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Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman – Review
Mary J. Blige’s Strength of a Woman – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Fifteen years after Kendra left Ben in her rearview mirror, she became a successful photographer with high-profile clients. She married Kevin, settled in Chicago, and maintained her friendship with Terry and Terry’s son, Miles. Kendra and Kevin want a baby, but his surgery schedule keeps Kevin busy. Kevin canceled plans to be with Kendra at her award ceremony again. So Kendra asks Terry to go as a favor. Terry says yes but begs Kendra to attend the Hammon fundraiser later. Kendra is on the fence because Ben will be there but agrees to go.
Kendra sees Ben at the fundraiser. They try to have a civilized conversation, but Kendra gets upset when Ben says he misses her, and she leaves. Kendra settles back into her life again but receives a devastating phone call. Her father died. Kendra travels to North Carolina for the funeral. Ben is at the wake, but Kevin leaves early for work. Kendra’s sister, Sasha, admits that Sasha’s daughter, Sunny, isn’t coping with her grandfather’s passing. Kendra invites Sunny to stay in Chicago with her for a change of scenery. Sasha agrees. Kendra meets Ben on the back porch, and he admits he and Connie are legally separated. Kendra was the woman he wanted, then and now. Kendra refuses to listen and exits.
Kendra eats alone and gets a notification from her ovulation tracker. She decides to surprise Kevin with evening delight. She pulls up to the hospital and finds Kevin kissing another woman. Kendra confronts and slaps Kevin. She decides to stay at Terry’s house to blow off some steam. Terry tells Kendra that Kevin treats Kendra like an afterthought. Kendra believes that Kevin loves her. She wants to display her strength by holding on and making her marriage work. Kendra will learn how strong she can be when she lets go.
Inspired by Strength of a Woman, this film covers Kendra’s growth through marriage, friendship, and loss. It doesn’t take long to see Kevin’s deplorable behavior towards Kendra. He isn’t there in times of need, dismisses her feelings, and puts himself first. Unlike the first movie, Kendra is in a downward spiral of her making. Kendra admits to returning to North Carolina for Ben but counting herself out. She confesses her feelings for Ben but plans to stay with Kevin. She continues to make the wrong choices to appear strong through commitment, but it weakens her spirit and self-respect. Don’t give up on her. Kendra rises from the ashes and leaves the door open for part 3.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Just because they’re hard doesn’t make them good – Terry
And life happens, Kendra. Not everything revolves around your schedule – Kevin
I feel really alone in this when you tell me it’s not the right time – Kendra
I chose you – Ben
Just make sure you’re not confusing healing with avoidance – Sasha
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Pocket Dial Murder – Review
Pocket Dial Murder – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Stacey picks up a phone call from her husband, Jeff, and hears a woman screaming on the other end. Then a gunshot. Stacey hangs up in shock, calls Jeff back, and leaves a voice message. Filled with fear, Stacey contacts her sister, Joelle. Joelle tells Stacey to call the police, but Stacey doesn’t believe that’s wise. Stacey and Jeff’s phones share locations. The killer could have Jeff’s phone, check the call logs, and pinpoint her location. Stacey is afraid to leave the house or call for help. Joelle leaves work, contacts the police, and drives to Stacey’s home.
Stacey sits with Joelle and Detective Munger to go over the pocket dial. Stacey worries that someone murdered Jeff, and she will be next. As Detective Munger questions Stacey, Jeff walks into the kitchen. Stacey hugs Jeff. Jeff explains that he lost his phone and never found it. Jeff discovered his phone was gone when working late with his co-worker, Ellen. He believes he lost it at the coffee shop. Stacey breathes a sigh of relief as Joelle gets a text from her husband, Alek. She updates Alek, and Stacey politely dismisses Joelle to return home to Alek. After Detective Munger leaves, Stacey questions Jeff’s whereabouts. She thinks he is sleeping with Ellen because Jeff had an affair before. Jeff promises that he is faithful and wouldn’t hurt Stacey again.
