Movie #3344 ........................."Wicked" (Movie theater)

 Movie #3344 "Wicked" (movie theater) I saw this movie two times in one week, and I highly recommend it.  Yes, it is a tad too long (I would have edited each scene a little bit), yes, it is a musical (are you kidding?) and yes, it doesn't follow the traditional and beloved  "Wizard of Oz" storyline with the scarecrow, tin man and lion.  Those negatives  being said, the time goes by very quickly and you come to accept it's a musical with big numbers that are staged beautifully, and smaller ones that are there for a reason.  And the acting is so well done, that the movie literally pulls you in to a back story on Elphaba and the Wizard of Oa, and with new themes on freedom, bullying, sisterhood, up with being different, what it takes to be a good leader, etc. Lots of themes, entertainment, and lots of heart make this an excellent choice for a film to watch in this holiday season ---- and for years to come.  This could also be a big winner for some oscars.  I give it 4.5 out of 5.

"WICKED"     2 hrs and 40 mins,   2024

Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman because of her green skin, and Glainda, a popular girl, become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz.  After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads.

Director:  Jon M. Chu

Writers:  Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox, Gregory Maguire

Actors:  Cynthia Erivo, Arizona Grande, Jeff Goldblum

Movies #3343 ........................."Sugarplummed" (Hallmark )

 Movies #3343 "Sugarplummed" (Hallmark)  I love making fun of the Hallmark Diva who, through magic, appears and solves problems that the lead has with her family , but then there's a turn when things start backfire  ---- so I wasn't a big fan for that turn --- and it took just a couple of minutes to turn it around at the end --- too quick, in may opinion.  So, basically, this was a cool idea, but I don't think it was executed as well as it could be --- I think they should continue making fun of the formulaic stuff Hallmark does  --- because it could be a very funny and entertaining venture.  I'd give this a 3.8 -- i think some might like it but not heavily recommending it at all.

"SUGARPLUMMED"     HALLMARK     2024   1 hour and 24 mins

Emily's wish for a picture-perfect Christmas comes true when a magical, optimistic movie character steps off the screen to help,, but as things spiral out of control, she learns that true holiday perfection might look very different from what she imagined.

Director:  Ryan Landels

Writer:  Ryan Landels

Actors:  Maggie Lawson, Janel Parrish, Brendon Zub

Movie #3343 ........................."Trivia at St. Nick's" (Hallmark)

Movie #33243 "Trivia at St. Nick's"  (Hallmark)  Two not often seen actors playing the lead in this and they were very good and should see more work in their futures.  Stage Business involved, of course, a trivia congest, and that was fun to watch that at work --- in between the sessions with the trivia there was the Hallmark standard of baking cookies, but also something more interesting like rock climbing and trivia prep.  This one was fun to watch , esp. with an astronomy expert in the leadership role and a sports expert (ho hum) in the other leadership role, but they proved to learn from each other (and the audience did some learning , as well).  I'd give this 4 out of 5 and reommend this one as one of the better new Hallmark xmas movies for 2024.

"TRIVIA AT ST. NICK'S"   Hallmark   2024    1 hour, 24 mins.

When students all flee an elite university in Vermont for winter break, the locals and faculty hunker down for their favorite time of year -- the annual Christmas Bar Trivia Tournament.  For Celeste , a Type-A astronomy professor, this event combines the magic of Christmas with her greatest comfort in life:  knowing the right answer.  But when her colleague drops out of the tournament , Celest's team must adopt Max, the football team's new offensive coordinator.

Director:  Mario Hunter

Writers:  Christine Garver, Stephanie Jackson

Actors:  Tammin Sursok, Brant Daugherty, Kathleen Elizabeth Monteleone

 

Movie #3342 ........................."Debbie Macomber's Joyful Mrs. Miracle" (Hallmark)

Movie #33412 "Debbie Macomber's Joyful Mrs. Miracle" (Hallmark - this was an interesting story in that it deviated from the regular formula --- three adult kids come back to grandma's house after she died to figure out what to do with it --- and who would represent the family on the board (for whatever company it is) - she is in her own way, after her death, trying to make them communicate with each other --- the girl is a lawyer, one of the boys is in business and dying to get on the board, and the other brother is kind of a deadbeat --- hasn't stayed with any one job and thinks out of the box --- interesting family dynamics -- I think the story works there, but then this character Mrs. Joyful, though a good actress, comes in because she has been hired to be some sort of liaison -- She os way too unbelievable, but the title suggests that already --- she is able to do anything to everyone's amazement, including reaching the very quiet and withdrawn son of the daughter lawyer.  And, of course, there's a backstory, where the handyman around the home who grew up there, had a crush on the daughter, but it never came into fruition because of the difference in their castes.  Now, as she is older and wiser, she starts to see the handyman differently.  and, of course, Mrs. Joyful, helps him with that, too.  3.8 -- stage business is fixing up the house - ho hum.

"DEBBIE MACOMBER'S JOYUFUL MRS. MIRACLE"   2024   1 HR, 24 MINS

Three adult siblings return to their childhood home at Christmas to honor their late grandmother's wishes and try to agree on new leadership for the family's company.

Director:  Peter Benson

Writer:  Nina Weinman

Actors:   Rachel Boston, Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, Tanner Nolan

Movie #3341 ........................."Holiday Touchdown: A chief's love story" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3341 "Holiday Touchdown:  A chief's love story" (Hallmark) From the first minute this went on it was corny ....and it didn't change very much.  I just kept watching it because I liked the two leads.  But at the end of it, it didn't change much.  And I must say, a bit disappointing due to all the hype it got previous to it being shown.  It was kind of funny that NBC hyped it the most because they were a "part" of the movie, but when I watched it, they came in at the end of the film.  So short, if you blinked you might have missed it!  Secondary people were really meh.  I guess if you are a football fan of this team, you might enjoy it, but to me, there are so many more Hallmark xmas films that are new this year that are so much better.  I'd give it  a 3.5 out of 5.

"HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN:  A CHIEWF'S LOVE STORY"      Hallmark  2024   1 hr, 30 min

Alana Higman, a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs fan and her family are competing to win the Team;s Fan of the year contact, in a process judged by the director of fan engagement Derrick.

Director:  John Putch

Writer:  Julie Sherman Wiolfe

Actors:  Hunter King, Tyler Hynes, Ed Begley, Jr.

Movie #3340 ........................."Three Wiser Men & a Boy" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3340 "Three Wise Men & a Boy" (Hallmark)  I saw the first one in the series ("Three Men and a baby") and loved that , but the sequel usually isn't any better , but this one is equal to the first and I recommend it.  The three guys in this one are my favorites, and the boy is cute.  The story is good, there's much humor and the actors are more than  capable and fun to watch.  This is a 5, and one of the few I've seen from the new batch.

"THREE WISE MEN & A BOY"     2024       1 hour and 24 min.       Hallmark

Brothers Luke, Taylor and Stephan help Luke's son Thomas with school musical after director quits.  They deal with mom Barbara's new boyfriend, family dynamics during chaotic Christmas season.  

DIRECTOR:  TERRY INGRAM

WRITERS:  PAUL CAMPBELL, KIMBERLEY SUSTAD, RUSSELL HAINLINE

ACTORS:  PAUL CAMPBELL, TYLER HYNES, ANDREW W. WALKER

Movie #3339 ........................."Christmas by Starlight" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3339 "Christmas by Starlight" (Hallmark)   I am rewatching this one for the umpteenth time and I went to check what I gave it the first time and discovered that there isn't a critique on this one, a favorite.  Why?  It's the first foray into screenwriting for Hallmark with these two leads -- Kim Sustad and Paul Campbell, 2 gavotte hallmark actors for me.  He plays a "flake" kind of business guy who according to his dad, needs help in organization and "caring" about the business before he takes it over --- Kim is the lawyer who is hired to see him do that --- but she comes along with an agenda.  She's business in trying to save her family business --- the Starlight Diner.  She becomes a big quirkier  and he  becomes more caring and organized --- they rub off each other in a good way, and thus you have a good sound story, with lots of funny moments, and it exudes charm in a real way.  I give it a 5, one of my favorite.  

"CHRISTMAS BY STARLIGHT"    2020      1 hour and 24 mins

When her family's  beloved cafe is slated for demolition, Annie vows to put a stop to it before Christmas.

Director:  Gary Yates

Writers:  Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad

Actors:  Kimberley Sustad, Paul Campbell

Movie #3338 ........................."Here" (theater)

Movie #3338 "Here" (theater)  to me this was a WOW film, maybe the best we'll see all year (although, I have heard wondrous things about "Wicked" so far, so we'll see).  But I have to say, this isn't a film for everyone..........the camera is static --- that is, it stays in one place, so it uses very "out of the box" type of filming and editing --- the editing is cool in that the camera focuses on one image, changes lighting on it, puts a box around it,  and  then moves it to the next scene --- but the film  varies that technique a lot, as well.  Why do all this with the camera?  Well, what the film is focussing on is the location --- and all that happened over a span of a few decades in the one living room area of one house ---- that's the point of view, and I don't think it's been done before, to my memory.  So the film poses a challenge to the filmmakers, but it also allows them to do something different that hasn't been done before.  It has a lot of emotional moments and when the camera moves its one time, at the very end, it is oh so powerful.  Just a sidebar about the AI used to make Tom Hanks and Robin Wright younger looking and then go through an aging process.  That was amazing!  I'd give the film a 5.  I recommend it wholeheartedly, but it isn't for everyone.

"HERE"          2024    PG-13      1 hr, 44 mins.

A generational story about families and the special place they inhabit, sharing in love, loss, laughter, and life.

Director:  Robert Zemeckis

Writers:  Eric Roth, Robert Zemeckis, Richard McGuire

Actors:  Tom Hanks, Robin Wright (Jenny in "Forrest Gump") and Paul Bettany

Movie #3337 ........................."King of Cool" (TCM, Apple)

Movie #3337 "King of Cool" (TCM, Apple)  This was a very good documentary on Dean Martin that cleared up quite a few myths about him --- like that he constantly drank, and why Martin & Lewis separated, his relationship with his kids... etc.  If you don't know who he was, this would be a great introduction --- and if you knew who he was, I think you would gain greater appreciation for his talent.  I am very fussy about documentaries, and most of the time Think they run too long, but I never felt that way about this one.  I found it fascinating that he was sooooo different from his t.v. persona.  I'd give this a 4.

"DEAN MARTIN:  KING OF COOL"       2021,    1 hr, 47 mins.  

The story of Dean Martin

Director:  Tom Donahue

Actors:  Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Frankie Avalon  

Movie #3336 ........................."Emily in Paris" (Netflix) Season 4

Movie #3336 "Emily in Paris" (Netflix)( Season 4  --- the weakest of all of the seasons so far, but still full of some good humor, nice romance, beautiful locations (mostly Italy, this time), and beautiful people in beautiful costumes!  Oh, and it runs 30 mins for each show, so it's a short watch.....and good music!  One of the leads is an outstanding singer! I'd give this season 4.

