Movie #2175 ........................."Emily in Paris " Season 3 (Netflix)

 "Movie #2175 "Emily in Paris" - Season 3 (Netflix)  Still enjoying this piece of fluff, and this season was better than the 2nd one, in my opinion.  Emily has no boyfriend but a job, then a boyfriend but no job, then no boyfriend and a job..... well, you get the picture, lots of turns and twists in the road to job security and romance.  The last episode of the season was one of the best yet --- a nice twist that should take them swimmingly into Season 4 --- at least we hope so.  The costumes, the music, the Paris background all take center stage with us so we overlook some of the acting at times, but it's fun to watch her get into and out of troubles  And the French just shaking their heads at her!.  Bring on Season 4.  4.5 out of 5 for this one.

"EMILY IN PARIS"     Netflix   started in 2020  , 30 minute episodes

A young American woman from the Midwest is hired by a marketing firm in Paris to provide them with an American perspective on things.

Creator:  Darren Star

ActorsL  Lily Collins, Mindy Chen, Lucas Bravo

MOVIE #2174 ........................."The 27- Hour Day" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2174 "The 27 -Hour Day" (Hallmark)  Andrew Walker + Autumn Reeser -- I had to watch this pairing, and I'm glad I did.  It was a 4, but with a lame ending... However, the two were very natural and fun to watch, esp. playing with a baby pig (stage business) --- he was trying to teach her (and several other clients to this get away place) how to relax and take their time --- she was a list maker (I know all about that life!)  A good and valid theme in this hurried day and age.

"THE 27- HOUR DAY"  2021    1 hour and 25 mins

An entrepreneur takes a break from her wellness empire for some much-needed work-life balance but realizes it won't be easy.  Will a relaxing retreat and new romance change her life, forever?

Director:  David Winning

Writers:  Deborah Jones, Audrey Shulman

Actors:  Autumn Reeser, Andrew W. Walker

Movie #2173 ........................."A Tail of Love " (Hallmark)

Movie #2173 "A   Tail of Love" (Hallmark)  "Tail" suggests this is a dog story, and you'd be right!  This is one of those stories with a  big CEO's attempt  to procure property next door that happens to be a sanctuary for dogs and one that was thought to be shared ownership with the original people.  But they just have to find that proof of ownership!  otherwise the CEO will send all the people and dogs packing and bulldoze the area for a big motel, or something.  The lead girl runs the dog sanctuary, and the guy is the former owner of the property, now wanting to sell to the CEO.  A somewhat complicated story, but it fizzles out a bit at the end, and the search for your place in life and in your future comes out as the stronger theme --- both of them wondering what to do next, and with whom...... The dogs were adorable and so was the couple --- it's just that they had very little stage business to do, so it just doggedly (excuse the pun) moved on to the end.  I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

" A TAIL OF LOVE"    2022      1 hour and 27 mins

When Bella discovers that funding for her dog rescue centre is discontinued, she turns to JR, a soldier who quickly becomes attached to one of her rescues, a German Shepherd named Indie.   

Director:  Leif Bristow

Writers:  Kim Saltarski, Richard Beattie, Agnes Bristow

Actors:  Brittany Bristow, Chris McNally

Movie #2172 ........................."My Boyfriend's Back: Wedding March 5 '(hallmark)

 Movie #2172 "My Boyfriend's Back:  Wedding March 5" (hallmark --- what a dumb title....and there are many films entitled "My boyfriend's Back" so one wonders why this one was titled that, too.  The story is kind of a goofy idea, too..... what if you are new at wedding planning and on your first job, the best man is your ex-boyfriend?  hmmm.  The guy is Tyler Hynes, so he's pretty strong here, but the story is a bit of a mess..... the dialogue, ironically, that he has to say is basically the same as in the previous movie I just reviewed above, so not much original here.... but the film does tackle the subject of love the second time around..... if you believe in that or are interested in that subject , you might like this one.  Otherwise, you don't need to see this one.  3

"MY BOYFRIEND'S BACK:  WEDDING MARCH 5"      HALLMARK    2019    1 hr, 24 mins

Annalise starts her own wedding planning company.  Everything hangs on the first wedding.  Her ex pops up as best man.  Problems?

