Movie #3122 ........................."Only Murders in the Building - Season 3 (Hulu)

 Movie #3122 "Only Murders in the Building - Season 3 (Hulu)  This will be forever referred to as "The one with Meryl Streep" --- because, of course, she is in most of the episodes, singing along with Paul Rudd and others.  Paul Rudd is the one murdered, but he still appears in much of the season.  There are the usual twists and turns, but I was surprised I didn't like this as well as the other two, esp. when theatre people and a show was at the center of the mystery.  Maybe too many suspects?  Maybe I thought the dialogue was not up to the quality of the other two?  May there was too much mugging from Short and Martin, and more of the show depended on Gomez, and not sure she can that with her deadpan delivery on most lines?  Maybe I expected more from Meryl Streep?  Although, she was here usual wonderful self in most of her scenes --- put the believability back into the show every time it got to her.  Anyway, it just wasn't that good this season.  But not enough mystery, and too much mugging.  The songs were witty, though!  I'd give it a 3 out of 5 and still recommend it for Meryl Streep and Paul Rudd.

"ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUJILDING - SEASON 3     hulu    30 min episodes, 10 episodes

opening night, the lead gets killed, and everyone in the show and running it are possible murderers.

Creators:  John Hoffman, Steve Martin

Directors:  Jamie Babbit, Cherien Dabis, and..

Writers:  John Hoffman, Steve Martin, Ben Philippe and others

Movie #3121 ........................."Mum" (tv series - Seasons 1-3 on Brit Box)

 Movie #3121 "Mum" (t.v. series Seasons 1-3 on Brit Box)  I'm not sure who would like this show --- we did, but it took a while for us to catch on to the type of humor it uses...  It is a very different show.  It's about grief, and the  people who have lost a friend, father, husband, future father-in-law, going through daily tasks as they get together for various activities that are now without.....him.  The main character is played by Leslie Manville (the wonderful Mrs. Harris -- if you didn't get to see "Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris" last year, do yourself a favor and see it --- it's better than any of the stuff I have blogged on possibly all this year --- it's that good!)  Anyway, she is a wonderful character -- in fact, the two main leads (he is her dead husband's best-friend, a very quiet man but very much a thinker and doer) don't say a lot in the show --- everyone else non- stop talks to get through the days and not mention the elephant in the room (the dead husband).  But what makes this different is how they seemingly say inappropriate things all the time --- or they tear each other down in one fell swoop -- one comment that ordinarily would knock a person down --- and it continually goes on like that through the 2 seasons.  And then the third season puts them all in the same villa, that one of them has rented -- and their relationships are really put to the test because now they are living with each other for a week --- that's the pay off to this show --- you have to get to that third season, and then things fall into place.  At least that's what we thought.  It's awkward with a capital A, slow, with a capital S, but very insightful, intriguing, and very different, with a capital D.  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5.

"MUM"       TV SERIES 2016-2019      30 MINUTES,     18 EPISODES

After the death of her husband, a woman attempts to rebuild her life while surrounded by her sometimes problematic family and friends.  (sometimes?)

Directors:  Stefan Golaszewski, Richard Paxton

Writer:  Stefan Golaszewski

Actors:  Lesley Manville, Peter Mullan, Lisa McGrillis

Movie #3120 ........................."Shotgun Wedding" (Amazon Prime)

Movie #3120 "Shotgun Wedding"  (Amazon Prime)  Remember the movie last year (or was it the year before) with Sandra Bullock and ChannignTatum?  Well, here it is again....well kind of.  With less talent.  I have never ever been a fan of Josh Duhamel, and yet this was a little better than I expected from him.  But I have always been a fan of Jennifer Lopez's acting (Angel Eyes, Maid in Manhattan, etc.) but I expected more from her here.  It's the script.  Up and down , up and down.  There are a couple of cute scenes, but on the whole, just a lot of running around in silly situations (that no one would ever believe) with no care for real relationships.  But that wouldn't be bad if it was a funny film, which I didn't think it was.  I'd give it a 3 - Do I recommend it?  Ugh!

