Movie #3565 ........................."The Christmas Baby" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3565  "The Christmas Baby" (Hallmark)  This is a lesbian couple who find a baby left on their doorstep (the kid is adorable) , and can't make up their minds what to do with the baby --- the two potential parents were believable and had chemistry. The story could have a bit more about the pros and cons (pretty stereotypical) but it got its major idea across:  all parents can have these problems.  I'd give it 3.5 and moderately recommend it.

"THE CHRISTMAS BABY"       2025    2 hours

A couple receives a baby boy before Christmas with a note meant for them.  While temporarily caring for him during the holiday rush, they navigate their relationship, careers, and the fosster-to-adopt process

Director:  Eva Tavares

Writer:  Topher Payne

Actors:  Ali Liebert, B arbara Niven, Katherine Barell

Movie #3564 ........................."A Make or Break Holiday" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3564 "A Make or Break Holiday" (Hallmark)  The film tries too hard  --- couple is to fake that they haven't been getting along --- watching so much arguing was stressful -- so I wouldn't recommend watching this one.  I'd give it 3 out of 5.

"AMAKE OR BREAK HOLIDAY"      2025    1 hour and 24 mins

A coupole hosting Christmas decides to fake their relationship for their families after choosing to separate.  Working together for the perf3ct holiday helps them remember why they fell in love.

Director:  Martin Wood

Writers:  Vanessa Marano, Danielle Morrow

Actors:  Hunter King, Evan Rodrick, Jennifer-Juniper Angeli (and the guy who won "Finding Mr. Christmas" for this year -- he was okay, much better than the last year winner)

Movie #3563 ........................."A Royal Date for Christmas" (Hallmark)

Movie #3This 563 "A Royal Date for Christmas" (Hallmark)  This film dragged for a while, talking about what clothes to wear, etc.  Lots of small talk but I feel like it was okay because in the hand of "Winnie" (from "Wonder Years).   I'd gibe it 3.8 out of 5.

Bella Sparks, runs Bella's Boutique.  Stefan needs to be outfitted for a week of high-stakes meetings after his luggage goes missing.  She accidentally discovers Stefan is actually Stefan William Francis Brown, the Duke of Langford.

Director Bradley Walsh

Writer:  Cara J. Russell

Actors:  Danica McKellar, Damon Runya, Nigel Hamer 

Movie #3562 ........................."Single on the 25th " (Hallmark)

Movie #3562 "Single on 25th" (Hallmark) This film was very different, mostly because the two leads seem to want to be alone together, than to just be alone.  Hard to buy that.  It's all about the fine art of fending off answering questions ....like:  why are you still single?"  stop considering it a defect when you aren't coupled.  Love is not for everybody.  That is a different message for a Hallmark movie and I welcomed it.  I'd give it 4.5 out of 5.

"  SINGLE ON 25TH"   2025     TV-G

The story follows a 30-something who spends Christmas alone in the city,  only to find unexpected companionship with a handsome neighbor.

Director:  Jonathan Wright

Writer:  Joie Botkin

Actors:  Lindsay Fonseca, Daniel Lissing, Tenisha Collins

Movie #3561 ........................."The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" (Amazon Prime)

 Movie #3561 "The best Christmas Pageant Ever" (Amazon Prime)  this was pretty low key except for a very poignant ending -- and another positive is that it is good for the whole family to see.  It's a classic story (Book) and this rendition is okay --- I'd give it 3.8 out of 5.

"TBEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER"          PG    1 hr and 39 mins.     2024

Nobody is ready for the mayhem and surprises that ensure when six of the worst youngsters disrupt the town's yearly Christmas performance.\

Director:  Dallas Jenkins

Writers:  Barbara Robinson, Ryan Sw2anson, Platte F. Clark

Actor:  Kyle Welman, Sebastian Billingsley-Rodriguez, Judy Greer

Movie #3560 ........................."Knives Out: WAKE UP DEAD MAN " (Netflix)

Movie #560 "Knives Out:  WAKE UP DEAD MAN" (Netflix) We thought this was the best of the three "Knives Out" films mostly because Craig doesn't run the show and monopolize the time with his fake accent as the detective -- Josh O'Connor runs it and boy is he good!  Pair him with Glenn Close and you've got a winner for us --- we'd give it 5 out of 5 and recommend it.

