Christmas on Cherry Lane – Review

Christmas on Cherry Lane – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Lizzie and John will be parents in 2 weeks and moved into their first house. Lizzie’s parents will come tomorrow to enjoy Christmas with them. However, most of their stuff is in boxes all over the house. John wants to hide them with holiday lights, but Lizzie tells him to focus. John is not looking forward to Lizzie’s father, Frank, reminding John that John owes him for the down payment. Lizzie can hear her mother’s criticism. John wants to enjoy this last night of peace before the in-laws and the baby arrive. Then, the doorbell rings. Frank and Lizzie’s mom, Evelyn, came a day early. Lizzie and John step out of their home for some fresh air. Lizzie and John didn’t think their first day at 7 Cherry Lane would be like this.

Regina pulls her adult children’s favorite ornament out of storage. They saved their money and bought it for their dad when they were little. She hopes seeing the tree topper will soften the blow. Regina’s kids, Conrad and Winnie, create a plan on the front porch of 7 Cherry Lane. They both want to be someplace else for the holidays. So, they will talk, eat, exchange gifts, and leave by 5 pm. Conrad and Winnie talk about work with Regina. Conrad is successful but drives a jalopy, and Winnie sings for free. Regina runs to the door when her boyfriend, Nelson, arrives with his new car. Winnie wants to drive it, but Nelson will save the first drive for his future wife. Conrad and Winnie shockingly stare. Regina reveals that she is engaged. Also, Regina will retire, sell the house, and move to Florida. Conrad doesn’t want to leave the home where they shared their life with their deceased dad. Conrad vows to remake their Christmas memories so Regina will want to stay.

Quinn rings the doorbell at 7 Cherry Lane, and Mike and Zain answer in a panic. They have 14 guests coming over for Christmas dinner, and their kitchen is a disaster. Quinn promised to have it finished by now. But he is not close to being done. Quinn promises to complete it soon, but Chef Mike wants to cook the meal at his restaurant. However, Zain wants the smell of Christmas dinner to waft through the house. Mike promises to wait. Then, their social worker, Ann, comes to the door. Mike and Zain passed the final test, and a foster kid needs a placement tonight. She hopes Zain and Mike are available to care for the child. Mike and Zain beam with pride because they never thought the state would accept them as foster parents. As they say yes, a loud clang comes from the kitchen. They pull Ann outside and say they are ready. However, Mike isn’t sure because the bedroom is empty, the kitchen is a mess, and 14 people will arrive for an unprepared dinner.

These three families face life-altering events in the same house but at different times. Lizzie and John are living in 1973. They have an avocado fridge and worry about gas prices rising to 40 cents a gallon. Conrad and Winnie worry about Regina’s happiness but think about the Y2K problem. They never thought 1999 would end with their mother remarrying, retiring, and moving. Mike and Zain live in the current year and are updating Regina’s old kitchen to match Chef Mike’s needs. These families share more than a house. They share a beautiful and unbreakable bond, but only if they can make it through this holiday.

This movie is for Hallmarkies begging for a new storyline in Hallmark movies. This period film doesn’t focus on someone finding love or career fulfillment. It’s about a significant holiday that connected and impacted all of them. Fans will watch and try to make the connections. While one or two will be correct, there are more links than you can imagine. You must give this movie 100% of your attention to understand how these families affect each other through the generations. Also, the years flash on the screen for 6 seconds. So keep your eyes open. This story is beautifully scripted, acted, and set. It will stay on your DVR.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars

I didn’t say it was a perfect plan. It was a plan – John

Are we ready – Lizzie

You don’t have a job – Conrad

You love me, and you couldn’t live without me – Winnie

Do you want me dead so you can collect the life insurance money – Mike

It’s come in handy over the years – Zain

Sorry, that privilege will go to the future Mrs. Clause. – Nelson

There’s a reason why I’m out here – Regina

I don’t want to impose – Daisy

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Magic in Mistletoe – Review

Magic in Mistletoe – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Famous author Harrington posts on social media and alienates his fans. He told the world he wasn’t writing the 6th and final book in his Magic in Mistletoe series. And Christmas was only about the money. Harrington’s publishing company, Silver Spark, must do damage control. They planned to release his final book for the holiday season, but his post derailed their plan. Publisher Mallory calls their public relations expert, April, for help. April’s not sure what to do but promises Mallory that she will create a strategy during her Uber Ride there.

