out of 5 --- maybe just watch the last 10 minutes? 

"12 PUPS OF CHRISTMAS"   (Lifetime)  2019   1 hour and 25 mins

A woman tasked with finding homes for 12 abandoned puppies before Christmas finds love with her co-worker just in time f9or the holidays.

Director:  Michael Feifer

Writer:  Michael Feifer

Actors:  Charlotte Sullivan, Donny Boaz, Elizabeth Small

Movie #2145 ........................."Holiday Heritage" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2145 "Holiday Heritage" (Hallmark) - okay, I tried once to watch this and was so bored at the beginning, I turned it off.  But then I found out it was the one movie Hallmark did on Kwanzaa, and knowing nothing about that, I wanted to learn, so I watched the entire movie the other night  I still felt it was way too talkie and boring, but when it got to the Kwanzaa exercises, I found that very inspiring. That's why I would give this a 4 -- for the Kwanzaa information it imparts to the viewers.  Bring on some more, Hallmark.

"HOLIDAY HERITAGE"   (Hallmark)  2022   1 hour and 24 mins

Ella, with the help of her ex-boyfriend, Griffin, encourages her family to celebrate Christmas and Kwanzaa to heal their past wounds.  

Director:  Alfons Adetuyi

Writer:  Rhonda Baraka

Actors: Holly Robinson Pete, Lyndie Greenwood, Brooks Darnell

Movie #2144 ........................."Hanukkah on Rye" (Hallmark)

Movie #2144 "Hanukkah on Rye" (Hallmark )  this was an adorable film and ends up to be one of the best this year --- once again, kind of a goofy title, but worth the watch --- has fun characters, a plot similar to "You've Got Mail" and "Shop Around the Corner" with a guy and a girl, whose bubbehs (jewish grandmothers) sign them up for possible marriage partner, and they can only write to each other anonymously (no using computer, etc.)  They balk at the idea, but for their grandmas' sake, they go along with the idea --- the only complaint is that when it came to the final conflict, it seemed manufactured  (there was a strong one earlier that worked well enough so the film could have finished earlier.... but that's the only complaint.  4.5 out of 5.

"HANUKKAH ON RYE"     (Hallmark)   2022    1 hour and 25 mins

Can a Hanukkah miracle keep fresh couple Molly and Jacob together after they realize that they are actually competing delicatessen owners?

Director:   Peter DeLouise

Writer:   Julie Sherman Wolfe

Actors:  Yael Grobglas, Jeremy Jordan, Lisa Loeb

Movie #2143 .........................""Twas the Night Before Christmas (Hallmark)

 Movie #2143 "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" (Hallmark) I loved this --- the theatricality of it, the stage business which included rehearsing and rewriting , the appearance of ghost actors, the improv of it all , and the creativity of it --- very different and it worked with me.  I didn't 't know there was a controversy over who actually wrote this famous poem --- in this movie, in this town, at christmastime, a theatre group decides to put the supposed writer on trial for stealing from another.  Cool idea, well done. Gets a 5 from me out of 5.

"'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS"       Hallmark  2022    1 hour and 24 mins

Follow a former actress as she needs to take charge of a town's annual Christmas Eve courtroom production debating the true authorship of the poem "A Visit from St. Nick."  

Director:  Gary Yates

Writers:  Jack Casey, C. Jay Cox, Duncan Crary 

Actors:  Torrey DeVitto, Zane Holtz, Amanda Barker

P.S. this is based on a play.

Movie #2142 ........................."Five More Minutes: Moments Like These" (Hallmark)

Movie #2142 "Five More Minutes:  Moments Like These" (Hallmark) what a dumb title for a very good movie --- a sequel to the hit and much-loved Hallmark film last year entitled "Five More Minutes."    I liked this one a lot, but pretty predictable, esp. at the beginning - I knew there would be grief involved from the opening.  It deals with the magic at Christmas --- I am a sucker for anything with ghosts or people seeking from the dead (like when the Baker's Wife comes back to sing to the Baker about how to raise their child now that he is alone in "Into theWoods" -- I weep every time)  The two leads were very good together and sold the movie to me --- the kid, too.  4.5 for this one from me.

"FIVE MORE MINUTES:  MOMENTS LIKE THESE"    HALLMARK  2022   1 hr and 24 mins

Inspired by Scotty McCreery's song "Five More Minutes," a Christmas wish gets realized in an unexpected way, as a young widow has to return to her old home for the holidays.

Director:  Kevin Fair

Writers:  Kelly Fullerton , Andy Sandberg

Actors:  Ashley Williams, Lucas Bryant, Brdy Droulis 

Movie #2241 ........................."The Mistletoe Secret" (Hallmark)

 Movie #22541 "The Mistletoe Secret" (Hallmark) I had seen this before, but I guess I forgot to write a blog on it .  I especially enjoy when the lead girl is debating about two guys to choose from -- and one is a ghost writer for the other, so it deals with writing; thus,  the stage business to use writing problems is a winner for me.  I didn't mind watching it again, but the girl, Kellie Pickler, I saw on DWTS, and I liked her there, but here she said every line about the same --- no highs or lows in her performance. But the guy, normally more casual of a guy, does some much- needed angst here to pull this one out.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

PS -- a shout out for a nice use of Christmas 'magic" here, and I'd recommend it.

"THE MISTLETOE SECRET"  Hallmark   2019      1 hour and 23 mins

A ghost writer/partner of a travel web site and TV feature arrives in Midway before Christmas to write about it. He falls for The Mistletoe Diner's Aria, as does his tall, handsome partner.

Director:  Terry Ingram

Writers:  Michael Nourse, Rickie Castaneda, Megan Hocking

Actors:  Kellie Pickler, Tyler Hynes, Christopher Russell

Movie #2240 ........................."Holiday Sitter" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2240 "Holiday Sitter" (Hallmark) So this is the controversial one in the Hallmark batch this year, and I found it to be one of the best ones ---- it is a rom-com involving two gay guys, and it was  treated like the script was written just for two people (not necessarily gay or straight)  and I appreciated that.  It came across as so normal and loving, and the two people with compassion, passion for kids, and sensitive to all the issues that may be involved.  Their conflict came to a poignant point and the ending was a la Hallmark with the kiss 5 minutes before the end, but this one was definitely acceptable to both families that would be a part of their lives together --- you could tell by the applause and the big gang hug at the end --- very nice ending moment! I'd give this a 4.5, just because the lead guy was super, but the secondary one, not quite as good.  The kids were cute, though~!  and believable!

"HOLIDAY SITTER"   2022     1 hour and 24 mins

Sam babysits his niece and nephew before the holidays, and when he recruits help from their handsome neighbor Jason, he finds himself in an unexpected romance.

Director:  Ali Liebert

Writers:  Greg Baldwin, Tracy Andreen, Jonathan Bennett

Actors:  Jonathan Bennett, George Krissa, Chelsea Hobbs

movie #2239 ......................... "The Gift of Peace" (Hallmark)

Movie #2239 "The Gift of Peace" (Hallmark)  I like the girl in this one, but the guy, not so much.  The story just was too much about grief for me in a Christmas movie.  I liked the honesty, the help group, all the stuff they did to help others out, but when it came down to it, the film was just about grief.  Tough topic --- maybe could be linked with something else?  3.5 out of 5.

"THE GIFT OF PEACE"     1011    1 hour and 24 mins

After her husband's death, long-time devoted Christian Traci stops believing, and on her second Christmas without him, she visits a support group in search of comfort and inspiration.

Director:  Fred Gerber

Writers:  Mike Grimm, Tyler Straessle

Actors:  Nikki Deloach, Brennan Elliott, Princess Davis

Movie #2238 ........................."The Most Colorful Time of the Year" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2238 "The Most Colorful Time of the Year" (Hallmark)  I kept watching this wondering if it was possible to solve colorblindness by putting a pair of treated glasses for the problem.  It seemed too good to be true, and an excuse to get this optometrist  and her kid's science teacher together...... he seems a stuff shirt and very stubborn at the onset --- good looking but way too stiff of a person.  But she wears him down.  Most of the stage business is convincing him to put these new glasses on --- so they aren't really flirting because he keeps saying "no" to the help with the glasses.  I'd give this a 3.8 out of 5.

"THE MOST COLORFUL TIME OF THE YEAR"  (Hallmark)  2022    1 hr and 24 min

It follows Ryan, an elementary school teacher who learns that he is colorblind.  Michelle, an optometrist and mother of one of his students, helps bring color into his life in time for the holidays.

Director:  Max McGuire

Writers:  Keith Hemstreet, Alan Donahue

Actors:  Katrina Bowden, Christopher Russell, Ava Weiss

Movie #2237 ........................."Undercover Holiday" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2237 "Undercover Holiday" (Hallmark)  This is like "My Bodyguard" if it were a rom-com.  She's a famous and sought after singer , and he is paid to guard her, and she's afraid her family would be uncomfortable le if she tells the truth, so she introduces him as a boyfriend.  Kind of a stereotyped story for Hallmark, but what makes it different is the hispanic Rodriguez family --- it's so funny and so close that the bodyguard feels like one of them when it's all over --- which makes him more endearing to the lead girl.  The conflict was a bit manufactured -- i.e., hard to believe and out of the blue, or didn't seem plausible after spending an hour plus with the two of them, but the ending is okay.  I'd give this a 3.5 out of 5.

"UNDERCOVER HOLIDAY"  (Hallmark)  2022   1 hour and 24 mins

When returning home for the holidays, newly minted op star Jaylen tells her protective family that her overzealous security guard Matt is, in fact, her new beau.

Director:  Bradley Walsh

Writer:  Nina Weinman

Stars:  Noemi Gonzalez, Stephen Hussar , Ann Pirvu

Movie #2236 ........................."Something from Tiffany's " (amazon)

 Movie #2236 "Something from Tiffany's (amazon) On my continued journey of seeing as many Zoey Deutch movies as I can, this is her latest.  And it is produced by her and Reese Witherspoon.  I heard her interviewed about it on some talk show, and she made it sound like fun, and it was, for the most part.  The story is pretty involved but it all stems from a wrong delivery of a beautiful and expensive diamond ring .  The more we watched it, the more we realized that the film really depends on her --- she carries it --- the guy smiles nicely and looks like there is more to him than meets the eye, and the little girl is spunky, but really Zoey runs the movie and she does it well.  And the film has a lot of twists and turns.  I'd give this a 4 and recommend it.  She's one talented actress, and  I would like to see her do more.

