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