| Table of Reviews |
|---|
Searching for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story – Review
Searching for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Regina Smith left her husband. She tells her mother that she and her daughter, Nikki, will stay with her friend, Ester. Regina turns on the radio and hears a public announcement. The police and fire department seek African American women to join the ranks. Regina signs up and takes basic training. After a grueling start, Regina passes the test and buys a home for her and Nikki.
The newspapers disparage the police officer for their handling of the crack epidemic and police brutality. So, the captain wants someone to do community outreach. He picks Regina and Eddie to meet with local business owners and townspeople. During their outreach, a store owner complains about the prostitutes across the street. Regina informs the owner they can’t do anything unless they catch the women soliciting. Eddie thinks arresting them is ridiculous because they will be on the street within 24 hours. However, Regina believes it will keep them safe for the night and provide a meal. Regina walks over to the prostitutes and recognizes a few of them. She collects their information and provides comfort.
Regina and Eddie continue to patrol the neighborhood. They find a crack house, and Regina grabs boards and nails to seal the home. Eddie argues with Regina about putting herself in danger, and they spot a body in the grass. Eddie checks the woman’s vitals. She’s dead. Regina recognizes the woman as one of the prostitutes from her neighborhood. She and Eddie wait for CSI to survey the area and ask them questions. The detective discovers the killer removed the woman’s eyes. Regina tells the detective that she wants to warn the other prostitutes, but the detective tells Regina to back down. After someone finds another body, Regina hopes the newspapers will report it. They dash her dreams when they bury the story. Regina refuses to let anyone hurt her girls. She vows to find the Eyeball Killer.
Lt. Regina Smith leads with compassion. She sees the world write these women off because of their profession and addictions. Regina takes time to converse with them and their pimps. She understands how a poor choice has a domino effect on someone’s life. Eddie’s character feels distant, but he grows. However, he warns Regina that her top priority is to return home. The movie discusses Regina’s and the killer’s backstories. However, this film doesn’t go into the gory details of the crime. It focuses on Regina’s work-life balance, investigative superpower, and love life. She and Eddie made the streets safer for all women.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Did you win – Nikki
A warning isn’t going to help these girls – Regina
You got a superpower, even if you don’t see it as one – Norman
This is above our pay grade – Eddie
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Trivia at St. Nick’s – Review
Trivia at St. Nick’s – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Astronomy professor Celeste rambles about the annual Christmas Trivia contest at St. Nick’s Bar to her teaching assistant, Ruby. Teams of 6 compete in a tournament over several days. The winner gets bragging rights for a year and The Stan Cup. Celeste’s team, The Quiz-mas Elves, enters and loses annually. This year, they have a ringer. Celeste’s crush, Richard, joined the team because he won Jeopardy twice. Celeste reminds him the group will meet tonight, and he requests a practice schedule.
Celeste meets with her team, comprised of her mother, music teacher Sherry, her friend Ashley, Ashley’s husband, Freddy, and history teacher Gary. They will sign up today. Before they enter, Richard runs in with astounding news. He is going to Asia tomorrow. Richard gives the team a study guide and leaves while Celeste panics. They must have six members for their team. Celeste runs around campus to find a replacement. She settles on Ruby. But other teaching assistants convinced Ruby to play and name their team We Came to Slay.
Football offensive coach Max enters St. Nick’s and asks to sit at their table. Celeste remembers Max as the rude, self-important buffet line jumper. She tells him no. The trivia game starts. The first question is about sports. Sherry runs over to Max, brings him to the table, apologizes for Celeste’s behavior, and pulls out a seat. Max answers the first question. After six questions, the team places third and wants him to stay. Celeste must get Max to take the tournament seriously because winning is her most important priority. However, Max wants Celeste to find the fun in winning. Can they change each other’s minds and hearts?
