Christmas Unleashed – Review

Christmas Unleashed – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

After years of avoiding her home town, corporate attorney Becca is going back to see her Grandma Gene.  After losing her parents, Gene is the only family Becca has, besides her dog Henry.  At Gene’s, Becca discovers her ex-boyfriend Max is the town veterinarian and still single.  Becca is quietly interested but keeps her attention on Henry.  When Becca wakes up the next morning, she notices Henry is missing and the front door is open.  The night before, Gene mentioned the lock was not secure but Becca didn’t hear her.  Becca rushes out the door and drives around but can’t find Henry.  Gene tells Becca to swallow her pride and call Max. Max comes over immediately and starts a social media campaign to find Henery.  It takes minutes to get a hit.  Following Henry will give the couple a trip down memory lane.  Instead of “This Is Your Life”, Becca and Max are getting “This Is Your Relationship”.

Having a plot that follows a rambunctious dog around town, is different and a fresh idea.  It’s funny how many places Henry goes that have meaning to their relationship.  It’s a wonder they just didn’t wait for Henry to find them instead of running around the town.  It is a cute plot, it just doesn’t hold your attention until the very last 15 minutes of the movie.  At times, it’s hard to tell if you are looking at the past or looking at today.  A different hair cut or color on the characters would help make this distinction.

I give it 2 out of 5 stars

Who needs an alarm clock when I have you – Becca

Don’t even think about backing out – Gene

I love him almost as much as I love you, loved you – Max

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Mistletoe & Menorahs – Review

Mistletoe & Menorahs – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Christy’s pitch went over well and David Berger is pleased.  He just wants to hear more.  He takes one look at Christy and know she is all about the holiday.  So, David invites her to his family’s holiday party to pitch a new toy.  Christy only has a few days to come up with an idea.  But as the coined “Mayor of Christmas Town”, Christy is ready for the party.  She tells her friend Samantha and Samantha stops Christy in her tracks.  David is Jewish.  While her knowledge of Christmas is nice, she needs to learn about Hanukkah.  Christy’s hopes for the pitch are deflated.  She knows nothing about Hanukkah.  Samantha has an idea.  Her son’s teacher, Mr. Silver is meeting his girlfriend’s parents for the first time.  They love Christmas but he knows nothing about it because he’s Jewish.  She sets up a meeting between them.  Before Samantha arrives, Christy and Jonathan get into a civilized argument.  They turn to wait for their respective appointments and Samantha introduces them to each other.  At first, they both start to walk away but Samantha convinces them they need each other.  Over the next few days, Samantha will teach Jonathan about Christmas trees, fruit cake, and gingerbread houses.  Jonathan will teach her about lighting the menorah, Sufganiyot, and the miracle of lights.  They will find themselves in their beloved traditions.

This is a good movie to teach Hanukkah and Christmas to beginners.  While it never mentions the religious aspect of Christmas, it does talk about the ceremony and celebrations surrounding the holiday.  For those who grew up in the 90s, your first experience with Hanukkah was probably the Rugrats (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  So, it seems strange that Christy knows so little behind it.  As time goes on, you will learn something too.   It may be a little or a lot depending on your understanding of the holidays.  This is a good one to sit with the family, watch, and learn.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

Does four sound like a lot – Christy

But can you light the menorah – Samantha

You’re definitely getting whip cream – Jonathan

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The Doctor Will Kill You Now – Review

The Doctor Will Kill You Now – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Sarah breaks her leg skiing.  In a split second, she gained a scar and lost her fiancé.  While on the operating table, she almost died and lost her leg.  Dr. Gary Vincent was able to save both.  The doctor tells her to take it easy in the hospital and to give herself time to recover.  When the leg is feeling better, she can start physical therapy.  Her hospital-mate, Rosie nicknames the doctor Dr. Glass, as in talk drink of … Rosie was born with a heart defect and spent her life in and out of hospitals.  She helps ease Sarah’s fears.  When Sarah starts physical therapy, she meets her trainer Jake.  The two have a great rapport.  So great, Dr. Vincent comes down to watch.  While Jake thinks it strange, Sarah is fine with him being there.  She doesn’t know that Dr. Vincent is stalking her, taking photos, and stealing her personal items.  Dr. Vincent will stop at nothing to keep Sarah by his side – even kill her.