"EMILY IN PARIS"    Season 4        10 episodes, 30 mins each      Netflix

After choosing Gabriel over Alfie , in part 1 of season 4, Emily is faced with the harsh realities of being the third wheel to her boyfriend and his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Camille.  A Christmas disaster, where Gabriel leaves skiing amateur Emily alone on the slopes, results in the couple's breakup but makes a way for a meet-cute between Emily and Italian heartthrob Marcello. Desperate for a reprieve from her life in Paris, Emily accepts Marcello's irresistible invitation to join him in Rose for a long weekend.  A serendipitous sequence of events at the end of season 4 brings Emily a new adventure in yet another foreign city.   

Creator:  Darren Star

Actors: Lily Collins, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat 

Movie #3335 ........................."Bad Monkey " (Apple)

 Movie #3335 "Bad Monkey" (Apple)  this was a series made for Vince Vaughan -- if you like him or think he is funny with his wisecracks, you will like the show, I think.  I enjoyed the humor and the twists and turns, but like almost of the shows these days, it seemed stretched out way too much for what the story offered.  And you need to know that it has several bloody parts in it, if you don't like that sort of thing.  But it is Vince Vaughan at his best.  I'd give it a 4.  Fairly easy story to follow, full of voodoo, con artists,  a bad cop, a lackadaisical one that cuts a lot of corners, and , of course, a bad monkey.

"BAD MONKEY"    10 episodes     tv series      Apple      about 40 minutes each

A detective turned restaurant inspector in Key West is pulled into a world of greed and corruption after a tourist finds a severed arm while fishing.  And yes, there's a monkey.

Creeator:  Bill Lawrence

Actors:  Vince Vaughan, L Scott Caldwell, Rob Delaney

Movie #3334 ........................."Hot Frosty" (Netflix)

 Movie #3334 "Hot Frosty" (Netflix) oh my gosh, was this ever dumb!!!!!! I heard that Lacey Chabert a(diva of Hallmark)  had a movie I could stream on netflix, so I sat down to watch it and ugh!  Evidently, she is so powerful she brings a snowman to life --- you can imagine the low humor jokes (with him being naked) that could go along with this idea -- and that he actually can become human?  don't want to give anything away but everything about this film was bogus.,  DON'T BOTHER!  unless you want to watch a movie you can continuously laugh AT.  2.8  (there was some humor that worked , but the serious stuff, in my opinion , didn't work at all.

'"HOT FROSTY"        2024        Netflix         1 hour and 32 minutes 

Widow Kathy magically brings a snowman to life,  His innocence helps her heal and find love again.  They bond before the holidays,  but he's doomed to melt.  (really?)

Director:  Jerry Ciccoritti

Writer:  Russell Hainline

Actors:  Dustin Milligan, Lacey Chabert, Lauren Hiolly

Movie #3333........................."Novel Noel" (Hallmark)

Movie #3333 "Novel Noel" ( Hallmark)  She has a vey fake smile throughout this film, and he is so so cold, he owes across mean and smart aleck through the whole film --- both of these comments affect the romance -- and I felt she could do much better by the end of the film.  Stage business was lame, but I did like the bingo idea.  I'd give this a 3 and not recommend it.

"NOVEL NOEL"     HALLMARK  2024    1 hour and 24 minutes

A New York City book editor is chosen to run a bookstore for the month of December rediscovering her creative spark while burin g heads with the son of the bookstore owners and learns that talent (and love) can be found anywhere (except in this movie!)

Director:  Michael Robison

Writer:  Betsy Sullenger

Actors:  Julie Gonzalo, Brendan Penny, Kaitlyn Bernard

Movie #3332 ........................."A Carol for Two" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3332 "A Carol for Two" (Hallmark)  Love this one, too, because there's a lot of singing in here -- considering the subject matter is a girl, who goes to Broadway after she thinks she is cast in a Broadway Tour, and it's cancelled so she is out of a job.  She then seeks help from a friend of the family, who was on Broadway for a while, and now older, she runs a bar that hires struggling broadway artists.  I really really liked a lot of stuff about this movie, except for the secondary guy who was very annoying and the reason I would give this 4.5, but strongly recommend it.

"A CAROL FOR TWO"    2024    Hallmark

A talented singer starts working at a Broadway restaurant with singing waiters.

Director:  Jeff Beesley

Writer:  Nina Weinman

Actors:  Ginna Claire Maison, Jordan Litz (on broadway in "Wicked)  and Charlotte D'Amboise (theatre diva, the original Carrie, married Terrence Mann)

Movie #3331 ........................."'Tis the Seaon to be Irish" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3331 "'Tis the Season to be Irish" (Hallmark"  --- dumb title with an odd story --- so I didn't know this, but slipping houses in places like Ireland is a thing, and this movie is about a woman who sees an add to buy a house in her mom's birthplace --- it's $1500 --- a steal!  so she gets it.  But when she gets there, she finds no plumbing, electricity, or walls...... surprise!  The guy who sold it is also  the historic preservationist -- but, of course, he is charming in a quiet way (once you get past the opening sarcasm, because he figures her as one of those "flippers" off houses --- and he's against that!  The stage business becomes decorating the house (ho hum) Film is a bit cold because both lead actors are pretty low-key in energy and talking...I'd give it a 3.5 --- Ireland is shown off really well.

"'TIS THE SEASON TO E IRISH"     HALLMARK   2024    

When a real estate investor travels to Ireland to flip a cottage she purchased before Christmas, she is surprised to find the property is in need o9f substantial repairs.  Fortunately the local Irishman who sold her the cottage agrees to help her find a new buyer, and a holiday romance ensues.

Director:  Lesley Demetriades

Writers:  Joie Botkin, Samantha Herman, Michael G. Larkin

Fiona Gubelmann, Eoin Macken, Tara Egan Langley

Movie #3330..........................."Jingle Bell Run" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3330 "Jingle Bell Run" (Hallmark) I loved this one --- finally a %!!!!! It is set up like an amazing race, so the locations change constantly, and there are new hurdles to cross for each couple.  And the couple in this one are two of my favorite Hallmark people.  Put that together with lots of heart and I think there's a winner here.............best or the new ones, so far, from what I have seen.

"JINGLE BELL RUN"    HALLMARK    1     hour and 24 mins

Two opposites team up for an amazing Christmas race and find love along the way.

Director:  Lucie Guesst

Writers:  Tom McCurrie, Stephanie Sourapas

Actors:  Ashley Williams, Andrew W. Walker

Movie #3329 .........................""Twas the Date Before Christmas" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3329 "Twas the Date Before Christmas" (Hallmark)  This one I really liked because it was cute and a somewhat original idea (yet the stage business was all game playing for a contest, which is used a lot)... the Blind date IS the time he meets the family --- and it happens to be Christmas Family Olympics.  I'm glad they didn't make the competition so serious that it took the fun out of watching it!  The conflict also worked and got ironed out satisfactorily.  Good job and I would give it a sound 4 and recommend it.

"TWAS THE DATE BEFORE CHRISTMAS"   Hallmark     2024    1 hour and 24 mins

To prevent her family from canceling the "Chamberlain Family Christmas Olympics"), Jessie lies and says she's inviting a date to the long-standing holiday tradition.

Director:  Bradley Walsh

Writer:  Ramona Bracket

Actors:  Percy Anane-Dwumfour, Conni Miu, Chad Andrews

Movie #3328 ........................."Playing Cupid'" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3328 "Playing Cupid" (Hallmark)  I liked this one, but I never warmed up to the guy because he was so mean and smarmy throughout, esp. at beginng.  But i liked the story, and it kept me watching.  It might be because it involved a teacher....Another thing I liked is that the divorced couple (that guy and his ex-wife) came across pretty well, working together to help the girl out in school, along with the teacher.  (it takes a village)  Stage business was interesting (dealing with school stuff) and it helped make the ending more believable because it left the viewer wondering maybe it will work out for them -- it was an easy ending and not pushed.  I'd give it a 4 and recommend it.

"PLAYING CUPID"     Hallmark    2021    1 hour and 24 mins

In the halls of Austen Middle School, a newly single middle-school teacher is covertly set up with a divorced dad after his daughter --- one of her students - begins a matchmaking business for a school project she assigned her class.

Director:  David Weaver

Writers:  Jenny Meyerhoff, Nina Weinman

Actors:  Laura Vandervoort, Nicholas Gonzalez, Mia Quaranta de la Rosa

Movie #3327 ........................."Santa Tell Me" (Hallmark)

Movie #3327 "Santa Tell Me" (Hallmark)   Krakow, as usual, was good and there was a funny high point with all the Nicks (because of some magic at her old home where she reads something that tells her the name  Nick is important to her in the future, so she dates a bunch of Nicks.... kind of silly, in my opinion.  Anyway, otherwise, the film was pretty boring.... and any of the 3 men would have been better than the one she eventually picked.  What made it worse is that magical component which usually doesn't work in these films because it just makes more silliness in the films, and even harder to believe!  I give it a 3.  I wouldn't push to see it at all.

"SANTA TELL ME"       Hallmark     2024    1 hour and 24 mins

When Olivia, a successful interior designer, finds an old letter from Santa promising she'll meet the love of her life by Christmas Eve - and that his name will be Nick -- she's stunned to meet not one, but three guys named Nick.  As she navigates these holiday romances, Olivia also finds herself drawn to her charming (?) co-worker, Chris, throwing her magical Christmas quest into question.  With the clock ticking toward Christmas Eve, Olivia embarks on a heartwarming and humorous journey to uncover her true soulmate.  (this write up makes it sound more interesting than it was) 

Movie #3326 ........................."Our Holiday Story" (Hallmark)

Movie #3326 "Our Holiday Story" (Hallmark)  this was just okay even though it tried to vary the point of view....As a result I thought the leads and the secondary couple (one is the leads' daughter , the other is her boyfriend) provide an interesting juxtaposition as far as relationships go.  and the mantra was cute and useful:  "When you know, you know"  -- good lesson to learn. However, the sparks filled out by the end, but I still liked the overall film.  and I would give it a 4 --- it tried to do something different!

"OUR HOLIDAY STORY"     2024     1 hr and 24 mins

A couple recounts their Christmas love story to their daughter's boyfriend.

Director Jason Bourque

Writer;  Joie Botkin

Actors:  Nikki Deloah, Warren Christie, Sydney Scotia

 

Movie #3325 ........................."My Sweet Austrian Holiday" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3325 'My Sweet Austrian Holiday" (Hallmark)  This film never pulled me in even though the location shots were ver nice --- the story was convoluted and the conflict was muddled, but there was a nice dance at the end --- not much more I can say about it, except the two actors I normally like --- they were together (but not as a couple) in the Brugges movie, but this is no near as good as that one was.  I'd give it a 3.

