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Christmas at Plumhill Manor – Review
Christmas at Plumhill Manor – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Mr. Calvaux marvels as Margot convinces investors to tear down a historic site for luxury highrises. He celebrates her achievements at the company holiday party. Margot sees this as the next step to becoming a partner at the architecture firm. Margot exits the party early and sifts through her holiday cards. She finds a comical one from her mother and calls her. Margot informs her mother that she will arrive in Fort Lauderdale on December 23rd. Margot walks home during their phone conversation and runs into a man, James, in her building’s lobby. James worked for her aunt Victoria. Margot says her mother doesn’t have siblings. James explains that Victoria was her dad’s sister. Victoria left her estate to Margot, her only living heir. Margot can decide to keep or sell it but must live in it for 7 days. He gives her a bottle of wine and a plane ticket for tomorrow. Margot protests, but her mother tells her to go. Margot considers going while drinking the wine. She peels the label and reveals a poem. She calls out of work and tells Mr. Calvaux about the manor.
Margot arrives at the airport and meets James. He introduces Margot to her liaison, Jackie. He won’t be staying at Plumhill Manor with Margot. Jackie drives Margot to the manor, and Margot admires the construction. Margot sees the groundskeeper, Alfie, outside. Later, Jackie takes Margot to the local pub. Margot meets Alfie and tries his plum cider. She stands in awe because he crafts it at Plumhill Manor. She asks Alfie about it, but Alfie doesn’t want to elaborate. He’s seen Margot’s history of demolishing old buildings and making trendy architecture. He assumes she will do the same thing to Plumhill Manor. So, he chooses to disregard her.
Jackie MCs a trivia game and puts Margot and Alfie on opposite teams. Alfie beats Margot and wins a bread pudding class for both of them. Jackie believes their time together can change Margot’s heart towards the Manor and Alfie’s feelings toward Margot. However, Mr. Calvaux can’t wait to get his hands on the property to expand his company. Will Jackie’s plan work before Mr. Calvaux convinces Margot to replace Plumhill Manor?
This movie follows the typical romance movie format. Margot excels at work but is unknowingly unhappy. She revels in removing eyesores and doesn’t see their historical value. When her family name is on the line, she has second thoughts. Margot notices the quirks give Plumhill Manor its charm. She follows Victoria’s scavenger hunt and finds the hidden gems around the property. Alfie is in love with the manor. He can’t stomach the thought of destroying the building. Alfie realizes that ignoring her won’t inspire Margot. Instead, he shows her what it means to the townspeople. They fall in love as they learn. Mr. Calvaux is not a viable threat, but taxes are. This movie is a solid start to the 2024 Lifetime Holiday Schedule, but it’s not a favorite.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Her last name may be Stone, but she is a gem to us – Mr. Calvaux
You seem befuddled – James
That’s absurd – Margot
Wish I could say the same – Alfie
Take a drink if you get a question right. Take a drink if you get a question wrong. And by all means, if you get thirsty – Jackie
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Christmas with the Singhs – Review
Christmas with the Singhs – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Nurse practitioner Asha Singh works the Christmas shift in the ER. Her parents, Samuel and Nirmila, love the holiday but understand their daughter has to work. Samuel proudly shares that he won the annual decorating contest again. Asha smiles and checks on her next patient.
Jake finishes his interview and calls his dad, Jake Sr. They talk about eating takeout during the holidays. Then, Jake phones his mother, Molly. She won the gingerbread competition this year. Molly is excited to see her son and get his help during Christmas. Jake sees a woman with packages and offers to help during his phone call. The packages are heavy. Jack slips on ice, falls, hurts his wrist, and goes to the ER.
Jake and Asha meet and recognize each other. In the past, Jake was well-known in school. Now, Asha is surprised that he remembers her. Jake and Asha go out for dinner. She confesses that she passed the MCAT but didn’t tell Samuel because she wanted to be a nurse practitioner instead of a doctor. They joke about their families’ obsession with Christmas. They can’t deny their connection.
Nearly a year later, Jake and Asha meet at the same restaurant and joke about their families. Jake gets on bended knee and proposes. Asha says yes. Asha mentions getting Samuel’s blessing as they walk home, and Jake admits he didn’t. He thought it was an outdated tradition that didn’t matter. Asha knows Samuel will not be happy. So they create a tight schedule to visit each other’s families during the holidays and get Samuel’s blessing. Jake and his family will have a memorable Christmas with the Singhs, but will their relationship survive?