"SHOTGUN WEDDING"        2022     R     1 hour and 41 mins

Darcy and Tom gather their families for the ultimate destination wedding but when the entire wedding party is taken hostage the bride and groom must save their loved ones --- if they don't ki8ll each other first.

Director:  Jason Moore

Writer:  Mark Hammer

Actors:  Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Lenny Kravitz 

Movie #3119 ........................."School of Life" (Hulu, Freevee)

 Movie #3119 "School of Life" (Hulu, Freevee)  A Ryan Reynolds' movie I have never heard of or seen before?  I'm there!  But it was just okay.  That's because the main character played by David Paymer is dull --- that's the whole idea of the film.  He is a boring teacher in comparison to the new teacher, Ryan Reynolds!  Boy, that's a surprise, isn't it?  The story is kind of silly, too, and the dialogue, well, most of it, is lame.  Just Ryan Reynolds, the theme, and one kid is interesting.  I'd give it a 3.  You don't need to see it, really.

"SCHOOL OF LIFE"       2005     PG      1 HOUR AND 51 MINS

A new H,S. teacher squares off against his crusty competitor for a teacher of the year award.  

Director:  William Dear

Writer:  Jonathan Kahn

Actors:  David Paymer, Ryan Reynolds, John Astin 

Movie #3118 ........................." A Haunting in Venice" (movie theater)

Movie #3118 " A Haunting in Venice" (movie theater)   --- Agatha Christie's Hercule Poirot murder mystery that is extremely talkie --- and the only person who talked without sounding scripted was Tina Fey.  The best thing about the film is the location and the atmosphere of the piece.  I'd give it a 3.  I wouldn't recommend it unless you want to see Venice and just an okay mystery.

" A HAUNTING IN VENICE"        2023    PG-13     1 hour and 43 min.  

In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance.  But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.

Director Kenneth Branagh

Writers:  Michael Green, Agatha Christie

Actors:  Kenneth Branagh, Michelle Yeoh, Jamie Dornan   

Movie #3117 ........................."Theater Camp" (Hulu)

 Movie #3117 "Theater Camp" (Hulu)  Realizing we are the demographic group who might like this film, along with the many theatre lovers around the world, we had to check this one out --- it starts with real footage of Ben Platt ("Dear Evan Hanson") at a theatre camp like this one portrayed in the film when he was about the age of the kids we are about to see --- that works to draw us in because we KNOW these kids.....  the ones that live and breathe musical theater show tunes !  That practice tap steps when just standing around --- that take on auditions like olympic competitions.  And We love these kids.  But when they are shown in a Mocumentary like this, where everything is exaggerated to the nth degree , they come across as annoying, crazy and just plain weird.  So I wouldn't recommend this movie to non- theatre kids because this film  would never GET them to try theatre out, nor GET them to befriend a theatre kid.  That being said, this blog is designed for all the theatre lovers like us.  And we must say, the film  is brilliant and funny in parts, but just too silly in others --- here, a little should have gone a long way, but no..... this is every aspect played to the hilt --- egs.   elementary school kids doing scenes from "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf"? and the kids doing a brand new play written by their coach (Ben Platt) in tribute of their overall head founder who is in a coma , entitled "Still, whatever her name is (making fun of "Still Alice," a reference theatre people would understand and possibly think  a tad  inappropriate?) , the agony and the ecstasy of auditions, announcement of casts, rehearsals, learning lighting cues (there's a funny bit with the lighting guy showing a kid how to run a spotlight)...... We did weather it all the way through, sometimes laughing, many times  not .... but the ending was nice and I thought the best part --- I think they were trying to get to the passion and love we all have for theatre, but throwing the respect for it by the wayside replacing that with laughs --I'd give it a 3.5 --- maybe theatre lovers will like it?  just maybe.