This movie is creepy on all levels.  You will become disgusted as Dr. Vincent goes through her underwear drawer, takes pictures, and creeps around her home.  As people start to die, Sarah doesn’t suspect the good doctor of any wrongdoing.  It takes a voicemail from the dead to put everything into perspective.  Though this plot has been done, the ending adds more of a twist with the doctor’s sadistic need to punish Sarah.  You will be on the edge of your seat.  So watch to the end for a strong payoff for a slow movie.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

I didn’t do all that work to cut off her leg – Doctor Gary

If it isn’t the rock star surgent that saved my life – Sarah

Big brother’s everywhere – Jake

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A Storybook Christmas – Review

A Storybook Christmas – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Event planner Celeste has to come up with new party decorations and activities in a few weeks after her client changed her mind from Christmas in the Summer to A Storybook Christmas.  Celeste prides herself on being The Christmas Closer so she accepts the challenge.  Celeste “plans the work and works the plan”.  However, her plans get more hectic when her niece, Finley gets the lead in the school play, The Nutcracker after the original lead gets sick (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  Celeste decides to hire a nanny to lighten her load so she can prepare for the party.  With such short notice and during the holidays, Celeste’s last effort is The Nanny Company.  Jessica answers but she has no nannies available.  When Celeste tells Jessica that Finley’s parents passed away and she is trying to keep their traditions alive while working, Jessica has empathy for the situation.  She and her brother, Taylor lost their parents at a young age too. She decides to text Taylor and asks him to nanny for Celeste.  Taylor is having writer’s block and thinks spending time with a family like his will help.  Celeste is happy to have a nanny but uncomfortable to see it’s a man.  Taylor is dismayed with the rigid schedule Finley has to follow.  Although they don’t see eye to eye, they need each other.  In more ways than one.

While the plot is predictable, it’s heartwarming to see Finley connect with Taylor and reconnect with Celeste.  Celeste overplanning is a symptom of her job.  She became a mother overnight with little guidance.  While she tries to give Finley a traditional Christmas, she plans it to the second.  She has to see Christmas through Finley’s eyes, with the help of Taylor, to see the error in her ways.  With one loving locket and a Marshall Graham, everything will fall into place.  And be ready to slap Celeste’s client.  She is the Wicked Witch of the West (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

Easy there Santa. You can’t fly without your reindeer – Taylor

We both make a list and check it twice. I admire that in a man – Celeste

Even superheroes need sidekicks – Molly

Somebody who flies in with an umbrella and a cold north wind – Jessica

Wait till you see this – Finley

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Same Time, Next Christmas – Review

Same Time, Next Christmas – ABC – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Every year, Olivia’s family went to Hawaii for Christmas.  One day, she met Jeff.  Jeff’s family is from Boston and they have made Hawaii their Christmas vacation destination as well.  Every year the two families would meet in Hawaii and the two kids would connect.  The rest of the year, they would talk through letters, email, and text.  During a game of truth or dare, Olivia dared Jeff to kiss her and sparks flew.  The next year, Jeff’s family didn’t come to Hawaii.  The hostess informed Olivia and her family that Jeff’s mother died.  Olivia calls him but he never answers her.  Twenty years later, Olivia sees Jeff on the beach.  He is a dad going through a divorce.  He moved to the west coast while Olivia moved to Cincinnati.  She hopes this will be the start of something better.  It will take a few more Christmases for them to get love right.

Basically, this movie is two adults, who met as kids, who are too immature to have an honest conversation.  If one of them spoke up and said “I have feelings for you”, years of disconnect could have been avoided.  As teens, it’s understandable why this didn’t happen.  As adults, it’s frustrating to watch.  You just want to yell, “Grow Up”.  They even hurt the people around them with their indecisiveness and insecurities.  One thing for sure, these two deserve each other.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars

Excuse me, did you say wine because I’m in – Olivia

It’s a boat with an oil spill – Greg

I didn’t know he existed – Jeff

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You Light Up My Christmas – Review

You Light Up My Christmas – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Emma’s family home is not selling as fast as the realtor Heather would like.  So, while Emma thinks about creating a real estate company with Nate, she will go back to her home town to help the sale of her parent’s home.  One look at the town and the home, she is disenchanted.  Normally, everything is lit up with Christmas decorations.  Especially her father’s Christmas lights, now her beloved home town has gone dark.  He started Simmons Lighting and created long-lasting Christmas lights.  Emma never had a passion for lighting, so her father left the company to Ben – top engineer and Emma’s ex-boyfriend.  Emma decides to stage her parents’ home to look like a traditional Christmas, along with the town.  As buyers’ interests increases, so do her passion for Ben.  Unfortunately, Ben hasn’t been able to keep the company afloat.  He is considering selling to their competitor.  Emma vows to stay until she can get her parent’s home, company, and town back on track.  Thankfully, her love of Christmas and dad’s mental spirit will help get her through.