Samuel has no chill when it comes to his daughter. Jake started on the wrong foot with this family, and his parents don’t help. Also, the families were competing for years and never knew it. So, this new relationship brings up old wounds. Jake and Asha’s relationship feels the most impactful when neither family will compromise and force them to choose. Viewers’ frustration will grow when Asha straddles a tightrope between her family and relationship. You hope she will stand up to them, but you must understand that she has cultural pressure. With the arguing, the script is humorous and quotable. Watch this one with the family.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Spoiler alert: the ice always wins – Asha
Every family has its quirk – Jake
Sir, will be just fine – Samuel
Leave them on – Jake Sr.
Oh, please call me Mom – Molly
Yes, he’s beautiful – Ravi
I guess you can have his eggs then – Nirmila
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The Woman with My Face – Review
The Woman with My Face – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Writer Anya and her daughter, Mia, move after Anya loses her job and marriage. Anya tries to make the change positive, but Mia isn’t receptive. Anya settles into life and visits the library to search for article topics and references. She notices a man following her around and leaves. He catches up to her and calls her Sarah. Anya says her name isn’t Sarah, and the man, Joseph, can’t believe it. He shows Anya a picture of his wife, Sarah, and they look identical. Joseph introduces Anya to librarian Sarah, and it’s unbelievable to them. They have the same birthday and were adopted. Later, the test confirms that they are identical twins. Anya shares this information with a local news correspondent, Harper, but Sarah hates being on public display. Sarah and her mother, Willa, haven’t spoken. So, she wants to maintain a healthy distance. Anya states that she wants to look into their adoption and separation. After the interview, a reporter, Peter, bumps into Anya. She finds a note in her bag later. The note warns her to stay away from the investigation. Anya decides to ignore it, but that’s a mistake. Someone has a deadly secret to hide, and they will kill to keep it.
This movie is a slow burn with a compelling killer. However, the plot moves at a snail’s pace and bores you before it gets to the exciting part. Anya, Sarah, and Mia have terrible survival instincts. The lead actress did a great job separating Anya from Sarah. They had different mannerisms and voice inflections. The final reveal will surprise you if you keep watching. But the final fight is lackluster.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
I have got to show you something – Joseph
You lied to me – Sarah
This is something I have to do on my own – Anya
Mom, aren’t you happy – Mia
Suit yourself – Harper
I’m only trying to help you okay – Peter
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A Reason for the Season – Review
A Reason for the Season – Hallmark Mystery – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Elizabeth’s presentation for her company, Lane Cosmetics, didn’t go well. She drives down the snowy road and rubs her baby bump. She promises the girl inside of her to make things better for them. As she contemplates baby names, Elizabeth gets a searing pain. She pulls over at a local diner and begs the patrons for help. The unofficial town council is inside. The proprietor, Jake, Sheriff Claire Bedford, Fire Chief Roy, aspiring lawyer Jason, and Dr. Kate Austen help Elizabeth to the table. Kate assures Elizabeth that she’s delivered over 100 babies, and Elizabeth’s baby will be born on Christmas Eve.
Elizabeth names her baby girl Evie. Jason grabs a camera to commemorate the moment and takes two Polaroids (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Kate takes the baby for a routine checkup. She realizes the baby has an obstructed bowel and needs surgery.
Thirty-five years later, Elizabeth gives a seminar to inspiring businesswomen and tells them the story of Evie’s birth. She wants to encourage them to strive for business success and philanthropy. Then, she calls Evie to the stage. Embarrassed, Evie joins Elizabeth on stage.
Later, Evie and Elizabeth go to lunch. Elizabeth believes her fortune made life too easy for Evie. Evie doesn’t appreciate the things money can’t buy. So, Elizabeth puts a condition on Evie’s trust fund. Elizabeth reminds Evie of the night she was born. Not only did the people in the diner help, but they covered their medical expenses. Evie has to find the people in the photo and grant them a Christmas wish. However, she must keep her identity a secret. Evie can keep her inheritance if she grants their wishes by Christmas Eve, her birthday. Otherwise, it will go to a charity of Elizabeth’s choice.
Evie arrives in Brookswood, and the townspeople notice the strange traveler. She checks into the local B&B under the name Mary Dawson. She tells the owner, Evelyn King, about needing a helping hand to locate the people in the image. Evelyn knows the best person for the job is the town’s lawyer, Kyle. He helped Evelyn declare her B&B as a historical site to elevate her taxes. Evie walks to the community center and calls Kyle’s name. He assumes she is there to reduce his team’s rink time and informs her that his team has a right to be there. Evie gives him her cover story, and Kyle says no. He believes her generosity is misplaced. She shows him the photograph, and Kyle knows everyone in the picture. He agrees to help if she doesn’t throw her money around. Evie will learn the reason for the season through the warm, kind, and giving nature of Brookswood.