KNIVES OUT:  WAKE UP DEAD MAN    PG-13       2024       2 HOURS AND 24 MINS.

Detetive Benoit Blanc teams up with an earnest young priest to investigate a perfectly impossible crime at a small-town church with a dark history.

Director:  Rian Johnson

\Wrioter:  Rian Johnson

Actor:  Daniel Craig, Josh O'Connor, Glenn Close  

Movie #3559 ........................."Have We Met This Christmas" (Great American Family Channel)

 Movie #3559 "Have We Met This Christmas" (GAFC) -- very disappointed with this channel's xmas movies -- I tuned in to this one in particular because I like "Winnie" (from "Wonder Years) -- but she plays an amnesiac in this one --- and it just blends in with all the amnesiac films during xmas time --- and it is more far fetched and not of good writing quality like the others.  This movie just seemed to go on and on too coincidental and heavy hand3ed for me.  I give it a 3 out of 5.

"HAVE WE MET THIS CHRISTMAS"       Great American Film Channel   2025

After a car wreck leaves her with amnesia, a real estate exec recovers at a small town inn at Christmas. Unaware of their past connection, she falls for the innkeeper's son, until her returning memories jeopardize their budding romance.

Director:  John Morrison Newman

Writers:  Danica McKellar, Riley Weston

Actors:  Danica McKellar, Jesse Hutch, John Posey

Movie #3558 ........................."She's Making a List:" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3558 "She's Making A List" (Hallmark)  I thought this was the dumbest idea for a Christmas film -- it didn't work for me, even with a set of high-powered Hallmark actors (Lacey Chabert and Andrew Walker --- can you get any better?)  and a cute young girl who rolls her eyes better than anyone I know.  The story is just so silly --- and the result of that is a forced effort to get laughs.  They really try to make it work, but...... I give this a mild 3 and hope for the best in their next ventures together (I didn't like the other one they were together in either).

"SHE'S MAKING A LIST"      Hallmark     2025       1 hour and 24 mins

A Naughty-or-Nice inspector evaluating a girl's Christmas status falls for her widowed father, making her question  the strict rules of her consulting firm and forcing her to choose between protocol and love.

Director:  Stacey N. Harding

Writer:  Joey DePaolo

Actors:  Lacey Chabert, Andrew W. Walker, Cadence Compton

Movie #3557........................"The Snow Must Go On" (Hallmark)

Movie #3557 "The Snow Must Go On" (Hallmark)  -- from the title, guess what this one is about and why I would like it?  It's about a Broadway bound guy, having a hard time selling his one man show,  while visiting his family for Christmas gets drawn into his niece's high school christmas show --- and finds himself in the director's chair --- Lots of laughs, hard work, teenage angst, and learning going on for the two leads. I always love to watch people trying to put on a show --- everyone should do it at least once in a lifetime!  hah!  Good job and I give it 4.5 ( a bit corny in parts!)

"THE SNOW MUST GO ON"         2025     1 hour and 24 mins      Hallmark

Isaiah Hayward returns to Broadway after a decade, but faces challenges in finding a director.  He saves a Christmas musical and discovers love, family and friendship as the greatest holiday gifts.  He reunites with his family and friends.

Director:  Jeff Beesley

Writers:  Scott Damian, Heather R. Provost

Actors:  Heather Hemmens, Corey Cott, Kaelyn Yoon-MacRae 

Movie #3556 ........................,"The More the Merrier" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3556 "The More the Merrier" (Hallmark)  forced/awkward love interest all the way through the film.  Thank god for the female here, running the show --- The story going on in the hospital with 5 babies born one Christmas night is well done.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5 --- guy was weak.

"THE MORE THE MERRIER"      Hallmark     2025      2 hours

Alice, an emergency room doctor, volunteers to work Christmas Eve shifts at a rural hospital.  During a snowy Christmas, Alice and Brian, a top-rated cardiologist, help deliver 5 babies, sparking a lasting bond.