Mallory gathers the team into the war room and asks for opinions. April tells them about the Mistletoe Christmas Festival. Harrington hasn’t been to his hometown, Mistletoe, in 5 years. The mayor would love for him to return, participate in some of the events, and be the guest of honor. The townspeople can post about it while Harrington does an apology tour. Mallory loves April’s idea and runs with it. Now, April has to get Harrington on board.

Harrington sips his drink at a coffee shop while patrons give him dirty looks. A woman, April, walks in with a copy of Magic in Mistletoe and asks him to sign it. He notices the well-worn pages and questions her love for the series. She explains the book is not hers. A cab driver tossed it at her because Harrington’s post disappointed him and his daughter. Next, April tells him she works for Silver Spark. Harrington takes an exasperated breath and questions the meaning of her visit. April tells Harrington her PR plan, and he says no. April threatens to sue Harrington for breach of contract and leaves. She will fly to Mistletoe and hopes he will be there.

April arrives in Mistletoe and meets the mayor and townspeople. They all rave over Harrington, the books, and the boost to their economy. April travels to Harrington’s childhood home, which is now a museum for the books. Harrington’s friend, Chris, lets her inside. She quips about Harrington’s attitude and sees Harrington standing behind her. He agrees to attend three events of the festival and nothing more. And he won’t go to the kick-off party tonight. April concedes and goes to the event alone. She hopes to ease Harrington’s prickly demeanor so he can retract his statement and release his final book. But will this trip home uncover more?

This movie starts with sharp dialogue as April and Harrington verbally spar. They try to get the last and wittiest word every time. While viewers haven’t read the fictional book, it comes to life through Harrington’s friends, their costumes, and the locations. But viewers don’t know what made Harrington turn on his novels, The Town of Mistletoe and Christmas. Viewers can piece it together, but the script tries to keep it a mystery until the end. Once April and Harrington fall in love, the plot slows down and wanders into ordinary territory. This movie isn’t a favorite, but you can spare a few hours to give it a chance.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

This is bad. This is really, really bad – April

There’s no such thing as bad publicity – Harrington

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To All a Good Night – Review

To All a Good Night – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Sam works at his father’s development company. His dad, Otto, hands Sam a memory box. Sam served in the armed forces and lost his three best friends in combat. Later, Sam’s cousin, co-worker Ella, hands Sam his mail. Sam reads a letter with an elephant stamp and runs out of the office (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). He hops on his motorcycle and rides to the creek.

Ceci and Penny return to work after unmasking the town’s thief. Ceci gets a call from her art student’s parents. Their child left their phone at the creek. Ceci exits work to retrieve it. She can’t find the phone and calls Penny. Ceci sees a man riding a motorcycle through the woods and asks Penny if she knows anyone in town with a bike. Then, the rider, Sam, disappears in the trees, and Ceci hears a sickening crash. Ceci gives Penny her location and tells Penny to send help. Ceci runs over to the rider. His shoulder is injured, but he is conscious. Ceci stays by his side but keeps his helmet on to prevent more injuries. Sam comments on her elephant necklace and beauty (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). He asks Ceci to marry him on Christmas if he survives. She accepts his proposal, and Sam passes out.

Ceci goes to the hospital to check on Sam. With bribery, she gets Sam’s room number. She brings a hamburger, a drink, and an elephant balloon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Ceci sees a text message on Sam’s phone about a development deal. She runs out of the room before Sam returns and goes to work to look up Sam online. Ceci discovers that Sam works for a firm that creates luxury spaces on undeveloped property. She worries her stepmother, Vivian, wants to sell half her father’s property. 

Ceci and Penny return to the hospital, but Ceci takes off her necklace. She doesn’t think Sam saw her face, but he would recognize the necklace. They ask Sam if he is in town for a land acquisition, but he doesn’t offer any information. He does request a favor. Sam wants to put an ad in the paper to find the woman who saved him because she agreed to marry him. Ceci makes Penny pack up and leave. As they discuss their next move outside, Sam tells Elle that he believes Ceci is the woman who saved him. However, he won’t ask Ceci until he knows for sure. Sam is determined to find Ceci and uncover the truth. Ceci will get closer to Sam to learn more about the deal, and he will do the same to discover if she saved him. They will find the link that brings them together, saves each other, and enriches the town. 