The plot, a person coming to their home town and fixing everything in time to save the people and their jobs on Christmas, is unimaginative and worn out.  Even with the excitement of a Facts of Life reunion, it’s not enough to make this movie interesting (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  This movie is a slow way to kill two hours.  It could have easily fit into the Hallmark programming with little to no changes.

I give it 2 out of 5 stars

Let’s get you set up so it looks like Christmas exploded in your house. In a good way, not like that time I left the candle on overnight – Lilly

I would never pull rank just because my family’s name is on the building – Emma

You still look cute in that onesie – Ben

Don’t make it too homey in there. You might find yourself staying – Dusty

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All My Husband’s Wives – Review

All My Husband’s Wives – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Allison kisses her husband Dominic goodbye and takes two photos before he takes a taxi to the airport.  In the taxi, Dominic changes his destination, takes off his wedding band, and picks up some items.   After he leaves the store, he is hit by a car and dies.   Allison is devastated to hear the news.  The detective heard from eyewitnesses that the car sped up to hit Dominic so they are investigating this as a murder.  Allison doesn’t understand why.  Her husband didn’t have any enemies.  Of course, the police are looking at her as a suspect.  Raging, she leaves the police station to find her tires slashed.  Once home, Allison is attacked by a crazed blonde woman.  She tells Allison her name is Marla and she has been married to Dominic for 5 years.  Allison is astonished.  She has been married to Dominic for 1 year.  The two women band together to find out what other secrets Dominic hid from them.  And he has.  Dominic has been hiding money, passports, and another wife, Cheryl.  They follow the clues and find Cheryl, Dominic’s 1st wife of 9 years.   She refuses to hear anything they have to say.  She states under law, she is his legitimate wife.  So all property, money, and insurance payouts belong to her.  And she has no desire to share with Dominic’s “mistresses”.  Allison has to convince Cheryl to work her and Marla to find their husband’s killer or no one will get anything.  Everything will be exposed with the help of a sex tape, a pregnancy, a 4th wife, and payback.

This movie is a very good mystery with an interesting twist and a funny headstone.  To find Dominic’s killer, you will have to watch to the very last second.  While other mysteries tell you the ending and let the characters slowly unveil what you already know, this movie treats the viewer like a 4th wife.  You learn things about Dominic as they do.  With Marla’s erratic behavior, Cheryl’s understandable coldness, and Allison’s therapeutic reasoning, these women will expose the real Dominic and his killer.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Next time instead of slitting your tire, I’ll slit your throat – Marla

To karma – Allison

I think I was his only wife – Cheryl

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Christmas Town – Review

Christmas Town – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Lauren has accepted a permanent teaching position in Springfield.  She is tired of being a substitute and is ready to put down roots.  She leaves a note for her boyfriend, Eric, and starts to pack up the cab.  When she puts the last items in the car, Eric is there to surprise her.  She tells him she is leaving and she left everything in a note.  Eric is shocked and crushed.  On the train to Springfield, the tracks are blocked.  So, the train has to stop in Grandon Falls, a.k.a. Christmas Town.  With the tracks blocked, Lauren will have to stay overnight.  She grabs a few bags and asks a guy to help her with them.  The man is confused but obliges.  When the man loads her things into a pick-up truck, Lauren sees the error in her logic.  Travis is not a cab driver.  Just a nice guy.  He still offers to take Lauren to the local inn because the local cab driver is off duty.  In Grandon Falls, Lauren sees her dad’s photo in a cafe.  She remembers he talked about the little town when he told her about his adventures as a traveling salesman.  In the picture, he is holding her angel Christmas tree topper.  When she was 5, it broke.  She still has the wing but her dad mailed the angel back to have it fixed.  Before it could be fixed, Lauren’s dad died and she was put in foster care.  Thirteen years later, she aged out of the system.  Lauren is determined to find the angel and repair its wing.  She doesn’t understand that she is the angel with the broken wing.  It will take a little boy named Dylan to fix both.

