| Table of Reviews |
|---|
Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story – Review
Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
NOTE: This review will cover the movie only. The children of Ruby Franke do not condone, interview for, or receive proceeds from this film. They believe it further victimizes the Franke children. They ask people to disregard this film.
Darcy, like millions, watch Ruby Franke’s 8 Passengers YouTube channel. Ruby and her husband, Kevin, have six children and follow the teachings of the Mormon church. Ruby channel has 2.5 million subscribers. She created a brand that supports her family by promoting Ruby’s parenting techniques. Darcy shows friend Jodi Hildebrant some of Ruby’s videos. Jodi thinks Ruby and her family will be the perfect fit for her ministry. However, Darcy states that Ruby’s family has problems. Their eldest son, Chad, acts out, and the Frankes have issues in the bedroom. Jodi believes they are great candidates for her counseling and asks Darcy to make an introduction.
Jodi meets Ruby. Immediately, Jodi offers counseling for Ruby and Kevin’s marriage and with Chad. She believes Kevin has a sex addiction that plagues his relationship. Jodi suggests Kevin attend her men’s group for help. Ruby tells Kevin, but he is unsure. She informs him that the church elders highly recommend Jodi’s methods to their parishioners. Kevin will consider counseling to save his marriage.
Ruby posts about letting her daughter go hungry at school because she forgot to pack a lunch. As Ruby edits the post, Kevin declares he will attend the men’s group. Ruby praises Kevin. Then, she puts the video on YouTube. However, Ruby’s fans oppose Ruby’s actions and create an online petition to call child protective services. Ruby’s viewership declines, and angry watchers send threatening text messages. As Ruby posts more extreme punishments, her viewers revolt. Ruby doesn’t run to Kevin or her manager, Lyndsey, with her issues. She relies on Jodi. Ruby believes Jodi gets divine messages from God and follows her teachings without question. And Kevin complies with his wife. Ruby’s blind devotion will lead her youngest children to the depths of hell.
This film attempts to explain Ruby’s actions but mistakenly makes her and Kevin look like victims. Lifetimers won’t see Ruby as a manipulated woman once she hurts her children. Also, you will feel Kevin didn’t do enough to fight for his kids. A group member warned Kevin that Jodi was dangerous, and Kevin didn’t act soon enough. Ruby refused to see her life falling apart under Jodi’s influence. Ruby lost her business, money, and children within a few years. However, Ruby doesn’t see the dark side of Jodi’s ministry until it affects her. When Ruby is behind bars, she sees the error in rashly following someone, not when her children suffer. Ruby and Kevin are just as guilty as Jodi. This story will get under your skin and in your nightmares.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
How in God’s name did I get here – Ruby
I think they would be grateful – Jodi
It’s unconventional to me – Kevin
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Operation Nutcracker – Review
Operation Nutcracker – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lottie’s boss, Hilary, has exciting news. Erica Warby fired her event coordinator for the Warby’s Annual Christmas Charity Fundraiser. They will auction a rare Nutcracker, and its profits will go to the Children’s Hospital (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Erica remembers Lottie’s previous work and wants Lottie to interview. If Lottie seals the deal with Erica, Hilary will make Lottie the head of their new East Coast office. Lottie packs her green hard-shell suitcase and books a flight to Boston.
Tristan calls his sister, Dr. Juliet, and informs her he will be late. He gave his seat to a mother in need. Juliet warns him their mother, Erica, won’t be happy with his delay. However, Tristan promises to be home on time. Tristan opens his green hard-shell suitcase and examines the valuable Nutcracker inside. It’s safe and sound. Tristan bumps into Lottie, and they grab each other’s luggage. Tristan recognizes the error and fixes it. Tristan sees Lottie is nervous and inquires why. Lottie is a nervous flyer. And she has to give an impressive presentation. She discusses the fundraiser, but Tristan doesn’t tell Lottie his mother is Erica. Instead, he tells Lottie to lean into the Nutcracker ballet for inspiration. Tristan boards first, but the airline personnel forces him to check his bag, and the luggage tag unknowingly falls off (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Tristan and Lottie arrive in Boston, and he sees the pink tag on his suitcase. It’s Lottie’s, and they exchange again.