Brookswood is a town that understands the beauty of being good-natured, for goodness’s sake. They pay things forward, have a Christmas swap, and a three-strike Sherrif. They are honest to a fault, and their news travels quickly. As Evie talks to people, she learns more about her birth, Elizabeth, and everyone involved. They help everyone but have difficulty expressing their needs and wants. Often, Evie has to beg for their wish. However, most of their wishes help others. And one wish comes full circle and shines a light on budding love. This movie has an endearing life lesson.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
You need to be strong for your baby – Dr. Austen
Thanks, Mom – Evie
The act of giving is a powerful tool – Elizabeth
Are you this delightful with everybody, or do I bring out the best in you – Kyle
If that isn’t a Christmas miracle, I don’t know what is – Jack
You ask a lot of questions. Are you doing a true crime podcast or something – Claire
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‘Tis the Season to Be Irish – Review
‘Tis the Season to be Irish – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Rose successfully finishes another flip. Her business partner wanted Rose to consider buying the home, but Rose never laid down roots. She purchases a house, lives in it, upgrades it, and sells it. Her only constants are a storage unit and a box of items. Inside are photos of her mother’s trip to Ireland. Rose’s mother described Ireland as magical and wanted them to visit. But she died. Rose’s partner starts looking up Ireland and sees several cottages for sale at a low price. Rose says it’s a scam. The homes are too damaged, or the townspeople can’t afford them. Rose changes her mind when she sees a cottage for 10,000 euros. She calls the realtor, Sean, but he has another buyer. Rose offers more money, but Sean won’t budge. For Sean, it’s not about price but people. Later, Sean caves but warns Rose to read the fine print.
Rose arrives in Ireland and unknowingly runs into Sean. He offers her a ride, but she won’t take the gesture from strangers. Rose approaches the cottage after Sean, and he laughs at her expense. She walks to the home, and her jaw drops. The photo on the website was several years old. The home needs a new everything. Sean says she can’t flip the house because ‘flippers’ price out the locals. Also, she has to work with the historical society to ensure the house maintains Irish values. And the home must be Rose’s primary residence. Rose takes a deep breath and asks to meet the head of the historical society. It’s Sean. Sean won’t make this flip easy. However, Rose finds something she could never buy: roots and love.
This film starts entertaining when Rose and Sean meet, but the plot slows as it adds more townspeople. The writers wanted Rose to make decisions based on everyone, not only love. However, these people aren’t integral to the story. It bores the audience. This movie changes from whimsical to a potential heart-tugger. However, you won’t care. The plot should have focused on the comedy behind flipping the house.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Way to make an insult sound festive – Rose
Take a beat and read the fine print – Sean
That wasn’t a question – Mary
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Christmas in Rockwell – Review
Christmas in Rockwell – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Jake changes the theater’s marquee to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Holly’s Puppy Christmas. The Christmas classic was filmed in Jake’s hometown, Rockwell, and launched Alyssa’s career. Alyssa, a Rockwell native, and her mother, Jenny, soon left for Hollywood. Alyssa had a successful TV career but failed to transfer her magic to the movies. Jake’s mother, Juniper, hopes Alyssa will accept their invitation and join the theater for the anniversary because it needs repairs. Without updates, the theater won’t last another year. Juniper gives Jake flyers to hand out around town.
Alyssa arrives at a hotel in Rockwell with a Christmas to-do list. After her last movie flopped, she wanted to leave Hollywood and celebrate a traditional Christmas like before they moved. She wants to accomplish it without anyone spotting her. She discreetly checks into the hotel and calls Jenny. Jenny, Alyssa’s mom-ager, wants Alyssa to return to LA and consider the reboot. But Alyssa says no. Alyssa walks around the hotel and bumps into Jake. He recognizes her but stays mum. He takes Alyssa to the local theater, and she loves it. Later, Jake offers to help her with the list but doesn’t mention the theater’s financial issues. He doesn’t want Alyssa to think he is using her. Alyssa connects with her past and future as they cross off her list. She finds love and the truth.
