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Would You Kill For Me? The Mary Bailey Story – Review
Would You Kill For Me? The Mary Bailey Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
In February 1987, Willard Sims came home drunk and screamed at his wife, Veronica. People around town said she let another man drive and smash his truck. He abuses her again and tells her this is her last weekend to live. Then, a shot rang out in a quiet community. Veronica calls the police and tells them she shot Willard. The police arrive with their guns drawn, but Veronica’s story changes. She tells the police her 12-year-old daughter, Mary, shot Willard to protect her. Ella, Veronica’s mother, tells the police that Mary acted under Veronica’s command. The police check on Willard and see he is still breathing. They take all three women to the hospital and ask more questions. After Willard dies, the police take Mary, Veronica, and Ella to the police station.
The police give the three women a gunshot residue test before separating them for questioning. The police officer pulls young Mary aside and tells her to wait for a lawyer before talking to the police. Veronica points the finger at Mary. Ella says Mary did it, too, but under Veronica’s command. The lawyer promises Mary that she won’t have to testify against her mother. The test results came back, and two were positive: Mary and Veronica. The police let Ella go, put Mary in foster care, and arrest Veronica. Veronica and Ella give their version of the story during Veronica’s trial. However, the judge can’t ignore the blaring conflicts. Mary will have to give her version of the truth. What story will she tell?
Based on My Mother’s Solider by Mary Elizabeth Bailey, the movie gives you three sides to a story (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Veronica’s version shows viewers how she and Willard met and fell in love. She ignored the red flags of Willard’s behavior and decided to marry him. His abuse increased and spread to the children. When Veronica went to Ella for help, Ella met her pleas with blame and disdain. In Ella’s version, Veronica is a loose teen. And she had kids to collect a check. Veronica constantly puts Ella down and dumps Mary on her. She sees Willard’s abuse but isn’t strong enough to stop it. Also, she knows Veronica cheats on Willard. These stories are emotionally complicated, but it’s nothing compared to Mary’s. She was the bravest person in the home. It’s hard to believe she stayed strong through this. Her story tells viewers how abuse can impact the entire family. And seeing it through everyone’s perspective is masterful storytelling. It’s not a comfortable story to witness, but it is worth every minute.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
These cops don’t fool me with their fake concern – Veronica
Do I get to go home now – Mary
Whatever you do when you grow up, don’t end up like her – Ella
Would you trust me to know what’s best for you – Willard
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Christmas by Design – Review
Christmas by Design – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Margo runs up to Charlotte’s apartment and invites her to go out for fun. Charlotte says no because her designs are behind. Charlotte designs clothes for her luxury clothing boutique, Alastair. She creates unique, high-end clothes with expensive fabric. She lives above her store, and Margo is her seamstress. Margo and Charlotte walk downstairs to the store as Charlotte gets a call from her mother, Olivia. Olivia updates Charlotte about the family and Elfcapades. Charlotte’s sister, Kristina, and brother-in-law, Peter, are coming to Brooksbend with their son, Ben. They are coming because it’s the last year of the Elfcapades. Charlotte does a double take because the townspeople love the weeklong Christmas celebration. Olivia says she will explain when Charlotte returns to visit. Charlotte informs her mother that the shop must come first and that she needs to focus on her designs. Charlotte stays at the store until closing, much to Margo’s chagrin.
Charlotte walks into work to find water leaking from the ceiling and her fashions water-damaged. The building owner tells Charlotte the pipe burst. It will take a week to fix. Charlotte doesn’t think Alastair can recover from the damage if they miss the Christmas shopping window. Then, Charlotte gets a phone call from Roger Warwick. His store hosts a Christmas Design Contest. Someone dropped out of the competition, and he selected Charlotte to take that person’s spot. Charlotte sits dumbfounded because she didn’t enter. However, Margo put Charlotte’s name in the contest for her.