Based on The Christmas Town by Donna VanLiere, this movie will have you in tears (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  It reminds you of the number of wonderful children waiting to be adopted and how so many age out before their dreams of a forever family come true.  But this movie doesn’t drown you in depressing statistics.  Instead, it gives you a story of love, hope, and faith with angels all around in Grandon Falls.  While some families are made, others are chosen.  But family is family.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

Hold on, are you about to do something rash – Eric

That’s grammatically on point but incredibly inconvenient – Lauren

You did something, didn’t you – Betty

It’s ok. It’s more than ok – Dylan

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Christmas Chalet – Review

Christmas Chalet – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Grace’s publisher needs her to take some travel photos for their magazine.  She books Grace a chalet in Vermont and tells her she can invite her family.  Grace hopes this will give her the time she needs to connect with her daughter, Lexi.  Lexi has grown angry and resentful after her parents’ divorce.  She blames her mom for breaking up the family.  Also, Grace invites her mother Helen along for the trip.  Helen is Grace’s guiding light and Lexi whisper.  The three women get lost on the way to the chalet because of bad cell phone coverage.  Once they get to the chalet, Grace is a little disappointed.  The brochure promised a Chalet with Christmas spirit but there are no decorations to be found.  Then, a man walks down the stairs and Helen attacks him.  Once the dust settles, they learn the man is Jack, writer of the famous Starcross series.  His publisher rented the cabin so he could start his next book.  Jack has been dealing with writer’s block.  When he came to the cabin, he felt like he was imprisoned in a Norman Rockwell painting, so he took down the decorations.  The chalet was doubled booked.  Since all the hotels are booked, Helen suggests she and Lexi sleep in one bedroom, Jack in the 2nd, and Grace in the 3rd.  They all agree to make it work.  As Jack and Grace let their guards down, they start to share painful experiences.  Grace talks about her husband’s, Tom, affair. Jack talks about his mother picking her boyfriends over him.  Just when they start to connect: Queue Tom.

While the setup is not new this season, this station does add more depth to the story.  In Christmas movies, the parents divorce because of ‘irreconcilable differences’ or a ‘conscious uncoupling’.  They never mention an affair.  For months, Grace hides the affair from Lexi to shield her relationship with her father.  Even though it’s ruining her relationship with Lexi.  And you never hear about children being chosen second in other Christmas movies.  This makes Jack’s story so compelling.  So Jack’s need to mend his past by helping Grace and her family has a deeper meaning.  And Helen’s one-liners will cause you to rewind.  You have no idea how sassy and funny this grandma can be.  While the plot isn’t original, the character development is unique for the holidays.  So give this movie a try.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

No need to change if this baby gets the job done – Helen

Oh my goodness, it’s like watching Dorthy leave Oz – Grace

Not with mistletoe – Lexi

Sorry Santa, this place is not big enough for the other of us – Jack

Just being here’s enough – Tom

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A Christmas Princess – Review

A Christmas Princess – ION – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Jess’s landlord has given her one month to pay rent for her cafe or he will have to find another tenant.  Jess is a classically trained chef that focuses on the food you love with a slight twist.  Her friends Hailey and Earnie work at the restaurant and hope things will change for Jess.  Her parents, Linda and Gary, wish they could help but she would never take their money.  Prince John – his friends call him Jack – has been put in charge of the Royal Christmas Banquet in NYC for charity.  Normally his mother, Queen Alice, plans the party but she has turned it over to him; not because she trusts Prince John.  She has sent Rupert, the royal secretary, to watch over Prince John and report back to her about any and everything that has to do with the party.  The prince’s first “flub”: firing the caterer, Gideon Oliver.  Prince John decides to get a newspaper and has his driver pull over.  He smells something wonderful coming from a cafe.  He walks into the kitchen and asks for the chef.  Jess quickly shoos him out and brings him an order of meatloaf.  Hailey and Earnie tell Jess it’s Prince John.  He loves it and asks her to cook for the banquet.  She agrees but she has to be able to do the menu her way.  After meeting her family unannounced, the Prince gives her an envelope full of cash to get started.  With one paparazzi photo, Jess will become the Princess of Brooklyn and Prince John’s ex-girlfriend comes back to town.