]"MY SWEEET AUSTRIAN HOLIDAY"    2024    1 hour and 24 mins

Charlotte recently moved to Vienna and became a chocolatier after inheriting her grandparents' chocolate shop.  Henry has just taken over his father's company that is try to take over Charlotte's shop.  

Director;  Leif Bristow (relative of the main actress?  )

Writer:  Agnes Bristow ( a family affair?)

Actors:  Brittany Bristow, Will Kemp

Movie #3324 ........................."Love, Of Course" (Hallmark)

Movie #3324 "For Love, Of course" (Hallmark)  This one was dull, dull, dull, with a start, stop kind of pacing..... we were watching two actors in slow motion through most of the film.  Even the stage business was slow --- the guy was working on landscaping the college building, and she was supposed to be putting together some Agricultural expose to make money for the college.  I'd give it 2.8, don't bother.

" LOVE, OF COURSE"      2018   Hallmark    1 hour and 24 mins

Amy is helping her daughter settle into college and lands a job to help with the annual Fall Harvest Festival.  When Amy meets Noah, a charismatic (really?) , well-traveled professor, she learns more about  herself and discovers a new life of her own.  (missed that!)

Director;  Lee Friedlander

Writers:  Janna King, Tracy Andersen, Lee Friedlander

Actors:  Kelly Rutherford, Cameron Mathison, Makenzie Vega 

Movie #3323 .........................The 5-Year Christmas Party (hallmark)

 Movie #3323 "The  5-Year- Christmas Party (Hallmark)  I try to encourage Hallmark when they present films a bit out of the box, and here is one attempt.  The premise relies on the meeting of these two very young people who have a love at first sight kind of opening, but then they find themselves too busy to work on any relationship.  This goes on for, you guessed it, 5 years (see title) , and there comes a time when they hit a wall -- they must make a decision on where the two of them, individually and together, are going.  You can guess it kind of dragged out , and became hard to believe that they could rekindle year after year after year....but there are people that can get together after a long time and act like no time has passed -- so I guess in that way it could happen.  What makes the show more watchable than most of the Hallmark run-of-the-mill films is that the two actors are very capable, and one is even a somewhat famous actor --- Jordan Fisher.  The Stage business was food, so that was kind of boring, but the two kids were full of energy and adventure so they were fun to watch.  But the number of awkward scenes was very high, and therefore a bit annoying to watch.  And the story, since it skipped around in time was a bit choppy.  But it was about theatre, so that drew me in to the film.    The struggles were mostly over money, so that made it topical, but the ending wasn't very satisfactory to me, so I would give  it 3.5.

"THE 5-YEAR CHRISTMAS PARTY"    2024     1 hr and 24 mins

Told over the course of five years, two recent college grads find themselves drawn together year after year while working for a catering company that specializes in holiday parties.

Director:  Peter Benson

Writer:  Zac Hug

Actors:  Katie Findlay, Jordan Fisher

Movie #3322 ........................."Mother's Instinct" (Plane)

Movie #3322 "Mother's Instinct" (Plane) This movie I never heard a thing about, never saw a trailer, but from the moment it started until the very end, I was glued to the tiny set on the back of the plane seat in front of me.  Wow!  The acting is very strong, and the story is what's really worth the watch here.  It's a complex relationship that exists between two couples, and through a bunch of twists and turns, it just worsens.  It's a tough watch but worth the emotion you put into it.  I'd give it 4.8 out of 5 .

"Mother's Instinct"     2024      R      1 hour and 34 mins

Alice and Celine live a traditional lifestyle with successful husbands and sons of the same age.  Life's perfect harmony is suddenly shattered after a tragic accident.  Guilt, suspicion and paranoia combine to unravel their sisterly bond.

Director: Benoit Delhomme

Writers:  Barbara Abel, Sarah Conrad, Olivier Masset-Depasse

Actors:  Jessica Chastain, Anne Hathaway 

Movie #3321 .........................."Summer Camp" (plane)

Movie #3321 "Summer Camp" (Plane)  With Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates and Alfre Woodard  and throw in Eugene Levy, and you would think the film would be successful .....and funny.  Which this one neither is.  It has a few bits that work, but overall, not good and I don't recommend.  Silly premise, silly speeches, silly love scenes, just plain silly.  3 out of 5.

"Summer Camp"  2024        PG-13     1 hour and 35 mins

Follows Nora, Gi9nny, and Mary, three childhood best friends who used to spend every summer at a sleep away camp together.  After years, when the opportunity to get back together for a summer camp reunion presents itself, they all seize it.

Director:  Castille Landon

Writer:  Castile Landon

Actors:  Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard

Movie #3320 ........................."Till" (plane)

Movie #3320 "Till" (Plane)  Wow!  This was a fantastic film, and I was sitting on the edge of my seat through the whole film.  And I knew the story!  The acting was just soooo amazing, and I was wondering why the lead woman in this film wasn't nominated for an academy award for her acting for this.  She was so so good and ran the movie.  And, of course, the story is an important one to tell.  I'd give it a 5 out of 5.  But it isn't for the faint of heart.  The major thing I remember about this mom is her insistence on showing what the mob did to her son's body --- and they show it several times in this film.  So sad.

"TILL'              2022         PG-13      2 hours and 10 mins

In 1955 after emmett Till is murdered in a brutal lynching, his mother  vows to expose the racism behind the attack while working to have those involved brought to justice.

Director:  Chinonye Chukwu

Writers:  Michael Reilly,  Keith Beauchamp, Chinonye Chukwu

Actors:  Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall, Frankie Falson

Movie #3319 ........................."If" (plane)

Movie #3319 "If" (plane)  This was a bit too fantastical for me with all of these creatures --- I never really got into it and I LOVE Ryan Reynolds...... I like bits and pieces (like the little boy in the hospital), but overall , the film was not a big deal to me at all.......but I'm not the targeted audience--- I would imagine kids might like it because of its fantastical nature.  .  This one I am not wholeheartedly recommending because like I said, there's very little I liked about the story -- but the characters' voices are amusing and the acting was good.  I'd give it 3 out of 5. 

"IF"      2024       PG      1 hour and 44 mins

A young girl who goes through a difficult experience begins to see everyone's imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up.

Director:  John Krasinski

Writer:  John Krasinski

Actors:  Bailey Fleming, Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski  

Movie #3318 ..........................."One Life" (on plane)

 Movie #3318 "One Life" (on plane) I also saw this trailer earlier in the year and wanted to see it and voila!  It's available on the plane.  This is very slow moving, but the story with all its intricate planning, pays off in the end --- it's a simple story with the horrendous backdrop of the Holocaust  --- one  man wants to save as many kids as possible as the german army starts to round up the jews and send them to camps.  His plan is to gather the kids and find homes in the UK for them until the parents can get them when the war is over.  The story is in the past, and the way it unfolds it shows why all these people have gathered  in this studio to honor this man.  Anthony Hopkins is terrific and helped to make this a very inspiring story from beginning to end.  I'd give this a 3.8 out of 5.

"ONE LIFE"    2023       PG     1 hour and 49 mins

Sir Nicholas "Nicky" Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued over 600 children from Nazi-occupied Czechoslovakia.  

Director:  James Hawes

Writers:  Lucinda Coxon, Nick Drake, Barbara Winton

Actors:   Anthony Hopkins, Lena Olin, Helena Bonham Carter

Movie #3317 ........................."We Grown Now" (on plane)

 Movie #3317 "We Grown Now" (on plane)  I had seen a trailer for this and was waiting for it, but then I never got to the movie theater to see it --- when it popped up on the list for what I could see on the plane, I grabbed at it.  I knew its location is Cabrini-Green in Chicago, and I was anxious to get in to see that place .  I found it extremely interesting and like one of the residents of this place, and thought it was a great way to use it as a coming of age backdrop for two little boys.  They run around and play and share some nice adventures until one boy's family decides to move away for more safety.  The world collides for these kids.  It is really well done, and I recommend it --- not a lot of action, but it provide some good thought after viewing.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

"WE GROWN NOW"     

Movie #3316 ........................."Ordinary Angels" (on the plane to Europe)

 Movie #3316 "Ordinary Angels" (on the plane to Europe)  The next couple of films I saw on the long plane ride to Greece --- they  kept me busy during the flight.  One of the better ones was this based- on- true- events film with Hillary Swank, who is looking for a purpose in her life. and she finds it befriending a widower and his two kids, one very sick.  She decides the guy could use help in raising money for his sick daughter.  She plays here a flawed person, with "warts and all" --- unable to communicate with her own son, and an alcoholic.  Because of that, the film comes across very truthful, emotional and inspiring.  The high point was worth the wait.  I would rate it 4 out of 5.

"ORDINARY ANGELS"     2024     PG   1 hour and 58 mins

Inspired by the incredible true story of a hairdresser who single-handedly rallies an entire community to help a windowed father save the life of his critically ill young daughter.

Director:  Jon Gunn

Writers:  Meg Tilly, Kelly Freeman Craig

Actors:  Hilary Swank, Alan Ritchson, Emily Mitchell

Movie #3315 ........................."This Time Each Year" (Hallmark) Another new one for xmas this year

 Movie #3315 "This Time Each Year" (Hallmark) Another new one for xmas this year.  Very different for Hallmark because the people are married but separated and contemplating divorce --- their little boy wants none of that!  This one was slow but still kept my interest --- leads were very capable and had chemistry .  Acting strong and rest of it believable --- I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

A year after their separation, Lauren and Kevin focus on raising their young son Charlie together.  However, Kevin harbors a desire to make them a whole family again.

Director:  Yan-Kay Crystal Lowe

Actors:  Alison Sweeney, Niall Matter, Ezra Wilson

Movie #3314 ........................."Scouting for Christmas" (Hallmark) - one of their new ones

Movie #3314 "Scouting  for Christmas" (Hallmark)  This is one of their 42 new xmas movies.   This one has some stage business problems --- not much to watch, (prepping food again?) and the pacing was slow.  But it had a nice ending and the leads had some chemistry --- the girl was the best part of the movie!  3 out of 5.

"SCOUTING FOR CHRISTMAS    2024   Hallmark    1 hour and 24 mins

A single mom partners with her daughters' favorite baker for the Holiday Ball."

Director:  Jason Bourque

Writers:  Ali Spuck, Casie Tabanou

Actors:  Tamera Howry-Housley, James Paladino, Audrey Wise Alvarez

movie #3313 ........................."His & Hers" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3313 "His & Hers" (hallmark)  "Adam's Rib, this is not!  I thought it might remind me of it, but honestly, this was such an insignificant film that when the title came by to write on it (after just a couple of weeks of seeing it ago), I can't remember much of it at all --- except the leads, who by now, after the crossword series and other films, have been together so much, they "Look" married to Hallmark fans.  The ending was okay but the rest of the film was what I would term corny and clunky.  3 out of 5.

