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V.C. Andrews’ Dawn: Secrets of the Morning – Review
V.C. Andrews’ Dawn: Secrets of the Morning – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Dawn enters the dorms, ready to start her new life at Bernhardt School of the Arts. But her housemother, Agnes, gently reminds Dawn that she can’t leave Cutler’s Cove behind. Dawn’s grandmother, Lillian, called and spewed lies about Dawn to Agnes. Agnes imposes a strict curfew on Dawn. And if there are disputes, Agnes will automatically fault Dawn and send Dawn back. Dawn inspects her room as Tricia enters and ingratiates herself to Dawn. The two girls become fast friends, and Dawn slowly reveals her secret past.
Tricia guides Dawn around campus and points out Michael Sutton’s flyer. The famous Broadway thespian will teach a class at the school and is holding auditions to attend. Tricia and Dawn try out and get a spot on Michael’s student roster. Dawn proudly stands as she gains a new life outside the Cutler name. But one misjudgment will bring Dawn back to the Cove with new secrets to unveil.
Based on Secrets in the Morning by V.C. Andrews and the sequel to V.C. Andrew’s Dawn, this movie starts slow, but that’s intentional (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The plot takes time to show viewers that Dawn is intelligent but naive. She never has watched T.V. or seen a movie. And her love map has significant design flaws. So Dawn is prey to anyone. Tricia tries to steer Dawn in the right direction, but Dawn provides Tricia with half-truths. When Dawn’s secret comes to light, she falls into Lillian’s clutches and past. Dawn gets a glimpse into the darkness that created the devil. This movie leaves viewers & Dawn stunned with earth-shattering news with an ending hinting at part 3’s insanity.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
I won’t be any trouble. I promise – Dawn
Boy, she is not at a loss for adjectives – Tricia
How the hell would you know – Clara Jean
What secrets – Philip
We’re not normal. We’re Cutlers – Laura Jean
That’s usually what happens afterward – Agnes
You are almost too perfect – Michael
You’ll never escape me – Lillian
Creature comforts lead to sloth – Emily
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A Podcast to Die For – Review
A Podcast to Die For – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lacey and Cam had a whirlwind wedding, expecting a baby, and recently moved into their forever home. This pregnancy will be Lacey’s first baby, but Cam is a widower with two daughters – Maddie and Kira. Lacey and her stepdaughters get along swimmingly, but Lacey leaves most decisions about the girls up to Cam. She doesn’t feel she can dictate their privileges or discipline. Cam and Lacey disagree about the girls working with Lacey. Lacey is the host of a true crime podcast. Kira wants to be on the show, but the cases disturb Maddie. Cam doesn’t want the girls exposed to murder and violence.
Lacey comes to work, and her researcher, Valentine, questions Lacey about maternity leave. Lacey hasn’t decided when and if she will take it. Lacey’s co-worker, Bianca, wants Lacey to wrap up their current episode and start something new. Valentine thinks that two unsolved murders are connected. Although the cases are several years apart, they mirror each other. If the killer follows their pattern, the killer may strike again soon. Lacey, Bianca, and Valentine choose to take the case and shine a light on the victims – Sara and Marissa. Lacey will regret it because an online troll starts attacking her in real life.
Lifetime tried creating a mystery but doesn’t because it falls into its predictable patterns. Viewers know every suspect is a red herring and wait for Lacey to undercover the blaring truth. This movie feels like a two-hour Criminal Minds episode without the gore. While the plot is average, it does provide commentary on true-crime watchers, listeners, and creators. Are they profiting off others’ pain or giving the victims a voice? Watch this movie if you need to burn two hours or need a break from compelling HMM mysteries.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
My full mom powers haven’t been activated yet – Lacey
I hate being trapped at home, and I hate you – Kira
You have to stop doing your podcast – Cam
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Trapped in the Farmhouse – Review
Trapped in the Farmhouse – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Emma drives down the road with thoughts of her abusive ex-boyfriend, Bryan, behind her. Emma sees her cell phone battery is low but doesn’t stop. She goes to a gas station and hears a tornado warning on the radio. Emma hopes to make it to her sister’s house before the storm. She gets a flat tire and checks the back for a spare. Emma finds the spare but no tools. Emma considers what to do when she sees the tornado coming. She runs to the first house she can see and bangs on the door for help. A man, Jack, opens the door and brings her to the shelter to wait it out. After the storm, Jack offers Emma food and polite conversation. Jack volunteers to fix her tire while she looks around the house. Jack is a widower with a teen daughter, Kylie, away for the summer. Emma admires his strength and heads to leave, but another tornado touches down. After the storm, Emma is ready to go. But Jack won’t let her. He doesn’t think Emma can make good decisions and will force her to stay. Can Emma escape this madman?
Jack is right about one thing: Emma makes poor choices. She calls her abusive boyfriend after escaping. Emma goes into an unknown house for help, not a gas station. She never stands up for herself against Jack until the end. Emma’s decisions will make you scream at the screen. However, Emma saves the day and the movie by thinking of others. It gives viewers solace in her choice to remain. Skip this movie if you get easily frustrated with poor decisions.