Celeste is a bit overzealous, but she loves trivia. She misjudged Max as a dumb jock who doesn’t care about the rules or studying. Max proves her wrong. He likes to win but knows that fun creates the best atmosphere for teamwork. Max believes Celeste is too tense. However, he sees she cares deeply about something and holds on. He falls for her competitive spirit as she embraces his winning edge. Hallmarkies will laugh at the Hallmark movie references. So watch and be ready to compete.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I would say I’m sorry I asked, but I didn’t – Ruby
Remember, studying is how I won Jeopardy twice – Richard
Sometimes, when you don’t have a plan, you have the most fun – Max
Not that he ever mentions it – Ashley
It’s another way to celebrate the big guy’s birthday – Celeste
Ashley’s got a secret – Freddy
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Who’s Stalking My Family – Review
Who’s Stalking My Family – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Ivy comes home and finds her daughter, Sadie, tutoring Colton in the kitchen. Ivy got the tenure position and wants to celebrate. She invites Colton to go with them and bring his mother, Angela. Colton thanks Ivy for her hospitality but rejects the offer because Angela’s hectic work schedule won’t allow it. Ivy understands, and Colton goes home.
Ivy drops off dry cleaning at her sister’s home. Her sister, Lily, doesn’t answer when Ivy yells. So, Ivy searches around the house. Lily’s husband, Pete, ransacked their bedroom before attacking Lily. Ivy finds Lily in the bathroom crying and convinces Lily to leave Pete. Lily stays with Ivy, and Ivy explains the situation to Sadie. Sadie understands because she never liked Pete.
Ivy leaves work, and Pete accosts her. He demands she tell Lily to take him back, but Ivy refuses. He grabs Ivy. Her co-worker, Leo, sees this and scares Pete away. Later, Ivy notices that Leo isn’t wearing his wedding ring. He understands his marriage is over and asks Ivy out on a date. Ivy accepts.
Ivy and Lily tease Sadie about her friendship with Colton. While Sadie says they are ‘just friends,’ Lily and Ivy think there is something more. Colton meets Sadie at school. He wants to meet her later for tutoring and to get forgotten items, but she has plans. Sadie gives Colton the code so he can get the things he forgot. Colton lets himself inside the home and cooks. He startles Ivy. She questions his presence but allows him to cook. Sadie returns and hangs out with Colton as Ivy goes on her date with Leo.
During Ivy’s date, she thinks she sees Colton in the background. She texts Sadie to uncover his location. Sadie says Colton left their house a while ago. Ivy meets with Angela to discuss Colton’s behavior. Ivy believes Colton has a crush on her, warns Angela, and updates Sadie. Angela understands Ivy’s concern, but Sadie is upset. She believes her mother is overreacting. Ivy’s uneasiness grows after someone kills her neighbor. Ivy has a stalker. Can Ivy uncover the truth before she becomes a victim?
Ivy isn’t another irrational damsel. She calls out poor behavior and uncomfortable situations. No one can appease her or make her feel crazy. She catches Sadie sneaking in after a date, calls out Pete’s abuse, and gives Leo a chance to explain a curious situation. She is an intelligent woman, and it shows. Sadie isn’t a brat but makes mistakes. When Sadie speaks ill of Ivy, Lily comes to Ivy’s defense. This film gives viewers several red herrings and a surprising culprit. This picture is entertaining for old-school Lifetimers.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Is it awful to say I’m glad – Sadie
I won’t – Colton
I was so scared – Lily
Don’t worry. This is never going to happen again – Ivy
So, this was your fault – Pete
You messed with a man holding a gun. What were you thinking – Angela
Find, shop for, and watch LMN movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Five Gold Rings – Review
Five Gold Rings – Hallmark Mystery – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Audrey sketches the pier as her grandmother, Molly, combs the beach for treasure. Molly finds a St. Nicolas pendant and shows it to Audrey. Audrey questions if Molly will sell the pendant in her antique store. But she won’t because it has an inscription that reads O’Sullivan. Molly wants to find the owner before Christmas and return it. Until then, Molly asks Audrey to put the pendant in the store’s secret hiding place. Then, Molly requests that Audrey’s mother, Kay, frame Audrey’s drawing. Molly declares Audrey will be a famous artist one day.