Director:  Mike Rohl

Writer:  Kim Beyer-Johnson

Actors:  Cindy Busby, Tyler Hynes

Movie #2171 ........................."It Was Always You" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2171 "It Was Always You"  (hallmark)  When I put this one  on, I immediately discovered that I had seen most of this before, but I guess I forgot to write a blog on it, so I re-watched it.  It has two of my favorites (Erin Krakow and Tyler Hynes) , and they very smoothly spend the hour and one-half really doing nothing but talking a lot and going through the motions of planning her wedding to his brother --- sounds like a goofy idea, but it worked.  I wanted to keep watching just to see how their budding romance would affect the brother/brother relationship -- but they handled that smoothly, too, mostly by making the fiance so 'anal" about everything --- The brother she ends up with knew her growing up and knew she wasn't always like that, but she became that way when in the relationship with the anal brother.  So I guess that's how it worked --- that and good chemistry between two very natural actors to work with --- they convey quite well that shared time and memories and that instant magic of being in the arms of your soulmate is true love, and it doesn't have to take a long time necessarily to click.  As a result, the film is  a good rom-com, and oftentimes these Hallmark films don't reach that potential --- i.e. something is lacking.   I thought it worked well here.  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 (the anal brother is a bit cartoonish, but that's the one downside)

"IT WAS ALWAYS YOU"       Hallmark     2021     1 hour, 26 mins

Elizabeth's engagement plans are thrown into disarray when her fiancé's brother returns home.  His unexpected influence prompts Elizabeth to question her life decisions.

Director:  Michael Robison

Writers:  Kathy Kloves, Marian Thurm

Actors:  Erin Krakow, Tyler Hynes

Movie #2170 ........................."Hearts of Winter" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2170 "Hearts of Winter" (Hallmark)  Part of my weaning process from Hallmark Christmas movies is to briefly catch up on Hallmark movies I haven't seen before that aren't christmassy, and this was one of them.  I like Jill Wagner, but I think Victor Webster is oftentimes a bit stiff, but she and the lovely daughter soften him much in this film, to make the film a bit better than average.  I like to watch the designing practice, but I  acknowledge that it is used way too much for the stage business in a Hallmark film. That being said, it is always fun to watch the gradual changeover for the nondeisgner (in this case the grieving father of a perky young girl) change his mind as to the importance of the whole decorating idea --- esp. when it seems to be in the dream house of his dead wife.  The one complaint I have is that  the conflict was too quick and in the last 15 minutes, which leaves little time to be sincere and believable to me, but it was a fun watch for most of the time.  3.5 out of 5.

"HEARTS OF WINTER"      2020      1 hour and 23 minutes       Hallmark

An interior designer brings new life to the house of a widower and his daughter and finds love in the process.

Director:  Allan Harmon

Writers:  Alison Spuck McNeeley, Casie Tabanou

Actors:  Jill Wagner, Victor Webster, Lauren McNamara

Movie #2169 ........................."Four Good Days" (netflix dvd)

Movie #2169 "Four Good Days" (Netflix DVD)  We saw a movie at the Chicago film  fest with Ethan Hawke,  and at the showing  the director Rodriguez spoke to us.  We enjoyed that film, and I thought I would look up another film that he had directed, and saw that Netflix had this one, so I ordered it.  I'm glad I did.  I can't say it was fun to watch, but it really gives a very real look at a dysfunctional mother/daughter relationship, mostly due to daughter's drug addiction that has spanned many years ---the viewer picks it up when both have been struggling with this for several years --- in the opening, the mother (Glenn Close) hesitates to even answer the door, when her daughter, with barely any teeth left due to the drugs tries to desperately  have her mother take her in --- you get the impression this has happened again, and again, and again.  i.e. the mother has taken her in, the daughter has gone through some 15 detoxing sessions, and then she stays with the mom until something gives....either  the mother kicks her out  or the daughter flees.  This time after sleeping overnight in the cold on the mother's doorstep, she takes her in............again.  And you can tell this weighs heavily on her relationship with her husband, who is not the father to this girl (Mila Kunis).  And the rest of the movie deals with, what might be or might not be, the very last time mother will try to save her drug -addicted daughter..... The acting is solid, and it's a tragic story of destructive love --- that the ones whom you love and are loved by you, are those who can destroy your lives.  The film brings up questions like:  when do you quit?  When does parenting end or does it ever?  There's a brief scene where a young woman who obviously doesn't understand the world of addiction suggests to Kunis to just "stop doing it" --- oh, if it were that easy.  The film shows you that it isn't.  I'd give it a 4, an uncomfortable but important story to watch.

"FOUR GOOD DAYS"     netflix, dvd      R     1 hr and 40 mins

A mother helps her daughter work through four crucial days of recovery from substance abuse.

