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