Director:  Peter Benson

Writers:  Caroline Farah, Zac Hug

Actors:  Rachel Boston, Brendan Penny, Lucia Walters

Movie #3555 ........................."Christmas at the Catnip Cafe" (Hallmark)

Movie #3555 "Christmas at the Catnip Cafe" (Hallmark)  I loved the cats, Paul, the lead, and the girl.  Lots of heart in this one, and I loved the humor and the slow (but believable) development of a loving relationship between the leads when it appeared to be doomed from the start.  I give it a 5 out of 5 --- and you don't have to like cats!

"CHRISTMAS AT THE CATNIP CAFE"      Hallmark     1 hr and 24 mins   2025

Olivia Pierce, a marketing executive, discovers her late great aunt's cat cafe in New York, which she believes will be a Christmas miracle.  She helps plan fundraising events, gaining appreciation for the feline inhabitants.  

Director:  Lucie Guest

Writers:  Tracy Andreen, Elena Valdez

Actors:  Erin Cahill, Paul Campbell, Frances Flanagan 

Movie #3554 ........................."Tidings of the Season" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3554 "Tidings for  the Season" (Hallmark)  This was a nice and different story that puts the weight of the film on a little kid, who was outstanding.  He wants to be an anchor for the local news some day, and he is overjoyed to get the chance to intern for a week with his hero --- who is going through life changes of his own --- one big opportunity to move up is awaiting him, esp. when he starts to love this little kid and his mother.  So while the kid learns the rope of the broadcasting industry, the mother learns to love again, and the anchor learns a lot about taking control of his own life.  (Conflict and title were a little weak, but the kid was terrific!  I'd give this a 4 out of 5.

"TIDINGS FOR THE SEASON"      Hallmark     2025      1 hour and 24 minutes

A serious TV newscaster

s life changes when he meets his young superman and the boy's hardworking single mom.  As he embraces positive holiday stories, romance blooms but a career opportunity forces him to choose between ambition and love.

Diretor:  Linda-Lisa Hayter

Writers:  Joey Elkins, Blake Silver

Actors:  Tamera Mowry-Housley, B.J. Britt, Elijah-Justus Lewis

Movie #3553 ........................."Holiday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3553 "Holiday Touchdown:  A Bills Love Story"  (Hallmark)  really this one has two love stories going on - the girl is a bit too animated for film, but cute.  Joe Pantoliano is a welcome sight to see back in film --- we refer to him as "Pants," and he has been in a number of films playing memorable characters, and in this film, he does not disappoint.  I didn't recognize any of the Bills' players because I dislike football and don't watch it, but I found the movie okay --- there wasn't a lot of football in it at all --- mostly family stage business..... while the two leads hunt down Pants' old girlfriend.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5.

"HOLIDAY TOUCHDOWN:  A BILLS LOVE STORY"    2025    1 hr , 27 mins      Hallmark

The movie centers around the Quinns and DeLucas who have lived next door to each other for decades in the shadow of Highmark Stadium - the home of their beloved Buffalo Bills.  With their longtime friendship rooted in  being  proud members of the Bills mafia, the two clans have enjoyed cherished traditions that revolve around cheering for their favorite team - especially. at the holidays when they celebrate the last home game before Christmas.  

Director:  Dustin Rikert

Writers:  Vanessa Marano, Danielle Morrow

Actors:  Holland Roden, Matthew Daddario, Joe Pantoliano

Movie #3532 ........................."A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" (Hallmark)

Movie #3532 "A Grand Ole Opry Christmas" (Hallmark)  Wow!  This was much much better than I thought it would be --- I have never been interested in country western anything, but I trusted the two lead actors, and I was amazed at how much I liked this --- another surprise that I would like it is that it has time travel in it --- one of those fantasy kind of things that I dislike, but time travel when used well, can win me over, and it did in this film.  I learned so much about Opryland, like the circle on the stage that you have to earn to be able to sing in it, and so much history was given to the viewer --- the two actors were really grounded in reality, for such a possible far-fetched idea for the film, and I really appreciated that and went along with them wherever they went.  One added cool thing is that Brett Paisley sang his own song at the end, but didn't get credit for it IN the film -- she was supposed to have written it with her dad.  I thought that was really nice of him to let that happen.  I'd give this film a 5 out of 5 and highly recommend it.

