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Never Been Chris’d – Review
Never Been Chris’d – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Liz and Naomi went to high school and college together and started an app called Best Pal. Liz wants to expand but hasn’t been able to find investors. Naomi tells Liz not to worry because the holidays will provide a break and clarity. Naomi and Liz will stay with Naomi’s mother, Linda because Naomi doesn’t know how to set a healthy boundary with her mother. Liz is happy to escape her family because they don’t include her and dote over her younger sister, JoJo.
Liz and Naomi wonder if they will run into old classmates while in town but doubt it. Then, they run into their crush, Chris Silver, at the local coffee shop. Chris was the most popular guy in school. And any girl he dated became sought-after overnight. They called it being ‘Chris’d.’ It never happened to them because they felt Chris was out of their league. Naomi catches up and blushes while Liz stays mum and turns red. Chris hopes to see them again and leaves.
Later, they go to a pub and find Chris at the bar with the cool kids. Liz wants to ignore them, but Naomi wants to join because they are a success story. As Liz feels like an insecure 16-year-old again, Naomi relishes the newfound attention. Before Chris leaves, he invites them both to a party. Their differences shine through at the party because Naomi admits to her crush, but Liz doesn’t. Soon, Liz is redoing her high-school years with the cool kids, and Naomi is dating Chris. They pretend everything is great. However, Liz and Naomi have been holding back their feelings for years. It’s time for them to get brutally honest. Can their friendship survive?
Hold on to your seats, Hallmarkies, because this movie packs a season’s worth of drama into 2 hours. For some, this movie is a far cry from the Hallmark movies they’ve come to love. For others, it’s the change you have been waiting for. This film isn’t the stereotypical boy-meet-girl holiday movie. It’s about a co-dependent relationship spanning decades. Liz and Naomi think they secretly do things to help each other. However, both live in fear and insecurity. And their issues carry on to their problems with their mothers. For the first time, a Hallmark holiday movie will make you clutch your pearls. This Hallmarkie is here for it, but the traditionalist may not be.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Setting boundaries with my mom is my #1 new years resolution – Naomi
Ok, I will not fight with my mother – Liz
It’s the only bar in town, so high – Chris
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Flipping for Christmas – Review
Flipping for Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Before Abby meets with her potential client, Antonio, she gets a phone call from her sister, Claire. Claire’s grandfather-in-law, Frank, passed away. Frank left his home to Claire’s husband, John, and Claire wants Abby to flip the house to sell it. Claire wants to use the profits from the house to expand on her current property. Abby says she will try and hangs up the phone.
Antonio wants to gentrify a downtown area. He knows there will be resistance, but Abby is on board and willing to work on the holidays. Antonio respects Abby’s drive and makes her the real estate agent for his new 100-unit luxury condos. Abby joyfully jumps with her assistant, Jessica, and leaves to see Claire.
Abby settles in with her family, but her father is preoccupied with house chores. Abby and Claire believe he, like them, is coping with their first Christmas without their mom. John privately asks Claire if she told Abby everything. But she can’t find the proper time.
Abby, Claire, and John arrive at Frank’s home, and Abby sees John and Claire whispering when Bo approaches. Claire admits that John is a co-beneficiary of the home with Bo, Frank’s handyman. Bo wants to turn the home into a B&B, not flip it. They want Abby to be their proxy and convince Bo to sell the home. Bo and Abby immediately disagree. So Claire decides to settle their argument the way she does with her sons. Since the house needs updates, they will work together until they come to a resolution.
As Bo and Abby work together, Abby learns more about the small town and grows to love its charm. Abby and Bo leave a café, and she spots a 90-acre lot for sale. Bo states that he hopes the city will turn it into a playground or community center to improve the town. Abby calls Jessica to get a progress report on their deal with Antonio. Then, Abby mentions the lot. Jessica takes the initiative and tells Antonio about the space. He decides he wants to build on it and gentrify the small town. Abby knows this will ruin the area and her budding relationship with Bo. Can she fix it before everything falls apart?
