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