Lottie arrives at Erica’s home and drops her presentation notes. She gawks at a clean-shaven Tristan standing in the doorway. He invites Lottie inside and introduces her to Erica. Lottie takes Tristan’s advice, wows Erica, and gets the job. Tristan shows Lottie her office, and she asks to see the Nutcracker. Tristan opens the suitcase and finds a ballerina doll inside. It’s not his luggage. Lottie assures Tristan it doesn’t belong to her either. Lottie wants to tell Erica, but Tristan believes Christmas magic will save them. They call the airline, but the receptionist says they don’t have Tristan’s bag. They look through the bag and realize it belongs to a father named Dave. They have five days to locate Dave and get the Nutcracker before the event, but Erica can never learn it’s missing. Can Lottie and Tristan find Dave and the Nutcracker in time?
This cat-and-mouse game is a pure delight because viewers know how close Lottie and Tristan are to Dave and his family. Dave’s wife, Pam, is a florist, and they have one daughter, Joey. Dave promised Joey he would stop working and attend her ballet rehearsal and performance. When he answers the phone during decorating, Pam reminds him of his promise. Dave informs Pam about the sold-out doll he bought for Joey, but it’s not there. Dave has the expensive Nutcracker instead. However, he doesn’t know the value. You will cringe seeing Dave toss the artifact around and give it away. They are a few steps from each other during several scenes and have no idea. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats, wondering when Dave, his family, Lottie, and Tristian will meet. It’s hilarious. This film balances the right amount of heart, comedy, and magic.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
We have to stop meet-cute-ing this way – Lottie
Classic bag swap. Just like in a rom-com – Tristan
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
This Time Each Year – Review
This Time Each Year – Hallmark Mystery – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lauren and Kevin have been separated for a year while co-parenting their son, Charlie. Lauren brings Charlie to Kevin’s parents’ home to celebrate the holidays with his father’s side of the family. Charlie begs Lauren to stay. She relents but reminds everyone that it doesn’t mean reconciliation. Lauren relaxes with Charlie while Kevin goes through decorations with his brother, Bart. Kevin admits that he lost his job at the bar. The owner, Ron, felt the holidays would be too tempting for Kevin. Also, he thinks it’s time for Kevin to find a suitable occupation. Kevin asks Bart to keep it a secret from Lauren because he doesn’t want to disappoint her. All is well until Kevin’s mom spills his secret. Lauren can’t contain her surprise.
Lauren pulls Kevin aside. He admits to losing his job but assures her he will find another. He promises he hasn’t started drinking again. Lauren sighs. She confesses that she wants to sell their dream home. It’s been inhabitable for years. Lauren, a money manager, signed a bad deal and got a fixer-upper they couldn’t afford. Then, Lauren gets a call from her mother, Jane. Jane won a cruise and wants to visit the family early. She doesn’t know Kevin and Lauren are separated. Lauren pleads with Kevin to keep their secret and pretend to have an ordinary family Christmas. Kevin agrees with two conditions. First, they have to go to couples therapy. Kevin believes therapy helped with his drinking and thinks it will do the same for their relationship. Second, he wants to go on their annual date. Every year on December 22, Kevin and Lauren go on a date. Lauren agrees to keep the façade, but Kevin thinks it will rekindle a romance. Is he right?