This movie wraps its few poignant moments in long lulls. The plot follows the story of an uptight, overworked city woman falling for the laid-back small-town guy. She realizes her successful life is wrong and corrects it. This movie offers carefree laughs and advice. Everything else is predictable. This film will not be a favorite of the season, but it rounds out the holiday movie lineup.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Wow, that was a lot – Abby
Scale of one to 10, maybe a 9 – Bo
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Sins in the Family – Review
Sins in the Family – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Zara speculates something is bothering her daughter, Rose, and questions Rose about it. Rose tells her mother that her biology class is learning about genetics. And it made Rose think about her birth parents. Zara avoids the topic by taking Rose out of school and to a fair with Rose’s father, Max. The distraction is short-lived because Rose talks to her friend, Chloe, about it. Chloe tells Rose to bring up the topic again. Then, they noticed the new guidance counselor, Ms. Addams. Ms. Addams will meet with all the students to get to know them. She met with Chloe earlier. So, Rose knows her turn will come up soon.
Rose sits with Ms. Addams and reports that school and her friendships are fine. However, she visibly becomes uncomfortable talking about her home life. Rose leaves, but Ms. Addams invites Rose for another office visit. Ms. Addams tells Rose to call her Haley and takes a gentler approach to their conversations. Rose likes Haley, and they hang out after school. When Rose returns home late, Zara meets them at the front door in a rage. Zara threatens to report Haley if she maintains this inappropriate relationship with Rose. Haley tells Zara that she is Rose’s biological mother. Rose welcomes Haley into her life, but Zara is cautious. Zara wants to find Rose’s adoption records and get a DNA test. Until then, Zara wants Rose to stay away from Haley. Zara investigates Haley and learns she is a con woman. However, the test results prove Haley is Rose’s mother. Zara worries that Haley faked the test and will keep digging. Zara has no idea the truth she will unearth.
This film solves a common LMN problem by requesting a DNA test early. Zara refuses to take Haley’s word for anything. Nevertheless, Zara waits too long to report Haley to Rose’s school. The school knew about Rose’s connection to Haley but didn’t know about Haley’s fake name. This delay allowed Haley 8 hours of uninterrupted access to Rose to corrupt her mind against her parents. The writers focus on Haley, but Haley is not the family’s biggest evil. She is a symptom of a darker past. This movie has a simple setup, but don’t give up on it. The plot takes the viewer down a path of predictability to trick you.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
You can use a little bit of guidance – Rose
Rose is playing detective again – Zara
She doesn’t want truth. She wants support and understanding – Max
She might be scared of sharing you – Haley
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My Christmas Guide – Review
My Christmas Guide – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
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Peyton trains guide dogs for people with visibility issues. While she trains Max, Peyton sees a man, Trevor, pick up his daughter, Annie, from school. She watches him put away his collapsible cane and place his hand on Annie’s shoulder. Annie sees Peyton with Max and suggests they get a guide dog to help her dad. Trevor doesn’t believe he has time to care for a dog, teach, and raise her. Later, Peyton leaves a flyer at the school for Annie.
Professor Trevor walks to the university to teach classic literature after dropping Annie off at school. He bumps his head on construction and demands to speak to the owner. The foreman states that the construction markings are visible, then realizes Trevor is blind. He apologizes and leads Trevor to the closest staircase but explains the repairs will take time and change often around the building. Trevor goes to his boss and airs out his frustration with the construction. His boss asks Trevor to take a leave of absence until the repairs are complete. Trevor refuses. After work, Trevor returns home. Annie sees the bump on his head, and he explains what happened. Annie wakes up and tricks Trevor into going to Peyton’s business.