Charlotte meets with Roger to learn more about the contest. Roger didn’t pick Charlotte at first because her designs didn’t fit his store’s brand. His customers like affordable, inclusive, and wholesome clothing. If Charlotte decides to enter the contest, she must make one design for men and women to wear during Christmas following his store’s aesthetics by Christmas Eve. The winner will have their design sold in his store and get a deal to design for him. This exposure is what Charlotte needs to save her company. Charlotte wants to work from home, but she still doesn’t have water and can’t afford an Airbnb. Margo reminds Charlotte that Roger wants a wholesome family design, so being with her family could spark creativity. Charlotte will return to Brooksbend.
Charlotte daydreams during her drive and crashes into the truck. The truck driver, Spencer, gets out to inspect his vehicle and assumes the ‘big city’ girl is a texter. Charlotte sets him straight while realizing her car took most of the damage after her bumper dropped to the ground. Spencer, a mechanic, offers to take Charlotte’s car to his shop and fix it while she is in town. Charlotte happily accepts his help.
Charlotte meets at Olivia’s home and ignores Olivia’s new husband, Rick. She plans on using this time to focus on work. However, her family convinces Charlotte to come to the local diner and cook Christmas cookies. It was her favorite thing to do during the Elfcapades. And it would be a way to honor her late father, who created the celebration. Charlotte chooses to go and spots Spencer there. They decide to work in the back room to retreat from the crowd. Spencer, a single widower, wants to get away from the leering eye of the women. Charlotte wants to escape he ex-boyfriend, Mayor Evan. With several events ahead of him, Spencer asks Charlotte to be his buffer to scare off flirty women. Charlotte will do it only if he will be her model and sounding board for her design. They agree to help each other in life but unwittingly do it in love, too.
Inspired by Jingle Jammies by Robyn Neeley, this movie will have you rooting for the wrong character (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It delivers the first kiss early and points out the misunderstanding. However, Charlotte and Spencer are both immature. With unlikable lead characters, the audience isn’t interested in the story. This film strayed away too much from the source material. Its redeeming qualities are Charlotte’s and Spencer’s character growth at the conclusion. If you need some background noise for two hours, watch this.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I’m not a Scrooge. I’m just focused – Charlie
Two words for you: hard pass – Spencer
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Stalked By My Stepsister – Review
Stalked By My Stepsister – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Maddy runs with her boyfriend, Ian, to improve her time before applying to Superior University. She runs cross country but must strengthen her lungs because of asthma. Maddy hurries home because her stepsister, Devon, is back early from school in London. Maddy and Devon never met because their parents eloped in Las Vegas without telling them. Also, Maddy spiraled for a while after her dad passed away.
Maddy’s mother, Laura, greets Maddy at the door and introduces her to Devon. Maddy calls her best friend, Gia, and updates her about Devon’s creepy behavior. She thinks Devon is too sweet. They all sit and eat dinner with Devon’s father, Kent. Gia comes over during dinner to go out for coffee with Maddy. Laura politely insists that Maddy should invite Devon to come along.
The coffee outing didn’t go well because Devon and Gia taunted each other. Devon reveals that Kent’s ex-fiancé took her life before the wedding, and her biological mom died when she was 5. It was just Devon and Kent for years until he remarried Laura. Now, Devon is excited to have a new sister and makes breakfast for the family. However, Laura’s updated blueprints for the home take Devon back because her mom designed it. Laura promises not to make sweeping changes and asks Maddy to set the ladder up before Maddy goes to school. Maddy locks the ladder in place and meets Ian and Gia at school. Then, she gets a call from her mother. She fell down the stairs because the ladder collapsed. Maddy rushes home to apologize to Laura. But she knows she locked the ladder in place. Then, Maddy remembers Devon was home. She believes Devon tried to kill Laura, but can she prove it?