Today, Audrey lives in New York and paints while Kay handles the store. The lawyer finished reviewing Molly’s will, and Molly left the store to Kay and Audrey equally. Audrey hasn’t been to Springside in years. It’s tough to return after Molly’s passing. Until Audrey looks at her blank canvas and chooses to return to Springside to get inspiration and help Kay.
Audrey embraces Kay and looks around the store. Kay tells Audrey that Molly left her a message that reads, ‘Look in the secret spot.’ Audrey finds a note from Molly and reads it. When Molly got her stage four diagnosis, she went to the beach and uncovered five gold rings, like her favorite Christmas song. Molly wanted Audrey to find the owners of the five items before Christmas like Molly did every year. Audrey wants to fulfill Molly’s final wish but knows she will need help. Kay reminds her that Finn O’Sullivan owns a detective agency now. He remembers when Molly returned his pendant and would do anything to help. Audrey meets Finn, and he agrees without hearing the details. The pair has 9 days to find five owners, but will they uncover more?
There is nothing better than a heartwarming mystery during the holidays. Each owner has a special holiday memory attached to their item. And the mysteries aren’t easy to solve. They need to dig through records, speak to relatives, and do research to discover the owners and their stories. Some have heartbreaking memories, while others are funny, but they experience joy when they hold their lost item. The mystery will bewitch viewers so much that they will forget about the love story between Finn and Audrey. This story is beautifully written and perfect for the holiday season.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
It’s the loveliest Christmas gift I have ever received – Molly
Grandma and her specific instructions – Audrey
She’s still a short-sighted snob who cares more about silly awards than your grandma or I ever did – Kay
Of course, I can’t say no to this – Finn
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark Mystery movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Secrets Between Sisters – Review
Secrets Between Sisters – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Cassie apologizes to her husband, Steven, for her daughter’s bratty behavior. Cassie took away her daughter’s car earlier, but the restriction isn’t working. Cassie’s ex-husband, Lyle, thinks it’s time for their daughter, Ariel, to live with him. Cassie politely rejects his suggestion.
Cassie relaxes in the tub when she hears a noise. She investigates and gets startled by her sister, Miranda. Cassie sees Miranda’s black eye and asks Miranda if Rufus hit her. Miranda doesn’t want to elaborate on the abuse and questions Cassie about helping their brother, Kevin. Miranda begs Cassie to forgive and help Kevin. But Cassie says no because Kevin has a gambling addiction and refuses to seek help. Until he does, she will keep the inheritance their mother left them.
After a long day at work, Cassie returns home and catches Miranda giving Ariel beer. She forces Ariel to leave and scolds Miranda. Miranda apologizes and requests a girls’ night out. However, Cassie wants to rest. So Miranda goes out alone.
Ariel can’t find Miranda in the guest bedroom. Cassie texts Miranda but doesn’t get a response and goes to work. Kevin is waiting for her. She asks for Miranda’s whereabouts, but Kevin doesn’t know. He asks Cassie for money, but she says no. He breaks items in her office and retreats. Cassie returns home, and Steven files a restraining order against Kevin. Then, Steven uses his District Attorney position to have the police track Miranda’s phone. The trace leads the police to Rufus’s truck. They find Miranda’s phone inside with zero fingerprints. When Detective Andrews appears at Cassie’s doorstep, Cassie expects good news. However, Detective Andrews reports someone found Cassie’s remains in an alley. The culprit strangled Miranda to death. Cassie won’t wait for the police to uncover the truth. She will find it in a world of lies, texts, and sex clubs.
