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Three Wiser Men and a Boy – Review
Three Wiser Men and a Boy – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Luke stands in front of the mirror to say his daily affirmations, but his son, Thomas, interrupts him. Fire Chief Luke wishes himself a happy 42nd birthday and exits the bathroom. Luke’s wife, Sophie, goes through her checklist before leaving. She will be at a week-long conference. Luke and Thomas will be alone for the first time in years. Luke assures Sophie he has everything under control.
Stephen gives an interview for his first book about human behavior. He overcame his anxiety and wrote a book to help others. The radio hosts make pathetic jokes, but Stephen keeps his cool. After the interview, Stephen catches up with his girlfriend, Susie. He has flowers for her and treats for her dog. She admires Stephen’s growth and praises him. Stephen kneels during their conversation, and Susie gets excited—until she realizes he is tying his shoe and not proposing. She tampers her disappointment, and Stephen kisses her.
Taylor created a video game company. He video calls with a potential investor. Taylor prepares to lay the groundwork for a partnership, but the investor wants to buy and produce the game. Taylor isn’t interested in ‘selling out.’ He says no and returns to his apartment. Taylor avoids the landlord but finds an eviction notice on his door. His landlord gives Taylor a week to move his things.
Taylor, Stephen, and Luke join a video call with their mother, Barbara. She wants her sons to come to her home for dinner and a surprise. They agree to come, but she refuses to give them a hint. Then, Luke remembers he forgot to bring cookies for Thomas’s rehearsal and asks one of his brothers to get them from his home. Both refuse until a woman grabs the sign behind Taylor. Taylor tries to turn off his camera, but they see he is in a coffee shop, not an office. Taylor says he will get the cookies.
Taylor arrives with store-bought cookies and gives them to Thomas to distribute. The director brushes Taylor off, but Taylor doesn’t care. He is hyper-focused on the piano player Caroline. She plays his video game while sucking on a candy cane. Taylor questions her about the game, and Caroline gives a backhanded compliment about the graphics. Taylor is in love. Stephen arrives with Thomas’s altered costume. He expects a thank you, but the overworked director’s response is lukewarm. Stephen pulls Taylor away from Caroline while making a joke. Then Stephen bumps into an object and causes a chain reaction of catastrophe. He ruined the costumes and sets. Luke arrives to pick up Taylor and catches the director breaking down. The director quits.
Taylor, Stephen, Thomas, and Luke arrive at Barbara’s home. She reveals that she joined a dating app and met Pastor Roy. They have dated for a while, and Barbara wants them to meet. They are unhappy with the new addition but sit for dinner. Barbara discusses the joy she feels having her sons under one roof again. Taylor conjures an idea. He thinks they should stay with Barbara for a week as a gift. He says it under the guise of protecting her, but unknown to them, Taylor needs a place to stay. They agree. Taylor moves into the basement, which is Barbara’s knitting room. Stephen walks to Barbara’s guesthouse, which she uses for storage. They run to Luke’s old room but find it hasn’t changed. Later, Luke gets a call from Thomas’s principal, Mr. Decker. He wants to meet with the brothers.
Later, the brothers sit in Decker’s office and can’t believe their old principal is still alive. Mr. Decker reprimands them for destroying the sets. During his years at the school, Mr. Decker’s students put on a winter pageant. He refuses to let this year be different. Pastor Roy recommended the brothers take over as the director. Stephen and Taylor want to say no, but Luke explains how much Thomas cares about the pageant. They relent and vow to produce the best pageant the school has ever seen. Can they get it done without killing each other?
The boys are back! This sequel surpasses its predecessor, but you should watch the first movie before the second. It’s funnier and more profound. The brothers are growing but have setbacks. Luke has difficulty balancing family and work without Sophie. Taylor struggles with work and love, while Stephen gives advice based on lies. Thomas is a sweet boy who keeps the men grounded. Barbara struggles because her sons can’t imagine her dating. But she won’t let them stop her from living life. Every character grows while maintaining their bond. The script lets viewers know that people can change and their families should allow and encourage healthy growth. Hallmarkies will keep this movie on their DVR all year round while looking forward to part three.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
This is not in the spirit of Christmas – Luke
That’s a fun noise – Stephen
Thomas, I love you times a million – Sophie
And Christmas was saved – Thomas
That hurts. Why do I like that – Taylor
Who even are you anymore – Susie
I love doing these zoomings – Barbara
You’re the weirdest guy I’ve ever met. Don’t ever change – Caroline
It feels like we are losing the spirit of Christmas – Roy
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Christmas on Call – Review
Christmas on Call – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Dr. Hannah Williams finishes her rounds for the evening when EMT Wes brings in another patient. He gives her a synopsis of the patient information, and Hannah saves the person’s life. Hannah goes home, and her neighbor, Mrs. Martino, gives her a manicotti. It’s the Philly way. Mrs. Martino worries about Hannah being alone for the holiday. Hannah sits at her table and calls her father. He encourages Hannah to explore the city and get away from the hospital.