So, let’s get this straight. Devon’s father got married without telling her, moved her stepsister into her room without letting her know, took a family photo without her, and put her broken photo with her dad in a closet. And she was supposed to be ok with this. No, murder isn’t the answer, but Devon had a reason to be upset. This movie checks plenty of boxes if you have your LMN bingo card handy. It has a shellfish allergy, asthma, a nosy friend, and a staircase. Devon’s behavior is so noticeable to the audience that it’s hard to understand how Kent and Laura can’t see it. Her dead-eye stare and fake smile scream at the screen. And the final fight scene will tickle you. This movie isn’t a favorite of the Shocktober season, but it will make you chuckle inappropriately.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
What are sisters for – Devin
I think she’s harmless – Maddy
Are you sure Devin’s name ends with an N and not an L – Gia
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Ms. Christmas Comes to Town – Review
Ms. Christmas Comes to Town – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Gale ‘Ms. Christmas’ Storms kicks off her show for the Holiday Shopping Center with her producer Amanda watching. She is famous for bringing in the holidays for her viewers with memories and prizes. Gale notices Amanda’s anxious behavior and questions it. Amanda’s sister, Emily, set her up on a blind date. Amanda offers to stay when she sees Gale reminiscing, but Gale tells Amanda to go and have fun.
Amanda goes to the coffee shop to meet a tall, dark, handsome man, Travis, with a blue peacoat. She finds him sitting at a table and grabs a seat. She quickly unloads her feelings and thoughts about blind dates, men, and love. Then, her date arrives and introduces himself. Travis laughs, gets up for the other man, offers his seat, and leaves the café.
Gale sits with Dr. Wilcox for a check-up. Gale discloses that she’s felt rundown lately. Dr. Wilcox tells Gale her brain tumor returned and that Gale has 1 to 2 years left. Gale takes a deep breath and decides to make those years count. Gale returns to the studio to discuss her future with network executive Elizabeth. Gale gives Elizabeth the diagnosis and exercises a term of her contract. Gale has the right to name her successor. Also, Gale wants to retire and make her last year exceptional by taking the show on the road. Elizabeth agrees to Gale’s idea, but only if she gets a traveling nurse. Gale happily agrees.
Gale sits Amanda down and informs Amanda that she will take over the show after Gale retires. Gale will introduce Amanda to the audience as Ms. Holiday. Amanda slouches in disbelief at Gale’s retirement. She doesn’t think she is ready to take over, but Gale believes in her. Gale doesn’t tell Amanda about her illness. However, she updates Amanda about the upcoming tour.
Elizabeth introduces Gale to her nurse, Travis, and gives Travis his cover story. If anyone asks, Travis is Elizabeth’s godson and wants to learn about the business. Travis is uncomfortable with the cloak-and-dagger antics but doesn’t have time to voice his opinions because Amanda interrupts their conversation. She remembers their embarrassing meet-cute and asks why he is there. Travis sticks to his cover story, but Amanda doesn’t believe him. Gale sees the spark between them and encourages Amanda to go out on a date with Travis. Amanda tells Gale about meeting Travis for the first time, and Gale thinks it’s adorable. However, Amanda refuses to date Travis. As the show hits the road, Gale will find love, Travis will discover his purpose, and Amanda will uncover her confidence. Can Gale keep her illness a secret?
This movie reminds viewers that you can pick your family and enjoy the holidays with them. Gale walked away from the love of her life, James because she wanted to start a career. She never regretted her decision and made her cast and crew her family. Amanda is the daughter Gale never had, and they cherish their moments together. And you will love the whimsical driver. This film balances the tear-jerker moments with the funny ones. Be ready to find a new holiday favorite for the whole family, given or created.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
It’s magic time – Gale
‘Need’ is too strong of a world – Amanda
Color me impressed – Travis
I concur with most of the facts in the story – James
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Under the Christmas Sky – Review
Under the Christmas Sky – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kat waits impatiently with her friend, Jenna, for her optometrist. Her doctor doesn’t have good news. Months ago, Kat was in an accident that caused a blind spot in her vision. The doctor reports that if her vision isn’t back by now, the blind spot is permanent. Kat will never be able to go to space again without her 20/20 vision. Kat’s eyes well up with the devastating update, and she meets her brother, Andy, outside. She has five more weeks of medical leave to decide her future. Kat works for the space program and earlier sent a probe to the sun. She wanted to return to space to repair, update, and send another probe. Now, she is a grounded astrophysicist. Andy reports that he quit another job because it wasn’t fun. Andy’s indecisiveness about his career exhausts Kat and their parents, Janie and Bill. But they want to give him time. Kat tells her parents that she can’t go into space, and they encourage her to stay in the space program because it’s her first love.