"A GRAND OLE OPRY CHRISTMAS"    2025     1 hour and 35 mins     Hallmark

Gentry Wade, who fave up music after her father's death decades ago must confront hr past when Nashville's Grand Ole Opry invites her to honor her late country star dad at their Christmas celebration.

Director:  Clare Niederpru3em

Writers:  Tracy Andreen, Hilty Bowen

Actors:  Nikki DeLoach, Kristoffer Polaha, Rob Mayes 

Movie #3531 ........................."We Met In December" (Hallmark)

Movie #3531 "We Met in December" (Hallmark) What makes this still another winner this year is the way the story is told...... the meet up of the two takes a slow 15 minutes or so, and then something happens that they lose each other, and the rest of the film is "where's Waldo" --- they put clues together from the day they spent together, and I really liked the way the story built a relationship in that way --- and it underlines the possibility that it just takes a day when you meet your soulmate.  A good romance, but told in a believable way.  I'd give this a 5 out of 5 and recommend it.

"WE MET IN DECEMBER"   2025      1 hour and 24 mins     Hallmark

Annie Lane and Dave Weeks meet in a holiday hotel, quickly falling in love.  They embark on separate quests to find each other, sharing wisdom and making significant life changes.

Director:  Jonathan Wright

Writer:  Nina Weinman

Actors:  Autumn Reeder, Niall Matter, Kyana Teresa 

Movie #3530 ........................."Alpine Holiday" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3530 "Alpine Holiday"  (Hallmark)  Here's another winner this season --- really enjoyed the dramatic story here.  Two sisters very different with baggage involving grief.  There was a lot of repetition I felt in discussions between the two women, and the one woman and the French guide, but overall it was believable, and the stage business was amazing --- all the beautiful locations, the climbing of that big mountain, the Paris streets, the cabin they had to stay in -- really well done, and I would give it a 4 out of 5. (strong acting, too)

"AN ALPINE HOLIDAY"    2025      2 hours    Hallmark

Faith and Kelly, estranged sisters, reunite for Christmas in the French Alps, reminiscing their grandfather's first trip.  They cherish sisterhood and romance with their guide, Frederic.

Director;  Lucie Guest

Writer:  Blaine Chiappetta

Actors:  Ashley Williams, Laci J. Mailey, Julien Marlon Samani

Movie #3529 ........................."Christmas Above the Clouds" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3529 "Christmas Above the Clouds" (Hallmark)  Now that I have seen most of the Hallmark offerings this year (2025) , I can say this is one of the better ones for a number of reasons --- the cast is good, it makes fun of the Christmas Carol movie (which deserves it -- Dickens would be happy, I think, with this film) , puts it into a wild plane ride (which super annoys the Miss Neezer character) and has one of the best lines this season.  When she is in a library and lonely, she says, "no, not like Donna Reed" -- only fans of "It's a Wonderful Life" would get that joke!  Now put her next to fan favorite Tyler Hynes, who is playing her ex-fiancee, and you've got  scenes being even funnier.  This is truly a movie "out of the box" from the Hallmark standard fare, and I really enjoyed the stab at creativity here.  However, toward the end, it weakens when it follows the standard Hallmark ending -- but I still enjoyed it and give it a 4 out of 5.

"CHRISTMAS ABOVE THE CLOUDS"     2025     1 hour and 24 mins  Hallmark

A comedic, modern-day reimagining of A Christmas Carol."

Director:  Peter Benson

Writers:  Christine Garver, Stephanie Jackson

Actors:  Erin Krakow, Tyler Hynes, Emily Tennant

Movie #3528 ........................."Home Alone" (Disney +)

 Movie #3528 "Home Alone"   Yes, I am reviewing a "classic Christmas movie"  that I have never really sat down and watched, but I'm glad I did, because I didn't find it as awful as I thought I would have.  I was very surprised at how good MacCaulay Culkin was in the film -- not at the beginning but halfway through he starts to break from the robotic way he recites lines in the opening.  I thought the film was just these two guys falling down stairs, etc., but that's just the high point --- there's a lot more to the film, and I esp. like the relationship he had with his neighbor, and that scene in the church was very well done (probably the reason  Maccaulay  was nominated for a Golden Globe award for this film).  The ending was poignant and can put the viewer into the Christmas spirit, so I'd recommend it and give it 4 out of 5.  I thought the chaotic opening was a bit too silly (along with a few other moments), but on the whole the film is  well done, and deserving of its accolades.  