Oh, the shade is real with this movie.  Queen Alice will do anything to keep her son in line.  Her interest in tradition is amazing because she was married into the royal family.  His father, King Connor, is only interested in his son’s happiness, not tradition.  This story is different because Jess doesn’t have to teach Prince John how to be a nice person.  He is a good guy with an open mind.  She just has to remind him to put that open-mindedness towards food.  He loves to help people, causes, and families.  Prince John is truly a benevolent prince.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

My guess? My guests would prefer something a little bit more constructed – Prince John

No, your royal majesticness, I shan’t work with the boy – Rupert

A prince walks into a restaurant, tries the meatloaf, offers you a big contract, then kisses your hand. What a way to start the day – Hailey

Have you watched him play tennis? I’ve seen a better swing on a playground – Queen Alice

My menu, my way – Jess

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Sense, Sensibility, & Snowman – Review

Sense, Sensibility, & Snowman – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Sisters Ella and Marianne Dashwood only have their hair color in common.  After Ella did not get a contract for the string quartet, Marianne has to clean up her mess once again.  Marianne really wishes her sister would put some effort into their business.  Over the years, Ella has been the fly-by-the-seat-of-her-pants type.  Marianne has been the responsible sister.  Their father has passed and left them the business, so Ella wants to expand and do bigger events.  Marianne doesn’t want to incur a new bank loan to do it.  Their current business model is doing great, so she wants to keep the same pace.  At a bar, Ella overhears a man say he is looking for an event planner for a party.  She walks over to talk to him and sees Edward and Brandon.  Not only are they cousins but Brandon is Ella’s estate attorney and she had a bad run-in with Edward earlier.  Ella decides to walk away from Edward and his party until she learns it’s for the Ferris Wheel Toy company.  She has always loved their bears.  She decides to take on the party without Marianne.  She hopes to prove to her sister she can be trusted so they can do bigger events.  Both women find love along the way: romantic and sisterly.

This opposites-attract movie is not new this season and not even to this network.  Once again HMM has fallen victim to its own extreme holiday programming.  This movie is predictable because you have already seen so many like it over the past few days.  Maybe after the holidays, it will be more enjoyable, but this movie falls flat in script, shock, and humor.  You only need to watch the first 30 minutes and the last 30 minutes to understand the entire story.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars

Work and a little bit of life balance is very effective – Marianne

It’s utter nonsense – Edward

Did you just call us outstanding – Ella

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Twas the Chaos before Christmas – Review

Twas the Chaos before Christmas – BET – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Valerie and Ed Russell live in Ashville, NC with their two children Deshawn and Destiny.  Valerie wants to do something new this holiday by using her lotto winnings to take a trip out of town.  She would like to go to DC.  She hopes to see the sites and to invite Ed’s sister Shanice, who is going to school at Howard.  Also, she wants to rent a home instead of staying in a hotel.  She hopes to save money by cooking and bring their decorations.  Ed says no until she kisses his sweet spot.  He agrees to go but only is she rents the not-so-nice homes.  Jayla and Morgan Mitchell live in New York, NY with their daughter Raven.  Jayla is ready to start their Hawaiian vacation until Morgan tells her he never ordered the tickets.  He has a conference in DC on December 27th.  It would be easier for the family to stay there.  Also, Morgan thinks they should rent a home so his mom, Hazel – who lives in DC – can stay with them too.  Valerie asks Raven to be the tiebreaker.  It’s an easy decision for Raven.  She has always wanted to see the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.  So, Jayla starts looking for a house to rent in DC.  Jayla goes on LikeHome.com and Valerie goes on StayHere.com and they both book their vacation.  Only one problem: they booked the same home at the same time.  The owners are getting a divorce and put the home on different websites.  These 2 moms will be at war for cooking, cleaning, and secrets.

This movie is funny from beginning to end with two stories of rekindled love.  You will laugh as hard as National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  Both mothers are stubborn about how they show love for their family.  Valerie uses food while Jayla uses structure.  Hazel is quick to complement Valerie for cooking for her family.  When Raven falls for Deshawn, Hazel shows her true colors.  Shanice sticks by her sister-in-law until she agrees with Jayla to pamper Valerie.  These families clash but it will take 2 children and a weed-smoker to bring them together.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