Andy goes to the local planetarium to steal a poster from the display case to lift Kat’s spirits. An employee, Celeste, catches him but gives Andy a head start to get away. Andy gives Kat the sun exhibit flier, but she doesn’t want to go. Later, Jenna sees the flier and admits that her boss is friends with the exhibit supervisor, Renee. And Renee is looking for an expert to help with the exhibits. Kat relents and agrees to assist.
Kat aimlessly walks around the planetarium while texting and accidently bumps into a young girl, Lily. Kat apologizes and converses with Lily about meeting the curator, David. Lily tells Kat that David is her dad as David approaches. Lily loves space and asks Kat questions non-stop. David didn’t know to expect Kat because Renee didn’t let him know that Kat was coming. Renee calls David and Kat into her office. Renee wants the exhibit to incorporate information kids can’t find on their cell phones. Also, the exhibit needs to bring in visitors during the holidays. Kat wants to add information about the Greeks celebrating the start of the winter called Yule. Their festivities inspired the winter solstice, which became Christmas. David doesn’t believe the exhibit needs some razzle, but Renee doesn’t give him a choice. Kat and David will work together to create an exhibit worthy of Christmas and the Sun. Will they make something more?
Yes, this story is about Kat and David falling in love. However, it’s about Kat learning to deal with her blind spot. Kat sees her negative remarks reflected in Lily’s statements about being unable to go to space because she is in a wheelchair. Kat realizes that she has to adjust her dreams to her blind spot, not wallow in defeat. By readjusting her dream, Kat inspires Lily to find a way to join the space program one day. Also, the film has a subplot centered on Celeste and Andy’s developing relationship. However, that storyline is about Andy finding a career to fulfill him. Kat and Andy have dreams but one must reimagine while the other discovers. This movie shares the sentiment of Christmas while teaching the audience.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Tinsel makes me feel better – Kat
Call me if he falls – Andy
Are you going to go to space one day – Lily
You have a way of winning people over, Kat. – Jenna
And now whose direct – David
If that’s the case, then everything he said is true – Celeste
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The Neighbors are Watching – Review
The Neighbors are Watching – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Amy moves to a new neighborhood to escape her past. She shot her ex-husband in self-defense after he tried to kill her for attempting to leave. The realtor shows her the home and points out another for sale a few doors down. But this one has all the bells and whistles Amy wanted. Amy decides to take the house and moves in immediately.
Amy’s new neighbor, Betsy, lets herself inside Amy’s home. She scares Amy and gives her a lamp. She warns Amy that neighbors will drop by all day with food, so she should be ready. Betsy pulls out wine and glasses to give Amy a run down on all the neighbors. She warns Amy that the neighbors are all nosy, including her. And they like to gossip. Soon, everyone visits, including Jared and Nicole, with an apple pie.
Amy jogs in the neighborhood, and someone almost hits her with their car. She doesn’t see the driver but shakes it off. Before entering her home, she sees the new guy, Henry, moving into the last vacant home. Betsy comes over with wine to watch him, but Amy prepares for her first day at her new job. The neighbors think Henry and Amy will be a good match, so they set up barbecues for them to meet. Amy comes home after a gathering and finds a news article about the shooting death of her ex-husband. The culprit threatens to expose her. Amy has nightmares and terrifying visions. But when the neighbors don’t see it, can Amy trust herself? Or will she lose everything?