"SOMETHING FROM TIFFANY'S   (amazon)   2022        PG      1 hour and 27 min

Follows a woman as her life gets upended when an engagement rings that was for someone else leads her to the person sh's meant to be with.

Director:  Daryl Wein

Writers:  Melissa Hill, Tamara Chestna

Actors:  Zoey Deutch, Kendrick Sampson, Ray Nicholson

Movie #2235 ........................."A Clusterfunke Christmas "(ion)

 Movie #2235 "A Clusterfunke Christmas' (ION) -  this was funny the first half an hour but after a while the humor seemed quite repetitive and it crossed the stupid line for me so I wasn't ready to recommend it after watching it until the end.  I'd give it a 3, and it depends on the mood you are in when watching probably --- if you just go with the flow and see that the film is making fun of all the rom-coms that play up Christmas, then you'll enjoy it.  If it seems overdone to the point of annoying then you won't.  I was in the middle --- some parts work; others didn't.  But definitely noT for kids.

"A CLUSTERFUKE CHRISTMAS"  ION     1 hour and 27 mins.     2021

Holly has to buy up the Clusterfunke Inn to make it a mega-resort, but then she meets Frank and wonders whether she should complete the assignment and go back to her city life, or fall in love with him and find the spirit of Christmas.  

Director;  Anna Dokoza

Writers:  Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer

Actors:  Michael Bender, Keren Burkett, Sharon Crandall, Rachel Dratch, Ana Gasteyer

Movie #2234 ........................."The Prince and the Pauper Christmas" (ion)

 Movie #2234 "The Prince and the Pauper Christmas" (ion) This is cute and silly and a bit different.  A prince has a look alike in a con man, and of course they get switched when the con man is doing a job for the government --- so the prince has to take his place, and he's very much a fish out of water.  When his partner helps him get through, a relationship exists.  This guy haas to play two characters, one with an accent, and he does a pretty good job.  But all around this is a silly premise --- but the stage business is like watching a funny James Bond movie.  3.8 out of 5.  I esp. liked the end of this and how she decides which guy she wants to be with.

"THE PRINCE AND THE PAUPER CHRISTMAS"    2022

When her down on his luck confidential informant in q criminal investigation suddenly goes missing, a desperate young federal agent recruits his doppelgänger to play his role.

Director:  Peter Sullivan

Writer:  Joany Kane

Actors:  Brittany Underwood, Jonathan Stoddard, Tom Arnold

MOVIE #2233.........................."Karen Kingsbury's "The Bridge - Part 2" (on demand)

 Movie #2233 "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge - Part 2" (on demand) This opens with one of the owners of the Bookstore being rushed to the hospital  --- that adds to the problem that already exists -- that the bookstore was damaged greatly during a bad thunderstorm.  So now they don't have enough money to fix it up nor the strong guy to do most of the work --- the two original young guy and girl come back to lend a helping hand to the restoration, and along the way decide where they want their lives to go in the future.  Again 4.8 out of 5.  Excellent ending.  This time it was a for sure one.

"KAREN KINGSBURY'S THE BRIDGE - PART 2'   2016  TV-G    1 hour and 25 mins

A storm has demolished The Bridge book store.  Charlie and Donna will soon lose it from lack of funds but Charlie's accident leaves him in a coma.  meanwhile, Molly and Ryan can't forget the best time of their ives together at The Bridge.

Director:  mike Rohl

Writers:  Karen kINGSBURY, JAMIE PACHINO

Actors:  Katie Findlay, Wyatt Nash, Ted McGinley

Movie #2232........................."Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" (ion)

Movie #2232 "Karen Kingsbury's The Bridge" (ion) What a lovely story about the importance of one book store and the community it fosters within its walls.  We get to meet  a diversity of people --- two in particular, a college student whose future is planned by her dad because he wants her to be the future CEO of his company.  The other, the boy, a musician who wants to find his niche in life --- he wants to be a musician, but not necessarily a famous one but someone who is  of use to others.  It's wonderful to see these two well-meaning young people growing close to each other, to generally others in the community , and to their future goals. The ending could be more of a clincher, but there seems to be part 2 so I will have to search for it.  4.5 out of 5

"KAREN KINGSBURY'S THE BRIDGE"     2015   TV-G    1 hour and 23 min

Two new students at nearby Belmont University, Ryan and Molly, meet the first day of classes and become study partners.  The Bridge, a local bookstore, becomes a close part of heir lives as their relationship grows.

Director:  Mike Rohl

Writers:  Karen Kingsbury, Jamie pachino

Actors:  Katie Findlay, Wyatt Nash, Ted McGinley 

Movie #2231 ........................."Second Chance Christmas" (Amazon)

 Movie #2231 "Second Chance Christmas" (Amazon) This one I found on Amazon that delved more into the psyche of a marriage.  This one isn't going well - in fact, she has divorce papers in her hand when she gets in an accident and suffers from amnesia.  Of course, "Overboard" is my favorite movie on that subject, followed by "While You Were Sleeping" --- the latter could be considered somewhat of a Christmas movie.  This one concentrates more on second chances --- if you were the guy, and you still loved this woman but were just disappointed in how their lives had turned out, if given the chance to try it again, wouldn't you?  The amnesia part has become a cliche in films, but this one studies the consequences of lying which is an interesting path to follow.  I'm not sure xmas is all that important to the film, but it was a good watch to me in this season .  4 out of 5.

"SECOND CHANCE CHRISTMAS"    2017    1 hour and 30 mins    PG

In this Christmas time romantic comedy, Caroline is unhappy in her marriage and makes her way to file for divorce.  On the way, she is in an accident and she sees her love life differently, as amnesia is now setting in.

Director: Danny Buday

Writers;  Kelly Goodner, Mary O'Neil, Angela Worth

Actors:  Katrina Begin, Tilky Jones, Charlene Tilton

Movie #2230 ........................."The Winter Palace" (Amazon)

 Movie #2230 "The Winter Palace" (Amazon)  Now, it seems to see Danica  McKellar (Winnie from "Wonder Years" who used to be in at least 1 or 2 Hallmark xmas movies per year) , I need to check out what is on Amazon Prime because I found this one --- She seems to be paired with Neal Bledsoe a lot, too.  And ironically, another xmas movie I saw recently (on CBS) has the same guy helping the lead character writer out of her writer's block.  This one is much less believable.  She has to find a quiet place to write so out of desperation she signs up to help her friend to caretake a big "palatial" estate that belongs to royalty "whenever come" --- well, guess what?  they do, and she is the supposed caretake, they put her to work --- so she is supposed to be doing that but she is also writing her book, AND doing a bunch of snow activities with the prince so it's more believable when they fall in love.  Which is totally unbelievable to me.  What I did like about this one is the two lead characters seem to have a lot of comfort in working together, and it was about writing, and once again, he was giving her ideas how to finish her book.  Otherwise, very hard to believe this one.  I'd give it 3.8 out of 5 

"THE WINTER PALACE"   2022   1 hour and 25 minutews

A novelist with writer's block becomes the caretaker at an empty winter chateau to finish her book.  The owner, a prince, suddenly shows up with his royal entourage, and her job as the caretaker includes taking orders from the royal group.

Director:  T. Wl. Peacocke

Writers:  Gregg Rossen, Brian Sawyer

Actors:  Danica McKellar, Neal Bledsoe, Jenifer Wigmore

Movie #2229 ........................."All Good Things" (Amazon)

 Movie #2229 "All Good Things" (Amazon) I picked this out the other night because of the cast -- Morgan Fairchild and Corbin Benson playing the grandparents that these two girls need to stay with during Christmas break when they were supposed to go to Hawaii.  It's a big spread -out farm and while there, they learn to care more about that place and their grandparents ---- good strong values here.  It's just really slow, and the stage business is cleaning out barns, etc. so the movie doesn't get you more into the Christmas spirit.  I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

"ALL GOOD THINGS"      2019     1 hour and 41 mins            

Two big-city teenage sisters are sent to their grandparents' farm for Christmas break against their wishes.  While there, the sisters connect to their roots and help save the farm from foreclosure.

Director:  Kahil Silver

Writer:  Shogi Silver

Actors:  Morgan Fairchild, Corbin Bernsen, Sierra McCormick

Movie #2228 ........................."Must Love Christmas" (CBS)

 Movie #2228 "Must Love Christmas" (CBS) This lead girl is usually the plucky good friend so this is a step up for her --- she's the writer stuck with writer's block --- she does a good job --- the guy lead usually plays a prince because he has a great British accent (usually with Danica McKeller lately) and instead of playing the previous dreamboat boyfriend, he plays a journalist trying to get a big story at the expense of the author.  I like when the lead girl has to pick from two guys --- the stage business is flirting from both of them and that offers more interest to me.  I'd give this a 4 and much better than the previous CBS offering. (this one had gimmicks for how a writer can get out of writers' block --- very interesting!)

"MUST LOVE CHRISTMAS" (CBS)    PG   1 hour and 27 mins 2022

A renowned romance novelist famous for her Christmas-themed books finds herself snowbound in the charming town of Cranberry Falls, where she unexpectedly becomes involved in a love triangle between her childhood crush and a reporter determined to interview her to save his dying magazine.

Director:  Martin Wood

Writer:  Mark Amato

Actors:  Liza Lapira, Neal Bledsoe, Nathan Witte

 

Movie #2227 ........................."Fit for Christmas" (CBS)

Movie #2227 "Fit for Christmas" (CBS) there were so many reasons I disliked this one -- the lead girl said most of her lines the same --- the conflict pretty much disappeared.  I give it a 3.   The Worst?  We were stuck in fitness classes as most of the stage business.  