Most Hallmark Mystery movies focus on the start of love, but this one begins at the end. Lauren and Kevin have actual problems with truthful results. Kevin, although the script never says alcoholism, lost his driver’s license for a year and his job. He consistently disappointed Lauren with his poor behavior. Kevin stumbles into the last family holiday photo in the opening sequence. Kevin isn’t the only person with mistakes. Kevin and Lauren deal with financial issues surrounding the ill-advised home purchase. Lauren receives late notices in the mail and dreads looking at the money pit. Money and addiction pull at the fragile thread of this relationship. However, viewers want them to work it out because the love exists. This Hallmark Mystery film is well-written, wonderfully acted, and beautifully directed.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Nobody’s back together – Lauren
Mom, can you please stay – Charlie
She’s still in love with you – Bart
It’s not fair to ask her to fix something I broke – Kevin
I can sleep when I’m dead – Joe
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark Mystery movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
A Nurse’s Revenge – Review
A Nurse’s Revenge – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Nurse Sharon completes her patient’s care when they get an emergency call. Four teenagers – Cassie, Braden, Tamera, and Scott – hit another teen, Todd, with their car. While the passengers and driver walked away with broken bones and scrapes, Todd died. Sharon enters Cassie’s room and questions Cassie about the accident. Cassie, with a hairline leg fracture, takes full responsibility. She admits that Braden was driving too fast during the accident. She wishes she stopped Braden, but they were having too much fun. Cassie wants a stern punishment for their careless mistake. Sharon exhales and exits Cassie’s room.
Braden, Tamera, and Scott visit Cassie because Cassie isn’t healthy enough to leave. Cassie tells her friends she wants to suffer the consequences, but Braden tells Cassie to keep mum. Braden’s father, Thomas, is a high-powered attorney. Thomas will ensure they get a slap on the wrist for their crimes. Cassie hates the idea, but her friends convince her to follow the plan. Sharon fumes as she overhears their conversation from the hallway. She purposely runs into Braden’s arm and tells him to watch himself.
Sharon follows the teens to the trial and listens to the judge’s verdict. He gives the teens 200 hours of community service and zero jail time. Cassie is disgusted, Tamera and Scott are relieved, but Braden is furious. Thomas tells Braden to accept the light sentence and complete the service. The alternative was a jail sentence. Sharon charges out of the courtroom and follows Cassie and Cassie’s mother, Diane, to Diane’s car to congratulate Cassie on the verdict. Cassie accepts with sorrow but states her idea of opening a scholarship to honor Todd. Diane expresses concern about finding care for Cassie so she can resume work. Sharon offers her services because, previously, the hospital cut her hours. Diane accepts and asks Sharon to report to their home tomorrow. Diane believes Sharon’s help will get Cassie on track. However, it’s step one of Sharon’s deadly plan.
This movie is a follow-the-killer story. Sharon goes on a delicious rampage, and you will cheer for her. She uses her medical expertise to take down Cassie’s friends one at a time. She worms her way into their lives and slowly drives a wedge between mother and daughter. Viewers mustn’t give up on Cassie. She is bright and witty. Cassie sees the writing on the wall and doesn’t let go. She won’t accept Sharon’s lies or Diane’s dismissive tone. She limps to interrogations and the crime scene. Cassie isn’t another bratty teen. She is a strong young woman with a purpose. And the plot circles back to the beginning, but you will see it coming.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I was just checking on you – Sharon
No, it’s ours – Cassie
Our life shouldn’t get ruined too – Braden
Dude, not cool – Scott
Just let him fix it – Tamera
Find, shop for, and watch LMN movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
The Life I Can’t Remember – Review
The Life I Can’t Remember – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
A woman wakes up in a hospital room with no recollection of who she is or how she got there. Her doctor, Barry, says she has amnesia but no brain trauma. Then, a man, Dean, barrels into the room to check on his wife, Emma. Emma doesn’t remember Dean, but Barry assures Dean that Emma’s memories can return over time. Dean understands because he is a therapist. Days later, Dean suggests Emma return home to help her memory but worries about overstimulation. So, Dean will take her to their remote cabin up north. Doctor Barry advises against removing Emma from the hospital but relents to Dean’s wishes. Dean brings their marriage certificate and ID to prove his identity and relationship. And the hospital discharges Emma.