Director:  Rodrigo Garcia

Writers:  Eli Saslow, Rodrigo Garcia, Amanda Wendler

Actors:  Mila Kunis, Glenn Close 

Movie #2168 ........................."A Man Called Otto" (movie theatre)

 Movie #2168 "A Man Called Otto" (movie theatre)  I read this book and loved it!  I saw the original swedish movie and loved that!  But after I saw this, I thought it was good, but didn't measure up to either.  I was trying to figure out why that was, because I think Hanks is a great actor and should be able to play this part.  But he is also a person who is difficult to dislike, like Ove in the original swedish film.  And that affects the entire film.  Along with a very slow pacing, which this American film takes on in comparison to the Swedish one.  We recently rewatched the original and this is the blog I wrote at that time:

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Movie #1231 ........................."A Man Called Ove"

Movie #1231 "A Man Called Ove" is a wonderful film, and I loved it!  So did Dave!  I had read the book for book club , and we all enjoyed the book, and this is a fine rendition of it.  Very little missing, and certainly got the story and more importantly the Ove character across to the audience.  This could be a successful t.v. series character, for sure (a la Doc Martin character, maybe?).  I don't want to give too much away, and esp. not why he acts the way he does ---- that's for the audience  to find out ---- but sufficeth it to say that his character is quirky but believable, and the film is filled with more believable characters who just annoy the heck out of Ove for one reason or another.  And there's a cat!  Isn't there always a cat?  And  the Story unfolds in a good way, smoothly moving in and out of flashbacks that give some background on this character named Ove.  Incidentally, the film is swedish and so there are subtitles, but you forget about them after awhile, which proves again how entertaining the movie is.  Highly recommended here ---- should be nominated for best foreign film, in my opinion.  But then, how they pick foreign films is much of a mystery to many of us and the powers that be make it pretty impossible to see any of them that are nominated anyway by not showing them in our American theaters ---- that has to change because there are some terrific foreign language films out there, and this one is a winner!

2015, 1 hour and 56 mins  (10 mins less than "Otto")

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If you have the chance, I would recommend seeing the original over this one --- or see it in comparison to this one --- it is now free on Amazon Prime.  I think you will notice that there's much more in the Ove story than this one.  Here are some additions:  why he prefers one car over another, more of his backstory on his dad, the importance of trains in his life, how his dad died, the one finger grasp that was special between him and his wife, why he blames the breakup with his bf to a "coup" --- his relationship with that bf and his wife, why the countertops were lower, him bldg a ramp for his wife (which brought up a whole issue of how disabled people are treated and how he fought for his wife, more on his wife and her teaching,  --- and the backstory helps so much to understand the main character --- with this whole list and more missing from the Otto movie, you would think it was much shorter, but it is 10 minutes LONGER than the Ove move with the plethora of backstory on all the characters. So what is the difference?  Pacing and editing and much smoother transitions in and out of the flashbacks.  The director is better in the original --- he told the story more succinctly. And that's what makes that one a 5 and the Otto one here with Tom Hanks a 4 to me.  Id love to hear any comments you  make about both of these films --- comparison or just one or the other.  It was fun to make the comparison and perhaps you would enjoy that, too.

I give this Otto one a 4 -- it's good, but not great.   It wins in one moment to me --- the meaning behind the coin. That was done more noticeably.  

"A MAN CALLED OTTO"     movie theatre             2 hrs, 6 min                 2022

Otto is a grump who's given up on life following the loss of his wife and wants to end it all.  When a young family moves in nearby, the meets his match in quick-witted Marisol, leading to a friendship that will turn his world around.

Director:  Marc Forster

Writers:  David Magee, Fredrik Backman (original story) , Hannes Holm (original screenplay of "one")

Actors:  Tom Hanks, Rachel Keller

Movie #2167 ........................."The Wedding Veil Journey" (Hallmark)

Movie #2167 "The Wedding Veil Journey" (Hallmark)  This was the best of the bunch --- what a wonderful story -- the secondary couple of cute and funny and awkward, there's a rich lady who is interesting, the brother who is co-owner of the place that stay at in Greece who can't cook well, a professor who is too guarded about his students, especially. Leo, and the main two newly married, the least interesting I felt in the first series are now the most because they are searching for how to deal with having a post it note kind of relationship, too busy to work on their marriage that needs attention.  I liked the way they figured it out --- it brought me emotionally into the story and I found it very enjoyable.  Even if you haven't seen the rest, I would make it a point to see this one --- it's that good.  I'd give it a 5 --- what a nice ending to these veil films, and in Greece, no less --- gorgeous scenery.  It is underline now on my bucket list!