Are you trying to win this fight – Jayla

This is worse than a Rubik’s cube baby – Ed

Oh, I would have thought you were a mess – Valerie

Yeah she is, indeed – Hazel

Cool where’s the laundry room – Shanice

What’s wrong with your face – Destiny

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The Twisted Nanny – Review

The Twisted Nanny – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Julia has to work the night shift after losing her husband.  So, she hires a nanny to take care of her children Jessica and Blaine.  After settling a squabble, Julia gets a knock at the door.  The woman in her doorway is Olivia Winterbottom, the nanny.  Julia is apprehensive about leaving her children alone with a stranger until Olivia finds a common ground resolution to the children’s on-going argument.  Over the next few days, Julia loves having Olivia around.  Olivia helps with cooking and cleaning without being asked.  So Julia doesn’t think twice when Olivia lets her sleep in late.  As the children become more withdrawn from her, Julia starts to worry the nanny is having a bad influence on them.  When the children get sick, she is consistently exhausted, and weird behavior turns threatening, Julia tells anyone who will listen to her concerns about Olivia.  But her boss, police officers, and CPS all think Julia is ungrateful and dangerous for the children.  Can Julia make anyone believe that Olivia is the problem?

Get ready to throw things at your screen.  How does a boss believe a nanny, she has never met, over an employee she has known for years? Why were the children never tested for drugs? Why did no one check Olivia’s credentials, pictures, or a website photo? There are so many mistakes being made it’s hard to believe this kind of incompetence is real.  While its hard to prove a negative, Julia is having a difficult time proving a positive.  Olivia is crazy.  It takes one nosy person on social media to fix it.  Watching this movie will bring your frustration level to 10.  And for once, it’s not directed towards the main character.  It is focused on the police and CPS.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

You’re welcome – Olivia

You sure you got the right kids – Julia

Can’t we just ask mommy – Blaine

That’s against the rules – Jessica

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Hip Hop Holiday – Review

Hip Hop Holiday – BET – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Lessa J is the biggest Hip Hop entertainer in the U.S.  She has legions of fans, millions of followers, and a diva image.  After being a no-show for 2 appearances, her public relationist, Paris, gets her a softball interview. During the interview, Lessa J gives the correspondent $10,000 cash for her 2 six-year-old children.  Lisa’s manager & cousin, Christian, her assistant, Kai, and Paris are in a world of shock.  With all the ‘suffocating’ rules, Lessa J goes to the arms of her boyfriend, Darryl.  After Darryl asks for an open relationship, Lessa J tells him to leave the restaurant.  The owner comes to settle the situation because patrons are starting to complain.  Lessa J recognizes the owner as Caleb, her high school friend.  Caleb removes Darryl and takes Lessa J to the back.  They catch up and reminisce, but Lessa J leaves out the back of the restaurant to maintain her privacy.  Over the next few days, she will need to decide which life she truly wants: Lessa J or Jalessa.  The Christmas spirit will guide her way.

Yes, the plotline isn’t new, but it is delivered in the funniest way possible.  This movie is the Hip Hop version of A Diva’s Christmas Carol without the ghost (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).  Lessa gets a glimpse at her past and present, the effect on others, and decides to fix it without the threat of death.  You will be laughing and shaking your head at her diva moments.  She didn’t forget where she came from, she forgot the true meaning of the holidays and love.  She will get it back in more ways than one.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

I don’t twinkle – Christian

Everybody loves a fun, diva moment but nobody likes a b***h – Karen

Jingle bells, jingle bells.  Joy to the world – Kai

Kids don’t like gift cards, they like cash – Leesa J

Women can’t have a bad boy image in the industry – Paris

Granny Fran likes brown liquor.  I know that for a fact – Caleb

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Christmas in Rome – Review

Christmas in Rome – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Angela is an American tour guide in Italy.  She loves to show her customers the hidden gems of Rome.  After a customer suffers a gluten allergy, Angela is called into the boss’s office for the 3rd time this month.  After she broke into the Sistine Chapel and aided in the heist of an artifact from the Coliseum, her boss is done and fires her.  Angela walks home contemplating her next move and Oliver bumps into her.  He is running late and trying to find a restaurant for his business meeting.  She offers to help him but takes him on small detours along the way.  He brings the detours to an abrupt halt and asks her to take him directly to the restaurant.  After being rudely interrupted, she warns him that business in Italy is done much differently than America.  If Oliver wants this client, he must do things the Italian way.  After a successful lunch, Oliver offers to help Angela get her Boutique Personalized Travel Service off the ground. Only if she helps him navigate Italy’s business culture.  The business deal will lead them to romance.

The scenery, Christmas history, and food will keep your attention.  The plot will not.  This destination Christmas movie doesn’t offer the fans anything new.  In this holiday season, several destination movies have the same plot and end the same way.  So come for the movie, stay for the culture.

I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars

Of course, they don’t.  I was testing you – Oliver

You don’t ever stop to smell the roses – Angela

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