Peyton thinks a dog will help Trevor tremendously and sits with Annie and Trevor to learn more about his vision, his needs, and Annie. Trevor rapidly lost his sight two years ago. He uses mobile aids, but Annie admits Trevor needs assistance. Trevor thinks his cane works fine, but Peyton says a dog can help Trevor avoid obstacles before his cane can detect them. She decides that Max is the best fit for Trevor and makes appointments to prepare Trevor to work with Max. Peyton will help Trevor see the world, but he will make her see herself.
The movie starts with Peyton and her boyfriend, Chad, who quickly becomes a non-factor. He forgets plans with Peyton, posts pictures of other women, and doesn’t want to settle down. Chad only cares about himself and treats Peyton as an ornament. Viewers won’t worry that Peyton is falling in love with another man. Also, your blood will boil after Annie defends herself in school and the principal threatens her with suspension. It’s beautiful to see how Trevor and Peyton make each other stronger. This film follows the rom-com script but has a heartfelt lesson for the audience.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
You don’t need that when I’m with you – Annie
Thanks for the consideration. You are too accommodating – Trevor
But not your only obstacle – Peyton
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Love at the Lodge – Review
Love at the Lodge – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Emma and her assistant tirelessly worked to create a company retreat for the partners at the law firm. Emma’s boss, Ms. Hollings, hints that Emma will get her coveted promotion to partner if the trip goes well. Emma has meticulously planned every moment of this trip, just like her life. If she gets the promotion, Emma will be six months ahead of her five-year plan. Emma sent a box of necessities and conference room specifications to the Sunset Lodge. She plans to get there early to set up and ensure everything is perfect.
Liam chops wood as Mr. Powers approaches. For months, Mr. Powers tried to entice Liam to sell the lodge, but Liam refused. Today is no different. Liam chops Mr. Powers’s business card in half when he offers more money. Liam gathers his team to double-check the menu and activities for the upcoming corporate retreat. If this event goes well, they can open the lodge to a new market. But if it goes poorly, Liam will have to sell.
Liam drives to the local bus stop to pick up Emma, and she is unhappy with the golf cart ride on a bumpy road. She wants her box, and Liam ignores her inquiries because he can’t find it. Then, it starts raining, but Liam assures Emma that it should stop. Once they arrive at the lodge, she asks to speak to the owner, and the staff laughs as Liam stands behind her. She realizes Liam is the owner, and he promises to find her missing box. Liam takes Emma to her cabin and warns her the meteorologist predicts 10 inches of rain. So, the roads will close. Emma asks Liam to bring her a triple expresso, and he tells her to get it herself.
Emma calls Ms. Hollings in the morning to update her on the retreat. However, Ms. Hollings heard about the rain and canceled it. But she tells Emma not to leave. Ms. Hollings tells Emma that her cousin, Mr. Powers, has tried to buy that property for months. She wants Emma to stay and convince the owner to sell it. If she does, the promotion is a guarantee. Emma will slip into Liam’s mind and try to change it, but will he do the same to her heart?
Emma takes planning to a scary level. She micromanages everything and everyone. When she tries to fix the rain, it’s one step too far. This movie does have a romance subplot between lodge employees, but it’s not necessary. However, the box comes full circle. If you can get past Emma’s disregard for others, you will watch her make a beautiful turn. This film is a solid way to spend two hours, but it won’t be a favorite.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
It is always better to be prepared – Emma
Yeah, the feeling is very mutual – Liam
That boy wouldn’t know love if it hit him in the face – Jane
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Secrets of a Celebrity Nanny – Review
Secrets of a Celebrity Nanny – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Gabby ignores her ringing phone to focus on her unfinished novel. She’s shopped it to dozens of publishers but hasn’t heard anything. Gabby’s roommate, Hannah, asks if Gabby will take another babysitting job to make rent. Gabby vents to Hannah that she hates babysitting as Hannah watches Justice Grayce walk to their door with the paparazzi on her heels. Justice knocks on the door and hopes Gabby remembers her. Gabby recalls that Justice, a famous pop star, and her mother were friends when Gabby was a girl. Justice walks into Gabby’s home and offers her the job as her new nanny. Justice’s old nanny, Mia, stole from Justice and drowned in Justice’s pool. Justice has a lot of commitments coming up and needs someone to watch her 13-year-old daughter, Willow. Gabby’s mother mentioned to Justice that Gabby babysits and writes. Justice offers to pay Gabby and introduce Gabby to her publishing ex-husband, Hudson. Gabby takes the job, and Justice says she starts now.