"THE WEDDING VEIL JOURNEY"     2023      1 hour and 24 mins    Hallmark

Tracy and Nick agree to set aside work to make time for a long overdue honeymoon to Greece.  When they are stranded on a secluded island, they confront their life choices.

Director:  Ron Oliver

Writers:  Karen Berger, Lori Wilde, Judith Berg

Actors:  Alison Sweeney, Victor Webster, Lacey Chabert, Autumn Reeser

Movie #2166 ........................."The Wedding Veil Inspiration" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2166 "The Wedding Veil Inspiration" (Hallmark)  This is the second one in the sequel series and I think it was better than the first but not as good as the last one.  This one's story is a tad better basically because the secondary people who are under the spell of the veil are fun to watch  --- strong actors (one is a hallmark usual male lead, and the other is very quirky and spunky and lots of fun to watch on film) The basic story with the Italian artist (who doesn't think deep dish pizza is good food -- who is this guy?) and Autumn Reeser, a history of art professor in Chicago,  are trying to do the long distance relationship --- that's moderately interesting because oftentimes Hallmark leaves the lovers who have decided to commit to each other dangling as to where they will actually live, just like this couple --- he has huge commitment now that his family really needs him in Italy, and she has been working her way up to head of department all these years, but now has second thoughts --- should she give up her possible dream job for her husband's job, when he told her she wouldn't have to in their first movie?  hmmmmm.  I would give this one a 4 --- 

" THE WEDDING VEIL INSPIRATION"     Hallmark     2023     1 hour and 24 mins

Emma's life plan is thrown off course when Paolo must return to Italy to take care of his father, and she discovers a new passion for making art accessible to all.

Director:  Terry Ingram

Writers:  Betsy Morris, Lori Wilde, Judith Berg

Actors:  Autumn Reeser, Kacey Roll, Carlo Marks  

Movie #2165 ........................."The Wedding Veil Expectations" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2165 "The Wedding Veil Expectations" (Hallmark)  There were three of these for this year , and to me this first one was the weakest.  I was surprised because I usually like Chabert's films better than others, but there just wasn't much to do in this film for the competent actors.  Generally, it was fun revisiting this duo when they met (with veil in hand, that's the whole idea of the veil putting love into two people's lives) , fall in love and get married  at the end of the first one.  Now they have settled in to being married (the first of the three couples) and they are dealing with their jobs and renovating an old house (both way too popular topics in the Hallmark genre of films)   -- the story had no bite --- never pulled me in until she says she is expecting --- then the usual celebration and problems rise to the surface with that kind of announcement --- no surprises here.  I'd give it a 3.5.  Once again, the other two women, now married, come to her rescue a couple of times during the film, and those times are more fun to watch to me.

"WEDDING VEIL EXPECTATIONS"  Hallmark   2023   1 hour and 24 mins

Avery and Peter try to keep the romance alive while renovating an old house and juggling work, but everything takes on a new perspective when Avery has a surprise for Peter.

Director:  Peter Benson

Writers:  Judith Berg, Sandra Berg, Karen Berger

Actors:  Lacey Chabert, Kevin McGary, Alison Sweeney

Movie #2164 ........................."Always Amore" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2164 "Always Amore" (Hallmark)  I love when these Hallmark movies introduce me to jobs I never really thought existed --- in this one, Tyler Hynes (one of my favorite Hallmark actors ) comes to this high- powered Italian family restaurant as a pro restaurant consultant ---  to give it advice on how to get back their reputation they had  before their lead chef/owner died.  His wife is trying to keep things afloat with his family, but they are all reluctant to make changes, even if they have to close down.  But that is something they don't want to do at all because they feel they are letting the original owner, down.  The widow starts to soften to the guy giving the advice, and once they start making the changes, well, you can guess what happens.  I loved the combination of actors here, esp. the leads --- the grandma is adorable, too.  The Italian food, the love of family, and a good story makes this a winner -- 5 out of 5.

"ALWAYS AMORE"     Hallmark    1 hr, 24 mins    2022

Follows Elizabeth who is forced to work with Ben,a professional restaurant consultant, to keep her late husband's Italian restaurant afloat, but as they get closer, she realizes that not all change is bad and might even opene her heart to new love.