"HOME ALONE"      1990     PG     1 hour and 43 mins     Disney +

Director:  Chris Columbus

Writer:  John Hughes

Actors:  Macaulay Cullen, Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern 

Movie #3527 ........................."Merrily We Roll Along' (theatre - fathom)

Movie #3527 "Merrily We Roll Along"  (theatre - fathom)  Once in a while a fathom presentation comes along, and usually it is a Broadway show that has been filmed.  We have seen several of these ("Monty Python" comes to mind, and "One Man, Two Governors, with James Cordon") , so when we saw Stephen Sondheim's show offered, we jumped at the chance to see it .  The show's history is pretty intriguing --- a flop when it first came out, due to maybe not understanding it the way it was presented,  it was put into a drawer for several years.  It was Sondheim's intent to try again with it, but then he died.  So his trust got a female director (who knew what she was doing) and three actors who were passionate about the show, including Daniel Radcliffe (Yes, Harry Potter) and the inimitable Jonathan Groff (the original king in "Hamilton" and on Broadway now playing Bobby Darin in "Just in Time,")  , and a female who was not known to me, but boy is she good! (Lyndsay Mendez) and made magic --- the show was sold out in its limited run and we never got to see it live -- it won Tony Awards for the two male leads and the show itself, and we are so grateful that it was filmed in June last year so we could see it.  I loved it!  The story is told backwards and shows a disintegration of relationships between best friends, from the ugly ending to the beautiful meet up.  It is very inspiring and informative on how relationships can last if those involved work on them, and I'm not sure it is still around, but if it is, or you get to stream it, it is wonderful!  So well done, we came out quite inspired by Stephen Sondheim again!  "Not a Day Goes By" is the big number, and it is used in two different ways -- what a song, what a show!  5 out of 5.

"MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG"     2025    PG-13    2 hours and 25 minutes 

Spanning three decades, the turbulent relationship between a composer and his two lifelong friends, a writer and a lyricist and playwright.

Director Maria Friedman

Writer:  George Furth

Actors:  Daniel Radcliffe, Jonathan Groff, Lindsay Mendez

Movie #3526 ........................."Jay Kelly " (Netflix)

Movie #3526 "Jay Kelly" (Netflix) this film seemed to me another "8 1/2" -- where a director( (in this case, an actor) looks back on his career wondering was it all worth it?  So What?  In this case, it is George Clooney, and he does an okay job, probably one of the best jobs he has ever done, but Adam Sandler steals the movie to me, and might be nominated for his performance here ---he is the actor's trusted friend/lackey who deals with all the problems that come the actor's way --- well, he has had enough, and he's dealing with problems oof his own, so now what?  The film goes through those he loves, his family, in the past and in the present --- he has a daughter that doesn't really like him that much, and he's trying to win h3r back, so he follows her on her European trip hoping to make a better connection with her --- There isn't a lot of action in the film, but the film does have some sentimental moments - Should he continue acting, or just give it up since he's of an age where it just gets harder all around for him?  That's the big question facing him (and I bet Clooney, as well,, at his age)  Is it all figured out by the end?  Maybe.... it's up to you, the viewer , and your interpretation.  I'd give this a 4 out of 5 -- worth the time, esp. if you like Clooney, and probably want to see a heavily touted film for the award season this year.

"  JAY KELLY"       2025      R      2 hours and 12 mins

Famous movie actor Jay Kelly embarks on a journey of self -discovery, confronting his past and present with his devoted manager Ron.  Poignant and humor-filled, pitched at the intersection of regrets and glories.