"THEATER CAMP"       Hulu    PG-13     1 hour and 32 mins   2023

The eccentric staff of a rundown theater camp in upstate New York must band together with the beloved founder's bro-y son to keep the camp afloat.

Directors:  Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman

Writers:  Noah Galvin, Molly Gordon, Nick Lieberman

Actors:  Ben Platt, Molly Gordon, Amy Sedaris

Movie #3116 ........................."How to Fall in Love" (Hallmark)

Movie #3116 "How to Fall in Love"  (Hallmark)  Clunky in the beginning but got much better by the end.  Awkward guy (this actor plays that well, but stiff) and she's bubbly and way out of his league --- so if you can believe that he has a lot more to offer to her, don't even bother with this one --- I kept up hope and liked him by the end and found him a suitable match --- love is tough to explain sometimes.  4 out of 5.

 "HOW TO FALL IN LOVE"    HALLMARK   2012   1 hour and 24 mins

An accountant, who never quite grew out of his awkward teenage years, finds himself with a dating coach who  happens to be his high school crush as well.  Thanks to his coach, he gets a woman he has his sights on for some time, but very soon he  realizes they are incompatible.  Meanwhile, his dating lessons with his teenage crush reawaken old feelings.  Not realizing the feelings are mutual, he finds himself unable to act on them due to his fear of being rejected by the one he truly loves ----- again. And how can the dating coach fix that?

Director:  Mark Griffiths

Writer:  Bart Fisher

Actors:  Eric Mabius, Brooke D'Orsay

Movie #3115 ........................"A Safari Romance" (Hallmark)

Movie #3115 " A Safari Romance" (Hallmark)  There's a lot to like in this one --- two engaging people, drop dead gorgeous scenery -- I learned about the white tiger.... we, as viewers, were taken on great short safari trips, and I loved every minute of it.  But that was it --- conflict a bit limp, but I DID like the ending --- nice figuring out how to meld the two lives together!  I'd give this a 4 out of 5 and recommend it!

" A SAFARI ROMANCE"      Hallmark      2023     1 hour and 24 mins

Megan Henry, a down-to-earth wildlife biologist, working on a project that will foster protection of wildlife in Africa, is forced to team up with a theme park designer, Tim Ericson, who wants to create an over-the-top safari attraction.  (or a fake one!)  

Director:  Leif Bristow

Writer:  Agnes Bristow

Actors:  Andrew W. Walker, Brittany Bristow

P.S.  this looks to be a labor of love --- the parents of the actress is this seem to be the director and writer of the show -- cool!

Movie #3114 ........................."Unleashing Mr. Darcy" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3114 "Unleashing Mr., Darcy" (Hallmark)  What is the fascination with Jane Austen characters?  I know I love them --- the pride, the prejudice, the smart banter back and forth, the entanglements in the love relationships.  Anyway, I saw the Mr. Darcy reference in this title, so I decided to watch it.  Sorry I did.  Two sticks for actors.  A story that relied on just rumors and overhearing stuff --- irksome.  And it relied on the premise that hate is really love --- hmmm.  And it didn't work here.  They just say nasty things to each other, and then apologize and then say nasty things to each other again.... 2.8 out of 5.

"UNLEASHING MR. DARCY"     Hallmark  2016        1 hour and 24 mins

In this modern day spin on "Pride and Prejudice," Elizabeth Scott is fishing for direction in her life and gets the opportunity to professionally show her Cavalier King Charles spaniel in a fancy New York Dog show.  Guess who the judge is?  and guess why he keeps picking her as the winner?  duh!