Alyssa isn’t a diva starlet. She has a kind heart. But in the past, Alyssa missed a lot. She didn’t ice skate, make a snowman, or start a fire. Alyssa desires the authentic holiday experience she displayed on TV shows. Jake knows Alyssa because he was in the movie with her as Elf #7. She was compassionate to him, although Jake had a small part. He developed a crush on the woman she dreams of being. While Jake does keep quiet about things, it doesn’t feel like a secret. He wants to protect her from users and give her someone she can trust. This movie is sweet but doesn’t require your absolute attention.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Where’s that eternal optimism now – Juniper
You’re a real hero – Alyssa
Do you do your own stunts – Jake
It is my job to manage – Jenny
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Santa Tell Me – Review
Santa Tell Me – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Sisters Olivia and Darcy wrote letters to Santa. Olivia wished for a dollhouse with a red ribbon and to know her true love’s name. On Christmas day, she got the dollhouse but not a name. Twenty-five years later, Olivia is an interior designer on a successful network. The plan is to style a house and do a live unveiling over three weeks. Olivia’s boss, Jacqueline, calls Olivia to her office while Olivia double-checks the plan with the staff and film crew. The network wants to give Olivia a show. However, they have concerns about the pace. So they hired a producer, Chris, to help. Chris produces a show called Model House. Olivia quietly scoffs because it centers around supermodels. Olivia begrudgingly accepts the plan and leaves to work from home. She jumps in the waiting rideshare and tells him to drive her home. Olivia airs her grievances to the driver during the trip. He parks, but Olivia realizes she is at her childhood home and Chris is her driver. She got in the wrong car.
Chris exits the car, and Olivia follows. He wants Olivia to connect deeper to her project to gain more fans. So, he picked her childhood home instead of her designated location. The house has been uninhabited for years. Olivia doesn’t think they can complete the repairs in time for the reveal. He says they can film most of the work around the clock and finish on time. Olivia sighs, agrees, and leaves. She runs to Darcy’s and gives Darcy an update. Darcy wants to see their old home. They return and walk around while sharing memories. Then, they see a glow coming from a vent. They find a letter and the words that magically appear. It’s from Santa and states Olivia’s true love’s name is Nick.
Olivia gets coffee at a café, but a man mistakenly grabs her drink because they order the same beverage, ‘A Hot Mess.’ He gets his coffee and writes his number on it. Olivia reads his name on the cup, Nick A. Olivia laughs and walks down the street while talking to Darcy on the phone. She bumps into a man and spills coffee on him. Olivia has a sweater Darcy has made and gives it to him. To her surprise, it fits the man perfectly. They flirt, and he puts his number in her phone. His name is Nick B. Olivia gathers her thoughts and walks into the street without looking. A man grabs her and pulls her to safety as a truck darts past them. His name is Nick C.
After a contentious meeting with Chris, Olivia tells Darcy about the three Nicks. Olivia is unsure about which Nick is in Santa’s letter. So Olivia texts them all for a date. They all reply yes. Olivia reviews the letter again, and it changes. She will lose her soulmate forever if she doesn’t pick the correct Nick by Christmas Eve. Will Olivia find her soulmate?
This movie is hilarious. Olivia has three typical Hallmark meet-cutes in a row. Each Nick is handsome, successful, and charming. Olivia’s choice won’t be easy. Especially after she uniquely injures each Nick. When these three meet, it will go viral. Experienced Hallmarkies will know where the script’s going as Chris and Olivia spend more time on their project. However, the journey is worth the wait. And the final kiss will spark holiday joy. Be prepared to keep this film on your DVR.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
It’s real – Olivia
I told you this wasn’t a rideshare – Chris
You nearly got run over by a reindeer – Nick C.
Sometimes falling is the best part – Nick A.
My sister absolutely loves everything you can do with your hands – Darcy
Why would I want to go anywhere when I got everything I need right here – Nick B.
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Categories: 'Tis the Season to Be Irish, A Reason for the Season, Anuja Joshi, Benjamin Ayers, Benjamin Hollingsworth, christmas, Christmas at Plumhill Manor, Christmas in Rockwell, Christmas with the Singhs, Christopher Russell, Countdown to Christmas, Daniel Lissing, Donny Boaz, Eion Macken, Erin Krakow, fiona gubelmann, hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, Hateful and Grateful, holiday, Its A Wonderful Lifetime, Kevin McGarry, Kurt Szarka, Kyle Pryor, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Love Sundays, Made for TV, Maria Menounos, Miracles of Christmas, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, Nicole Marie Johnson, review, Santa Tell Me, Sheila McCarthy, Stephen Huszar, Taylor Cole, The Woman with My Face, Trish Stratus, tv review, UPtv
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