Gabby packs a suitcase and travels to Justice’s home. She meets Justice’s bodyguard, Damian, her publicist, Vernon, and her boyfriend, Ian. Damian takes Gabby’s phone and gives her an NDA. Gabby meets Willow, and they all go to the club. Justice hasn’t performed in a small club for years, but Vernon tells her it will introduce her to Ian’s younger demographic. Justice and Ian take the stage, but Vernon sees Ian’s sidepiece, Samara, drunkenly enter to make a scene. Security drags her out, and Ian proposes to Justice on stage. Before Gabby can celebrate, Justice’s stalker, Isaac, approaches Gabby. He aggressively asks if she knows what happened to the last nanny. Gabby runs from the man, and Damian saves her. Gabby doesn’t know that someone attacked Mia before throwing her in the pool. Gabby hopes this will be the end of the circus. She is dead wrong. Before her time with Willow is over, Gabby will be in the crosshairs, a homicide suspect, and jobless.
It’s been a while, but Lifetime put on a solid mystery. Justice, like other superstars, has sleazy people around her. Her fiancé is a serial cheater, and her ex-husband wants custody of their daughter. Samara’s drunken recklessness doesn’t go unnoticed, along with Damian’s protective streak. And Justice is a hot mess. Gabby reminds Justice’s team that she is there to watch Willow, nothing more. She doesn’t try to play detective when the police turn up the heat. Gabby tries to back away, ignore it, and focus on her job. She discovers the killer by a slip of the tongue. The film provides enough wild moments and scandalous details to keep viewers watching until Gabby unmasks the killer.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
As a writer or a nanny – Gabby
I need someone I can trust – Justice
Who would bring a 13-year-old kid to a bar anyway – Willow
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Joyeax Noel – Review
Joyeax Noel – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lea dreams of finding her perfect man at the Marché de Noël in France, but her mother reminds Lea that she isn’t getting any younger. Lea refuses to settle. She finds a jewelry box, like her father bought her as a child, and purchases it. Lea takes the box home and finds a hidden compartment with a journal inside. She watches the news while glancing through the author’s notes and drawings. The news reports about a recently discovered painting, but the artist is unknown, just an ‘F’ for a signature. Lea holds the journal to the screen and sees one of the sketches matches the painting. She thinks the author and artist are the same.
Lea, a copy editor, wants to present the notebook to her editor but doesn’t think the story is good enough to get her first byline. Then, seasoned reporter Mark confidently walks into the room with improper grammar. Lea corrects his misuse of ‘disconcerting,’ and he puts on his headphones to ignore her. The boss calls a team meeting now. She wants a whimsical story for Christmas and asks the team for good ideas. Lea speaks up and tells her boss about the journal, painting, and the Marché de Noël. The journal talks about a star-crossed Christmas lover who met at the Marché. Lea wants to know how their story ends. Their editor loves the idea and tells Mark to do it. Mark doesn’t want to do a feel-good puff piece after covering relevant topics, but the editor wants her best writer on the job. So, Mark accepts and huffs out of her office. Lea runs in and demands to get the job. She offers to pay for her plane ticket to France and use her PTO. Before the editor rejects Lea, Lea reminds the boss that the journal is hers. The editor relents and tells Lea to go with Mark. Will the journal’s lovers spark a romance between Lea and Mark?