Director:  David Winning

Writers:  Teena Booth, Teri Wilson

Actors:  Cindy Busby, Ryan Paevey

Movie #3113 ........................"A Taste of Summer" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3113 "A Taste of Summer' (Hallmark) I wasn't going to watch this but noticed that I knew and liked the two leads from other shows --- He is in" Rookie,"  and she was in "Without a Trace." I had a hard time liking her, and the film gave him little to do --- he just smiled a lot because she seemed soooo mean!  The script forced her to be so uppity and smart aleck in this film for what I thought was too long a length of time, so when she revealed what was underneath, there wasn't much there.  Same for him.  Competition got in the way this time.  Tough conflict, I guess, in the food world.  3.5 out of 5.

"A TASTE OF SUMMER"     Hallmark     2019      1 hour and 22 mins

A woman moves to Bright Shore, where she opens a restaurant and rediscovers her passion.  Upon arrival, she encounters a former baseball player who has a competitive streak and owns his own restaurant .

Director:  Peter Deluise

Writer:  Laura Brienza

Actors:  Roselyn Sanchez,  Eric Winter

Movie #3112 ......................."Come Fly With Me" (Hallmark)

Movie #3112 "Come Fly With Me" (Hallmark)  I like this one because it gave me some info on what goes into being a female flyer for the Thunderbirds.  Cool!  And the two leads were fun to watch, with their two kids trying to put them together.  A very exciting High Point, I might add.  I'd give it 4 out of 5.

"COME FLY WITH ME"     Hallmark    2023

After Landing a spot on the Thunderbirds team, an Air Force pilot must find a way to balance flying, family, and her budding romance with a widowed father.

Director:  Michael Robison

Writers:  Denise Farley, Debra Oliver, Trish Vogel

Actors:  Heather Hemmens, Niall Matter

Movie #3111 ........................."Fit for a Prince" (Hallmark) 1 hr and 21 mins

 Movie #3111 "Fit for a Prince" (Hallmark)  Oh, no, you say, another prince film?  What is with Hallmark and their prince movies?  We like them because they take us back into fairy tale land again, where all the costumes and sets are gorgeous, and we are usually represented by this beautiful, independent young thing who has a choice of her job or marrying into this wonderful new life... what could be better?  This one, she is a wonder at dress designing --- in fact, I think she has a super power because in one night, with two guys helping her, she is able to design and make 5 new dresses!!! In fairyland there must be more than 24 hours in a day.  Anyway, she's a cute young thing who ends up abling to "be herself" and be in love and possibly marry this young prince who wants to go the modern route of ruling.  If you believe that, and will enjoy the beautiful costumes and sets, this is for you.  I give it 3.8 out of 5 --- congenial leads, we learn a tad about dress designing, and the title "fits" the movie --- and even though prince stuff is overdone, a girl can girl, can't she?

"FIT FOR A PRINCE"    HALLMARK   2021    1 hour and 21 mins

A fashion designer is hired to dress ladies of a wealthy family who are hosting an upcoming charity ball .  Cindy's life takes an unexpected turn when Prince Ronan becomes smitten with her.

Director:  Marita Grabiak

Writer:  T. Booker James

Actors:  Jonathan Keltz, Natalie Hall, Melinda Michael

Movies #3110 ........................."Wedding Bells" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3110 "Wedding Bells" (Hallmark)  Another Danica McKellar one I haven't seen so I made sure to see it this time --- I was never excited about the guy -- he looks like another one that I'm not crazy about either, but as time went on with the film, I noticed she made him look better with her bounciness and authenticity.  It was also nice to see her with her favorite dad  Bruce Boxleitner (from the Matchmaker mysteries).  But this time he is the owner of the inn and ironically, the father of the guy she will end up with.  Surprisingly, she has as many scenes with him and he does with his son (the lead) so that was fun to watch the two of them together again, too.  Otherwise, not much new here --- both leads don't believe in long lasting love because it brings hurt along with it (surprise!?) and they are left alone to fix up his dad's inn so they can furnish a wedding for their best friends.  There's one twist in it that you can see coming from a mile away, so same old, same old, as far as Hallmark stories.  One thing I liked was the song at the end --- it suited the end scene (which we have seen over and over and over again in these Hallmark movies) -- so hooray for a song ("This will be" - Natalie Cole)  to life this limp film up by its boot strings!  3.5 out of 5.