This movie has several mysteries with one common denominator. That person created a legacy that healed others who suffered similar trauma. That person’s dedication will trickle to their adult child during their most painful time. This film starts like Angel Eyes, but it gets better (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). There is a K9 thief, a talkative child, and a sincere letter that creates laughter and tears for the audience. Viewers should watch this movie when they can dedicate two hours to it. If you miss a moment, the story will not make sense. HMM is the perfect place for this gem.

I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars

Your dog belongs in federal prison – Ceci

Elephants are underrepresented in Christmas scenes – Sam

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Silent Night, Fatal Night – Review

Silent Night, Fatal Night – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Mallory entices her literary fans at the Gideon book reading and signs autographs. She utters to her manager, Michael, that this will be the last book of her successful series. Before Michael interjects, Carrie approaches the table with a book in hand. Carrie tells Mallory that she is Mallory’s #1 fan and dedicates a podcast to her characters. Also, Carrie wants to be a writer as well. Mallory politely smiles as Carrie gushes over her, but Michael cuts Carrie off and sends Carrie away.

After the signing, Michael begs Mallory to continue the series, but she wants to write meaningful books for herself. Michael tells Mallory to give the decision more time. Michael meets with Mallory’s publisher, Wendy, and updates Wendy on Mallory’s proclamation. Wendy reminds Michael that they have an agreement. They will sue for her advance and damages if Mallory doesn’t write another Gideon novel. Wendy sees the look on Michael’s face and knows he didn’t tell Mallory about her advance because he kept it. He promises Wendy will give Mallory her advance with interest and convince her to write another Gideon book.

Michael talks to Mallory, but she won’t budge. He believes she needs a small vacation to clear her mind. So, he gives Mallory his winter cabin key. It has everything she needs, including a space to write. She reluctantly takes the key and drives to the cabin. Mallory settles in with a book but wakes up handcuffed to a bed in the basement. Michael demands she uses every spare moment writing the next Gideon novel, or he will end her life. He put a GPS tracker on her leg and disconnected the WiFi. To make sure no one looks for her, Michael reported that Mallory died. Her fans mourn, but one fan finds the story suspicious and will start a one-woman search party. It’s Carrie on the case.

One thing is true: Mallory has determination. She looks for ways to escape, outmaneuver, and fight Michael. She never gives up but doesn’t wait for someone to rescue her. However, Michael stays a step ahead or fights back. Carrie’s admiration comes full circle in this film. She constantly watches Mallory’s interviews and uncovers that Mallory’s death is a hoax. Don’t let the opening scene fool you with Carrie’s enthusiasm. This film isn’t Misery (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It’s not the best of the Slay Bells season. But it’s solid entertainment.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

I’m not doing it for money. I’m doing it for me – Mallory

Inspire me – Carrie

She’s made up her mind – Michael

Then change it – Wendy

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Mistletoe Match – Review

Mistletoe Match – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Olivia’s boss, Lucille, takes her lead with the Mayor and gives it to Marcus. Lucille wants Olivia to write about the 10th annual Mistletoe Match. The matchmaking service touts a 90% success rate, but Lucille believes it’s a lie and wants Olivia to write an exposé. Olivia doesn’t think a person can actively find love. Also, she isn’t a Christmas fan. So, this assignment is pure torture.

Widower Thomas asked his friend, Alfie, to get him an invite to the Mistletoe Match. He is ready to start dating again and thinks his daughter, Erin, can handle it. At last year’s mixer, Alfie met his girlfriend, Mia. Now, she hosts the events. Thomas gets the invitation but celebrates with hesitation. He reconsiders if he is honestly ready.

Olivia enters the mixer and sees Thomas standing there. They spark a conversation, and he walks her to the name badges. She doesn’t tell Thomas that she is a reporter. Olivia tells him a friend got her a ticket. She says goodbye and gives Thomas $5 because she mistook him for the concierge. The first event has the attendees put on an ugly sweater. They must find their sweater twin and build a gingerbread house with them. Olivia matches with Thomas. She requests her money back, but Thomas will donate it to the Brooklyn Community Center. He teaches art classes there. The pair disagree on seeking love, the holidays, and gingerbread houses.

Thomas and Olivia tease each other before the speed dating event. Afterward, they meet up because Olivia wants to avoid another talkative attendee. Then, Thomas hides from Mia because she is crowding him. He lies and says Mia forced him to come to the event. Olivia has an idea. They can pretend to like each other. Mia will leave Thomas alone, and Olivia can avoid the talker and secretly work on her article. But what will they do when their faux feelings become real?