Over the coming days, Stacey fixates on the pocket dial and her safety. She notices a woman following her, Jeff’s odd behavior, and attempted break-ins. However, Detective Munger makes the most startling discovery: the body of Juliette Lane. They classify Juliette as a homicide victim and release her name to the public. Jeff and Stacey see the news report, and Jeff tells Stacey that he doesn’t recognize her. But he is lying. Jeff knew and worked with Juliette. As the truth unfolds, Stacey could lose her marriage and life.
This film is a mystery for the viewers, but don’t mistake Stacey for an amateur investigator. She doesn’t look for the pocket dialer after the terrifying phone call. She talks to Joelle and sits in fear. He doesn’t search for the gun; however, she stumbles upon it. Also, Stacey hears the killer’s confession through a Bluetooth accident. The police go on a wild goose chase because of Stacey. She is Lifetime’s Inspector Gadget (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Aside from Stacey’s interference, the plot gives viewers plenty of suspects, motives, and offputting actions. If you focus on the story, you will discover the killer has two reasons to commit the crime.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Seeing her face makes it all so real – Stacey
Ok, Mom. You crossed the line. Again – Joelle
I was overwhelmed – Jeff
Do you really believe Jeff killed that girl – Madeline
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The Pregnancy Scheme – Review
The Pregnancy Scheme – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Julia looks for work after breaking up with her boyfriend, Drew. Her friend, Celia, wants to have a girls’ night to celebrate the end of her relationship and her return to the dating world. At the party, Julia meets Celia’s other friend, Alana. They converse about charcuterie boards, making friends as adults, and failed relationships.
Julia gets a period reminder on her phone and takes a pregnancy test. It comes back positive. Julia goes to the OB/GYN to confirm the results and discovers she’s near the end of her first trimester. Julia has to pay hundreds of dollars because she doesn’t have insurance. And at her age, this pregnancy will require more visits. She decides to keep the baby but ponders how to pay for it. Drew is happy to become a dad but doesn’t have a job either. Julia attends yoga to relax, but Alana is there instead of Celia. Julia reveals her pregnancy and money problems to Alana. Later, Alana devises a plan. They will sell positive pregnancy tests. Julia will take them as Alana brokers the deals and give Julia 70% of the profits. Julia isn’t sure about the legality, but the cash changes her mind. At first, it’s easy money. But the game turns dangerous.
Can we get a vote that everybody sucks? No one in this movie wants to take responsibility for their choices. Alana uses feminism to excuse her behavior, and Julia relies on Boss Babe Culture. And a cheating spouse blames Julia and Alana for his wife leaving him. Drew may be childish, but at least he owns his actions. This movie gives information about pregnancy and when some women learn about it. However, everything else will have you throwing things at the screen. Skip this movie unless you want to hate-watch something.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
It’s about the journey. Not about the destination – Celia
I love this for us – Alana
I am so sorry – Julia
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Written in the Stars – Review
Written in the Stars – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Copy editor Kelsey gave herself ten years to become a feature writer. She has one month left to fulfill that promise. So she came up with a list of article ideas and will later give them to her boss, Max, the editor-in-chief. Before their meeting, Kelsey walks and gets a smoothie to relax her nerves. A dog jumps on Kelsey, knocks her down, and spills the drink all over her work shirt. A man, Carter, pulls the dog off Kelsey and apologizes. They lock eyes and feel an instant spark. He offers to buy her lunch to make up for the blunder, but Kelsey checks her watch and panics. Her meeting with Max is soon, so she returns to the office without exchanging names with Carter. Before meeting with Max, Kelsey borrows a scarf from her friend, Molly, to cover the stain. Molly tells Kelsey the meeting will go well because, according to the Star Stories app, her stars align with her moon.
Kelsey presents a long list of ideas to Max, but he rejects them all because they aren’t original. She makes a quip about the app being incorrect. Max perks up and asks Kelsey to explain. She presents an idea about giving a skeptic’s view of Star Stories and interviewing the creator, Carter. The creator never talks to reporters. This article would be an enormous get for their online magazine. Max loves the idea and tells her to write 1000 words by Monday. Kelsey sits at her desk to vent to Molly that she has no idea where to start. Molly looks up Carter online and discovers he will return to his hometown for a Meteor Festival. The town is three away from where Kelsey grew up. So, she and Molly book a B&B and head to the elevators. Kelsey bumps into Carter again at the elevators, but they don’t exchange names again.