"FIT FOR CHRISTMAS"     2022  G    1 hour and 28 minutes

Follows Audrey, an enthusiastic Christmas-obsessed fitness instructor who begins a holiday romance with a charming, mysterious businessman.

Director:  Jessica Harmon

Writers:  Anna White, Amanda Kloots

Actors:  Amanda Loots, Paul Greene

Movie #2226 ........................."I Believe in Santa" (netflix)

 Movie #2226 "I Believe in Santa" --- this one is a hoot.  And very original.  And I have recommended it to several people who have liked it as well, so I don't think I'm wrong about this one --- it's worth looking for on netflix.  And the two writers are the stars in it, and unlike that stupid idea that if people are married or in love, they shouldn't  work together, these two work so well with each and display that chemistry that one looks for in a rom-com.  That being said, you have to suspend your belief somewhat here --- because there's an attitude expounded in the film  about Santa (see the title) that you need to accept in the middle of the film, or you will go no further in watching this.  However,  it's  an easy one to accept because.............it's a fun one, it is well supported by the lead guy, and it just could be the secret to the magic of a secular christmas.  I don't want to say any more because you just have to watch it to believe it! I'm not sure it's for kids because they wouldn't get all the jokes, but people with kids that have seen it, let me know what you think.    - I'd give this gem 5 out of 5.

"I BELIEVE IN SANTA"     2022    PG     1 hour and 29 mins

Love is a gift.  But when you find out the man you've fallen for still believes in Santa, do you accept it - or send it back?

Director:  Alex Ranarivelo

Writer:  John Ducey

Actors:  Christina Moore, John Ducey, Violet McGraw

Movie #2225 ........................."The Fablemans" (in theater)

 Movie #2225 "The Fablemans" (in theater) -- Finally, at long last, the quality films, the ones that we've been looking forward to for most of the year, the ones nominated for the best picture awards, are starting to emerge, and right out of the gate is this  Spielberg filmic gem.  And what a delight it is to watch --- beautifully photographed and edited, having   a story well-told with authenticity and poignancy, and I esp. liked its messages --- the power of film, Spielberg's reason for wanting to make movies and his love for every minute he pursues them,   the impact a family has on each other --- and so much more.  It reminded me as a kid how I preferred to watch films rather than go out and play --- well, Spielberg went further and wanted to MAKE films since little on, and with a creative mother supporting that, and sisters who somewhat shared in his passion, and his father doing as much as he could to support him as well.  The actors are strong, and this should be nominated for best picture (it already has several Golden Globe nominations) -- I am giving it a 4.8 out of 5 because it meanders a bit, but it IS a memoir, so that is easily forgiven.  I also felt a little let down at the end, thinking it could have had a more sock for an ending, but really, this is a well done film and very personal for Spielberg, which is different for him.

"THE FABLEMANS"   2022 

Growing up in post-World War II era Arizona, young Sammy Fabelman aspires to become a filmmaker as he reaches adolescence, but soon discovers a shattering family secret and explores how the power of films can help him see the truth.

Director:  Steven Spielberg 

Writers:  Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushner

Stars:  Michelle Williams, Gabriel LaBelle, Paul Dano

Writers:  Steven Spielberg, Tony Kushne

Movie #2224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ." A Hollywood Christmas" (HBO)

 Movie #2224 "A Hollywood Christmas" (HBO) I loved this film for one main reason --- it makes fun of the Hallmark formula film, but then while doing that it follows a formula to make a fun Christmas movie --- it is self-deprecatory from beginning to end --- there's a funny sidekick that knows she is playing  that part and she keeps pointing out how what is happening while making this Christmas movie is also a Christmas movie in itself.  For example, one time when the director  is upset with one of her actors and they meet in a makeshift room, she leaves and slams the door and the whole frame falls apart --- she, and we, forgot that they were on a movie set so nothing was really for real --- There's a line in it:  "Christmas magic is like snow in L.A."  yet the movie spins it's magic by making fun of it --- quite a script here, and funny, esp. if you watch it from a film angle, which is the point of view here --- director's pOV.  I'd give this a 4.5 out of 5 and recommend it.

"A HOLLYWOOD CHRISTMAS"    HBO     1 hour and 31 minutes   PG    2022

A successful Christmas movie director begins living her own Christmas movie when a handsome network exec shows up threatening to halt production on her latest film.

Director:  Alex Ranarivelo

Writer:  John Ducey

Actors:  Jessika Van, Josh Swickard, Anissa Borrego

Movie #2225 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."Holiday for Love" (Netflix)

 Movie #2225 "Holiday for Love" (netflix) This is an older film, but it had half pint in it from "Little House on the Prairie" (Melissa Gilbert) so I had to see her because I've been a big fan of hers for years. She  is a mother who has lost her hubby, and she takes in a stranger who is caught in a bad snowstorm and from the time they meet, they both change and end up saving a town together --- a nice feel-good christmas movie that honors the working man and woman in the town.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5.

"HOLIDAY FOR LOVE"     NETFLIX     1996    1 hour and 45 mins

A man is sent to a small town to assess which of the workers in the local factory that supplies the town with  jobs  should get the boot when the downsizing begins.  He gets sidetracked when he falls in love with a local,  a cute single mom.

Director:  Jerry London

Writer:  Darrah Cloud

Actors:  Tim Matheson, Melissa Gilbert, Michelle Trachtenberg

Movie #2224 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . "Noel Diary" (Netflix)

Movie #2224 "Noel Diary" (Netflix) --  I really was pulled into this one very quickly --- the story was intriguing to me --- it deals with a guy who goes back to his family home, inheriting it from his mother whom he hasn't seen in a very long time.  There's a black woman who hesitates to bother him, but she finally gets enough courage to ask him if he remembers his nanny when he was growing up because she thinks that woman is her biological mother whom she is looking for --- and the rest becomes a journey to find this woman, and through the journey, both participants change and grow  -- and a relationship grows from that , as well.  A taut, quiet drama, but it comes across as very real the way it is handled.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.  Nice quiet, small christmas movie.

"NOEL DIARY"   2022      1 hour and 39 mins

The story of a man who returns home on Christmas to settle his estranged mother's estate.  Once there, he discovers a diary that may hold secrets to his own past and of a  beautiful young woman on a mysterious journey of her own.

Director:  Charles Shyer

Writers:  Rebecca Connor, Richard Paul Evans, David Golden

Actors:  Justin Hartley, Bonnie Bedelia, Barrett Doss 

Movie #2223 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."The People We Hate at the wedding" (netflix)

 Movie #2223 "The People We Hate at the Wedding" (Netflix)  Looking for something a bit different?  Try this one --- it has a lot of strong actors, add a wedding that everyone wants to make fun of , and throw some raunchiness in and, of course, a dysfunctional family with a capital D.  You might not like anyone in the film, but by the end, you feel like you watched a film that was completely different and a bit gutsy!  It has some cringeworthy scenes, esp the high point, but if you have ever been at a wedding and felt left out, or that the participants act way too excessively, then this might be a choice for you to watch.  But, like I said, lots of raunchy here.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"THE PEOPLE WE HATE AT THE WEDDING"    Netflix    2022   1 hr and 39 mins     rated R

Family tensions ramp up among siblings in the week leading up to their half-sister's wedding in the country.

Director:  Claire Scanlon

Writers:  Grant Ginder, Lizzie MolyneuxLogelin, Wendy Molyneux

Actors:  Allison Janney, Ben Blatt, Kristin Bell

Movie #2222 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ."A Christmas Story Christmas" (amazon prime)

Movie #2222 "A Christmas Story Christmas" -  (amazon prime) this film is done with great respect and in homage to the first classic film "A Christmas Story" with Ralphie now grown up bringing his family of two kids back to his family home to spend the first xmas with his mom after his father died.  His job is in flux, his kids are bullied, his mom is unhappy that dad isn't here, and there are other problems thrown his way, but there are scenes that are reminiscent of scenes from the original (like a cowboy dream) that are fun to re-watch.; however, there's a lack of energy in  this one basically because of Ralphie, his character, and the actor who plays him.  And the narration  doesn't 't come close to the poignancy or the humor of the first, but like I said, this one has a lot of heart....and definitely shows respect for the original.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"A CHRISTMAS STORY CHRISTMAS"     amazon prime        2022   1 hr and 38 mins

Follows the now-adult Ralphie as he returns to the house on Cleveland Street to give his kids a magical Christmas like the one he had as a child, reconnecting with childhood friends, and reconciling the passing of his Old Man.

Director:  Clay Katy's

Writers:  Jean Shepherd, Nick Schenk, Peter Brillingsley

Actors:  Peter Billingsley, Erinn Hayes, River Drosche

Movie #2221 ........................."Christmas Movie Magic" (Lifetime)

 Movie #2221 "Christmas Movie Magic" (Lifetime) I loved this film --- because it honors movie magic, and I love everything about it!  Female journalist doesn't want the story, but she needs to go to a small town and cover the anniversary of a classic xmas movie (like "It's a Wonderfull Life" but this time it is called "Christmas With You." It isn't interesting to her until she meets Brad, who runs the family business, and they discover together there's a mystery with who inspired the movie's lead song.  So they are on a search from opening to closing -- and I enjoyed the way the story was told and all the interesting older people she interviews for the story.   What i didn't like  is the big, way-too-long- musical ending --- the whole rest of the movie is not a musical, but this ending is --- and the two  people are obviously not show and dance people so it is an odd way to finish it --- maybe they could have shortened it?  I give this 4.5 -- really like the film because it is about film!

"CHRISTMAS MOVIE MAGIC"    2021   1 hour and 27 mins

Follows Alli Blakeman, an entertainment writer who learns that movie magic isn't always just on-screen after she discovers the mysterious origins of a classic Christmas movie.