"HIS & HERS"    Hallmark    2024     2 hour and 24 mins.

Married lawyers Dana and Mark represent reality stars entangled in a bitter divorce, leading to complications when their clients' inability to compromise strains the couple's own relationship.

Director:  Linda-Lisa Hayter

Writers:  Susan Black, Joie Botkin

Actors:  Lacey Chabert, Brennan Elliott

Movie #3312 ........................."Mystery 101: Episodes 2-4" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3312 "Mystery 101:  "An Education in Murder," "Killer Timing," "Dead Talk," "Words Can Kill:" and "Playing Dead"  

"An Education in Murder"

A young writer's research prompts the police to revise a famous murder case that convicted Amy's colleague at Elmstead, so Travis and Amy get a second chance at clearing the professor's name.

Director:  Michael Robinson

Writers:  John Christian Plummer, Robin Bernheim, Lee Goldberg

Actors:  Jill Wagner, Ristoffer Polaha

"Killer Timing"

An escaped serial killer and an attempt on Travis's life make their most dangerous case yet as Amy and Travis team up with his FBI Agent ex to find the connection before it's too late.

Director:  Fred Berger

Writers and Actors are all same as above.

"Dead Talk"

Amy, professor in "Who Dunnit" and speaker at Teachable Talk in Seattle, mets her ex there.  She also meets the owner of a crime solving software, who's later found dead.  Amy and her detective friend start investigating.

Director:  Winnefred Jong

Writers and Actors are all same as above.

"Words Can Kill"

When a guest at the college book festival is killed, Amy and Travis clash after he arrests an unlikely person for murder.  Amy must fight to prove he's got the wrong person behind bars.

Director:  Andy Mikita

Writers and Actors are all the same as above.

"Playing Dead"

College professor, Amy (Jill Wagner) is working on a play, when the main actress' life is threatened, so she works with Detective Burke (Kristoffer Polaha) to try to figure out who is lying and keeping secrets.

They were all 4's out of 5 and I'm sorry to see that the series was cancelled.  The two actors were terrific together, and the scripts were very good.  I will miss it.  

Movie #3311 ........................."For Better or Worse" (Hallmark)

Movie #3311 "For Better or Worse "(Hallmark)  Divorce lawyer moves his business in nextdoor to a marriage counselor -- they instantly don't like each other , and of course what makes matters worse, his daughter and her son are engaged at age 22 --- wow, that will give them some fodder to counsel!  And it does give them a reason to get together to plot the demise of the relationship!  Their dream is even kind of far fetched --- or, at least not the dream of every couple -- they want to be organic farmers!  This film was silly most of the time but it ended okay.  I'd give it a 3 out of 5.

"FOR BETTER OR WORSE"     HALLMARK    2014    1 hour and 24 minutes

A widów (Lisa Whelchel) who coordinates weddings meets a lawyer who specializes in divorces. ( in that blurb, it doesn't sound near as silly as the film is!  - go figure!

Director:  Marita Grabiak

Writers:  Diann Hunt, Barbara Kymlicka

Actors:  Lisa Whelchel, Antonio Cupo, Edward Ruttle

 

Movie #3310 ........................."The Magic of Lemon Drops" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3310 "The Magic of Lemon Drops" (hallmark)  this was in the fantasy genre for Hallmark, and therefore a bit different than most of the others --- the film was all over the place as far as plot, and there was a little kid in it but not used much at all.  However, I liked that it was trying to do something different and the very last scene seemed to work for them, so I'd give it 3.8 out of 5.

"THE MAGIC OF THE LEMON DROPS"    Hallmark    2024    1 hour and 24 mins

When Lolly's Aunt Gert gives her four magical lemon drops, she gets to experience what her life would have been like if she had made different choices and lived those unfulfilled dreams.

Director:  Maclain Nelson

Writers:  Tracy Andreen, Rachel Linden

Actors:  Lyndsey Fonseca, Ian Harding, Mariam Bernstein

Movie #3309 ........................."My One and Only " (Hallmark)

 Movie #3309 "My One and Only" (Hallmark)  This was an odd one  in tone and subject matter --- It was a bachelor show type set up -- two people who don't know each other but the show thinks they belong together ? (you buy that?  I didn't either) and, I bet you can't guess how this one turns out --- they fall in love while pretending to fall in love ?  no, there is a switch of some sort, so there is an attempt to change the old idea up a bit--- hmm. But not very original or creative, is it?  It was just too hard to believe.  And it was slow. But the stage business was centered on some nice adventure cabin place that offered a lot of stuff to do.    Only  because it was a bit  different for Hallmark, I give it a 3.5 out of 5.  

"MY ONE AND ONLY"     Hallmark      2019    1 hour and 24 mins

Stephanie (Hutton) and Oliver try to determine if they're fated to be together or "the one."  Meanwhile, sparks fly between Stephanie and Alex (page), the handsome ranch owner who acts as their guide.

Director:  Gary Yates

Writer:  Joie Botkin

Actors:  Pascale Hutton, Sam Page, Stephen Huszar

Movie #3308 ........................."A Costa Rican Wedding" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3308 "A Costa Rican Wedding" (hallmark)  The only reason I tuned into this one is to look at the location because I had never been to Costa Rica and probably never will --- joke's on me if it was filmed on a movie studio, I guess.  I just looked up locations on IMDB for this film, and it says:  Punta Leona, Puntarenas, Costa Rica (Beaches and Some Jungle and the actors did all their own stunts)  -- Fun!  So that was worth watching all that scenery.  The story was a bit too silly for me --- the girl seemed portrayed as way too much a clutz --- at least gossip about her ....... people calling her that.  Too much.  Because when left on her own, she does fine., and I didn't see the "klutz" factor in her character at all.  Anyway, The stage business was very busy, what with trying to hunt down a back pack with really old, antique, but precious wedding rings that her bf entrusted her maid of honor to hold, and of course they were lost.  The girl  is very capable, and the guy did awkward, kind of awkward.  I'd give this one a 3.5.  But batting one thousand on location!

"A COSTA RICAN WEDDING"       Hallmark     2024     1 hour and 24 mins.

A clumsy maid of honor gets help from her handsome nemesis when things go awry at her best friend's Costa Rican wedding.

Director:  Colin Theys

Writer:  Juliana Wimbles

Actors:  Rhiannon Fish, Christopher Russell, Brittany Carel 

Movie #3307 ........................."Saturday Night" (theatre)

Movie #3307 "Saturday Night" (theatre)  Well, this is the first wow movie we've seen this year.....we have been waiting for something of this caliber. But , it's not s film for everybody, I am thinking, basically because of a couple of things..... the dialogue is at a rapid pace, there are people, places, and pieces of info that are mentioned that might be difficult to identify due to the age of the viewer or knowledge of SNL coming into the viewing,  and the camera seems hand held and moves to each speaker as he talks , so it is choppy.  And on top of everything else, the film covers just two hours before the first SNL program went on the air 50 years ago in real time ---- sound a bit harried?  Well, you are right; it is, but what a hoot to be able to watch all that was happening in those momentous two hours.  The cast is pretty much a bunch of unrecognizable actors, except for a couple (Matthew Rhys as George Carlin, J. K. Simmons as Milton Berle, and the kid who played Steven Spielberg in the "Fableemans" film ) , but that doesn't seem to get in the way of its success at all ----( in fact, kudos to the actors who tackle Chevy Chase, Billy Crystal, Garret Morris and Andy Kaufman, in particular,  who sound so much like whom they are playing)  The dialogue is Aaron Sorkinish in its smartness and speed, and the high point is exhilarating and satisfying after a two-hour wait.  We highly recommend it, but when you do watch it, hold on to your hat.... it's a rollercoaster ride into what goes into the making of live t.v.  I give it a 5 out of 5.

"SATURDAY NIGHT"      R       1 hr and 49 mins    2024

At 11:30 pm on October 11, 1975, a ferocious trouble of young comedians and writers changed television forever.  Find out what happened behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the first broadcast of Saturday Night Live.

Director:  Jason Reitmn

Writers:  Gil Kenan, Jason Reitmn

Actors:  Gabriel LaBelle, Rachel Sennott, Cory Michael Smith

Movie #3306 ........................."Monk's Last Case: A Monk Movie" (Peacock)

 Movie #3306 "Monk's Last Case:  A Monk Movie" (Peacock)  Disclaimer:  We are HUGE fans of Monk --- we laugh hysterically watching him in all the situations he is put into while trying to deal with his OCD.   This one is a bit stretched, but it still works and is very entertaining, while watching him crack still another case.  This one involves the death of Molly's fiancé . (Molly is Trudy's daughter)  The stretching part involves his figuring it out (like it always did, but we are used to 60 minutes and this was a full blown movie.)  The ending ends up to be witty, as it usually always was --- this was no different in the story line.  Nice to see Natalie, Randy, Stottlemeyer, and Dr. Bell.  We missed Sharona, though.  4 out of 5 and highly recommend.

Director:  Randy Zisk (This is Randy Disher)

Writer:  Andy Breckman

Actors:  Tony Shalhoub, Traylor Howard, Jason Gray-Stanford, Hector Elizondo, and Ted Levine 

Movie #3305 ........................."Love at First Bark" (Hallmark)

Movie #3305 "Love At First Bark" (Hallmark) Stage business in this one was supposed to be teaching a woman how to train her dog --- she learned how to tell it to sit --- not much else --- Boring!  She was a decorator of places, but we only saw finished products, and the high point was a Puppery?  this was a dumb movie .  I give it 2.5.  The guy was okay.

"LOVE AT FIRST BARK"    2017     1 hour and 24 min 

A single woman with a newly adopted dog, turns to a handsome dog trainer for help.  As they make progress with the dog, she realizes she may be developing feelings for the trainer.

Director:  Mike Rohl

Writers:  Erik Patterson, Jessica Scott, Nicole Baxter

Actors:  Jana Kramer, Kevin McGarry, Anna Van Hooft

Movie #3304 ........................."Likes Cats and Dogs" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3304 "Likes Cats and Dogs"  Kathie Lee Gifford's daughter is in this , and she's cute and easy on the eyes but camera lingers a tad too long at times on her and shows her limitations as an actor.  And the guy was way too stiff.  But most importantly, the script wasn't good.  ugh!  2.8 out of 5.  This is a miss.

"LIKES CATS AND DOGS"    12017    1 hour and 24 mins

A reservation goes awry when two rented one with a dig and one with a cat must share a house.