They arrive and meet the B&B’s proprietors, Brian and Joan. Kelsey immediately asks if they know Carter. They exchange a knowing glance and laugh. Carter is their son, and he is outside gathering wood. Carter enters the room and calls their third encounter fate. Kelsey doesn’t believe in that or his app. She tells him about the article and her 10-year plan, but he is apprehensive about the interview. Years ago, an ex-girlfriend wrote a scathing exposé that almost ruined the app’s launch. Will Kelsey convince Carter to do the article while falling in love with him?
This movie has some sweet moments, but it’s far too predictable. You don’t care about the characters enough to wonder about their past or future. The storyline’s saving grace is the information about astrology. However, the overall plot is forgettable. If you want to kill two hours or briefly learn about astrology, this movie is for you. Otherwise, don’t waste the spot on your DVR.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
No, you didn’t – Kelsey
Looks like fate decided after all – Carter
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Love’s Greek to Me – Review
Love’s Greek to Me – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Ilana and her boyfriend, Mike, finish their work responsibilities before going to Greece for Mike’s sister’s wedding. Ilana expresses concern to her mother, Susie, while maintaining a calm demeanor for Mike. Ilana is nervous about meeting Mike’s family for the first time, especially his mother, Athena. Athena wants Mike and Ilana to get engaged, but Ilana thinks it’s too soon because she and Mike have only dated for a year and a half. Susie understands Ilana’s apprehension because Ilana’s father abandoned them when Ilana was a child. She tells Ilana to have fun on her trip and have an open mind.
Ilana and Mike arrive at Athena’s hotel, Canaves Oia. Mike’s sister, Alex, joins them with a request. Her maid of honor won’t be in time to help with wedding preparations, so Alex asks Ilana to fill the spot temporarily. Ilana humbly accepts. Mike takes Ilana to a quiet romantic place, and she alerts him his shoelace is undone. He kneels to tie it, and Athena emerges from her hiding spot to congratulate them. Horrified, Mike whispers to Athena that he hasn’t asked yet. With no recourse, Mike proposes to Ilana, and she accepts. Ilana calls Susie, who knew about the engagement, and congratulations the happy couple. Ilana wants to plan the wedding in the US over the coming year. Athena has other plans. She wants the couple to have a traditional Greek wedding in her family church quickly. Athena wastes no time imposing her will with little pushback from Mike. However, Ilana won’t easily relent. As Ilana battles Athena, it stirs discourse between Mike and Ilana. They never discuss their future beyond dating. Can their engagement handle their differing career paths and personal outlooks?
Be ready to say ‘the audacity’ when watching this comedic, heart-warming gem. Athena is a loving mother with a tight grip on her children and tradition. Ilana has a strong spirit but a fear of commitment. Ilana and Athena don’t realize they are different sides of the same coin. They love their jobs, deeply connect with family, and love Mike. Athena oversteps with Ilana’s planning, but Ilana does the same with Athena’s relationship with Alex. Also, Ilana faults Mike for not discussing his dreams, but she never asked him. Just like Athena didn’t. They must compromise to find happiness. The script carefully tries to not make Athena the villain. She says the wrong thing, but it’s for tradition and love. This movie will be a genuine classic and leave fans hopeful for a part two.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
And I meant every word – Ilana
I love that you know everything – Mike
You know you can say no to her – Alex
Congratulations – Athena
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Categories: Ajiona Alexus, David de Lautour, DaVinchi, Erica Anderson, Greta Carew, hallmark, June Weddings, Kimberley Crossman, Kirsten Comerford, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Love Sundays, Love's Greek to Me, Made for TV, Marina Sirtis, Mary J. Blige's Strength of a Woman, movie, Pocket Dial Murder, review, Ruth Bidner, Steve Byers, The Pregnancy Scheme, Torrey DeVitto, tv review, Unhappily Ever After, UPtv, Voices of a Lifetime, Written in the Stars, Yannis Tsimitselis
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