Director:  Robert Vaughan

Writers:  James S. Blakeman, Rickie Castaneda, Caitlin English

Actors:  Holly Deveaux, Drew Seeley, Jill Frappier

Movie #2220 ........................." A Tale of Two Christmases"(Hallmark)

 Movie #2220 "A Tale of Two Christmases" (Hallmark) You might have seen this idea before, some in Hallmark films, another in a movie entitled "Sliding Doors" --- it uses the premise that if Emma, in this film, chose to go to the xmas party in her home town, her life would be this way....but if she missed the flight home and stayed and spent the day helping a handsome co-worker to plan his party, and then attend that one, her life would go another way.  There's no doubt which one we would want Emma to choose, but the movie throws a lot of stuff her way --- not all of it is important --- this film could have bee shorter, but the leads do their best to convince us she has a big decision she is making and here are the consequences.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.  Good script (just a tad long) and strong chemistry between the leads.

"A TALE OF TWO CHRISTMASES"       Hallmark    2022    1 hour and 24 mins

Emma experiences two different Christmases:   one where she stays in town and celebrates with a new crush, and one where she returns home to her family and Drew.  She will finally discover what will really make her happy in life and in love

Director;  Jason Bourque

Writers:  Cylin Busby, Nanci Katz

Actors:  Katherine Barely, Chandler Massey, Evan Roderick

Movie #2219 .........................."The Christmas Cookie Catastrophe" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2219 "The Christmas Cookie Catastrophe" (Hallmark)  -- yep, another cookie baking film, but this one has a mystery in its batter --- the recipe has been stolen!  The mystery helps, Rachel Boston and Victor Webster both help (nice chemistry), and the little girl is a cutie.  Script keeps the story moving, and there's a nice change in both main characters that's  believable .  If you aren't totally turned off yet with still another Christmas Cookie movie, I recommend this one -- lots of heart.  4 out of 5.

"A CHRISTMAS COOKIE CATASTROPHE"                2022    1 hour and 24 mins

Annie Cooper has big shoes to fill when she takes over as CEO of her late grandmother's small-town cookie company and is doing her best to help their struggling business get back on track.  That task gets more daunting when her grandmother's secret recipe is stolen during the Christmas party.  As Annie tries to crack the case and uncover the culprit, she works with Sam, the owner of a local bakery, to recreate the recipe in the hope of saving the company and her job.  As Annie and Sam bake batch after batch in pursuit of the perfect one, they begin to learn that their lives go together like milk and cookies.

Director:  Jeff Beesley

Writer:  Robin Gadsby

Actors:  Rachel Boston, Victor Webster, Averie Peters

Movie #2218 .........................."12 days of Christmas Eve"(Lifetime)

 Movie #2218 "12 Days of Christmas Eve"  (Lifetime) Still Another version of Dickens' A Christmas Carol --- scattered, and  silly at times, each day Kelsey Grammar tries to act differently, like groundhog day (which I usually hate) and ends up dying and appearing still again in front of a Santa Claus.  It got boring after a while -- and went way too long --- had to watch it in two nights --- I don't recommend it --- He shows very little niceness in the opening and so he really really has to totally change to just become human by the end of the film.  ugh!

"12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS EVE"    Lifetime     1 hour and 30 mins  2022

Brian Conway a successful businessman gets into a car accident on Christmas Eve, Santa gives him twelve changes to re-do the day and repair the relationships in his life to find the true meaning of Christmas.

Director:  Dustin Rikert

Writer:  Eirene Donohue

Actors:  Kelsey Grammer, Spencer Grammer 

Movie #2217 ........................."Holiday Spectacular" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2217 "Holiday Spectacular" (Hallmark) I really really enjoyed this one because while it dealt with the same old idea of following your dreams, it gives a really good history of the Rockettes, what it took to be in the organization and what it would feel like to do those shows over and over again, with all the costumes, etc.  There was one costume change from a line of nutcracker toy  soldiers to bright sparkly bathing suit-type outfits --- whew!  I never would have made the  costume  changes!  hah!  Ann Margaret tells the story within the story to her granddaughter, and the girl who plays her as a young girl had a lot of star quality and winning sweetness about her.  And the guy photographer who keeps taking her picture as she roams around NYC is a winner, too.  I found the whole thing most enjoyable and would give it a 5.

"HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR"    Hallmark   2022     1 hour and 24 mins

Set in 1958 followsMaggie who sneaks up to NYC to make her secret dream come true:  dancing live on stage in the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall, putting her high-society wedding plans on hold.

Director:  John Putch

Writer:  Julie Sherman Wolfe

Actors:  Ann-Margret, Ginna Claire Mason, Derek Klena

Movie #2216 .........................."A royal Corgi Christmas (Hallmark)

 Movie #2216 "A Royal Corgi Christmas" (Hallmark) - a fun one because of the dog, of course --- British-accented royal who really doesn't take royalty very seriously tries an easy way to get into the good graces of the court by giving his mom a new corgi --- but it needs training, and because the dog isn't a "pedigree," the royal trainer refuses to do that, so enters a female trainer.  She is kind, loving, and very human in comparison to the other people on the royal staff ---- and of course, the royal son will fall in love with her --- oops!  Hope I didn't surprise anyone with that.  I'd give this a 4 ---- just because it was a different storyline, dealing with dogs --- and the dog and the girl were both really cute!

"A ROYAL CORGI CHRISTMAS"    Hallmark     2022          1 hour and 24 mins

To win his mother's love, Prince Edmond gives her a corgi and hires Cecily, a dog trainer.  Edmond and Cecily bond over the dog, and discover that love can grow in unexpected places.

Director:  Clare Niederpruem

Writer:  Erinne Dobson

Actors:  Hunter King, Jordan Renzo, Frank Smith

Movie #2215 ........................."Spirited" (Apple tv)

 Movie #2215 "Spirited" (Apple tv) This is once again a rendition of Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" from the ghosts' points of view.  And I thought it was very entertaining.  Music/Lyrics provided by the "LaLaLand" crew with a nice variety of ballads and rousing choruses in song,  and choreography was just stunning!  Lighting, special effects, a good story and strong sense of humor added to the mix make it a very entertaining musical.  I know musicals are not everyone's cup of tea, but I love the genre and it is quite fitting to get across the spirit of the season.  I must say , though, that this is really an adult version ---- with a new meaning of "Good Afternoon" I don't think I will ever forget!  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5. 

"SPIRITED"           APPLE TV  2022    PG-13       2 hours and 7 minutes

A musical version of Charles Dickens's story of a miserly misanthrope who is taken on a magical journey.

Director:  Sean Anders

Writers:  Sean Anders. John Morris

Actors:  Will Ferrell, Ryan Renolds , Octavia Spencer

(and they all sing and dance!  very talented crew)

Movie #2214 ........................."Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas' (HALLMARK)

Movie #2214 "Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas" (Hallmark) I missed the initial set up but this was a fairly easy one to catch up on because the pacing is a bit slow --- This is one of those that hinges on a weak conflict - ie. a guys is in love with the girl and she is in love with him, but he thinks when he overhears that she is in love that it is with  his best friend who later  died in a car crash with her.  They go separate ways due to grief and misunderstanding and meet again when she gets a message on her phone ---- it isn't to her but it's a guy who is looking for his long lost love ---- while looking for her by following clues, the girl and guy (the one above that was in love  with her when they were in hls.)  forge an even deeper bond mow that they are adults.  This one has a good ending, but a rather scattered way of getting there.  I'd give this a 4 --- I really enjoyed watching the lead girl in this film --- she's very real.  

"TIME FOR HIM TO COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS"     2022     Hallmark

Four days before Christmas, Elizabeth Athens receives a voicemail from a unknown number she doesn't recognize.  In the message, a man's voice, whom she doesn't know, makes one final plea to the love of his life for a second chance.

director:  David Winning

Writer:  Marcy Holland

Actors:   Tyler Hynes, Holland Roden, Steve Basic, Osmond L. Bramble, Jason Brukart

Movie #2213 ........................."Haul out the Holly" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2213 "Haul out the Holly" (Hallmark) --- What a fun one this was !  In the  first couple of minutes, as the film started, I wasn't sure this was one I was going to like.  It seemed way too gungho about the spirit of Christmas, and all that goes into it including elaborate outside and inside decorations and nutcrackers on your porch that are at least 36 inches high.  But then when I understood that it was making fun of that, it became much more fun to watch.  Add to that a bunch of excellent secondary characters that are fun to watch, too, and you have one of the better new offerings from Hallmark this year.  No surprise really because Hallmark diva Lacy Chabert is at the helm and brings another good one --- with a couple of inside jokes, one being that she is watching her Hallmark Christmas movie to Vienna and said she loved that one!  Self deprecating is a good tone to put in a Hallmark film, lots of tongue and cheek here!  5 out of 5.

"HAUL OUT THE HOLLY"      2022      Hallmark  

Emily arrives home hoping to visit her parents, only to find that they are going on a trip of their own  'wh8ile she stays at her house for the holidays, her HOA is determined to get Emily involved in the neighborhood Christmas festivities.

Director:  Maclain Nelson

Writer:  Andy Sandberg

Actors:  Lacey Chabert, Wes Brown, Stephen Tobolowsky  

mOVIE #2212 ........................."Three Wisemen and a Baby" (Hallmark)

Movie # 2212 "Three Wisemen and a Baby" (Hallmark)  My very favorite so far this year is this one!!!! I so welcomed the humor  ---- this is written by one of the actors (Paul Campbell, one of the wisemen) and Kim Sustad who does a cameo apearance as a doctor midway through the film, and it was a fun script, including a dance to the "Sugarplum Fairy" bit in Nutcracker by the three guys, switching another baby with another (like in "Friends), and showing the kid how to play video games with a pair of ear phones that scare the baby into crying.  Meanwhile, there's a story here that deals with their mom being upset that the guys don't get along any more.  Put that with three different women that are also included into the film and you've got quite a film here which I highly recommend --- 5 out of 5.  So far, it is the must-see of the season.

"THREE WISEMEN AND A BABY"      Hallmark    2022      1 hr and 24 mins

Three brothers are surprised when they find themselves forced to care for a baby during the holidays, during the journey they begin to rebuild their relationships as brothers while rediscovering their love for Christmas.