Director:  Ron Oliver

Writers:  Aaron Mendelsohn, Ron Oliver

Actors:  Cassidy Gifford, Wyatt Nash, Gwynyth Walsh

Movie #3303 ........................."Mystery 101: Deadly History ( Episode 7) (Hallmark)

 Movie #3303 "Mystery 101, Episode 7 (Hallmark)  The mystery in this episode was okay, but what I was really interested in is that this is episode 7 --- and they actually said they loved each other after working on 7 cases together!  They don't even talk that much because they are so busy with the case.  This mystery kept my interest, but it was very involved and hard to believe by the end of the film.  I'd give this 3.8, mostly because of the chemistry of the two leads.  

"MYSTERY 101:  DEADLY HISTORY,", EPISODE 7        Hallmark   2021    1 HOUR AND 24 

Amy and Travis travel to New York to investigate after Amy's uncle goes missing,  and the initial clues make them fear the worst.

Director:  Stacey N. Harding

Writers:  John Christian Plummer, Robin Bernheim, Lee Goldberg

Actors:  Jill Wagner, Kristoffer Polaha, Robin Thomas

Movie #3302 .........................."Love By Chance" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3302 "Love by Chance" (Hallmark)  the mother in this movie was way too meddling to be believable.  And the secret the lead guy and the mother have is a real feeble conflict to me.  I am always one to speak the truth, but in this particular instance, nothing was accomplished by doing that except a lot of hurt feelings.  It wasn't necessary, and therefore the conflict was not strong enough to sustain interest in the latter half of the film.  The leads were good and had chemistry, anyway, so I'd give this a 3.5, but it had its problems.

"LOVE BY CHANCE"   2016         1 hour and 24 mins      Hallmark

Claire's mother is Claire's secret matchmaker.

Director:  Gary Harvey

Writers:  Brian L. Ross, Karen Berger

Actors:  Beau Garrett, Benjamin Ayres, Darwin Sanford

Movie #3301 ........................."Game, Set, Love" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3301 "Game, Set, Love" (Hallmark) Guess what this movie is about?  Tennis, of course, and I liked that it was different that way.  The guy was different, too, not a hunky guy able to stop traffic.  He was more an interesting guy with a lot to him.  He was funny, and kind of like McEnroe, yelling about lost points in a match.  She was great, good animation to her face, and a good actress.  But nothing could save the last moment of this film....... even I thought it was corny!  ugh!  but I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

"GAME, SET, LOVE"     2022     1 hour and 24 mins.    hallmark

It follows Tennis player Taylor as she coaches her friend, Will,  for a mixed doubles tournament when she finds out there is more to him than just being a bad boy.

Director:  Jessica Harmon

Writer:  Alex Wright

Actors:  Davida Williams, Richard Harmon , Roger Cross

Movie #3300 ........................."The Ice Palace Romance" (Hallmark)

 Movie 33300 "The Ice Palace Romance" (Hallmark)  Skating in this film was good stage business, but the story was just okay.  Leads were cute, but secondary people were way overdone, esp. the guy in the opening.  I almost turned it off right there, but I am glad I stuck with it.  Pleasant viewing - 3.0 out of 5.

"ICE PALACE ROMANCE"     Hallmark   2023        

A journalist faces old fears when she returns to her hometown ice rink to cover a story.  With the help of the owner and his young daughter, she begins to reevaluate her life's purpose.

Director:  Shawna Steele

Writer:  Andrew Daley

Actors:  Celeste Desjardins, Marcus Rosner, Shannon McDonough

Movie #3299........................."June Bug " (Hallmark)

 Movie #3299 "June Bug"   I didn't like the premise of this one at all, and it isn't original.  "The Kid" with Bruce Willis had basically the same idea , and there have been other films about the present person talking to his young self (Ryan Reynolds had the same thing happen in a recent film).  Anyway, The guy was weak in tis one and it didn't have enough stage business at all --- interest lowered a lot as the film progressed  By the end, I couldn't care less, and that's too bad because I love the lead girl in almost everything she does.  I'd this this a 3.5 out of 5.

"JUNE BUG"      Hallmark      2024      1 hour and 24 mins

Juniper, a book editor turning 40, is magically reconnected with an eight-year-old version of herself who questions her life choices, cindlluing the dream of writing her own stories.

Director"  David Weaver

Writer:  Summer Israel Johnson

Actors:  Autumn Reeder, Aaron O'Connell, Mila Jones

The little  girl was really cute!

Movie #3298 ........................."Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3298 "Jazz Ramsey :  A K-9 Mystery " (Hallmark)  The lead woman was in a royal movie recently, so I tuned in to this possible series.  I really like the idea of having the dog as a lead clue-finder in this show.  The dialogue was a bit stilted, and the ending I guessed, but I liked the dog and the chemistry with the lead woman.  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.

"JAZZ RAMSEY:  A K-9 MYSTERY"      Hallmark      2024    1 hour and 24 mins

When Jazz Ramsey and her crime detection dog Zeus stumble upon an old crime scene, the K9 trainer, her star pup, and ex-boyfriend and lead detective Nick are thrown into the investigation.

Director:  Marco Deufemia

Writers:  Neale Kimmel, Kylie Logan

Actors:  Rachel Skarsten, Corey Sevier, Zarrin DArnell-Martin

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Movie #3297 ........................."Stop the Wedding" (hallmark)

 Movie #3297 "Stop the Wedding" (Hallmark) Is a generational Hallmark movie; that is, a young couple try to sabotage an older couple, and through their working together to this end, they fall in love ! (Awww!)  But the couple are quite capable and include Rachel Boston (one of my favorite) and Niall Matter (another favorite).   Another factor that causes this to be a bit different than others is that the stage business is actually exciting --- because when trying to break up a wedding, one must set devious ideas into equally devious actions.  And that's what happens here.  I really liked it and highly recommend it.  5 out of 5

"STOP THE WEDDING"      2016 1 hour and 26 mins.    Hallmark

A meddling man and woman determined to stop a wedding for the good of the bride and groom instead wind up falling in love with each other.

Director:  Anne Wheeler

Writers:  Stephanie Bond, Nina Weinman

Actors:  Rachel Boston, Niall Matter, Lini Evans

Movie #3278 ........................"Instigators" (apple)

 Movie #3278 "Instigators" (apple)  We love heist films, and esp. ones that go wrong and have Matt Damon and Casey Affleck in them!   The language is a bit rough, but if you get past that, and turn the sound up (because they tend to mumble through this one, and the lines you can't hear are probably the best ones!) , you might think this is a quirky, funny and entertaining watch here with this film.  It kept me interested throughout with the twists and turns that were inevitably getting worse and worse as the film progressed.  If you are watching and thinking of not continuing, wait until the therapist comes on because she is , I thought, the best part!  I'd give this 4.5 out of 5.

"THE INSTIGATORS"       2024      R    1 hour and 41 mins.  

Follows two robbers who must go on the run with the help of one of their therapists after a theft doesn't go as planned.

Director:  Doug Liman

Writers:  Chuck MacLean, Casey Affleck

Actors:  Matt Damon Casey Aflfleck, Hong Chau

Movie #3277 ........................."Anyone But You" (netflix)

 Movie #3277 "Anyone But You" (netflix)  Ready for a rom-com that spent time in the theatre this summer?  I had heard a lot about it before seeing, mostly because Glen Powell was doing the pitch for it on several shows I had watched.   So as soon as it was available for streaming, I watched it to see what the hubbub was all about, and romcoms are my favorite genre.  I found it to be a Hallmark-kind of film -- esp. with the ending (which I don't think would have even been acceptable in that realm because it was just too silly and unbelievable).  It also had a "meet cute" scene (better than average because it used a juxtaposition approach in presenting it -- dead pan on one side of a bathroom door, silliness and physical antics on the other).   Also like Hallmark t  it relied on overhearing and assuming the worst  (which I cringe every time I see in a hallmark film) --- it used it to break them up in the opening 20 minutes, and then tweaked it, but still used it in SEVERAL scenes.  It got to be ridiculous.  The couple find themselves in a position that they have to pose as a twosome, and that gimmick is very popular in the Hallmark world -- - they go back and forth with it a couple of times until that is silly, too.  Another gimmick used a la hallmark is the stage business of wedding preparation..... dull!  But not when they set things on fire!   So silliness ensues.  So in that way it is worse than a hallmark movie; however, there are two scenes that are very funny -- one I wrote about already --- the meet cute scene,; the other one is when they have hiked to a cliff , and they decide to show they are very much in love so they put on a show for the people behind them, who they think are watching them --- well, that scene is juxtaposed with the cutest koala bear shots I have ever seen.  And the people behind the couple think the koala bear  is  far more interesting than what the couple is doing.  The juxtaposition of hysteria, to mildly watching the koala is very funny --- esp. when Glen Powell ends up without his clothes on -- otherwise, as I said, the ending is .....not good.  It's ironic  but because Hallmark movies are always being made  fun of, they tend to  really try to stay in the believable world --- this one doesn't, thus a weak ending.   As I said Rom Coms are my favorite films, and I found this mildly amusing because of the capable main people  (Powell and Sweeney), but I don't think I'd recommend it , except for the two scenes I wrote about above.  But two scenes don't make a movie.  3.5 out of 5

"ANYONE BUT YOU"     2023     R     1 hour and 45 mins.

After an amazing first date, Be an and Ben's fiery attraction turns ice-cold , until they find themselves unexpectedly reunited at a wedding in Australia.  So they do what any two mature adults would do:  pretend to be a couple.  

Director:  Will Gluck

Writwers:  Llana Wolpert, Will Gluck

Actors:  Sydney Sweeney, Glen Powell, Alexandra Shipp

Movie #3276 ........................."Monster" (Amazon Prime)

 Movie #3276 "Monster" (Amazon Prime)  This japanese  film was recommended to me by a friend, and I really enjoyed watching it --- it won best screenplay at Cannes and was a  nominee for the Palm d'or (highest award), and it is beautifully shot, and the screenplay is very skillfully done.  It deals with two little boys and their relationship --- the one is considered "weird" because he is smaller and "Prettier" than the other boys, and the other one just wants to go through life not being noticed.  When he finds himself standing up for the boy who is bullied, he sets a chain reaction of emotions into play.    What's cool about the screenplay is that the short story is shown through 3 points of view --- first, we see action through the eyes of  the mother of the boy who defends the bullied one, then the teacher's point of view, and finally the boy himself  --- the kid's part is especially well done!  And , of course, it is the clearest and ties everything together.  If we could just listen to our kids and reach out to them and not be so busy in our own everyday lives!  I'd give this a 4 and recommend it for something that is very poignant and different to watch.

"MONSTER"        2023       PG-13      2 hours and 7 minutes

A mother demands answers from her son's teacher when her son begins acting strangely.