Emma and Dean arrive at the cabin and settle in. He tells Emma she’s a freelance graphic designer whose parents died years ago. They don’t have children, and Emma doesn’t have siblings. She loves to paint and spend time with their friends, Terrence and Chloe. Dean gives Emma his phone to show her pictures, and she inquires about her cell. Dean offers to buy her one in town later. Then Detective Claire knocks at the door and asks to interview Emma. Witnesses say that Emma ran into the street, so Claire asks if Emma was attempting to hurt herself. Emma tries to remember before Dean cuts them off. He believes Claire’s questions are adding unnecessary stress and asks Claire to leave. Claire reports to her boss that something isn’t right about Dean. She ignored the signs in another case, and the woman died. She won’t ignore the signs again. And that’s good news for Emma because Dean is deranged and obsessed. He will have Emma to himself forever, unless Claire stops him.
This movie, like Dean, is unhinged in the best way. The plot settles holes in other stories because the doctor confirms Dean’s information. Dean’s word isn’t enough to check Emma out of the hospital. It’s too bad for Emma that Dean built it on lies. Some moments may seem unnecessary, but the writers bring them together at the end. And dedicated Lifetimers get a shovel to the face. While it’s not the best of Shocktober, it’s old-school Lifetime.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
You don’t remember me – Dean
I may not remember anything, but I’m not blind – Emma
Where were you the night your wife was hit – Detective Claire
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Scouting for Christmas – Review
Scouting for Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Brooklyn is tired of waiting for her mother, Angela, to pick her up from school. So, Brooklyn walks to the Sir Bakes-A-Bunch bakery to talk to her favorite baker, William. She texts Angela before picking a dessert. Angela runs inside and stares at William. Brooklyn introduces them before leaving for her scout meeting. Angela and Brooklyn arrive late, and Brooklyn’s den mother, Elizabeth, offers performative kindness to Angela because Angela is a single working mother. Angela rejects Elizabeth’s empty offers of help and requests an assignment for the Christmas Ball. Elizabeth gives Angela plates and silverware before making a condescending comment and leaving.
Brooklyn and Angela put up their Christmas tree, and Brooklyn admits she wants Angela to date. She doesn’t want Angela to be alone on the holidays. Angela assures Brooklyn she will be ok. Brooklyn FaceTimes her father, Dakota, in Peru. He can’t make it home for the holiday but promises to do something else later. Then, Angela tells her sister, Sarah, about Brooklyn’s request, and Sarah agrees. She commends Angela for marrying a single widower and adopting his daughter. However, Sarah believes Angela must move forward. Brooklyn pulls out a picture of her Christmas wish. It’s a drawing of William and Angela dancing at the ball. Brooklyn will scheme to get William and Angela to work together and fall in love. But is Brooklyn’s magic enough when Dakota returns to win Angela’s heart?
This movie is a typical rom-com with a war between working and stay-at-home moms. However, Elizabeth is the only mother giving Angela grief. She makes backhanded compliments and disguises her digs as ‘good for the scouts.’ However, Angela is very defensive and quick to anger. William offers sympathy, but Angela misunderstands and throws him out. His mother, Netta, encourages him to fight for the woman he adores. Brooklyn is a sweet and intelligent but nosy young woman. This movie predictably entertains this holiday season.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I would never want to overload your plate – Elizabeth
Don’t you want one – Brooklyn
I have everything I need right in front of me – Angela
A little romance can be a good thing – Sarah
The stress of being a single mom is not an insecurity – William
Sure you’re not mad? – Dakota
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Holiday Crashers – Review
Holiday Crashers – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Toni and her best friend Bri work for a printing company. Their boss, Gus, asks them to deliver a custom order to Ashford’s home because the driver got sick. Bri jumps at the opportunity and forces Toni to go with her. Toni and Bri arrive at the Ashford’s residence. Toni tells Bri to walk to the back, but Bri charges in the front and enters a pre-party. They sit the invitations in the foyer, and Bri mingles. Toni searches for Bri and bumps into Justin. Before Toni introduces herself, Bri interjects with a fake name for both of them. Toni and Bri leave before the house manager asks questions.