Director:  Terry Ingram

Writers:  Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad

Actors:  Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew W. Walker, Margaret Colin

Movie #2211 ........................."My Southern Family Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2211 "My Southern Family Christmas" (Hallmark) I missed the opening set up of this one, but I could easily follow what was going on once I started watching because it was  pretty easy to follow.  The girl and guy are very young in comparison to other actors of Hallmark movies, and that makes sense because she is  looking for her biological father and the man she thinks is her dad has two younger kids who quickly warm up to her because of her age.  There are a couple of rough bumps in the plot but it comes out to a nice high point and ending and one that is truly in the spirit of Christmas.  I would give it a 3.5 out of 5.  P.S. the film introduces us to a lot of southern traditions at xmas time that were fun to learn.

"MY SOUTHERN FAMILY CHRISTMAS"     Hallmark   2022

Turned into a journalist, Campbell gets the chance to meet her father for the first time without him knowing.  In the end, Campbell must decide if she will reveal the truth, a decision that will change Christmas forever.

Director:  Emily Moss Wilson

Writers:  Alys Murray, Emily Moss Wilson

Actors:  Juicy Elliot, Ryan Rottman, Moira Kelly

Movie #2210 ........................."A Show-Stopping Christmas" (Lifetime)

 Movie #2210 "A Show-Stopping Christmas" (Lifetime) I wasn't going to see this one after a couple of minutes, but then I plowed on since it was about theater during Christmastime.  The major complaint on this one is that the big t.v. performer who comes back to his home town to do a local community play during the holiday hiatus doesn't come across as talented as he should probably be.  But the girl who is the director is so energetic, she just naturally brings the audience into the story.  The villain turns out to show redemption, much like Dickens' Scrooge does in his show (which is the one they are rehearsing through the whole movie).  Yes, there's a bit of the melodrama in this film, but otherwise, it was a nice feel-good one.  3.5 out of 5.

"A SHOW STOPPING CHRISTMAS"          Lifetime 

Riley Burdett (Jamie Perez) is the artistic director of the Onota Theatre in Western Massachusetts. When Regina, the Scrooge-like owner of the theatre, breaks the news that she’s preparing to sell the property before the holiday performance, Riley must call upon the ghosts of Regina’s past, present, and future to change her mind. Meanwhile, a big TV star, Sam Palmer (Thomas McDonnell), has moved to the area to escape the craziness of Hollywood. Riley casts him as Bob Cratchit in A Christmas Carol and his star power, his cleverness, and his budding love for Riley helps her save the theatre…and steal her heart during this very special Christmastime.

Director:  John Stimpson

Writers:  Joany Kane, Caroline Portu and John Stimpson

Actors:  Jamie Perez, Thomas McDonnell

Movie #2209 ........................."Long Lost Christmas" (Hallmark)

Movie #2209 "Long Lost Christmas" (Hallmark) This was a pretty dramatic show about a woman who has lost tough with her brother (since they were in foster care) and now her daughter, for a christmas gift, wants to find him so she goes to a place  where she thinks he is .............and well, she gets a lot more than she bargained for.  The scenery is beautiful, the couple are cute and giggle a lot, and when it comes to drama, I was moved emotionally by the ending of this one --- well done. Just one minor complaint in that I didn't think the mother was that interesting when she was left alone to further the plot in her scenes.   I give this a 4.5 out of 5 and  recommend it --it's a lot different from others.  

LONG LOST CHRISTMAS"    Hallmark   2022            1 hour and 24 mins

Follow Hailey, an interior designer set to surprise her mother Patricia with an unexpected gift related to her long time yearned extended family.  

Director:  Michael Robison

Actors:  Benjamin Ayres, Taylor Cole, Liza Huget

Movie# 2208 ........................."When I Think of Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2208 "When I Think of Christmas" (Hallmark) Well, this one was pretty average --- there was very little plot and for a story that dealt with music , there was very little talent in that area.  Evidently the two leads were at a crossroads before going to college --- whether they should continue in their band and make their way through life performing, or going separate ways.  She went on to be successful in her job, but maybe not so happy, and he tried music, but has hit the top yet.  They are both thrown together over the holidays to put on a show, and they sing in it, and well, they were just okay.  I was kind of surprised at the casting  --- maybe better singers?  The conflict was of interest to me -- at your crossroads   I'd give this a 3 out of 5.

"WHEN I THINK OF CHRISTMAS"      2022     Hallmark

Sara returns to her hometown and is surprised when her ex-boyfriend Josh is back home.  She and Josh hatch a plan for the Christmas concert that will take them all back to their musical roots and make this a holiday to remember.

Director:  Peter Benson

Writers:  Blythe Robe, Mike Robe

Actors:  Shenae Grimes-Beech, Niall Matter

This was 

Movie #2207 ........................."Inventing the Christmas Prince" (Hallmark)

Movie #2207 "Inventing the Christmas Prince" (Hallmark) Speaking of lack of Plausibility, this is another in the silly category, but because everyone is playing up to the imagination of a little girl, it becomes more acceptable.  The first half of this movie is tough to watch because the guy who plays the prince is such a stick in the mud at first , and awkward and hesitant to do anything, full of  lots of pauses, aah,'s ums, etc.;  the second half was much better and this film ended up to be full of heart ---- all to please one little girl with her dreams.  3.8 out of 5.

"INVENTING THE CHRISTMAS PRINCE"     Hallmark     2022

Shelby is about to quit her job when her daughter becomes convinced that her boss Evan is the Christmas prince from a story Shelby made up a few years ago.

Director:  Paul Ziller

Writer:  Kim Beyer-Johnson

Actors:  Tamera Mowry, Ronnie Rowe, Isabel Birch

Movie #2206 ........................."Santa Bootcamp" (Lifetime)

 Movie #2206 "Santa Bootcamp" (Lifetime)  This is one of the least plausible story I've come across in a while blogging on these Hallmark xmas films --- that's probably because I weed out all the ones that have some magic or a santa clause flying in a swanky buick (like this one) by the end of the movie.  This one slipped past me because the lead girl and guy were so cute.  But really, a Santa bootcamp?  And that part was pretty boring what they put these future "elves" through --- And Rita Moreno, who is an excellent actress, is wasted in this one, rolling her eyes and forced to say some lame dialogue --- So the first half is full of  a bunch of scenes with a loudmouth second- in- command barking orders at the lead girl who seems to take everything to heart. All she wants to get out of this experience is a good santa and some renewed interest in the spirit of Christmas.  By the end of the movie she starts to believe in magic -- at the beginning she says, " there are a lot of things not magical but a white xmas is "  and I thought that was insightful --- that there's something about the spirit of the season that works magically, and it doesn't have to be a flying santa clause or elves wrapping gifts, etc.  So I thought there'd be hope in this film, and I did like most of it until the very very end, with santa flying off into the sunset (or clouds or wherever) --- that's a huge "flight of fancy" for this watcher.  The love story and the leads were winning so I would give this one a 3.5 -- Rita gets more to do in the second half.

"SANTA BOOTCAMP"   Lifetime   2022

Hired by shopping mall magnate Ed Mancini to host a Christmas gala for his biggest investors, Emily heads to Santa Bootcamp - to find the perfect Santa and the inspiration she'll need to make the evening a success.

Director:  Melissa Joan Hart

Writer:  Michael J. Murray

Actors:  Rita Moreno, Emily Kinney, Marissa Jareet Winokur, Justin Gaston

Movie #2205 ........................."Christmas Dance" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2205 "Christmas Dance" (Hallmark)  This is not a premier of a Hallmark xmas movie  this year, and I think the first time around I didn't like the acting done here by the lead Andrew McCarthy so I had turned it off early on.  I still didn't like it at this watch, and I feel he's so much of a heel most of the time, it is hard for any actor to change our minds by the end of the movie, when he shows how he is deserving of this wonderful woman he has been leading (excuse the pun, because she is his dance instructor) on.  That's why about 40 minutes in, the filmmakers bring in the cavalry ---- his mom, who is everything a wonderful mother should be --- sits back and listens to her son, but gently gives guidance because she thinks he is going awry ---- in this case, he  has picked the wrong girl.  And , of course, because he shows some caring to his mom, he really isn' a heel?  at least , that's what the film wants us to think.  But here's the biggest silly thing about this film --- this teacher spends more than 2 weeks teaching one ballroom dance - the waltz --- to him and everyone oohs and aaah's that he can do this?  A dance that could be learned in 20 minutes?  just silly --- I give this one a 2 --- don't bother.

"CHRISTMAS DANCE"       2012    1 hour and 26 mins

Jack (Andrew McCarthy) is an executive in a financial brokerage firm trying to impress the firms president, Drew Clayton, in hopes of a promotion.  However, Jack is dating the fabulously rich and elegant Demi Clayton, who happens to be Drew's daughter.  Although Demi's mother Clarisse (Jane Moffat) doesn't necessarily approve of Jack and would prefer her daughter to date a man within their social circle, Jack still plans on proposing. Trying to create the perfect proposal, Jack signs up for dance lessons in preparation for his proposal to Demi at her father's lavish annual Christmas Dance. But when sparks start to fly between Jack and his dance instructor, Christine (Michelle Nolden), Jack will have to make some important decisions before it is too late.

Director:  John Bradshaw

Writer:  Kevin Commins

Actors:  Andrew McCarthy, Michelle Golden, Stephanie Anne

Movie #2204 ........................."Christmas at the Golden Dragon (Hallmark)

 Movie 2204 "Christmas at the Golden Dragon" (Hallmark) It was a two-pronged story from the start -- It's a family- owned restaurant, with mom and dad wanting to back away, and sister and brother feeling kind of stuck for the holidays, never having a christmas celebration, really, because it is the busiest time on christmas day for their food.  But this year, daughter gets an invite from a boyfriend to meet his folks and really celebrate, and although she feels guilty, she goes.  So watching her do all the xmas Hallmark stuff is awkward and funny because she has never done them.  Meanwhile, mom and dad decide it's their last christmas with the restaurant and even though son wants to tell his sister, they don't let him.  There are other twists and turns, but what it boils down to, is that it shows a community with heart --- those customers who have loved the place come together to make the ending of it a very emotional one.  I liked it a lot for putting the film watchers  into the christmas spirit and reminding the audience just how important  a small restaurant like this (non-chain)is  to the community and how nice one community can be to help out.  The ending came kind of quick, though, with some plodding through the plot earlier (it was uneven pacing to the finish line).  So I'd give it a 4, but I really liked it, and a nice nod  into cultural diversity.