Director:  Noah Baumbach

Writers:  Noah Baumbach, Emily Mortimer

Actors:  George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Stanley Townsend   

Movie #3525 .........................."Jingle Bell Heist" (Netflix)

Movie #3525 "Jingle Bell Heist" (Netflix)  I really liked this film, and we are suckers for heist films.  It started a little slow with background  --- it's not a rom-com, so the meeting of the two was a bit awkward, but once we get the info on why both of these need this heist, then we are behind them all the mucked up way they execute it.  The script is smart and the two young actors are very good -- don't know the girl, but she is a dead ringer for a young Julia Styles, and the guy is  from "Sex Education," a series we really enjoyed a few years ago.  We recommend it and I'd give it a 5 out of 5.

"JINGLE BELL HEIST"      2025      netflix      1 hour and 36 mins.

At the height of the holiday season, two strangers team up to rob one of London's most famous department stores while accidentally falling in love.

Director:  Michael Fimognari

Writers:  Abby McDonald, Amy Reed

Actors:  Olivia Holt, Connor Swindells, Luy Punch 

Movie #3524 ........................."I Don't Understand You": (Hulu)

 Movie #3524 "I Don't Understand You" (Hulu)   Someone recommended this to us, so we watched it, esp. since we like Andrew Rannells (we saw him on Broadway in "Book of Mormon" and he was outstanding!)  The acting was good, but the script was not --- there were a few laughs here and there at the beginning, but then about 40 minutes in, the film switched to a Horror vibe -- became very dark , even for a dark comedy.  And the ending was flat.  I'd give it a 3, but I wouldn't recommend it.

"I DON'T UNDERSTAND YOU"        hulu     2024      R      1 hour and 37 mins

Strande3d in rural Italy without transportation or language skills, an American couple on the verge of adopting tries to reconnect during a disastrous vacation, as their fears and relationship problems threaten to boil over.

Directors:  David Joseph Craig, Brian Crano

Writers:  David Joseph Craig, Brian Crano

Actors:  Nick Kroll, Andrew Rannells, Amanda Seyfried

Movie #3523 ........................."A Newport Christmas " (Hallmark)

Movie #3523 "A Newport Christmas" (Hallmark) I found this one intriguing, and it kept my attention the whole time.  The guy was stiff, and the story was very hard to believe because it dealt with magic.  But I bought the love story and I didn't mind the magic because I wanted to believe that with soulmates, this situation could happen.  I'd give it a 4, and recommend it to those who might believe in slight magic in a love story.

"A NEWPORT CHRISTMAS"      Hallmark     2025        

Ella is a charitable and spirited Newport socialite in 1905 who dreams of using her wealth to start a foundation to help others in town.  After learning her father intends for her to become engaged to a man she's never met at the upcoming Christmas Eve ball, Ella goes for a nighttime sail in her schooner to clear her head.  Upon seeing a comet shoot across the sky, she wistfully wishes for a different life.  Ella is shocked to suddenly find Nick, a sailor and local Newport historian, aboard her schooner and accuses him of being a stowaway.  But Nick insists he owns the boat and a standoff ensues.  Once on dry land, Ella realizes that somehow, she's traveled from 1905 to 22025.  As she spends time there and gets a glimpse at what her future in 1905 appears to be, she becomes reluctant to return, especially since she and Nick have grown close, and she now knows how true love feels.  But the legacy Ella built in her time - and the course of Newport's history - risks being erased the longer she stays in the present, so the two plot a course for her trip back through time.  But what awaits her at home is even more surprising than  what she found in the future.

Director:  Dustin Rikert

Writer:  Joie Botkin

Actors:  Ginna Claire Mason, Wes Brown, Talia Robinson   

Movie #3522 ........................."Three Wisest Men" (Hallmark)

Movie 33522 "Three Wisest Men" (Hallmark)  Well, this is part of the trilogy, and being the last one, it should be the best, but it wasn't.  It was hard for me to stay awake, seriously.  There was a lot of conflict, a lot of smarmy comebacks in the dialogue to each other, but to me it just didn't work.  I think I will have to revisit it to see if maybe the cold pills I was taking made me sleepy, rather than just watching this film.  I would give it a 4 from what I saw, but it was stunning to me at all.  