Director:  Hirokazu Koreeda

Writer:  Yuji Sakamoto

Actors:  Sakura Ando, Eita Nagayama, Soya Kurokawa

Movie #3275 ........................."Life in Pieces" (Season 4 - last one) hulu

 Movie #3275 "Life in Pieces" (Season 4 - last one)  hulu --- Have you discovered this gem yet?  It ran from 2015-2019 , and it should have gone on much much longer because every time it was on, we would end up laughing out loud quite a bit watching this quirky family.  And there are such capable people in it --- all of them are my favorites, including:   The littlest girl with the savvy remarks, Diane Wiest and James Brolin as the hysterical parents of the crew, Colin Hanks and his unfiltered and very smart lawyer wife trying to deal with babies, The crazy dentist and his very funny wife dealing with 3 different aged kids with all kinds of kid problems, and the son who starts off living in his folks' garage and then falls in love with a colleague and loses his job over it!  That's just a quick backstory.... there's no laugh track (hooray) and each 22 - minute show has at least 4 pieces (thus the title) or short stories/vignettes.  Each show may hang together with a theme, or just  be a short time in the life of each of the families, or?  there's a lot of diversity, even when they get together for a trip together, or family dinner.  There's always something going on in this family, and I have to tell you , we loved watching each episode.  It had disappeared all of a sudden in 2019, and they had shows in the can already filmed, so the station it was on just put the show on without notice, so we missed the ending....that's why we caught up here.  But we found ourselves rewatching again from Season 1.  We highly recommend this gem of a show.  5 out of 5 for us.  

LIFE IN PIECE       t.v. series, 4 seasons 2015-2019    22 minute shows 

A family comedy told through the separate stories of different family members

Creator:  Justin Adler

Actors:  Colin Hanks, Betsy Brandt, Thomas Sadoski, Diane Wiest, Zoe Lister-Jones, James Brolin , Hunter King, and Sophia is Giselle Eisenberg (our favorite on the show) 

Movie #3274 ........................."George & Leo" ( you tube - season 1)

Movie #3274 "George & Leo"   (you tube-season 1) When we found out one of our very favorite comics died recently, we sat down and watched a special on Bob Newhart and discovered we had seen a lot of what he did, but we missed a couple of shows along the way --- one was this one -- so we found it on you tube and watched the first season (8 out of  22 episodes all together).  Bob played a mild-mannered bookstore  owner whose son (Justin Bateman) marries a woman whose dad is a con artist (Judd Hirsch) -- It's kind of like the much- loved movie in our house "The In-Laws" with Peter Falk and Allan Arkin  - because the in-laws (George and Leo) have to share time with each other since their kids are married to each other.  Bob as George is very believable but in order to like the show, you have to buy the character Leo (Hirsch)  - one of us in the family does, and the other doesn't --- so I might be watching this further on my own.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.  I enjoy watching these two accomplished actors go at it, and  a younger Justin Bateman in the middle of it all.

"GEORGE & LEO"       1997-1998 - 30 minute shows  

Mild-mannered bookstore owner George's life changes when his daughter-in-law's estranged father, Leo, a magician on the run from ,oysters after stealing casino money, seeks refuge in George's spare room.

Creators:  Dan Staley, Rob Long

Actors:  Bob Newhart, Judd Hirsch, Jason Bateman 

Movie #3273 ........................."Presumed Innocent" (Apple series)

 Movie #3273 "Presumed Innocent" (Apple series) I read the book by Scott Turow, and I saw the Harrison Ford film, and out of the three, this would place last for me.  I felt it was drawn out way too long, but that's what I feel for a lot of series that we are streaming these days.  There isn't that much to  the story, and what they added or changed, didn't help the story that much to make it better.  The intensity in the book and the film are still here --- esp. in the courtroom scenes.  But the homelife scenes were stagnate --- because of the changed ending, they felt they needed even more backstory on everyone there, but it slowed down the story here.  The big change in the ending got an added "gasp" from me and thank god you have capable actors to get the explanation out at that new ending....BUT the denouement was hard to believe --- it shows briefly where the characters go after the verdict comes in, and after all the angst, it seems too pat of an ending.  Now maybe  it was felt that  in this day and age of acceptance of a lack of integrity and the truth by so many people,  maybe that's the way it might go....but I don't accept that.  So I didn't like the denouement.  However, Jake Gyllenhaal&  Ruth Negga , and Peter Scarsdale kept  the story going --- but not was  just a bit too slow for  me.  I'd give it 3.5 out of 5.

"PRESUMED INNOCENT"  2024     9 episodes, about 50 minutes each

A horrific murder upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney's office when one of its own is suspected of the crime.

Actors:  Jake Gyllenhaal, Ruth Negga, Bill Camp

Movie #3272 ........................."Despicable 4" (movie theatre)

Movie #3272 "Despicable 4" (movie theatre) We love the minions --- esp. when they support this Despicable Me franchise --- we esp. like the moments the minions are used, and they are great in this because this one , they get superpowers , and they get even funnier than they have been in the past.  The rest of the film had a lot of fighting to me, but this one is worth it because the minions elevate it bigger and higher things.  For that reason, I'd give it a 4 out of 5.  The little girl with the cat is a stitch, too!

"DESPICABLE ME  4"        2024    PG     1 hour and 34 mins

Gru, Lucy, Margo, Edith, and Agnes welcome a new member to the family, Gru Jr., who is intent on tormenting his dad.  Gru faces a new nemesis in Maxime Le Mal and his girlfriend Valentina, and the family is forced to go on the run.

Directors:  Chris Renaud, Patrick Delage

Writers:  Mike White, Ken Dario

Actors:  Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Pierre Coffin

Movie #3271 ........................."Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley" (Netflix)

Movie #3271 "Beverly Hills Cop:  Axel Foley" (Netflix)  What fun this was to watch!  Better than the third one, for sure, and it got me from the get go when Axel is , of course, escaping from the bad guys using a snow plow --- I had never seen a chase using that form of transportation.  In less than 10 minutes his daughter finds herself in trouble when her car is overhanging  one of those 4- story parking decs --- I never saw that in a film either!  The story was fairly easy to follow, Axel dons quite a few personas (as usual) while working with his daughter (she's a plus -- a lawyer who is defending a "cop killer") and a new partner , her exboyfriend Joseph  Gordon Levitt -- playing Bobby.  Of course, Beverly Hills still has Billy Rosewood and Chief Taggart working there, but now there's a new head honcho played very well by Kevin Bacon.   By the end of the film two more chase scenes include one in a helicopter and another in one of those parking cop's small vehicles and a golf cart.  I heard in an interview from Murphy that his real daughter plays the cop that arrests him and puts cuffs on him --- so look for her if you are watching the film., which I highly recommend because it was very entertaining and funny!  4.5 out of 5.  

"BEVERLY HILLS COP:  AXEL FOLEY"         Netflix       R    1 hour 58 mins (R for violence?) 2024

Axel Foley returns to Beverly Hills after his daughter's life is threatened, and works with old pals John Taggart and Billy Rosewood to uncover a conspiracy.

Director:  Mark Molloy

Writers:  Will Beall, Tom Gormican, Kevin Etten

Actors:  Eddie Murphy, Joseph Gordon Levitt, Taylor Paige

Movie #3270 ........................."Northern Exposure" (amazon prime) Season 1

 Movie #3270 "Northern Exposure" (amazon Prime)  Season 1 --- this is a revisit for us because we remember enjoying the show so much back in the day.  While  re-watching the pilot and first 8 episodes that constitute season 1, we are reminded of the quirkiness of the characters and their relationships with each other, starting to build to a real community of friends by the end of the show --- a community the watcher learns to care about --- there's Maurice, the head honcho always roping community members to come along with him to help with all of his big ideas , and Chris, the radio guy who plays the music HE likes rather than the show tunes the owner of the station (Maurice) would prefer, Maggie, the pilot who becomes important to the members if they need to get supplies (like bagels)  or they need to go someplace in Alaska themselves, and , of course, Dr. Fleishman, who is the center of the piece because the show starts with his entrance --- he signed a promissory note to Alaska that if they paid for his medical schooling he would give them a couple of years in Alaska  --- but he didn't sign up to be way way way out in no man's land with not even bagels! for breakfast, and Marilyn, his receptionist, who is a native american and introduces him to pow wows and other native american customs, and Holling (the owner of the bar) and his partner Shelley who is a good 40 years younger  than he, and finally Ed,  who is just Ed, who shows up at the most inopportune times, and he's the one you know least about but want to know more about.  They are great characters --- can't say a lot is accomplished in each quirky story, but it has been most enjoyable to visit these past couple of days.  Not sure if we will continue, but we know it is there and available if we ever want to continue the series.  I'd give this 4 .5 out of 5.  

"NORTHERN EXPOSURE"    amazon prime   (6 seasons,110 episodes, about 55 mins each)  1990-1995

A city doctor is forced to work in the remote Alaskan town of Cicely, where he encounters peculiar locals, including a former astronaut, as he adjusts to small town life.

Creators:  Joshua Brand, John Falsey

Actors:  Rob Morrow, Janine Turner, Barry Corbin

Movie #3269 ........................."Family Affair" (netflix)

 Movie #3269 "Family Affair" (Netflix)  this was a rom-com with a capable cast, with Nicole Kidman, Joey King, and Zac Efron.  Nothing really new here--- older woman attracted to younger, buffer man --- and her daughter knows he's a sleezeball with women because she was his personal assistant for a couple of years.  What's hard to believe is  that he falls for the mother....it's not only  the age difference, but  it's his snotty, narcissistic behavior through most of the movie --- Can the actual love for an older women change your personality like that?  Well, the producers and writers and actors of this film believe it --- I believe he can be affected, but to actually do a 360?  not convinced.  But these actors try their darnedest to convince us. (PS  if you think it is a family movie, you might think again because  it has some sex scenes in it (reason for the PG-13) 

"FAMILY AFFAIR"    Netflix            2024      PG-13       1 hour and 51 minutes

A surprising romance kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.

Director:  Richard LaGravenese

Writer:  Carrie Solomon

Actors:  Nicole Kidman, Zac Efron, Joey King

Movie #3268 ..........................."Hit Man" (Netflix)

 Movie #3268 "Hit Man" (Netflix)  I am a Glen Powell fan, so when I saw he was in it, I grabbed the chance to watch it --- it was also recommended to us.  After watching this, I can say that the two leads were cast well because they were able to come across sincerely truthful but handled the dark humor, as well.  It's the script I was enamored with --- oh, it is entertaining to watch and try to guess the twists and turns along the way --- the script offered a load of surprises, but wasn't really bound in reality.  There was too much suspension of belief expected of the watcher, in my opinion.  The fault was really in the last act ---- when you watch something like the movie "sting" and you are , indeed, "stung" and you think back and say, "they got me" and you see how the puzzle all fits, that's a successful script --- and, of course, it won an academy award, the best that year, probably the best in MANY years, so it is silly for me to think this film could do a "sting" like that --- or even have a good, reasonable ending --- I guess I just expected a little more than what we got --- both Dave and I were trying to guess where it was going, and I have to admit I think our idea would have been better --- and I'm sure other viewers would have equally acceptable endings to this, so I fault the film on putting the puzzle together --- there are pieces missing or that just don't fit in the real world.  That being said, I'd give it a 3 because it IS entertaining.  Glen Powell is good --- not a Brad Pitt yet, but some day might be.  He has the looks and the comic timing and the sincerity -- but I doubt if he could do the character Pitt did coming out of the gate in "Thelma and Louise " --- he takes a few more chances, but Powell has a lot more years to catch up.  I recommend the movie and if you have a better idea for an ending, message me and we can talk ---

"THE HIT MAN"     Netflix        2023        R      1 hour and 55  mins

A professor moonlighting as a hit man of sorts for his city police department, descends into dangerous, dubious territory when he finds himself attracted to a woman who enlists his services.