"CHRISTMAS AT THE GOLDEN DRAGON"       Hallmark   2022    1 hour and 24 mins

When a beloved Midwestern Chinese restaurant announces its closing right before Christmas, it prompts their clientele to re-examine their relationships in a series of interconnected stories amid the chaos of its busiest week of the year.

Director:  David I. Strasser

Writers:  Melinda Bissmeyer, Emily Ting

Actors:  Kara Wang, Osric Chau, Sara Canning, Barbara Niven

Movie #2203 .........................."Six Degrees of Santa" (Lifetime)

 Movie #2203 "Six Degrees of Santa" (Lifetime)  I sought this film out when I heard the title, and the idea of "6 Degrees " in giftgiving, is, I must admit, an intriguing one to me ---- and it is thoroughly explained in the first couple of minutes.  It deals with re-gifting a puzzle, or book, or something like that -- when you are done, you package it in a 6 degrees box and just leave it by someone.  In this case, the main woman who started the small business, takes a book that meant a lot to her growing up ,  and leaves it next to the postman, and he in turn left it to someone....until the 6th person who gets to keep it. Well, in this circumstance , it is a CEO who immediately reacts to the book --- because it meant so much to him growing up, he thinks the giver  could be his soulmate --- meanwhile, he wants to buy up a store that is owned by the mother of the book giver above --- his possible soulmate, but he doesn't know that, and she doesn't fess up to it until way later --- I don't want to say more because it takes some twists and turns along the way.  I really liked the premise of the film and the guy was good (He's Halmarkian), but the females in the film are not really effective --- the main one could act more real, the possible girlfriend is way too shallow to be believable, and the mother is annoying.  Otherwise, I enjoyed the film.  I'd give it a 4 mostly for the storyline.

"SIX DEGREES OF SANTA"    Lifetime      2022          1 hour and 30 minutes

Christmas enthusiast Steph has created a program, Six Degrees of Santa.  When Steph's owns gift lands in the hands of a leading internet entrepreneur, Jason, he's convinced that the original Santa might be his soul mate.  

Director:  Michael Kennedy

Writer:  Shannon Latimer

Actors:  Kathryn Davis, Steve Lund, Kimberly Huie

  

Movie #2202 ........................."Our Italian Christmas Memories (Hallmark)

Movie #2202 "Our Italian Christmas Memories (Hallmark)  Beau Bridges is really everything in this film --- the woman is plain, the doctor relationship with her is bland, and the other sister is just plain mean most of the time.  I usually don't watch Alzheimer films (since it's too close to home having a mother and grandmother with it), and really he showed more just general onset dementia , early stages, to me, but he was very good and help make the movie very emotional for me to watch.  The movie took on a very conversational quality in the lines, but as a result, the love story was a bit flat, but that was kind of "oh well" for me, because I thoroughly enjoyed the Beau Bridges character --- he made the movie worth watching. 4 out of 5 for me.

"OUR ITALIAN CHRISTMAS MEMORIES"     Hallmark    2022    1 hour and 24 mins

The Colucci siblings tries to recreate their late grandmother's legendary pasta sauce in an effort to jog the memory of their grandfather who is struggling with dementia.

Director:  Catherine Cyran

Writers:   Michael Varrati,. Joi Botkin, Pierluigi Cothran

Actors:  Sarah Power, Beau Bridges, Morgana Wyllie

Movie #2201 ........................"She Said" (Movie Theater)

 Movie #2201 "She Said" (Movie theater)  Nothing could stop me from seeing this movie about the investigation into Harvey Weinstein up to his arrest.  Now that we are a few years from all the hype and daily news on the subject, this shows a thoughtful, painstakingly difficult ( 4 years or more) lead up to the big moment :  when Ashley Judd finally becomes the first to allow her name to be involved in the (80+ total)  accusations against Weinstein.  The two reporters who follow the story from beginning to end show their strength in never giving up even while trying to raise a family (Mulligan's character goes through having her  baby and going through postpartum depression) and confronting  threats, door slams, one difficult conversation after another, trying to get to the truth.  I love films like this that take their time showing you all the work that goes into the headline --- that proves the worth of the whole ordeal --- that proves the integrity of many writers in the journalism world.  And when the two women finally get to the high point, I must admit I had tears in my eyes, I was that involved in their pursuit for justice.  I am thinking the film might be slow to some people, but like I said, I liked the pace and the way it was told --- I wouldn't have minded even more info, but I realize that to most, enough is enough.  I would give it a 4.5 out of 5 and applaud all the people who worked on the investigation along with the film, many of them women in key positions, like director, cinematographer, writers, etc.

"SHE SAID"       2022        2 hrs 9              R rated

New York Times reporter's MEGAN TWOHEY and JODI KANTOR break one of the most important stories in a generation - a story that helped ignite a movement and shattered decades of silence around the subject of sexual assault in Hollywood.

Director:  Maria Schrader

Writers:  Rebecca Lenkiewicz (screenplay), Jodi Kantor  & Megan Twohey NY times times articles

Actors:  Carey Mulligan, Zoe Kazan , Patricia Clarkson

Movie #2201 ....................."The Royal Nanny" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2201 "The Royal Nanny" (Hallmark) Well,this was a bit different with a James Bond -type story about a nanny undercover to protect a royal family.  Of course, it is still very Hallmarking with a love story, but it really comes naturally --- and there's enough stage business mixed with the mystery element of the nanny's primary job that keeps the poor busy and moving --- and then add to this Greta Scacchi as the former nanny who teaches the new one a few simple attributes of a good nanny--- and one, the use of the ubiquitous umbrella , came into special use in this film.  I'd give it 4.5.  Shaken, but not stirred.

"THE ROYAL NANNY"     2022   Hallmark    1 hour and 24 mins

Claire is an M15 agent who becomes the royal nanny, having to overcome challenges on her mission as she keeps the family safe for Christmas and resists Prince Colin's charms.

Director: Jonathan Wright

Writer:  Brook Durham

Actors:  Rachel Skarsten, Dan Jeannotte, Greta Scacchi

Movie #2200 ........................."A Nutcracker Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2200 "A Nutcracker Christmas" (Hallmark) I am a sucker for dance films, especially ballet. This was beautifully done. The lead girl and the young girl are amazing. The guy is a good dancer, but kind of a flat actor. But he had some good moments. And the movie had a  take- my -breath- away- ending. I enjoyed this a lot  ---the last 21 minutes showed parts of the nutcracker. 4.5 out of five.

"A NUTCRACKER CHRISTMAS"      2016      1 hour and 26 min 

When her niece is cast in the Philadelphia Ballet's  production of the nutcracker, a jaded ex- ballerina is forced to come to terms with the life and love she left behind.

Director:  Michael Lembeck

Writer:  Nicole Avril

Actors:  Amy Acker Sascha Radetsly, Sophia Lucia

Movie #2199 ........................." A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2199 "A Godwink Christmas:  Meant for Love" (Hallmark)This one was OK. The two leads are good together. They spend most of the time just traveling and flirting and being awkward. Neither is ready to commit and trying to find his/her dreams just not sure what they want. But they prove with someone else's help, you can find your dream,  and by taking care of someone else, you'll learn what's important and you get self worth. Corny all-around, with an  ending  stolen from "love actually",  I'd give it a 3.5 out of five.

"A GODWINK CHRISTMAS: MEANT FOR LOVE"   (Hallmark) 2019      1 hour and 25 mins

Is it divine intervention/Godwink, coincidences or a meddling mom, when Alice, managing the family clothing store, and Jack, medical sales, keep bumping into each other before Christmas.

Director:  Paul Ziller

Writers:  Jamie Pachino, Squire D. Rushnell, Louise DuArt

Stars:  Cindy Busby, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Kathie Lee Gifford

Movie #2198 ........................."A Bride for Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2198 "A Bride for Christmas" (Hallmark)   I watched part of this film before, but I turned it off because I just thought the bride- to- be was just so shallow I wouldn't make it through the whole movie. Well ,that was a mistake because the guy in the film is one of my favorites Andrew Walker. And he plays a smarmy, snotty committed bachelor who makes a bet that he gets this girl to agree to marry him before the end of the year, which is only about a couple weeks. What he doesn't know is this is a runaway bride. She has walked to the altar three times and run away from it. So the bottom line is that this film is a combination of runaway bride, how to lose a Guy in 50 days, and a lesser known film that Doris Day and rock Hudson did where she was an architect and he hired her to fix up his place just so he could bed her down.  But I like all three of those movies, and so I enjoy the ride here. The bride somewhat  grew on me, and there were some humorous spots along the way that made this film a 4.5 to me. I recommend it.

"A BRIDE FOR CHRISTMAS"      HALLMARK   2012       1 hour 24 mins

A single man tries to win a bet by getting a woman recovering from a broken engagement to marry him by Christmas.

Director:  Gary Yates

Writer:  Barbara Kymlicka

Actors:  Arielle Kebbel, Andrew W Walker, Kimberley Sustad

Movie #2197 ........................."Deliver by Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2197 "Deliver by Christmas" (Hallmark)  I really watched this last year and forgot to do a blog on it, and it was quite memorable. How do I know that?  I watched the opening again this year and remembered it right away and actually watched most of it again because the story really flowed well for me, all the characters were quite memorable -- As a lot of them, this film deals with a lost parent and the other parent who is trying to move on during the holiday season.  I liked the mystery in this one because even though the baker keeps meeting up with this dad and his son in town, she really enjoys talking to this man on the phon nightly to her bakery shop because he can't sleep.  I don't want to tell you the twist but it is not a huge surprise, but it really is nice how it unfolds.  I would give this one a 4.8 --- nice emotional ending to a well-told tale --- but no big surprises really to the audience, just to the characters in the film.