The title doesn’t match the movie’s plot, but the body count is high. With every step forward Cassie makes in the case, another person dies. The final fight scene is funny, but the plot is compelling. Viewers can guess who the murderer is, so you watch to prove you’re correct. Miranda was a complex woman who kept secrets from everyone in her life. And Cassie is a determined woman who laughs in the face of danger. This film won’t be a favorite, but it’s worth a rainy day watch.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Wow, and I thought Mom was the tough one. Guess I was wrong – Miranda
Good to know I have something to look forward to – Ariel
It’s a big deal to me – Cassie
Who wants some eggs? They’re super cheesy just like me – Steven
Relax. I’m sure she’s just doing her thing – Kevin
You know I’m not the enemy here, right? – Lyle
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Holiday Mismatch – Review
Holiday Mismatch – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Barbara’s friend, Yolanda, hired Barbara to work on the Christmas Committee for the Chamber of Commerce. Barbara retired from accounting but hid her retirement gift. Her husband, Mark, hopes the new job will give Barbara a new project. Barbara arrives at 9 a.m. for the committee’s first meeting, but no one is there. Nine minutes later, Kath Stone approaches with a cheerful attitude and keys. She explains the 9 a.m. time isn’t concrete. Two more members arrive later, and they give Barbara the ABCs of the committee. They attract people, boost business, and support charities with Christmas activities, ending with a Christmas ball. It doesn’t take long for rigid Barbara and relaxed Kath to rub each other the wrong way. However, Kath can’t fire Barbara because Yolanda, Kath’s boss, hired Barbara.
Kath embraces her daughter, Lauren, and voices her concerns. She’s worried Lauren focuses too much on work and will spend the holidays alone. So, Kath joined an app and input Lauren’s information. She thinks she has found the right guy for Lauren. Lauren promises to meet with the guy. If they don’t connect, Kath must leave her dating life alone. Kath agrees and tells Lauren about the new annoying committee member.
Barbara sees her son, Shane, digging through the garage. Shane hasn’t been able to commit to anything but his improv career. He owns and runs the local theater, but the cost is alarming. Barbara believes the right woman can help Shane focus on his business and personal life. Barbara used an app to find a woman for Shane. Shane agrees to see the woman. Then, Barbara tells Shane about the unorganized woman she met.
Shane overhears Lauren on the phone with her business partner. She plans to give him one hour and leave. Shane laughs and introduces himself. The two have a great time but know their mothers won’t relinquish control unless they find someone. So they decide to fake a relationship until the New Year. Shane can focus on the theater while Lauren can concentrate on her new business without interference from Barbara and Kath.
Shane and Lauren see each other at a Christmas market and introduce each other to their mother. Barbara and Kath can’t believe they set their children up on a date. When Shane and Lauren walk away, they admit that being in-laws will be horrible. So, they will break up Shane and Lauren’s relationship. Will their plan work before the fake relationship becomes real?
This movie is a joy to watch. Barbara and Kath are opposites. Barbara plays by the rules but feels aimless since retiring. So, she focuses on Shane and the committee. Kath can stand up to Barbara but shrinks at Yolanda’s demands. But joining forces to separate their kids allows them to see the method in the other’s madness. Like their mothers, Shane and Lauren bond over their differences. Lauren is goal-oriented and will do anything for her business to succeed. However, Shane backs out when things get complicated. He helps her loosen up while she encourages him to stand by the theater. Their love is easy and fun. This movie is funny and sweet.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
It doesn’t really matter now. The damage is done – Barbara
Not if I don’t see you first – Kath
You know what? I got a staple gun and a dream – Shane
Shane is not your project – Mark
You’re still on the app – Lauren
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Country Roads Christmas – Review
Country Roads Christmas – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Skye performs at a local coffee shop when the owner, Ryan, notices her talent. Ryan plays with them for a few songs before Skye leaves for work. Skye arrives at Alderson Records to meet her latest discovery, Sophie. Sophie hasn’t signed her contract yet, but Skye gives Sophie a social media strategy to gain fans and followers. Skye says goodbye to Sophie and relaxes at home. Then, Skye checks social media and sees Sophie singing for her followers. Skye knows her boss, Kelly, will be furious because Sophie is exposing her talent without a contract. Skye runs to the coffee shop to confront Sophie. Skye is surprised to learn that Sophie’s mom had Sophie sign with Focus Tone Records. They leave the establishment, and Skye returns to work. Kelly promptly fires Skye before Skye quits. Skye goes to the coffee shop with her box and updates Ryan. He admits he works for Focus Tone and signed Sophie. Skye exits in disbelief.