Director:  Richard Linklater

Writers:  Richard Linklater, Glen Powell, Siup Hollandsworth

Actors:  Glen Powell, Adria Arjona, Austin Amelio

Movie #3267 ........................."Wedding March 4: Something Old Something New" (Hallmark)

Movie #3267 "Wedding March 4:  Something Old Something New" (Hallmark)  What an awful title, huh?  This one had a lot going on --- couple of stories --- the stage business is just the lead girl continually changing her mind when she had a contract with the venue --- they kept trying to appease her --- she seemed crazy after a while to me..... There is a surprise at the end which ties thing together  ---- but I was left with a question:  was it on purpose that the people who run a wedding venue don't want to go through the marriage ceremony themselves?  hmmmm.  hidden message maybe?  I give it 3.5 out of 5.

"WEDDING MARCH 4:  SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW"   Hallmark  2018, 1 hr and 24 mins

With a wedding to plan, an engagement party to throw, and an inn full of surprise guests, the road to true love for Olivia and Mick takes a few unexpected twists and turns.  ()PS Andrew W. Walker phone this one in, no?  He did very little here -- symbolic for what a groom does at a wedding?)

Director:  Peter DeLuise

Writers:  Robin Bernheim, Richard Manning, David Golden

Actors:  Jack Wagner, Merritt Patterson, Josie Biussett, Andrew W. Walker 

Movie #3266 ........................."Forever in My Heart" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3266 "Forever in My Heart" (Hallmark)  I loved the couple and the Irish landscape , but this one had pacing problems (start, stop, slow, start, stop, slow) the guy was so quiet there didn't seem to be ups and downs in his dialogue. Result?  pretty static.  The stage business felt forced. I didn't quite get all the work they were doing to their place , seemed minimal (like painting a bench).  I'd give this 3.5 out of 5.

"FOREVER IN MY HEART"       Hallmark     2019    1 hr and 28 min

Jenna (Merritt Patterson) and Charlie (Jack Turner) found love in Ireland but their dreams drove them apart.  Five years later, they reunite and Jenna has to decide where her heart belongs - back home or in the emerald Isle.

Director:  Steven R Monroe

Writer:  Tyler Straessle

Actors:  Merrit Patterson, Jack Turner, Emmet Byrne

Movie #3265 ........................."Two Scoops of Italy" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3265 "Two Scoops of Italy" (Hallmark) Couple is cute in this one, but story was boring about gelato -- can't even tell you how it ends because I stopped watching it closely -- But Italy was beautiful, as usual.  I'd give this one a 3 out of 5.

"TWO SCOOPS OF ITALY"     Hallmark     2024     1 hour and 24 mins

When an American chef travels to a quaint village in Italy for inspiration, she falls in love with the flavors, culture, gelato, and the Italian gentleman who helps her discover it all.  

Director:  Roger M. Bobb

Writers:  Eric Brooks, Nicole Baxter, Abdi Nazemian

Actors:  Hunter King, Davy Eduard King, Ruby Kammer

Movie #3264 ........................."A Greek Recipe for Romance" (Hallmark)

Movie #3264 "A Greek Recipe for Romance" (Hallmark)   Since I am going to Greece in September I thought I would take a look at this and the locales in this film are beautiful --I won't be on this island, but the others are anything like it, I will enjoy them.  Anyway, acting is bad in this one except for the lead girl --- and the story is a dud --- and boring stage business -- trying to set up a restaurant  --- takes too long.  

"A GREEK RECIPE FOR ROMANCE"    2024

After a recent setback, Abby heads to Greece to visit her mom and decide what's next.  While there, she meets Theo and they team up to open a restaurant.  But will Abby be able to stay?

Director:  Colin Theys

Writers:  Mandy Baggo, Keith Hemstreet, Katie Kerr

Actors:  Danielle C. Ryan, Rafael Kariotakis, Argyris Gaganis 

Movie #3263 ........................."For Love and Honey (Hallmark)

 Movie #3263 "For Love and Honey" (Hallmark)  Oh boy, this was boring to me --- bees and an ancient fresco --- he's an archeologist?  All he does through the movie is carry a briefcase around.  And she drives him around to various places that I didn't care about at all, and were kind of dull looking.  Then to really cinch that this is a loser, they have a fake end where he leaves, and then he comes back within a year.... ugh!  I'd give this one 2.5.  The girl was too stiff.

"FOR LOVE AND HONEY"        Hallmark    2024     1 hour and 24 mins

Beekeeper Eva uncovers an ancient fresco while rescuing a hive.  Austen, a visiting archeologist, thinks it is key to his research, so he persuades Eva to help him on his quest across Malta.

PS - Malta was interesting, but from this movie, I don't think I would ever go there.

Director:  Kevin Fair 

Writers:  Caitlin D. Fryers, Michelle Ricci

Actors:  Andrew W. Waler, Margaret Clunie, Amanda Vilanova

Movie #3262 ........................."Date With Love" (Hallmark)

Movie #3262 "Date with Love" (Hallmark)   This one has what even I would term a "goofy" premise --- the main girl is an actress who decides to go to a h.s. prom and it disrupts the school.  And get this....Andrew Walker , one of my favorite actors on this station, is cast as a h.s. teacher who falls in love with her after their meet-cute scene where as a driving instructor, his student tries to run her over!  The turn doesn't work really well, and even at the very end where the kiss is supposed to happen, no one reacts when the high and mighty actress actually attends the prom with their popular teacher.  "Goofy" all around and only a 3.  (P.S.  Bailee Madison is used well as the girl who really wants to go to prom with the h.s. boy)

" DATE WITH LOVE"          2016     1 hour and 24 mins

When a small-town boy's video Proposal goes viral, it scores him a Prom date with his celebrity crush.  Complications arise when the celebrity falls for the boy's teacher.

Director:  Ron Oliver

Writer:  Brook Durham

Actors:  Shenae Grimes-Beech, Andrew W. Waler, Bailee Madison 

Movie #3261 ........................."Savoring Paris" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3261 "Savoring Paris" (Hallmark)  Want to know everything there is to know about cheese?  Well, check this one out.  Lots of French, lots of Paris, lots of bread, croissants and baguettes and cheese cheese, and cheese.  Loved the two leads and learned the meaning of "Je te aime bien" is "I like you" but she misunderstood, and th9ought it was I love you a lot!  So that's handy to know when in Paris --- See?  Hallmark CAN teach you important stuff you might find useful!  I give this one a 5!

"SAVORING PARIS"        Hallmark    2024    1 hour and 24 mins

Disillusioned with her life, Ella embarks on a soul-searching journey to Paris where she navigates love, self-discovery and cheese in the enchanting backdrop of The City of  Love.

Director:  Clare Niederpruem

Writers:  Joie Botkin, Victoria Brownlee

Actors:  Bethany Joy Lenz, Stanley Weber, Ben Wiggins

________________________________________________________________

Movie #3260 ........................."The Fall Guy" (movie theater)

Movie #3260 "The Fall Guy" (movie theatre)  What a fun movie --- pure fluff but a great homage to the stunt men and women we take so much for granted!  The chemistry between Blunt and Gosling was there along with their good acting, then add to the mix Ted Lasso's Hannah Waddingham 's funny character actor addition to the film plus humor and lots and lots (perhaps too many?)  fights and stunts!  This is a great summer flick, and we highly recommend it.  I'd give it a 4.3  

"THE FALLL GUY"      2024    PG-13     2 hours and 6 minutes

A down-and-out stuntman must find the missing star of his ex-girlfriend's blockbuster film.

Director:  David Leitch

Writers:  Glen A Larson Drew Pearce

Actors:  Ryan Gosling, Emily Blunt, Aaron Taylor-Johnson  

Movie #3259 ........................."Apples Never Fall" (Peacock)

 Movie #3259 "Apples Never Fall" (Peacock)  I read this book and really liked it --- I am a big fan of the author ("Big Little Lies" etc)  so when I saw this series was made on the book and that it had Annette Bening in the starring role, I decided to watch it.  I am glad I did because the film had even more action than the film, which I remember was more a slow burn  --- waiting around to find out what happened to mom with evidence pointing to all the possibilities.  The series changed the birth order of the kids and added a couple more pieces of baggage for each one, but those weren't major differences.  The stranger, Savanah, had a do-over to her character a bit, to make the action come more alive, so I enjoyed that as well.  And the ending was better to me than the book because it seemed more real and authentic.  Was it worth watching 7 episodes at about an hour each? not sure.  I liked the story and it didn't seem that long to me, but maybe not for others?  I'd give it a 4 out of 5. I felt the mystery worked in both book and t.v. series.

"APPLES NEVER FALL"           7 EPISODES       PEACOCK   50 mins each    2024

The Delaney family seems happy but Joy disappears, forcing her husband and four adult children to reassess their family history.

Creator:  Melanie Marnich

Actors:  Annette Bening, Sam Neill, Jake Lacy     

   

Movie #3258 ........................."Jim Henson: Idea Man" (Disney+)

Movie #3258 "Jim Henson:  Idea Man" (Disney+)  Very enjoyable documentary on Jim Henson which focuses a lot on his relationship with his wife and with the other puppeteers, who speak a lot of time in this film --- what I like about it is that it flows smoothly through the transitions from one topic to the next and edits really well --- he himself didn't speak much on the subjects presented here, so his friends do that, but Ron Howard (esteemed director) shows a lot of him "doing" which speaks for itself.  Lots of variety on how to get across a lot of information in a short amount of time.  Well done!  I'd give it 4.5, just could be a bit clearer on some parts of his life, like relationship with his kids... etc.

"JIM HENSON:  IDEA MAN"      documentary   Disney +     1 hr and 51 mins,       2024

This Documentary will feature interviews of fans of Jim Henson's work, interspersed with footage from Jim Henson's works, including Wilkins and Wontkins commercials that were previously lost.