"DELIVER BY CHRISTMAS" Hallmark  2020  1 hr and 24 mins

Molly meets Josh, a widower who recently moved to town with his young son,.  At the same time she is charmed by a mysterious client of her bakery whom she's never met in person  In the end, he was the one and the same man,.

Director:  Terry Ingram

Writers:  Sharon Price John, Jill Bartlett, Mike Mariano

Actors:  Alvina August, Eion Bailey

Movie #2196 ........................."Ghosts of Christmas Always" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2196 "Ghosts of Christmas Always" (Hallmark) I really liked this one Maybe because I am a Dickensian fan ....none of it is believable, for sure, but quite creative.  There are Goats of Christmas Past, Present and Future, but the way the story is set up, Future and Past don't work as hard as the present.  And the plot has to make a huge turn in the middle to complete the story --- once again not believable but creative, and I think the story worked quite well.  I'd give this a 4.5.

"GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS ALWAYS"        Hallmark         2022     1 hr 30 mins

It  follows Katherine, a Ghost of Christmas Present, as she helps one sou to rediscover his Christmas spirit, but this year has something unusual in store.

Director:  Rich Newey

Writer:  Zac Hug

Actors:  Kim Matula, Ian Harding Beth Leavel

Movie #2195 ........................"Christmas in Toyland" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2195 "Christmas in Toyland" (Hallmark)  Toy designer and a corporate data lady work on helping a store in New Jersey to keep going even though the rest of the corporate-owned stores have been closing. The conflict seemed manufactured a lot but the theme about following your dreams.  Flirting was awkward on his part and he depends on his good looks but she is so nice and there is some chemistry between the two that they pull the film all the way through to earn a 4 from me.

"CHRISTMAS IN TOYLAND"    Hallmark     2922    1 hour and 25 mins

A toy store data analyst tries to save hundreds of jobs right before Christmas to help keep the in-person experience alive.

Director:  Bill Corcoran

Writers:  Courtney McAllister, Pate Pragnell

Actors:  Vanessa Lengies, Jesse Hutch

Movie #2194 .........................A Cozy Christmas Inn (Hallmark)

 Movie #2194 "A Cozy Christmas Inn" (Hallmark) The guy was a bit stiff in his one and she always talks way too fast and very cold.  Add to that , the story is boring --- just walking around making lists of things to do but then we don't see them doing very much for the inn's opening.  I didn't feel the conflict, and is it possible that the smaller characters  make the leads look worse because they are so quirky and animated?  By the end I didn't care if he sold the Inn or not -- the film made me just cold -- it was always cold!  I give it a 3.

"A COZY CHRISTMAS INN"  (Hallmark)   2022   1 hour and 24

Real-estate exec Erika travels to Alaska during the holidays to acquire a bed-and-breakfast and discover that it's owned by her ex.  Soon she falls in love with the town.. maybe with him?

Director:  Peter Sullivan

Writer:  Jennifer Notas Shapiro

Actors:  Jodi Sweetin, David O'Donnell, Vivica A.Fox, Peter Jacobson

Movie #2193 .........................Nantucket Noel (Hallmark)

 Moie #2193 "Nantucket Noel" (Hallmark)   I started watching this film and remembered the beautiful environment and the cute little store and the daughter.  I had watched it last year and just forgot to write a blog on it so here it is.  I'd give it a 3.5 due to its memorable landscape and the little girl.  The rest was not-so-much or memorable.  Typical story dealing with a big company trying to buy up small business to make money, and this is within that subgenre of hallmark christmas movies.  Another group of movies I would liken it to is those where the little kid makes friends with one of the leads and the other lead eventually follows suit.  PS  the guy in this film has been dancing on DWTS this season.

"NANTUCKET NOEL"  1 hr and 24 mins     2021

Christina learns of a developer who is planning to tear down the wharf that is home to her toy store.  Tensions rise as she falls for the developer's son, Andy.

Director:  Kirsten Hansen

Writers:  Nancy Thayer, (novel), Erin Rodman and Alex Wright

Actors:  Sarah Power Trevor Donovan

Movie #2192 ..........................Dog Days of Christmas (Lifetime)

Movie #2192 "Dog Days of Christmas" (Lifetime)    --- what can I say?  While I was watching Lifetime, a christmas movie on dogs was promoted, and I tuned into that --- wow!  This lead girl is so selfless, she works non stop on not for profit activities --- like being in charge of building a school in Nepal and totally equipping it through charitable donations!  But is she so selfless that she has put this work in front of any family relationships?  We find out her mom died a couple of years ago and she hasn't dealt with that well -- and that her mother was the biggest influence on her being so selfless --- She comes to family Christmas and immediately is in charge of getting 3 dogs adopted --- and the local vet, who was a competitive partner in speech team when they were in h.s., needs her help to raise some money so many animals have legal housing and be moved from his small vet clinic.  Cute story, cute dog, and lots of cute secondary characters that make up this New Haven town. I give it a 4.

"THE DOG DAYS OF CHRISTMAS"    2021    1 hour, 28 mins

After finishing a mission, aid worker Annie Blake is going home to Vermont to spend the holidays with her family.  When the local animal shelter closes, Annie steps in to save it with the help of the local vet and old school nemesis, Dylan,   

Director:  Tori Garrett

Writer:  Holly Hester

Actors:  Georgia Flood, Ezekiel Simat

Movie #2191 .........................Christmas on Mistletoe Lake (Lifetime)

Movie #2191 "Christmas on Mistletoe Lake (Lifetime)  I wasn't going to watch this, but after the first few minutes I thought the two leads and the little girl who were introduced looked like they were more than capable to do a movie on boat staging (or decorating).  The guy is a hallmark guy, and he usually plays the quite awkward, but sincere male lead and that's what the script called for here --- except he is a dad, too, and the little girl is very spunky.  So was the female lead --- full of energy and creativity and fun to watch. The story was similar to another one that I watched on the Hallmark channel, and I realized that after a while, but I kept with this  one once again because of the actors.  And the bad guy wasn't all that bad --- and the characters continued to be strong and interesting through the end.  I'd give it a 4, and worth the switch to Lifetime channel,  (but beware if you don't like miracles happening all at once -- there's a lot that happens in the last ten minutes)

"CHRISTMAS ON MISTLETOE LAKE'          2022      1 HR AND 27 MINS

Interior designer Reilly finds herself this Christmas in the town of Mistletoe Lake with no place to stay.  She accepts an offer from Ray to stay in his boat helping him renovate the boat fr the town's Christmas Harbor Festival.  

Director:  Robin Dunne

Writer:  Robin Dunne

Actors:  Genelle Williams, Corey Sevier

Movie#2190 ........................."Merry Measure" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2190 "Merry Measure" (Hallmark)  the girl is almost too big for the movie and she seems to be a professional singer so she was somebody different to watch. The guy is one of my favorites BRENDAN  PENNY. They both met in a cutesy way, bordering on hatred for each other that existed way back when they were kids in music competition. The girl was a one- hit wonder while the guy became a music teacher for h.s.kids. While continuing to be snarky to each other, they end up having to work together ,of course. Most of the love stuff we've seen before, and it is hard to buy because it starts out so passionately full of hate, but I like that there were high school kids in the film that showed enthusiasm and talent when getting fast positive feedback, and that competition was played down and trumped by "just have fun". But I esp. liked that the football coach  was the smartest one in the room. It had a nice ending, and I give it a four.  P.s.  Patti Murin playing the lead girl here was on Broadway playing Anna in "Frozen" when we saw it --- 

"MERRY MEASURE"  2022

It follows Darcy as she returns home to spend Christmas with her sister and niece and unexpectedly finds herself coaching the high school choir with her one time Rival, Adam.

Director:   Pul Elle

Writer:  Russell Hainline

Actors: Paatti Murink Brendan Penny

Movie #2189 ........................."WINDOW WONDERLAND" (HALLMARK)

 Movie #2189 "WINDOW WONDERLAND" WHAT A FIND THIS ONE IS! I GUESS I MISSED THIS BACK IN 2013, AND I'M GLAD I GOT TO SEE IT LAST NIGHT.   IT HAS ONE OF MY FAVORITE GUYS, PAUL CAMPBELL, AS ONE OF TWO ARCHITECTS WHO ARE COMPETING FOR WINDOW DRESSING a big fancy department store like Macy's.  The film covers competition, architecting, following your passion, treating everyone equally, and the artistry even in window dressing. It made me think about everyone who has to do that at Christmas time, and now I know a little bit about what goes into it. Add humor and  a nice believable love story that grows in the film, and you have a five in a Hallmark movie. I like this one a lot and recommend it.  5 

"WINDOW WONDERLAND"                2013    1 hour and 30 mins

A department store window decorator learns there is a vacancy for her dream  job in the run- up to Christmas only to find a professional rival has his eye on the job, too.

Director: Michael M. Scott

Writer:  Tippi D0brofsky, Neal H. Dobrofsky

Actors:  Chyler Leigh, Paul Campbell, Naomi Ju

Movie #2188 ........................."MERRY SWISSMISS" (Lifetime)

Movie #2188 "MERRY SWISSMISS" (Lifetime)  this one had a beautiful chalet, that was supposed to be in Switzerland, and a strong female lead in Jodie Sweetin. However, the male lead was very quiet and unassuming – so there was a lack of energy there. His little boy was adorable so that helped him out. This one was even more far-fetched than others because they were both supposed to be getting ready for the open house but we never saw them really doing anything. They just kept showing us the beauties of Switzerland, but it wasn't really filmed in Switzerland. So the film was full of a lot of angst between the lead girl and her best friend who supposedly stole jodi's exboyfriend. And that seemed artificial. Really what I liked about this film was how they dealt with grief. Even though the viewer wonders how this little six year old boy made the window at the end in tribute to his mom, it did make the ending emotional. I would give this film a 3.8 out of five. (better than most Lifetime xmas movies)

"MERRY SWISSMISS"      1 hour and 28 mins     2022

 When Alex returns home to spend Christmas with her mother, she discovers that her ex-boyfriend and her best friend who are now dating are also visiting.