Director:  Kevin Fair

Writer:  Julie Sherman Wolfe

Actors:  Autumn Reeser, Tyler Hynes

Movie #2162 ........................."Hearts Down Under" (or" Romance on the Menu")Hallmark

 Movie #2162 "Hearts Down Under" (Romance on the Menu) Hallmark -- this one was hard to believe --- major chef goes to a place she inherits in Australia to sell it ---but finds it is a family restaurant full of love --- and she finds love there, as well --- sounds lame, and it was moreso than many of the Hallmark movie; the love interests were just okay, and as a result , they  couldn't raise this film to well above lame because the argument they have is even lame and manufactured.  Here's an example of the lameness: when they are locked in a part of the restaurant, they have an argument and throw food at each other and then start laughing --- ?  couldn't do that successfully.  So I think this is a weak offering by Hallmark, and the saving grace is the setting --- really beautiful.  I'd give this a weak 3.

"HEARTS DOWN UNDER" (or originally called "Romance on the Menu" ) Hallmark

When New York restauranteur , Caroline Wilson inherits a cafe in Lemon Myrtle Cove, Australia, she begins to fall in love with the place and its people, in particular, the cafe's charming local chef, Simon Cook.

Director:  Rosie Lourde

Writers:  Alison Spuck McNeeley, Sie Tabanou

Actors:  Cindy Busby, Tim Ross, Naomi Sequeira

Movie #2161 ........................."Winter Castle" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2161 "Winter Castle" (Hallmark) the best part of this movie was the setting --- this young woman trying to change from an editor to a writer on her own tries to write a YA story while staying in an ice castle --- a destination wedding she is standing up for her sister as the maid of  honor --- and the best man is a widow with an adorable little girl who takes to the writer right away.  Happily ever after?  not quite because he brings a plus 1 to the wedding.  I liked all the stage business and checking out all the rooms and activities at this winter castle.  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5 and highly recommend it.

'WINTER CASTLE"  2019   1 hour and 23 mins     Hallmark

When Jenny attends her sister's winter wedding at an ice hotel, her heart melts over the best man, the problem is he unexpedly brings a "plus one," seemingly dashing her hopes for a wintery romance.

Director:  Marita Grabiak

Writer:  Barbara Kymlicka

Actors:  Emilie Ullerup, KEvin McGarry, Meghan Heffern   

Movie #2160 ........................."Winter in Vail" (Hallmark)

 Movie #2160 "Winter in Vail" (hallmark)  Weaning myself away from xmas Hallmark movies and found this one --- Lacey Chabert and Tyler Hynes  --- two of my faves --- her with her perennial bounciness and him with his angst --- thought it would be interesting to watch these two fall in love --- and it was.  Plus all the beautiful scenery in Vail and the Chalet she inherited.  She was cooking again, which is always fun  -- this time she is trying to make her dead uncle's Strudel to help save the Edelweiss restaurant in this small section of Vail --- and guess what?  she succeeds!  I'm not tiring of happy endings yet.  I would give this 4.5 because I felt the chemistry was right on between these two --- there were times I thought they were m improving  their lines while they were cross country skiing, snow tubing, and having a snowball fight --- They were very natural in their talks with each other.  I recommend it.

"WINTER IN VAIL"  (HALLMARK)  2020    1 hour and 24 min

Chelsea inherits a house in Vail.  She met Owen and gets a much needed break.  Together, they put on Strudelfest to highlight the charm of Old Vail .

Director;  TERRY INGRAM

WRITERS:  DELONDRA MESA, DUANE POOLE

ACTORS:  Lacey Chabert, Tyler Hynes, Maria Renae

Movie #2159 ........................."Groundswell" (Hallmark)

Movie #2159 "Groundswell" (Hallmark)  This was a Lacey Chabert film I hadn't seen so I watched it, and although the conflict seemed a bit manufactured, the two seemed to have chemistry -- the guy was fun to watch, being a bit different from other hallmark guys!  And I loved that I learned a bit about surfing -- I like when there's beautiful scenery AND the movie teaches about some subject, so I would give this one a 4 out of 5 --- there was some cooking contest focused on, which they tried to make more interesting, knowing it is part of the formulaic storylines of Hallmark, but I even enjoyed that part because I was introduced to some of the food differences between Atlanta (where she's from in the film) and Hawaii (where the surfer's brother/cook is from).  

"GROUNDSWELL"   Hallmark  1 hour and 24 mins    2022

It tells the story of Emma. She is a chef who travels to Hawaii and meets a surf instructor whose lessons help her to regain her footing after being on the heels of a personal and professional setback.  