Toni brings lunch to her father, Lou, at his firm. She prepares the food while Lou takes a client’s call. His client broke an elbow because of a faulty seatbelt. The manufacturer, Skyline Motors, is dragging their feet, but Lou won’t relent because winning this case could put him in the big leagues. He hints that having Toni’s assistance will catapult his firm, but Toni says no.
Justin meets with his assistant, Sebastian, and legal counsel, Latisha, to discuss their upcoming merger. Justin wants to acquire Skyline Motors and entrust Latisha to oversee legal issues. Latisha doesn’t see any pending litigation and advises Justin to continue with the acquisition. Latisha leaves, and Sebastian catches Justin looking at party photos of Toni. Sebastian laughs and exits.
Later, Toni and Bri have a themed dinner at home. Toni contemplates the direction of her life. She graduated from law school but had a panic attack during the bar exam. She left her father’s law firm and got a job at the local printing company. Bri bounced from job to job to make ends meet but doesn’t have a set career path. Bri pulls out an invitation for a party. Toni recognizes it as an item from the shred pile. Bri accidentally, but on purpose, decided to keep the shred pile for herself. She loved crashing the pre-party and wants to crash more holiday parties. They can have fun, eat great food, and meet interesting people. Toni hesitates but agrees.
Toni and Bri arrive at the party, but Toni has second thoughts, confusing the valet, Vinny. Vinny knocks on the window when Toni stops and asks for the key. Toni and Bri enter the festivities, but Bri notices the poor layout. Toni waits for drinks when a man offers her champagne. To her surprise, it’s Justin. Toni and Bri continue with their fake names until Latisha enters the room and recognizes Toni from law school. Latisha mentions Skyline motors, and Toni interjects with information about the faulty seatbelts. Toni gives them an impressive legal maneuver to save them from litigation before, during, and after the merger, wowing Justin. Latisha’s water breaks before she can elaborate. Latisha suggests Toni act as counsel during her absence and review the merger documents during the company holiday retreat. Justin is happy to have Toni and invites Bri to come.
Toni wants to say no because acting like a lawyer without passing the bar is illegal. However, she never said she was a lawyer but would act as counsel. Bri begs Toni to take the trip because Bri has never had a paid vacation like this. Also, Vinny will be there. Toni agrees to go, but she will tell Justin the truth. However, she learns how he feels about liars and loses her nerve. Can Toni help Justin without losing him to her lies?
Bri and Toni are partners in crime. Toni can’t overcome freezing during the bar exam but doesn’t know her next step in life. Her worries don’t stem from her abilities but from watching people laugh at Lou and his advertisement. Bri has focused so much on surviving that she doesn’t know how to thrive. She doubts anyone outside of her bubble could ever love and accept her. Both women need each other to shine, so they lean on and encourage one another. Unlike other holiday movies, this film doesn’t magically make things better. It takes time for Toni to prove herself after a mountain of fabrications. This movie is wise and funny.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
You almost were – Bri
We aren’t even the help. We are delivering to the help – Toni
Nobody likes caviar, Toni – Justin
You think I’m a joke – Lou
Just be better next time – Mrs. Andretti
Hello, Sundar – Vinny
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Share this:
Categories: A Nurse's Revenge, Alison Sweeney, Ashley Newbrough, Carissa Murray, Carlo Marks, Chris McNally, Christopher Russell, Countdown to Christmas, Daniella Monet, Emilie Ullerup, Gabriel Pranter, hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, Heather Locklear, Holiday Crashers, Jag Bal, Kristina Clifford, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Lyndsy Fonseca, Made for TV, Miracles of Christmas, Morgan Bradley, Mormon Mom Gone Wrong: The Ruby Franke Story, movie, Niall Matter, Operation Nutcracker, review, Ripped From The Headlines, Scouting for Christmas, Shocktober, Tamera Mowry-Housley, The Life I Can't Remember, This Time Each Year, Tryphena Wade, tv review
thatdarngirlmovie.reviews 