Skye interviews at every record company she knows, but no one hires her. Then, she gets a call from Ryan and meets with him. He is seeking a tour manager for his most famous client, Harris. She refuses because Harris is her father. She hasn’t had a relationship with him since he left her mother, Meg, for another artist. It broke up their family and their band. Skye gives in after conversing with Meg days later. Skye and Ryan meet Harris on his tour bus. He immediately says no, and Skye exits. Later, Ryan convinces Harris to give Skye a chance. Can time on the road heal wounds, create music, and inspire love?
This movie has sensational music to drive the storyline forward. However, there isn’t much to the story the viewers haven’t seen. The plot and conclusion are predictable. The film doesn’t require your full attention. The actors have stunning chemistry and mesh well vocally. The plot focused around Skye, Meg, and Harris is heartwarming and centers on fixing a broken family. This picture is for viewers who love holiday music and want to see a family heal.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Good luck with that. I quit – Skye
Everyone needs family – Ryan
He’s your father. You’ll find the words – Meg
It just seemed easier to have you mad at me than talk about the truth – Harris
Find, shop for, and watch UPtv movies on iTunes (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Our Holiday Story – Review
Our Holiday Story – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Joanna Facetimes her boyfriend, Chris, while she runs to catch the train. She had to catch a train later because her business meeting ran late. Chris is on her parent’s front porch waiting for Joanna to arrive. He doesn’t want to meet her parents, Dave and Nell, for the first time without her. Chris begs her to hurry home. He considers waiting at a local coffee shop until Joanna sees her parents staring at Chris from their window. Joanna warns Chris not to ask her parents one question. But before she can state the question, her phone dies. Nell and Dave open the door to greet him. Dave brings Chris’s luggage inside while Jonna extends her hospitality. Dave’s family was one of the founding families in Arbor and started the Arbor Christmas Festival. Chris sees the romance between the two and wonders if he and Joanna have the same connection. Chris asks how they met. Dave says it was fate, but Nell states determination. Both agree it’s a funny holiday story. And they gush while telling the tale.
Dave and Nell’s meeting was a Hallmark movie with meet-cutes, misunderstandings, and battles. The viewers know the result, so the journey is entertaining. Their story parallels Joann’s path home. She takes their ugly sweater train, stops at the fruit cake shop, and deals with miscommunication. Joanna considers if her relationship with Chris should continue moving forward. However, Nell and Dave’s story inspires Chris to tell Joanna he loves her. You will learn Nell and Dave’s love story while watching Chris and Joanna develop theirs. This telling of the typical romance is intriguing, unique, and funny.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Dave is running a little behind. In time, you’ll find that charming – Nell
No love story is boring – Dave
Why do you always catastrophize – Isidora
Well, someone has to be an adult – Joanna
You don’t know? – Chris
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Share this:
Categories: Bailey Chase, Beth Broderick, Blair Penner, Bo Yokely, Brant Daugherty, Caroline Rhea, christmas, Countdown to Christmas, Country Roads Christmas, Daniel Stine, Five Gold Rings, hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, Hateful and Grateful, holiday, Holiday Mismatch, Holland Roden, Jacob Kaufman, Jessica Morris, Karrueche Tran, Kate Watson, Kennedy Martin, Lanie McAuley, lauren holly, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Love Sundays, Made for TV, Miracles of Christmas, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, Muretta Moss, Nikki DeLoach, Noland Gerard Funk, Our Holiday Story, review, Ripped From The Headlines, Search for a Serial Killer: The Regina Smith Story, Secrets Between Sisters, Tammin Sursok, Ted Cole, Trivia at St. Nick's, tv review, UPtv, Warren Christie, Who's Stalking My Family
thatdarngirlmovie.reviews 