Director:  Lee Friedlander

Writers:  John-Eliot Jordan, Carlie Mantilla, Heather Maidat

Actors:  Lacey Chabert, Ektor Rivera, Tracy Yamamoto

Movie #2158 ........................."The Princess Switch" (netflix)

 Movie #2158 "The Princess Switch" (netflix) I had heard about these movies (there are 3 of them) , and the other night I was looking for something to watch while I was working on a project, and this popped up, so I watched it, and I'm glad I did.  Vanessa shows much talent in these movies.  In this one, she has to easily move from one character to the other, and she changes, of course, voice/accent and clothes, but she also changes walk, mannerisms, and posture.  And also I like to watch the scenes where they are seamlessly talking to each other --- amazing!  I remember how hard it was to do when the "Patty Duke show" (ooh, that shows my age!) appeared on t.v. --- and "I Dream of Jeannie" did a couple of double-acting by that actress.  Anyway, the romance story was complicated and intriguing to watch --- much better than the Candace Cameron switch film she made for Hallmark --- the film didn't favor with either of the two characters --- one falls in love with a guy who appreciates her leadership and organization abilities, and the other falls in love with her because she comes across as whimsical (when as a princess she kept that side of her all closed off) --- yet, it gets complicated because the one guy knew one of the girls all her life, so their relationship starts with best friend, and the other relationship starts with love at first sight --- so it really covers a lot of ground here, and it's interesting to see the story move along at a quick pace while building these relationships.  I'd give it a 4 and recommend it --- but it really doesn't have to be watched at christmas time --- the focus is more on the romance and the switching and less on the christmas things they do.

"THE PRINCESS SWITCH"    2018     PG   1 hr, 41 min.

Competing in a Christmas baking competition in Belgravia, a Chicago baker bumps into the prince's fiancee --- who looks just like her.  They switch lives for two days.

Director:  Mike Rohl

Writers:  Robin Bernheim, Megan Metzger

Actors:  Vanessa Hudgens, Sam Palladio, Nick Sagar

MOVIE #2157 .........................."Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas" (ion)

Movie #2157 "Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas" (ion)  I usually avoid overly preachy religious movies, and if you do, too, then dodge this one --- what got my attention was the idea that they were postal detectives dealing with Santa letters, and one in particular was a  robotic, very cold guy who was the lead --- I wondered if he was really a robot or just a stiff actor, or an okay actor playing stiff but not believably --- whatever, the acting was weak, except for the blonde female lead who helps everyone out in the scenes she shares with them.  But here's a first --- there was no kiss --- I was waiting for that because he started so robotically, that I wondered how he would get as far as to kiss her --- geez, they had enough time and scenes together, but nope. By the end, there was apparently a miracle that happened, but no kiss --- no certainty as to if they will ever be more than colleagues or friends.  So I guess it was courageous to end that way, but not very satisfying to this watcher.  I'd give it a 3 and not recommend it.

"SIGNED, SEALED,  DELIVERED FOR CHRISTMAS"   1 hr, 24 mins.   2014    ion

When the beloved quartet of postal detectives discover an urgent letter written to God on Christmas Eve, they delay their own plans to help a little girl whose mother's life hangs in the balance.\

Director:  Kevin Fair

Writers:  Martha Williamson, Brandi Harkonen, Kerry Lenhart

Stars:  Eric Mabius, Kristin Booth, Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe

Movie #2156 ........................."Roald Dahl's Matilda the musical" (netflix)

Movie #2156 "Roald Dahl's Matilda the musical" (Netflix) We had heard about this being made, but it totally  surprised us when we were searching for something on netflix and it popped up!  We had seen the musical and enjoyed it so much --- the kids were so memorable with their angular precision dancing throughout the whole show, and it was just so different for a musical --- full of dark humor, much like the humor in another Dahl book-turned-into-a-musical/movie  'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." However,  this is not a show for everyone --- I think adults might like it because of how it so successfully opens up the brilliant mind of the little girl Matilda who gets made fun of because she enjoys reading books more than watching the beloved" tele" that her folks push her to do.  We watch how awful her parents are and laugh when Matilda gets back at them in her little "naughty" ways (she has an adorable song "naughty" that is memorable from the show).  This movie removed both of her parents' very funny songs from the musical, so it can focus more on the school and Emma Thompson as the mean principal (who doesn't think twice about hammer- throwing kids if she thinks they wronged her).  And that's where kids, esp. little ones, might be scared watching this abuse of kids.  One boy  is forced to eat a huge cake until he almost explodes.   This is hyperbole to the nth degree --- something kids might not get.   The ending is very heartwarming and poignant dealing with a caring teacher who helps Matilda get out from her abusive family, and if kids get that far, it is well worth the journey, but still not sure it wouldn't scare many of them.  So who is the demographic group this film was made for?  And maybe, just maybe, that's why I think they sent it to streaming with very little showings in a  theatre (if any?  I don't remember seeing it here, but maybe in the UK?).  Let me know if you get to see it and what you think.  Of the book, movie, musical and now movie- musical, this one rates last with me.  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.  But if you get a chance to see the musical live, I would recommend that!