"WEDDING BELLS"      Hallmark   2016   1 hour and 24 mins

Two people with commitments issues are asked to be best man and maid of honor at their best friends' weddings.  With nothing much in common, they both didn't expect to find the romance of a lifetime.

Director:  Gary Yates

Writers:  Les Alexander, Rob Gilmer, Julie Sherman Wolfe

Actors:  Danica McKellar, Kevan Smith, Bruce Boxleitner

Movie #3109 ........................."Lantana" (netflix dvd)

 Movie #3109 "Lantana" (netflix dvd)  Very believable study of deceit in marriages --- it is a murder mystery but lots of twists and turns and deceiving like the title flowers, which are very pretty but poisonous.  Main theme:  Don't judge a book by its cover, and a cop, who is having troubles with his family gets involved with a local woman who is having troubles with her husband and her neighbor. I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

"LANTANA"    2001    R     2 hours and 1 min

The relationships of four couples unravel after the discovery of a young woman's body in Lantana bush in Suburban Sydney.

Director:  Ray Lawrence

Writer:  Andrew Bovell

Actors:  Anthony LaPaglia, Geoffrey Rush, Barbara Hershey, Rachel Blake

Movie #3108 ........................."Presence of Love" (Hallmark)

Movie #3108 Presence of Love" (Hallmark) This one was a quality piece in acting, in the beautiful filming of an equally beautiful location, and chemistry between the two leads.  Lovely drop dead scenery in this film which covers dyslexia, mental illness, and a grouchy mother.  The results included a lot of staring at the scenery, but the film worked as far as emotionally pulling me in.  Nice, tender film.  4 out of 5

"PRESENCE OF LOVE"   Hallmark     2022     1 hr and 24 mins

Professor Joss travels to England to visit the farm where her late mother grew up  and bonds with single father Daniel, whose family now runs it.

Director:  Maclain Nelson

Writer:  Nicole Baxter

Actors:  Eloise Mumford, Julian Morris, Amy Sharp

Movie #3107 ........................."Make Me A Match" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3107 "Make Me A Match" (Hallmark)  - the Hallmark movies I really like are the ones I can learn something from --- in this one, matchmaking using Indian traditional culture is the focus, and I liked the melding of the diverse cultures.  The female actor was not as convincing as the rest of the film, but I got used to her after a while.  I'd give this 3.5 out of 5.

"MAKE ME A MATCH"   Hallmark   2023     1 hr and 24 mins

Follows Boom, the son of a matchmaker, and Vivi, a creative executive at a dating app company, as they encounter while Boom's mom tries to find the right match for Vivi.

Director:  Heather Hawthorn Doyle

Writer:  Nikhil S. Jayaram

Actors:  Rushi Kota, Eva Bourne, Rekha Sharma

Movie #3106 ........................." A lot like love" (netflix DVD)

 Movie #3106 "A Lot Like Love" (netflix DVD)  I chose this because I thought the two stars would be fun to watch -- Ashton Kutcher and Amanda Peet -- and they were, but the story was very disjointed --- and too coincidental in the transitions.  It's one of those stories where it goes through a course of maybe 7 years or so, and the two stars keep running into each other --- and those were the "too coincidental to believe" times --- I also guessed the end.  So because of the predictable, rambling script I'd give this a 3.5 out of 5.

"A LOT LIKE LOVE"     PG-13      2005      1 hr and 47 mins

Unacquainted Emily and Oliver join the mile-high club together on the way from LAX to NYC -- end of story.  Except that they keep meeting constantly over the next seven years.

Director:  Nigel Cole

Writer:  Cilin Patrick Lynch

Actors:  Ashton Kutcher, Amanda Peet