"THREE WISEST MEN"   2025       1 hour 24 mins        Hallmark

Three siblings deal with personal changes and their mother's decision to sell the family home before Christmas.  Between in-laws, wild animals, and a mall Santa, they try to make the holidays perfect

Director:  Terry Ingram

Writers:  Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad, Russell Hainline

Actors:  Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew W. Walker

Movie #3521 ........................." Paris Christmas Waltz"(Netflix)

Movie #3521 "Christmas Paris Waltz" (Netflix)   This was a family friendly film about Paris and dancing with Morrison, so I watched it (and free streaming on Netflix)   -- Paris was lovely and so was Morrison ---- and she held her own and did her own dancing,  I liked it and recommend it.  4

"PARIS CHRISTMAS  WALTZ"          GAC      2023    1 hr 24 mins  

Emma has always loved dancing, and over the past year, she has been attending a dance class after being persuaded by her best friend.  When her accounting firm faces downsizing, she quits to save the job of a colleague with a family.  Meanwhile, Leo, a former professional ballroom dancer, has been on a break but is convinced by his old dance teacher, choreographer Henry, to compete in this year's dance competition in Paris.  By chance, Emma happens to be at the same place where Leo is auditioning with potential dance partners.  Leo dances with her and immediately wants her to join him in Paris to compete together.

Director:  Michael Damian

Writers:  Janeen Damian, Michael Damian

Actors:  Jen Lilley, Mathew Morrison, Paul Freeman  

Movie #3520........................."Christmas Keller Vacation" (Hallmark)

Movie #3520 "Christmas Keller Vacation: (Hallmark) This was kind of a fast- paced film that tried to do a lot , and much of it was entertaining.  What I esp. liked about this one was the humor.  It was welcomed in this film.  I'd give it a 4.5.

"CHRISTMAS KELLER VACATION"      Hallmark     2025   1 hr and 24 mins

Three reluctant adult siblings join their parents on a Christmas river cruise through Europe, each dealing with personal issues, only to find unexpected joy, romance, and family bonds along the way.

Director:  Maclain Nelson

Writer:  Tracy Andreen

Actors:  Jonathan Bennett, Brandon Rpout, Eden Sher  

Movie #3519 ........................."Christmas on Duty" (Hallmark)

Movie #3519 "Christmas on Duty" (Hallmark)  This is one of the better ones so far in this crop of Hallmark Christmas Movies 2025.  Why?  The stage bustiness was amusing and had a purpose, and the two actors showed some chemistry and were believable  in their roles.  One shout out was how they uniquely used the ubiquitous snowball fight to make it different in the Hallmark world.  I'd give this a 5 out of 5.  First one given this year.

"CHRISTMAS ON DUTY"    2025    2 HOURS   HALLMARK

Former rivals Blair and Josh must work Christmas duty together.  When a snowstorm threatens holiday deliveries to the base, they're forced to cooperate to save Christmas, despite their past conflicts.

Director:  Jake Van Wagoner

Writer:  Alexis Sigel

Actors:  Janel Parrish, Parker Young, Peter Jacobson   

Movie #3518 ........................."Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle" (Hallmark)

 Movie #3518 "Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle" (Hallmark)  I usually like Rob Morrow  and I usually like Hallmark movies based on Debbie M's books, but this one?  not so much.  The acting Rob Morrow does here is not believable at all, always smiling -- he doesn't act like an angel at all -- I can see an angel would be fun loving, but h acts like his high Q is very low, and that doesn't cut the  muster with me.  The overall film was a weak 3, but I don't recommend this one at all.

"DEBBIE MACOMBER'S MR. MIRACLE"   2014      1 hour and 26 mins.     Hallmark

A Guardian Angel, posing as an English teacher, helps a young woman find her way before Christmas

Director:  Carl Bessai

Writers:  Debbie Macomber, Heather Maiden

Actors:  Rob Morrow, Michelle Harrison, Britt Irvin

Movie #3517 ........................."Zootopia" (dvd)

 Movie #3517 "Zootopia" (dVD)  Since we are about to see #2 of this franchise and we just got back from WDW where we were  reintroduced to this movie when a tribute to it is now in "Bug's Life" home in Animal Kingdom, we thought we'd re-watch it --- because we couldn't remember it at all.  It still is not as good as "It's a Bug's Life" and we still think the short they have in the Tree of Life exhibition in WDW needs to be slower and clearer (maybe possibly using closed captions for the quick paced dialogue).  The movie was just okay with a lot of "cute" moments.  It was often  slow in pacing, maybe due to the laid back main character the fox, played by Jason Bateman.  He is sarcastic and smarmy, but a great help to the lead bunny.  The ending was entertaining and left a good memory in this watcher, but I still would just give it 3.8 out of 5.