Thomas and Olivia’s love story starts with a bed of lies. However, Olivia’s is worse than Thomas’s. The matchmaking activities are fun, informative, and festive. The couples communicate, work together, and get to know each other over a few days. The conclusion is foreseeable, but the banter between Thomas and Olivia is entertaining. This movie is an easy way to kill two hours.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

You don’t love. Love finds you – Olivia

Then, why are you here -Thomas

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Christmas with a Kiss – Review

Christmas with a Kiss – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Mona dreads going to her hometown for the holiday. Mona loves spending time with her family, but they will ask her about her relationship status. Mona is a successful brand ambassador but continues to be unlucky in love. Mona dreamed she would be married by 35 but has yet to find the right man. No matter who he is, she will kiss him under the mistletoe at the Christmas Eve party. Her mother and sister did the same with their spouses and found everlasting love.

Mona stops at a market before going to her parent’s home and sees Fletcher leaving the store. Mona dated Fletcher in high school, but they broke up when she left for New York. They have a quick conversation and sparks fly. They exchange numbers. Mona arrives home, and her mother has exciting news. A reporter, Dez, is coming to write an article about the Christmas Carnival Mona’s grandfather created. Today, her parents run the carnival, and it’s grown over the years.

Dez comes to the home and can’t keep his eyes off Mona. Her family can feel the attraction and tricks them into spending time together. Mona spends time with Dez and Fletcher and likes them both. Fletcher is familiar, but he aches to leave his small town. Dez, a military brat, never called one place home. So, family traditions are foreign to him. Mona must choose between two men, but who will she choose?

This movie keeps viewers in the dark while entertaining them. Mona has exciting interactions with the two men. And they see her with the other. So they know they are quietly competing for her attention. They spend time with her but take slight digs at each other. Mona correctly chooses when a family dilemma arises. The man for her will stick it out and stay by her side. Mona’s choice will make you smile during their long-awaited kiss.

I give it 4 out of 5 stars

What did you just say – Mona

No, it’s dusty – Shay

Saving humanity comes in different forms – Dez

It doesn’t matter where we’re spending time together, as long as we’re together – Fletcher

Come on, Mona. You are a 10 – Erin

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Yuletide the Knot – Review

Yuletide the Knot – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Rachel and her sisters, Danielle and Caroline, meet to enjoy Thanksgiving together. This year is different. Their father, James, brought his new girlfriend, Beverly. Rachel becomes irate at the dinner table when Beverly talks about the tree-lighting ceremony their mom started before her death. Rachel leaves the table and runs to the basement. Danielle and Caroline console Rachel and return to eat dinner. Rachel apologizes to James and Beverly.

Rachel gets a phone call from Susan, a social media influencer. Her manager had a postcard of Rachel’s town, and Susan loved it. She wants to have her wedding there. Susan and her husband, Denny, want to get married on Christmas. Wedding planner Rachel says she will have everything ready for Christmas next year. But Susan wants the wedding this year or in 27 days. Rachel agrees to meet Susan in 30 minutes to iron out the details.

Susan wants a magical Pineview Christmas wedding with no expenses spared to help her reach 2 million followers. She wants it to end with the tree-lighting ceremony. Rachel informs Susan that the ceremony doesn’t happen but doesn’t explain why. Susan is sad but continues. Her manager, Logan, will be there to help. Rachel looks up and sees her first love. He pretends to meet Rachel for the first time and shakes her hand. Rachel doesn’t want to deal with Logan. However, Susan and Denny must leave for a party and won’t be back until Christmas Eve. Susan tells Logan to do all the planning with Rachel. Will wedding planning make Rachel and Logan feel like a bride and groom?

The songs are loving and wonderfully composed. The film displays an open-hearted family that expresses love beyond biology. However, Rachel’s character acts more like a spoiled teenager than a grown woman. She has a tantrum seeing her dad with another woman and runs away. She stopped an entire town’s celebration instead of dealing with her issues. Logan finally stands up to Rachel and tells her she is out of line. Her family tiptoed around her for too long. And it’s reflected in her childish behavior. Besides Rachel’s immaturity, the rest of the movie is comical and caring.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

You mean I didn’t take the news well – Rachel

I wanted to – Caroline

That’s enough, Rachel – Danielle

That I am still trying to figure out – Logan

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A Christmas Serenade – Review

A Christmas Serenade – OWN – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Jeremiah leaves the stage after Dante’s performance. Jeremiah wants to compose new music, but Dante likes his current sound. Jeremiah approaches Dante’s manager, Dominique, but Jeremiah has an airtight contract. He has to create the music Dante desires. Dominique tells Jeremiah they booked some small shows in between the larger gigs. The first stop is in Ad Ventura, Jeremiah’s hometown. He asks them to drop him off at home instead of the hotel.