Seriously, one doorbell camera would put an end to this movie. Amy acts erratically without any proof when she accuses Henry of killing someone. She assaults, yells, and calls the police on him based on hunches. Amy has PTSD and lacks sleep. She needs therapy, not an endless stream of nosy neighbors coming to her home. Instead of help, these neighbors turn on and alienate her. This movie does make the audience question Amy’s sanity, but viewers are too annoyed by her previous actions to care. This movie isn’t a favorite, but it’s a decent way to kill 2 hours.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I can help with that – Betsy
Thank you for saving my life – Amy
Good night, everyone. I hope you enjoyed the show – Henry
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Country Hearts – Review
Country Hearts – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Sisters June and Tori watch the storm clouds roll in the sky. June hopes the storm will stay at bay, but Tori thinks it will bring festivalgoers inside to the main stage and help them sell merchandise. Tori checks on their bandmate, Luke, before starting their set. They dream of hitting it big, and Luke devises they can with their background. June and Tori’s father, Bones, is a former rock star, and their mother, Darlene, is a country superstar. Darlene is on tour with June and Tori’s younger sister, Chelsea, as her opening act. Their beautiful set gets cut short when lightning cuts off the power. They pack up their equipment and head home.
Bones purchase frozen specimens on the family farm to breed Tori’s horse, Bluebell. He put an enormous amount of money into his horse-breeding passion, but it hasn’t paid off. He worries he is sinking his family deeper into debt. Lightning strikes the barn during the storm and it catches fire. Tori and June return to see firetrucks driving towards their family stable. Bones got the horses out, but Bluebell suffered lung damage. Also, the fire destroyed the specimen. The vet checks on Bluebell and tells Bones only time will tell if the damage to her lungs is permanent. Bones prays for a miracle.
June returns to her husband, Justin. He wants to open a winery and constantly work with investors to make it happen. Justin tells June it’s just a matter of time. However, he wants her to be more supportive and stop doing small shows with Tori. He believes he can accomplish more if she focuses on her career as a music teacher and puts singing with Smith Jameson on the back burner. June doesn’t want to give up because Tori needs her, but Tori fears losing Justin.
Tori enters the Starlight Café and sees her ex-boyfriend, Barrett, running it. Barrett left town two years ago. Although he promised to bring Tori with him, he never did and never looked back. Barrett knows he treated her wrong and wants a second chance but on his terms. Tori tells June, and June can’t hide her disapproval. June thinks Tori and Barrett are like throwing gasoline on a fire. She thinks Luke is better suited for her sister.
One day, Tori gets a call from Tony at Southern Bound Records. He got a recording of their festival performance and wants to hire them as an opening act for a superstar. They must sign by Monday morning. Tori wants to say yes, but she has to confer with June. Also, Tori worries that Bones needs them. He struggled with addiction in the past. And his financial stress could cause a relapse. Can the family save Bone’s passion, June’s marriage, Justin’s winery, and the band?
This movie has plenty of moving parts, but one lynchpin: faith. Bones tells his daughter to pray during big decisions. And he follows his advice. The family is wholesome, realistic, and fun. They all love music, but they admire each other more. While Bones and Tori open up about their problems, June struggles in her marriage alone. Tori attempts to be understanding of June’s family commitments but only in the aspect of time management. Tori has no idea of Justin’s harsh words. This movie is well-written and fiercely grounded, with catchy music. But it feels like part 1 of a much larger saga. Hopefully, the writer will continue the story.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
One foot in front of the other. We’re on our way – Tori
Unfortunately, passions don’t pay the bills – Bones
Every band has to pay their dues, honey – June
Pray on your decision, and I am sure you will make the right one – Darlene
I’ll always be here for you. Both of you – Luke
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Where are You, Christmas? – Review
Where are You, Christmas? – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Addy unveils her company’s new holiday shopping assistant app to a crowd of anxious holiday shoppers. Then, she meets her friend Dr. Suma for drinks. Dr. Suma and Addy ordered a Jack Frost and Peppermint Twist. After planning the app campaign for a year, Addy will leave the holidays behind for a trip to the Maldives. Addy will skip visiting her family at Red Lake Falls for the 6th time. Suma pleads with Addy to put down her phone and focus on being present. Then, Addy gets a phone call from her brother, Connor. Connor bought an engagement ring for his girlfriend, Sienna. He plans to propose on Christmas Eve and wants Addy to be there. She agrees to join the family on this auspicious occasion. Addy figures she can stay until Christmas and make her trip on December 26th.