Director;  JohnL'Ecuyer

Writer:Lauren Balson Carter

Actors:  Jodie Sweetin, Tim Rozon, David Pinard

Movie #2187.........................'MAPLE VALLEY CHRISTMAS' (Hallmark)

Movie #2187 "MAPLE VALLEY CHRISTMAS' (Hallmark) this started out pretty well with two strong sisters running a maple syrup farm in Montana with a pretty environment and lots of pretty horse shots. Enter one of my favorite guys Andrew Walker, a real  estate buyer wanting to get the land next-door from the sisters, who planned on buying the land themselves since it was originally theirs. So conflict ensues  for a while, but things happen creatively out of the norm here as far as time; that is, she kisses him in the first scene she meets him. And he says he can get his father to back out of the purchase about 45 minutes in – now where will it go? It is pretty static for a long time but comes to a nice, slow ending; what makes this one different is that the major conflict really is family- She and her sister and him and his dad. Once those are figured out, the  love story can be confirmed. I liked that – I give it a 4.

"MAPLE VALLEY CHRISTMAS"             2022

Erica is a rancher who has spent her whole life working the family farm with her mother and sister. When Aaron arrives and disrupts her plans, she starts to question what it is she really wants

.Director:  Paul Ziller

Writers:  Joie Botkin, Jerry Todt

Actors:  Ella Cannon, Andrew Walker,  Joe Costa, Aleksandra Cross

Movie #2186 ........................."Lights, Camera, Christmas" (hallmark)

Movie #2186 "Lights, Camera, Christmas" this is a little different from others  because most of it is in retrospect. In the framework of this film the producer, Director, actors, and costumer sit  on   the DAIS discussing how the film was put together. As they do that, they show what the film people are doing in a flashback and that's how important moments and the plot are shown.  It is very entertaining the way it is told, and the female actors are strong. I just had trouble with the "king of movie Christmas ". He was just too full of himself to be worthy of her love by the end of the movie. And then the  ending was really too fast to make it authentic or poignant. But I would give it a 4.

"LIGHTS, CAMERA, CHRISTMAS'                 2022

It follows Kerry as she steps in as a costumer for a holiday rom-com movie shooting in her town. She rediscovers her passion for costume design and finds herself falling for Brad, the film's leading man.

Director: David Weaver

Writer: Gary Goldstein 

Actors: Kimberley Sustad, John Brotherton

Movie #2185 ........................".Magical Christmas Village"(Hallmark)

 Movie #2185 "Magical Christmas Village" maybe because I watched this one in pain (just got back from urgent care and trying to keep my mind off the pain of my now broken right wrist ) or I watched it with DAVE so I was even more aware of the many flaws it had, but this one I did not care for ;the actors are two of my favorites, and they try to overcome the script's  flaws, but still didn't win me over. Marlo's make up was a bit harsh that made her look cartoonish so that didn't help. And then, of course ,that magical village that seems to forecast what is to happen – that just turned out to be a burden forcing characters to ask "want to skate? "just out of the blue. Finally, the conflict seems to come out of the blue, too. So  this one you don't need to see . 3

'MAGICAL CHRISTMAS VILLAGE'     2022

It follows Summer's life as her mother Vivian and daughter Chloe move in with her. Vivian sets up  a miniature Christmas village.  As Chloe begins setting up the figurines, real-life events seem to mimic the scenes she creates.

Director: Jason Furukawa

Writer: Melissa Salmons

Actors:  Alison Sweeney, Luke Macfarlane, Marlo Thomas 

Movie #2184......................... " Christmas Bedtime Stories" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2184" Christmas Bedtime  Stories "  - ERIN CAHILL is a strong lead, and the possible boyfriend guy in this film is another one of my favorites. He brings humor and a dynamic personality into a film that is really about grieving. This film gives a good portrait of what goes on in a frozen life full of wondering and waiting over a husband missing in action. . At the three- year mark this mother seems ready to move on, but is she? She starts to question that when at Christmas time her daughter starts to ask for bedtime stories about her daddy, and the mother begins  to see the stories as possible signs. The ending is emotional and totally Hallmark. 3.8 out of five.  

Left to raise her daughter alone after her husband goes MIA and is presumed dead, Danielle starts to tell her daughter bedtime stories about her father.

Director:  Alyssa Leite-Rogers

Writers:  Andrea Canning, Nancy Grace, Josh Sabarra

Actors: Erin Cahill, Steve Lund

Movie #2182 ........................."A Kismet Christmas" (Hallmark 2022)

 Movie #2182 "A Kismet Christmas" (Hallmark 2022)  A children's lit writer uses a gimmick from her  grandma  --- Kismet cookies --- as the catalyst to super hero qualities in her heroes.  In reality (well, at least to Hallmark) the cookies are  supposed to have some super powers of their own --- if you took one and put it under your pillow, you would dream of your true love.  Okay...... that's a bit farfetched, but it is something you have to buy in the film.  I don't usually like films based on something like that, but it works for this film because it is only used a little bit --- it comes in when it has to, in order to make the film end.  Anyway, (can you tell this is a complex plot?) she comes home for Christmas and meets up with her old buddy (as a kid) and his adorable daughter, who happens to be an obsessive fan of the writer.  A lot to suspend belief for here, but really a cute film because all the characters are winsome, smart (everyone knows the reference to kismet~!)  and fun-loving and funny!  By the end I kind of wanted to find the recipe for this magic cookies.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5 and recommend it.

"A KISMET CHRISTMAS"    2022         1 hour and 24 mins

It tells the story of Sarah, a children's book author who returns to her hometown where she reconnects with her family and her teenage crush.  She soon discovers that a family legend might actually be true.

Director:  Mark Jean

Writer:  Betsy Morris

Actors:  Sarah Ramos, Carlo Marks, Rubi Tupper

Movie #2181 ........................."Jingle Bell Ride:" (Hallmark)

Movie #2181 "Jingle Bell Ride" (Hallmark)  here's what is different about this film --- it takes place in Alaska and the male lead's voice is to die for ---- he has a great voice and it kept me watching it, even through all the silly maneuvers the film uses to keep her in this very cold place while she is missing a  (clingy, famous ) major client's last few days of wedding planning.   The two leads lacked a lot of chemistry between them (to me) but I did like that the guy was willing to move for her and her job.  That's a big shift, no?  I'd give this a 3.5 -- not very memorable.

"JINGLE BELL BRIDE"     2020    1 hour and 24 mins

Wedding planner Jessica Perez travels to a remote town in Alaska to find a rare flower for a celebrity client and is charmed by the small town during Christmas, as well as the handsome local helping her.

Director:  Allan Harmon

Writers:  Marcy Holland, Scarlet Wilson (based on her book)

Actors:  Julie Gonzalo, Ronnie Rowe

MOVIE #2180 ........................."We Need A Little Christmas" (Hallmark 2022)

 Movie #2180 "We Need a Little Christmas" (Hallmark 2022)  If you can get through the ending of this one without shedding a tear of happiness, you are a better person than I.  You also have to buy into the very caring  Mrs. Doubtfire- kind -of -neighbor that  the esteemed broadway/film actress Ms. Whitfield plays here --- it works for the little boy right out of the gate --- his heart isn't into being engaged in life very much, he's wounded by grief, and this wonderful neighbor observes that from the get go and well, gets him going.  The rest is ....the film!  Mom seems in the background for a while, dealing with her own grief, but she's fine once she comes out from under.  And the two other real stars of the film, besides the neighbor, are the little boy with doe eyes that MAKE you wonder what's going on in his mind, and the very ,very nice guy who hires the grief-stricken mom to redo his restaurant, when he really doesn't have to --- he looks and acts very normal (for a Hallmark movie) and he's so believable, which helps us to believe the other stuff that is going on.  Let's just say this film ends the way you'd want it to --- and isn't that what Christmas is all about?   I'd give this a 4.5 and call it a winner so far in the new batch!  Highly recommend.

"WE NEED A LITTLE CHRISTMAS"   2022 Hallmark    

Facing her first Christmas as a single mother, Julie develops an unexpected friendship with an older neighbor.

Director:  Kevin Fair

Writers:  Graham Locke, Angela Mancuso

Actors:  Erica Durance, Lynn Whitfield, Patrick Sabongui, Azriel Dalman (the little kid)

MOVIE #2179 ........................."ONE ROYAL HOLIDAY" (HALLMARK )

MOVIE #2179 "ONE ROYAL HOLIDAY" (HALLMARK)  I liked this one a lot, but I didn't think I would because I had seen a scene from it and thought it was a bit stilted and stiff so when it came up in the schedule, I blew by it.  I wanted to give it another try because of the two theatre actors in it --- Osnes and Tveit, both Broadway stars.  Anyway, it was a bit farfetched at the outset because it dealt with a royal family from some European country stranded here in the U.S. during the holidays, and this young daughter of the owner of an inn invites them for the holidays --- farfetched, right?  Even moreso than usual for Hallmark.  And the film relies on the conflict of the weather --- it becomes laughable, even to the actors at just how often that intrudes on the calendar for the royals.  But, in its defense, it shows a lot of "heart" in it, once you buy into the first above-mentioned hurdle.  And the end was reminiscent of the "Shall We Dance" one in "King and I" that I'm always a sucker for.  And the film allows them both to sing, too --- there could have been even more of that, in my opinion, because these two are broadway musical people!  So I enjoyed them working together and doing the "Perfect Royal Waltz" through the film. I'd give its 4 out of 5.

"ONE ROYAL HOLIDAY"      2020      1 hour and 25 minutes    

When Anna offers a stranded mother and son shelter in a blizzard, she learns that they are the Royal Family of Galwick.  Anna shoes the Prince how they do Christmas in her hometown, encouraging him to open his heart and be true to himself.

Director:  Dustin Rikert

Writers:  Julie Sherman Wolfe

Actors:  Laura Ones,    Aaron Tveit