Director:  Ron Howard

Writer:  Mark Monroe

Actors:  Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Alex Rockwell

 

Movie #3257 ........................."Hacks - Season 3" (Max)

Movie #3257 "Hacks - Season 3" (Max)  We love this show and the two women in it!  This year was strong, but not as strong as the others because it has some "out there" moments (maybe they go too far to be believable, at times?)  But there is a lot of bonding with the two man women, in the love/hate relationship, such as the golf episodes, hiking episode.... there's less joke telling and more bonding this season, and what a great twist at the end!  I'd give it a 4 out of 5, with an attitude to bring on more!

"HACKS - SEAONS 3"    Max    10 episodes, 30 mins each

Further explores a dark mentorship that forms between Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedian, and an entitled, 25-year-old outcast.

Creators:  Lucia Aniello, Paul W. Downs, Jen Statsky

Actors:  Jean Smart, Hannah Einbinder, Carl Clemons-Hopkins 

Movie #3254 ........................."A Time to Dance" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3254 "A Time to Dance" (Hallmark)  I liked this one a lot, but I have to admit it goes very slowly and takes its time --- the subject matter is different for Hallmark because it is about two people who were in love as teenagers and got married and raised two kids, and now they are on two different life paths and seeking divorce --- but it's seems to be a wrong time to tell their loved ones because everyone is preparing for the daughter's wedding.  How can these two people repair their marriage enough to see a future together?  Good actors here help this one out -- 4 out of 5

"A TIME TO DANCE"          Hallmark      2016      1 hour and 25 mins

This follows the bittersweet story of longtime couple John and Abby, whose separation is postponed when they find out their daughter is getting married.  Determined not to spoil their daughter's big moment, they secretly put their plans on hold only to have the wedding planning process draw them back together. (popular story-line, usually of comedies)  

Director:  Mike  Rohl

Writers:  Karen Kingsbury, John Wierick

Actors:  Jennie Garth, Dan Payne, Chanelle Harquail-Ivsak

Movie #3256 ........................."Smooch" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3256 "Smooch" (Hallmark)  This one started out really badly, but I continued to watch it because it was so "out there" in its opening --- and because Kellie Martin was in it (one of my faves from watching her in t.v. show "Family" when she was younger. Anyway, it got much better as it went on, and the "prince" who was acting as a common man got much better, less narcissistic --- the little girl was wonderful throughout.  It was almost as if the director changed midstream.... just a bit too much goofiness in the opening would help this film.  It ended up to be a 4 for me.

"SMOOCH"       Hallmark   2011         1 hour and 42 mins

Smooch is a modern retelling of the classic Frog Prince tale with a romantic comedy twist.  A rakishly handsome "English Royal" comes to America for an arranged marriage, and ends up being mugged in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and left with amnesia.  (oops, missed amnesia --- I guess whenever you don't understand why actors are acting differently in a hallmark film midstream, blame it on amnesia -- I just thought he was badly acting)  A precocious 11 -year-old girl finds him under a frog and thinks he's the prince she and her mom have been waiting for --- she passes him off as a nanny, and mom accepts it (really?)  

.Director:  Ron Oliver

Writers:  Howard Burkons, Terry Spencer Hesser

Actors:  Kellie Martin, Simon Kassianides, Nick Ullett

Movie #3255 ........................."As Luck Would Have It" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3255 "As Luck Would  Have It" (Hallmark)  Not another festival one, right?  I only watched this one because a Downton Abbey guy (the Irish hubby of Sybil) was the male lead.  It didn't help the story much --- he wasn't given much to do --- very laid back, trying to convince her to stay and buy into the idea of trying to keep a historical building as is, instead of siding with her boss to buy it and turn it into a resort;   I usually dodge that kind of story.  Stage business was just prepping for the festival but it took place in a small village in Ireland, and Ireland was gorgeous!  3 out of 5.

"AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT"       Hallmark     2021     1 hour and 26 mins

Lindsey travels to Ireland to acquire land for a resort.  She decides to enter the town's matchmaking festival to prove her investment in the community  and win over a handsome local. *

Director:  Clare Niederpruem

Writers:  Christine Conrad, Audrey Shulman

Actors:  JoAnna Garcia Swisher, Allen Leech, Niall Buggy

* in IMDB it says that this was filmed at Howth Castle which in real life is being bought by an American company and being turned into a hotel as proposed in this film.  It is reported as being one of the "longest continuously-inhabited private homes in Europe."  The castle's Gate Tower and Keep are from the 15th century, and the estate also includes much of the Howth Cliff Walks.  Well, that piece of info makes the film more interesting....

Movie #3253 ........................."Falling for Vermont" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3253 "Falling for Vermont" (Hallmark)  Nice chemistry between the two, a slow moving, yet effective love built between them --- nice mystery on who she actually is  (I esp. liked that she is a writer and the little girl's favorite author)--- believable ending.  The topic has been done several times though so I'd give it 4 out of 5  because  it's one of the better amnesia films Hallmark has done.  

"FALLING FOR VERMONT"      Hallmark      2017      1 hour and 24 mins

A best-selling author who got amnesia as a result of a car accident finds refuge with the local doctor of an idyllic small town in Vermont.

Director:  David Winning

Writers:  Jay Baxter, Shaun Zaken, Michael G. Larkin 

Actors:  Julie Gonzalo, Benjamin Ayres, Lauren McNamara

Movie #3252 ........................."Kite Festival of Love" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3252 "Kite Festival of Love" (Hallmark)  This one I was hesitant to watch because the two leads I don't usually prefer to watch in the Hallmark world, but the opening caught my eye because it was about kite flying, and I never really thought about the intricacies that go along with that sport, so I watched it.  And I'm glad I did because I learned a few basics about kite flying.... there didn't seem to be much to it, but the stage business of making them, choosing materials for making them, the history of the designs, etc. filled up the movie, along with a secondary story about the lead woman teaching the lead man's daughter how to hones her musical skills for imposing songs, etc.  Oh, and there was a dog to train for the little girl, as well.  So the film kept the watcher pleasantly busy.  I'd give it a 3.5, i.e.  better than average Hallmark non Christmas flick.  

"KITE FESTIVAL OF LOVE"       Hallmark 2021     1 hr and 30 mins

A woman finds romance during a kite festival.  

Director:  Christie Will Wolf

Writer:  Christie Will Wolf

Actors:  Jessica Lowndes, Christopher Russell, Amelie Wolf (oh, I just got this --- it appears mother wrote and directed this film so her daughter could be in it?  hmmm)

Movie #3251 ........................." My Grown- Up Christmas List" (Hallmark)

Movie #3251 "My Grown-Up Christmas List" (Hallmark) I saw this eons  ago, but I still remember it --- it must have been good!  There wasn't a lot of action in the film, but there was a lot of heart, and it had one of the greatest openings in a Hallmark film I have ever seen --- Left a lasting impression on me.  I'd give this 4.5 out of 5.

"MY GROWN-UP CHRISTMAS LIST"     HALLMARK    2022    1 hr and 25 mins.

Taylor and Luke have a 

Director:  Andrew Cymek

Writers:  Bryar Freed, Shawn Riopelle

Actors:  Kayla Wallace, Kevin McGarry, Lindsay Merrithew 

Movie #3250 ........................."Branching Out" (Hallmark)

 Movie #32150 "Branching Out" (Hallmark)  I thoroughly enjoyed this one --- an IVF little girl longs to meet her biological father and gets her wish.  Cute couple, cute and smart kid.  What more do you want? I'd give this a 5 out of 5

"BRANCHING OUT"    2024      

To help build a family tree, single mom Amelia tracks down her daughter's biological father. It becomes a journey of trust, love, and discovering the meaning of family.

Director:  Maclain Nelson

Writers:  Joie Botkin, Melissa Bustamante

Actors:  Sarah Drew, Juan Pablo Di Pace, Gabe Baker 

Movie #3249 ........................."Walking the Dog" (Hallmark)

Movie #3249 "Walking the Dog" (Hallmark)  What a great story --- two lawyers bicker back and forth but are literally thrown together because their dogs like each other --- So it is cute the stage business that deals mostly with walking the dogs............they are both smart with the comebacks so I was laughing at this one and found it quite enjoyable.  There was a secondary story they hurried through, but it was a 4 out of 5 to me.

"WALKING THE DOG"    2017    1 hour, 24 mins     Hallmark

Rival lawyers battle each other in court as their respective dogs fall madly in love bringing their guardians together at every turn until they reluctantly realize it may not just be the pups who are each other's true valentines.

Director:  Gary Harvey

Writers:  Ron Cutler, Ruth Cutler

Actors: Jennifer Finnigan, Sam Page, Lini Evans

Movie #3248 ........................."Curious Caterer : Foiled Plans" (Season 1, Episode 4) (Hlallmark)

 Movie #3248 "Curious Caterer:  Foiled Plans" (Season 1, Episode 4) (Hallmark)  3.5 out of 5 --- this was fun because of the costumes and the old castle, which is mostly in the dark!  But I guessed right away the murderer.   And I wasn't surprised in the final minutes when THEY FINALLY KISS!!!!! after 4 of these movies, the kiss occurred --- these two are slow movers!  but They act like they are having fun along the way.  

"CURIOUS CATERER:  FOILED PLANS"  (Season 1, episode 4) (Hallmark)   2024   1 hr, 24 mins

Goldy Berry's Medieval feast at Hyde Castle gets interrupted by a murder.  She teams up with Detective Shultz to solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again.

Director:  Paul Ziller

Writers:  Diane Mott Davidson, Julie Kim, Karine Marwood

Actors:  Riley Davis, Lochlyn Munro, Eric Breker

Movie #3247 ........................."Rip in Time" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3247 "Rip in Time": (Hallmark)  A preposterous time travel movie but a great ending, and the couple is good.  There were some moments of poignancy, but all together really way out there.   3.5 out of 5.

"RIP IN TIME"   2022     1hr and 24 mins.   Hallmark

Sarah is an organic farmer who meets a man claiming to be from 1787;  she quickly discovers old-fashioned feelings that can be just as crazy as his story.  

Director:  Jessica Harmon

Writer:  C. Jay Cox

Actors:  Torrey Ditto, Niall Matter, Eric Keenleyside  

Movie #3246 ........................."Falling In Love In Niagara" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3246 "Falling in Love in Niagara" (Hallmark) This had a cute couple and great scenery --- I didn't know there was so much to do by the Falls and this film took us to a lot of it because the topic was the girl's fear of adventure and the tour director trying to show her a good time by taking risks.  Good theme!  However, the conflict was a bit hard to believe --- but the ending turned out nicely.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5.

"FALLING IN LOVE IN NIAGARA"  2024   1 hour and 24 mins

After her fiancé leaves her before their wedding, Madeline goes to Niagara Falls to honeymoon without him.  There, she reconnects with her adventurous side, learns to let go, and finds new love .

Director:  Marita Grabiak

Writer:  Charley Smale

Actors:  Jocelyn Hudon, Dan Jeannotte, Masa Lizdek