Addy drives to Red Lake Falls but has some car trouble. She hits the dashboard and makes it to her parents’ home. Her mother baked scores of Christmas sweets, and her dad is all set for Operation Christmas Smile. Her mother found Addy’s old journals and now thinks it will be good for Addy to read them. Addy’s mother is warm and welcoming, but her father is abrupt and dismissive. Addy’s mother sends her on a trip to get another poinsettia. Her car broke down near the auto body shop. She walks inside to get help from the owner, but he died and left his grandson, Hunter, in charge. Hunter grabs her keys and starts the car but can’t find anything wrong. He has a lot of cars to fix but offers to squeeze her in for a more in-depth look.
Addy goes home but can’t shake her father’s icy demeanor. The family got coveted tickets to the Christmas pageant. Addy promises to stay for Christmas and her father’s ceremony. Addy walks to her room to give her father some space, and her app reminds her to make a Christmas wish. She wishes there was no Christmas because she needs a break.
Addy drives to buy another tree for her mother and finds a ring in her car. While examining it, she slides on black ice and crashes. Hunter sees her on the side of the road and gets her out with his tow truck. Addy opens her eyes and notices things looking different. Then, she passes out. Addy wakes up in Hunter’s truck and sees he is pale. She realizes everything is black and white, and no one remembers Christmas. Addy returns the ring to Hunter, and he remembers the day his grandfather gave it to him. It was the day before Hunter deployed to Afghanistan and his grandfather’s ring for serving in Vietnam. It was an early Christmas present. Hunter changes from black and white to color right before Addy’s eyes and remembers the holiday. Addy has to make everyone in town remember Christmas before it becomes permanent on Christmas day. Can she spark everyone’s Christmas Spirit?
It takes a while to set up the premise, but it’s worth the wait. You meet the townspeople and hear their troubles around the holidays, but they remain in good spirits. Addy is the only Scrooge at the beginning of the film. She never wanted to spend the holidays with her family because she works on Christmas campaigns all year round. Addy planned on spending time at the beach. However, Connor’s engagement pulled her back to town, but she has one foot out the door. Seeing everyone’s cherished Christmas memory will bring a tear to your eye. No matter the holiday, people have a special moment linked to it and hold it in their hearts. This Pleasantville-esque movie is a beautiful holiday film, regardless of the poor graphics (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer).
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Every joke has a shelf life, and this one has coded – Addy
I wish I could – Hunter
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Categories: Barbara Niven, Brendan Morgan, brennan elliott, Celina “Spookyboo” Myers, Chris Jericho, Christa Rose, christmas, Christmas by Design, Connor McMahon, Countdown to Christmas, Country Hearts, Craig Stickland, David Pinard, Erica Durance, Eva Igo, hallmark, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, HMM, holiday, Jeff Irving, Jessica Parker Kennedy, Jim O'Heir, Jonathan Keltz, Julie Warner, Kabby Borders, Katarina Maria, Lanie McAuley, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Love Sundays, Lyndsy Fonseca, Made for TV, Melissa Joan Hart, Michael Rady, Michelle Nolden, Miracles of Christmas, movie, Ms. Christmas Comes to Town, Olivia Scriven, Presley Allard, Rebecca Dalton, review, Ripped From The Headlines, Ryan Paevey, Shocktober, Stalked By My Stepsister, The Neighbors are Watching, tv review, Under the Christmas Sky, UPtv, Where are You, Christmas?, Will Holland, Would You Kill For Me? The Mary Bailey Story
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