Willow is late for choir practice, and her father, Bishop, isn’t happy. Willow knows he will be furious if he discovers she wants to try secular music. Willow’s friend, Grace, heard Dante is in town, looking for a backup singer for local tour dates. Willow wants to audition, but the Bishop would kick her out of the choir for not singing gospel music. Later, Bishop learns the minister of music is hurt. Willow thinks this is her chance to prove she can lead. However, Bishop overlooks her and chooses her ex-boyfriend, Jeremiah. He believes Jeremiah’s experience in the music industry will help the choir prepare for the Christmas Jubilee.

Jeremiah stands in front of the choir, but no one respects him. He asks Willow to speak privately. Willow doesn’t want to help him because she feels she should be in charge. Willow offers to assist Jeremiah if he can convince Dante to give her an audition. Jeremiah promises to talk to Dante. Jeremiah and Willow will find their paths in life, but will they lead back to each other?

This movie has the simple rom-com plot that viewers expect. Past lovers work together while one maintains a relationship-ending secret. So, the audience knows what to presume from Jeremiah and Willow’s relationship. You watch for the battle of the dads. Bishop and Jeremiah’s father, Stan, battle over Stan’s garden gnomes. Bishop thinks they are creepy and wants them gone. They will resort to stealing and surveillance before having a heartfelt conversation. These comic reliefs save the film.

I give it 3 out of 5 stars

Like I’m back where I belong – Jeremiah

Why would I change? I am amazing – Willow

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A Not So Royal Christmas – Review

A Not So Royal Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes

Charlotte works for Royal Gossip Entertainment and writes scandalous articles about royal families. She wants to branch out, so she pitches an idea to her boss, Tony, to discuss the royal history, but he says no. Tony wants juicy gossip, not a history lesson. Charlotte needs a raise because her relationship ended, and she can’t cover the rent. She asks Tony for an increase, but he says no. She can’t quit because she is on a work visa. Also, Charlotte worries reputable publications won’t hire her after working for RGE. Charlotte remembers no one has seen the Count of Sorhagen in years. They will have their annual Christmas celebration, and Charlotte believes he will make a guest appearance. She promises to get an interview. Tony says he will give her a raise if she does.

Adam works as a seasonal groundskeeper at the royal palace. He visited seven countries in 2 years to find something that interested him. Adam finds a gold medallion in the grass and takes it home. He shows the medallion to his mother, and she recognizes the crest. She demands he return it before the royal security assumes he stole it.

Adam enters the palace and waits for Sir Gustus, the advisor to the Count, to return. He plays the piano until then. Charlotte sneaks away from her tour and finds Adam playing the piano. Charlotte compares the picture of the young Count to Adam and concludes Adam is the Count. They startle each other. Adam stands, and the medallion falls out of his pocket. She recognizes the crest, and it confirms her beliefs. Gustus enters and demands their identities. Charlotte lies and says she works for Monarch Insider. Charlotte will release the photo if they don’t give her an interview with the Count. Gustus agrees to let her have an interview if she deletes the photo. He receives Charlotte’s information, and she leaves. The royal council tells Adam the truth. The Count abdicated the throne for love. They haven’t had a Count in years. They want Adam to pretend to be the Count to keep up appearances and do the interview with Charlotte. Can Adam and Charlotte keep up their lies as they fall in love with each other?

It’s customary that viewers get a royal story during the holiday. However, this one is different because Adam isn’t in the monarchy. He is playing a part. This change allows Adam to connect to the people and offer ideas to change the outdated rules. He helps the royal council understand that tradition should include the townspeople, not edge them out. Charlotte sees the error in tabloid journalism. She is good at her job but doesn’t want to be. It cost others pain for her to excel. It’s funny to see Charlotte and Adam trip over themselves throughout the unsurprising conclusion.

I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars

Remember, the less Count talk, the better – Gustus

Remember, there are no leagues – Adam

Can I get that in writing – Charlotte

What are you, Superman? You look the same – Jensen

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