"ROALD DAHL'S MATILDA THE MUSICAL"  1 hr, 57mins PG (really?)   2022

An adaptation of the Tony and Olivier award-winning musical.  Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and a vivid imagination, dates to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.  (this is a very good summation of the musical)

Director:  Matthew Warchus

Writers:  Dennis Kelly, Tim Minchin, Roald Dahl

Actors:  Alisha Weir, Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch

MOVIE #2155 ........................."My Dog Lover's Guide to Dating (Hallmark)

 Movie #2155 "My Dog Lover's Guide to Datong " (Hallmark)  And you thought I was done with Hallmark, and I am --- at least, the Christmas movies, but I had seen a trailer for this and it looked good so I check it out this weekend.  I found it was just okay --- I like the guy and girl a lot --- good chemistry there, but the dialogue went on and and on --- the sisters' dialogue was not good at all, and the guy and girls kept giving advice to each other on dating --- some of it was lame.  What I did like was the focus on training and dealing with dogs --- I found that very insightful --- other than that, you don't need to see this one --- cute title and good trailer, but not much to really see in the whole film.  I'd give it a 3.5 out of 5.   

"MY DOG LOVER'S GUIDE TO DATING"     2023      1 hour 24 mins 

Simon believes Chloe is the girl of his dreams but can't seem to win over her beloved pup.  He enlists dog trainer, Alex, and soon finds himself wondering where his real connection might be.

Director:  Craig Pryce

Writers:  Deborah Wood, Catherine Reay, Kate Somerville

Actors:  Rebecca Dalton, Corey Sevier, Emily Stranges

Movie #2154 .........................Jerrod Carmichael: "Rothaniel" (HBO)

 Movie #2154  Jerrod Carmichael"  "Rothaniel" (HBO) I had seen this comic on SNL, heard that he did a show at the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago,  and found out  he was hosting the Golden Globes this year, so I thought if we watched one of his taped shows, it might be worth our while.  Well, maybe this wasn't the one we should have started with because it was based on three secrets he had been harboring --- about his family, his father, and himself.  As a result, this comic show took a turn to be quite serious by the end of it.  We still found it good, but maybe not for NYE.  I'd give it a 3.5.

JERROD CARMICHAEL "ROTHANIEL"   t.v. special     2022    55 mins

Features Jerrod Carmichael in a standup comedy show at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC

Director:  Bo Burnham

Writer:  Jerrod Carmichael

Comic:  Jerrod Carmichael

Movie #2153 ........................."Banshees of Inisherin" (HBO)

 Movie #2153 "Banshees of Inisherin" (HBO) I have a reputation among friends and family to be able to pick out the worst new year's eve movies, and well, this one would go on that list, for sure.  I think the first one I ever showed was a movie that ended  on a lobotomy, and  another was "Godfather 3" (which had several shootings, esp. one at the very  end) so the list is rather long and memorable. I was blindsided by this one because it had  a funny trailer, for sure, so I thought it would be an okay suggestion for us to watch while bringing  in the new year --- And the opening and 30 minus or so in, it was quirky, funny and a creative idea to wind a story around, but then...........it took a drastic turn, and the rest is history.  I'd give this a very weak 3 ---- just because the two actors are so darn good, but wasted on too strange of a film.  And this one has several Golden Globe nominations.  If this is a representation of the "best" in film this year, we are in for some dark awards ceremonies in our future.

"BANSHEES OF INISHERIN"  (HBO) 2022     R      12 HOUR AND 54 MINS

Two lifelong friends find themselves at an impasse when one abruptly ends their relationship, with alarming consequences for both of them.