I give it 1.5 out of 5 stars
Sounds like a real charmer – Jack
Your daughter would be so proud – Emma
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Black Girl, Erupted – Review
Black Girl, Erupted – BET Her – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Reina takes her frustrations out on a heavy bag in kickboxing class while picturing her boss, Mr. Horowitz. Her friend, Jillian, notices Reina’s anger growing. After class, Jillian chases after Reina and questions Reina about work. Reina is a lawyer at the most prestigious law firm in the state. Reina works more hours and cases than anyone else at the firm. She trains the boss’s nephew, Chris, and reviews his workload. Mr. Horowitz hasn’t named the next partner, but Reina feels the promotion will be hers. Jillian can see that being overworked and overlooked with nagging racial microaggressions takes its toll on Reina’s mental health. However, Jillian recognizes that Reina’s anger is turning into rage. She gives Reina the number for Dr. Francis, a therapist. Reina doesn’t intend to call the doctor but accepts the number.
Reina returns home to her boyfriend, Carlo. Carlo is a sous chef and rideshare driver. He plans to start a vegan restaurant. He comments that Reina’s job negatively affects her attitude and thinks she should leave. Reina doesn’t want to throw seven years of her life down the drain by quitting her job. Also, her parents, Cassandra and Donald, will be disappointed in her for leaving. Carlo accepts Reina’s decision to stay.
Reina prepares for her meeting and gets a pep talk from her friend, Garth, at work. Reina sits in stoic silence as Mr. Horowitz gives Chris the partnership position. Afterward, Reina asks why Mr. Horowitz picked Chris instead of her. Mr. Horowitz explains that he selected optics over skill. Reina leaves his office furious and drinks when she gets home. Reina is drunk and belligerent on her date with Carlo. She verbally attacks a waitress, Brittany, and they leave before eating. Carlo is done with Reina’s antics and breaks up with her. Reina decides to meet with Dr. Francis before she loses everything.
Reina deals with racial bias on both fronts while learning to choke down her feelings. Yes, Reina has a right to be upset over work and with her family. However, rage, violence, and name-calling are not the answer. Reina describes her anger in profound detail. She sees flashes of light and visions of violence and has moments of misdirected fury. Then, Reina deals with her feelings by excessively drinking or having sex with Carlo. She doesn’t have healthy anger management skills. Sitting down with Dr. Francis makes Reina take stock in and charge of her life. Her change of heart boils down to one question: What are you really angry about? Reina uncovers in therapy that the final straw isn’t the first. This moment is a therapy session for all viewers. And Garth is the best friend everyone needs. So sit, watch, and discuss.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
You can’t put a price on your peace of mind and mental health – Jillian
I don’t need help with anger management – Reina
I am not worried about us getting fired. We are the tokens in the office – Garth
You need to work harder at being a cultural fit – Mr. Horowitz
I need some space – Carlo
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A Royal Christmas Crush – Review
A Royal Christmas Crush – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Ava’s uncle, Karl, calls her for help on his latest project. He is building an Ice Christmas Castle for the royal family. Since 1857, the family commissioned architects to create an ice castle near their residence with events that culminate in the Royal Christmas Ball. Karl is confident in the exterior design but feels the interior needs Ava’s touch. The project will bring recognition to Ava and her firm, so she says yes.
Ava arrives and marvels at Karl’s work. He shows her around the castle and updates her on the royal family. Ava sees a picture of Prince Henry and gawks. Brigitta, the Royal Family handler, corrects Ava’s gaze and tells Ava the Prince is off-limits. Karl informs Ava that Henry is a tabloid cad. He made the paper today after breaking up with his latest girlfriend, Astrid. Karl tells Ava to steer clear of Henry and focus on work.
Henry meets with his advisor, Deputy Von Teir. Teir hands Henry the latest tabloids and tells Henry to focus on finding a queen. Breaking up makes him look like an indecisive leader. Teir suggests Henry date Brigitta’s daughter, Sigrid, and invite her to the ball. She and Henry have been friends since childhood, and she knows royal etiquette. Henry declines because he wants to find true love, like his parents did, not a royal match.
The Royal Family stop by the castle to approve the work. Henry sees Ava and stops in his tracks. He gains his composure and continues with his royal duties. Ava shows Henry the property and takes him down the slide. They believe their growing romance will go unnoticed. However, Brigitta wants Sigrid to be the future queen. So Brigitta will stop at nothing to get Ava out of the picture and Sigrid by Henry’s side. Can Ava defeat Brigitta’s conning ways?
This storyline is more predictable than water making things wet. Brigitta’s attempts will fail with a lesson for her and Sigrid. Henry becomes a better Prince, and Ava changes her mind in time for the ball. This movie doesn’t require your attention to know what’s going on. The writers didn’t bother to give the King and Queen names. This ‘Christmas in July’ film barely mentions the holiday and has zero Christmas spirit. It’s no wonder they released it in July. Skip this film unless you need background noise.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
You got this. And I got you – Ava
I’d rather have someone that’s right for me. Not just this life – Henry
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Categories: A Podcast to Die For, A Royal Christmas Crush, BET Her, BET Her TV, Black Girl, Erupted, Brec Bassinger, Christmas in July, Donna Mills, Fran Drescher, Gabriel Pranter, hallmark, Jenna Michno, Joey McIntyre, Kareem J. Grimes, kate miner, Katie Cassidy, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Matthew MacCaull, movie, review, Stephen Huszar, Stranger Danger, Sydney Agudong, Trapped in the Farmhouse, Tryphena Wade, tv review, V.C. Andrews' Dawn, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Vanessa Williams
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