This story is better suited for HMM. The story of the star-crossed lovers sends Mark and Lea on a grand search throughout the market. They meet interesting people, spend money, and eat. The romance between the main characters becomes the subplot. There is a vast difference between the two characters. Lea is green about writing and interviewing. She immediately wants to put boots to the ground and live in her fantasy. Mark is an experienced writer who loves to use the internet at his disposal before interviews. However, years of horror stories have made him bitter to whimsy. Lea needs Mark professionally, and he needs her personally. This movie is for people who like mystery first and romance second.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
It’s not waiting. It’s being patient. There’s a difference – Lea
I find your enthusiasm concerning – Mark
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Mystic Christmas – Review
Mystic Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Candice calls her best friend, marine biologist Juniper, with an emergency. Candice runs the Mystic Rehabilitation Center and Aquarium, and one of their seals, set for release on December 24th, is sick. Candice’s head doctor is leaving town, but before Candice can ask, Juniper says yes. Juniper cancels her trip to Norway to see the Northern lights for Mystic. But she worries about Candice’s brother Sawyer. Sawyer and Juniper shared an exquisite date before she left Mystic 10 years ago. She wrote him a heartfelt letter, but he never responded. Sawyer maintains that he wrote back, but Juniper ghosted him. Candice reassures Juniper that Sawyer won’t be around much.
Juniper stops at a Mystic café to charge her battery. The owner, Kent, offers her a ride to the aquarium. But Kent won’t be her chauffeur, Sawyer will. Sawyer helps everyone in town with anything. It can be their lights, drinks, or a suitcase. Sawyer gives Juniper a ride, and they bicker about the past. Sawyer leaves Juniper at the aquarium to help more people. Juniper, a self-described introvert, meets with Candice. However, Candice only told Juniper about half of her job. Also, she has to guide three interns – Peter, Eric, and Teresa. Juniper’s anxiety grows.
Candice didn’t disclose to Sawyer that Juniper would stay in her cottage while Juniper worked on the seal. So Sawyer and Juniper will see each other a lot until December 26th. Juniper plans to go to South Africa to help a seal alliance. Juniper admits that she spends every Christmas someplace new. Sawyer wonders why Juniper moves around so much. Since her parents’ divorce, nowhere feels like home. She loves holidays but doesn’t care about tradition. Sawyer is the opposite. He loves spending time in Mystic and assisting everyone at any time. They start to reconnect but with fears. Sawyer fears that Juniper will leave, and she fears he never will. Is the emerging romance dead in the water?
This movie gives viewers the Hallmark holiday plot with a twist. Juniper questions if love is worth sacrificing it all. She even calls her parents to ask them their opinion. Juniper loves her life, career, and adventures. This introvert wonders how standing still will change her. Sawyer doesn’t ask for an outside opinion but gets one through his employees. He is concerned that people love him because he is helpful. If he stops, they won’t care about him. Sawyer’s employee tells him it’s okay for people to miss him. Sawyer and Juniper beautifully inspire one another. And the conclusion gives you a look into the future for this couple. So get your savory scones, ginger molasses cookies, or both ready to enjoy this film.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Because you had a terrible date – Sawyer
You do too much – Candice
I assure you I am a regular size deal – Juniper
I know. It was really good – Louisa
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Categories: Amber Marshall, Ashley Newbrough, Ben Mehl, Brant Daugherty, Chandler Massey, christmas, Countdown to Christmas, Flipping for Christmas, hallmark, Hallmark Movies and Mysteries, Hateful and Grateful, HMM, holiday, Jaicy Elliot, Janel Parrish, Jay Hindle, Jessy Schram, Joyeax Noel, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Love at the Lodge, Love Sundays, Made for TV, Marc Herrmann, Marcus Rosner, Matthew Blade, Megan Elizabeth Barker, Meghan Heffern, Miracles of Christmas, Moniqua Plante, Monroe Cline, movie, My Christmas Guide, Mystic Christmas, Natalie Sharp, Never Been Chris'd, Pascal Lamothe-Kipnes, Patti Murin, review, Secrets of a Celebrity Nanny, Sins in the Family, tv review, Tyler Hynes, UPtv, Yolanthe Cabau
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