"ZOOTOPIA"         dvd          2016       PG    1 hour and 48 mins

In a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.

Directors:P  Jared Buh, Byron Howard, Rich Moore

Writers:  Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush

Actors:  Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba 

Movie #3516 ........................."Only Murders in the Building" Season 5 (Hulu)

Movie #3516 "Only Murders in the Building" Season 5 (Hulu) This one was easier to follow had the last one -- a few less major people to follow --- three, to be exact:  3 major people as possible murderers when the doorman is killed in front of the building.  Because there were less characters, they were defined more easily and it allowed us to guess along the way more easily.  Usually bu the end of each season, I care less about the show, but this one was better than the others due to the tremendous talent in the cast and the storyline.  I'd give it a 4 out of 5.

"ONLY MURDER IN THE BUILDING" SEASON 5 (HULU)  2025     30 mins.  10 episodes

Charles, Oliver and Mabel, three eccentric neighbors, find purpose and chaos in solving murdrs that hit close to home though their true-crime podcast, turning their New York apartment building into a playground of mystery and mischief.  

Creators:  Steve Martin, John Hoffman

Actors:  Stee Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez 

Movie #3515 ........................."House of Dynamite" (Netflix)

Movie #3515 "House of Dynamite" (Netflix)  this is a think piece, hard to follow with all the people, all the military jargon, acronym, weaponry details, and a nebulous ending.  The way the story is told is the same story is told through 4 points of view --- some work better because of that, some don't and there's repetition.  One would think there would be more clarity, but not really.  However, technically, it's a marvel to watch this director at work.  I'd give it 3.8.

"HOUSE OF DYNAMITE"  NETFLIX      2025      R      1 hour and 52 mins

When a single, unattributed missile is launched at the US, a race begins to determine who is responsible and how to respond.

Director:  Kathryn Bigelow

Writer:  Noah Oppenheim

Actors:  Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Gabriel Basso

 

Movie #3514 ........................."Son of a Critch' - Seasons 2-4 (Netflix)

Movie #3514 "Son of a ritch " - Seasons 2-4 (Netflix)  Great Show and sorry to se we are done with it --- hoping it might pop up again and be renewed for Season 5.  .  It deals with all kinds of family situations, especially. focuses on the son who is starting to become a man with feelings of love for a special girl, and also with hopes of becoming a standup comic, all while sharing a bedroom with his grandpa.  So many hilarious moments in this show, but with the heart of a "Wonder Years" --- just with a wackier family living in Newfoundland.  4.5

"SON OF A CRITCH"     SEASONS 2-4, NETFLIX     2023-2025  30 MINS EACH EPS.  52 EPISODES

Look through a heartfelt window into the life of a child, much older inside than his 11 years, using comedy and self-deprecation to win friends and connect with the small collection of people in his limited world. 

Creators:  Mark Critch, tim MCAuliffe

Movie # 3513 ........................."Stiller & Meara: Nothing is Lost" (Apple tv)

 Movie #3513 "Stiller & Meara:  Nothing is Lost" (Apple tv) is a documentary on the married comedy couple Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, which according to the movie was probably in better working condition than their marriage, according to the two children that put the film together.  A lot of arguing behind the scenes, a lot of sacrificing on both sides for the good of the duo, but the couple would come alive when in front of any audie3nce.  The biography was funny and sad, full of interviews, tapes that were recorded trough their whole lives, videos of them performing and working on skits they would put together.  There is a lot of data here, and a lot of it is interesting and diverse.  I just felt it needed a little better ending.  But I recommend it with a 4 out of 5.

"STILLER & MEARA:  NOTHING IS LOST"     2025          1 hr 35 min    Apple tv

Follows a tribute to the comedy duo and a personal exploration by Ben Stiller into his family's legacy.

Director:  Ben Stiller

Actors:  Jerry Stiller, Anne Meara, Ben Stiller