Director:  Martin McDonagh

Writer:  Martin McDonagh

Actors:  Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson, Kerry Condon

Movie #2152 ........................."Black Panther: Wakanda Forever" (movie theatre)

Movie #2152 "Black Panther:  Wakanda Forever" (movie theatre)  If you have  read a blog or two of mine, you probably can guess that I wouldn't like this film, and you are right.  Too much fighting!  And yes, I love to watch strong women, but physically beating up each other or stabbing each other is not a good thing to me.  I know, equal time, and that's fine for others to watch; I am just saying, I choose not to watch it because I don't enjoy it.  So why did I see this one?  Well, it wasn't near as good as the first one --- there was less fighting in the first one, there was a much better story which was easier to follow, transitions were clearer, and then there was Chadwick Boseman, all of which this film sorely missed.  I so wish there were subtitles because the talking scenes (of which there were fewer than I would have wanted, since the film is tough to follow anyway) were very soft ---- probably because in a movie theatre the battle scenes are so loud, it would be trouble to keep a workable balance with the non fighting scenes.  The opening and closing were the best parts because of the way they handled Boseman's death and honored his memory.  After that opening, the film needed a better exposition to get into the story --- more explanation, reminding us who was who, etc.  Then, the editing needed to be better , too -- the transitions depended on title cards just telling us where we were --- not helpful.  Finally, the film was tooooooo long!  3 out of 5.

"BLACK PANTHER:  WAKANDA FOREVER"     PG-13   2022     2 hours and 41 mins

The people of Wakanda fight to protect their home from intervening world powers as they mourn the death of King T-Challa.

Director:  Ryan Coogler

Writers:  Ryan Cooler, Joe Robert Cole

Actors: Lupita Nyong'o, Letitia Wright, Danai Gurira

Movie #2151........................."The Christmas Sitters" (ion)

 Movie #2151 "The Christmas      Sitters" (ion)   There was a much better picture this season with basically the same idea  -- "The Holiday Sitter" --- this one is just mediocre.  I was never convinced from the beginning that these two people would give up time to babysit, esp. when they both have separate jobs.  And they were too different to really come together by the end of the film, so the love story wasn't convincing, either.  I'd give it a 3 ---- and the kids came across as mostly annoying and suffering from entitlement.

"THE CHRISTMAS SITTERS "  (ion)     1 hour, 20 mins     2020

Facing holiday flight delays on a return trip from 

Europe, tw parents double-book incompatible babysitters: the mother's BFF lawyer friend, Nora, and the dad's guitarist half0brother, Max, to look after their two kids and dog.  After a rather stormy start, and attraction grows.

Director:  Dylan Vox

Writers:  Sam Jackson, Anna Rasmussen

Actors:  Tristin Mays, Nathan Owens

Movie #2150 ........................."The Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery" (netflix)

 Movie #2150 "The Glass Onion" (netflix) I was one of the few, I think, that didn't care for "Knives Out" all that much, but this sequel of that one,  I felt was more stylish, and the actors were better.  And, most importantly, Craig didn't try to steal the movie with his annoying accent.  The opening is one of the best I've seen in a long time, and it sure tells the viewer if you don't like this puzzle idea, turn this off now because the rest is one turn after another.  I do admit, this gets a bit long and talkie, but many mysteries tend to do that as long as it has you wondering until the end "who is behind the whole thing"?  I do enjoy a good mystery so this is worth the time to watch for me, and it has some great special effects!  However, I didn't feel pulled in by any of the characters --- they all kept their distance.  They are competent, but don't demand attention to me.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5.

"THE GLASS ONION:  A Knives Out Myst3ery"      netflix     2022   PG-13      2 hours and 19 mins

Famed Southern detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece for his latest case.

Director:  Rian Johnson

Writer:  Rian Johnson

Actors:  Daniel Craig, Edward Norton, Kate Hudson

Movie #2149 ........................."Christmas at the Drive-in" (Hulu)

Movie #2149 "Christmas at the Drive-in" (Hulu) Danica McKellar hasn't done a Hallmark movie this year, so I looked for a Christmas movie she had done that I could stream, and I found this one on Hulu, and I'm glad I did.  The subject was different --- she plays a lawyer trying to raise enough money to save a local Drive-in , and ironically, getting help from the guy who owns the property but wants to sell it --- and it's the same actor she has been doing a bunch of movies with in the past two years.  So they have great chemistry at the get go, and the story is pretty interesting in how they market the drive-in and get support for it.  I also like that whatever Danica attached her name to, he film usually teaches something --- in this case, she plays a lawyer and she teaches us in the film a loophole when dealing with real estate. I'd give this a 5 out of 5 and worth the watch, I thought.

"CHRISTMAS AT THE DRIVE-IN"    2022      1 hr and 25 mins

A property Lawyer works to prove that her town's Drive In Theater, a local institution is not closed down at the holidays, finding romance with the very person who is trying to sell the property.

Director:  Don McBrearty

Writer:  Rick Garman

Actors:  Danica McKellar, Neal Bledsoe, Jim Annan