Wes motivates the rookie, Julia, so she can stop second-guessing her abilities. Fire Chief Anderson enters the room and gives everyone their duties. The most important is to make sure he remembers his daughter’s recital. She has the lead this year. Anderson missed the last 3 years, and he must make this one. The team agrees. Then Wes’s cousin, Officer Danielle, arrives with her partner, Officer Sanjay.
Danielle and Sanjay shared a New Year’s kiss but never saw each other afterward. He says she ignored his messages, but she states he ghosted her. They must work together after Sanjay’s partner had an unexpected leave of absence. Now, they have to put their issues aside for their job. Luckily, they have enough crazy calls to distract them.
Nurse Emerson calls her daughter, Chloe. Chloe is in the military and stationed overseas. Emerson wishes Chloe could come home for the holidays but respects her service. Chloe catches Emerson up on her activities, but the call disconnects. Emerson returns to her matchmaking duties. She catches Wes and Hannah conversing in front of her desk and states they are both single. Wes plans to show Hannah the Christmas side of Philly. These people are all on call for Christmas.
This ensemble movie is 911 for the holiday with less drama (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Every first responder has a connection to the other, and they have an unbreakable bond. Danielle and Sanjay have a romantic past, but the flame died before it started. They have to deal with other’s conflicts while their tension rises. Emerson and Chloe miss each other but understand the distance. Hannah and Wes fall in love while dating someone with the same hectic schedule. This group needs each other and the city to have the life they want. And you will love watching it happen for all of them. This film has the potential to be a yearly series.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
You were very thorough – Hannah
Don’t even start – Wes
He likes me. He really, really likes me – Sanjay
I am always listening – Emerson
Good night, handsome – Mrs. Martino
What if we get overwhelmed – Julia
I’m really happy for you – Danielle
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My Mother Stole My Life – Review
My Mother Stole My Life – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Susan finishes work early and drives home. She calls her husband, Cliff, but he’s not at work. She arrives home, and Cliff’s there but won’t let her inside. Susan assumes he’s inside with another woman. Cliff explains this isn’t the case. Then, Susan sees a man’s legs on her living room floor. She demands to know what happened. Cliff says someone came to hurt him, and that person is dead. However, the people who set the man will go after them. Cliff tells her to walk away and leave everything behind because her life is in danger. Susan walks away without her phone or car.
Natalie arrives to talk to her estranged mother, Susan, but Susan isn’t home. She runs into Cliff in the driveway. Natalie asks for Susan’s whereabouts, and Cliff assumes Natalie is there for money. However, Natalie is ready to mend fences after 2 years of no communication and celebrate Susan’s birthday. Cliff says Susan went on vacation, but Natalie doesn’t believe him. Susan’s car is there, and Natalie sees blood on Cliff’s wristband. She fears the worst.
Later, Natalie breaks into Cliff’s home. She finds Susan’s phone and blood. This evidence confirms Natalie’s suspicions. Natalie goes to her friend, Luke, and updates him on the situation. He wants to help, but Natalie tells him to wait. Natalie then asks her uncle Tom to help her get more clues for the police. During their search, the credit bureau alerts Natalie. Someone used her information to open a credit card and post office box. Susan could be alive and using Natalie’s information. Can Natalie find the truth behind her stolen life?
Seriously! Everyone should know that running from a crime you didn’t commit makes everything worse for yourself. Luckily, Susan walks to a town with sympathetic women. Martha and Imani help Susan get a fresh start because they had to leave their lives behind. They help her earn money, find lodging, and purchase clothing. Natalie refuses to give up. Even though Cliff tries scare tactics and guilt. Natalie sees through his lies but doesn’t see the bigger picture. And neither will the audience. The movie seems aimless because the monologue holds most of the plot. Lifetimers should skip this movie unless they need background noise.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Why can’t I go into my own home – Susan
Let me handle it – Cliff
Don’t try to make me feel bad, okay? You’re not my dad, you don’t get a say – Natalie
You keep in mind a credit card is a breadcrumb – Martha
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A Novel Noel – Review
A Novel Noel – Hallmark Mystery – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Book editor Harper asks her boss, Nancy, for a 1-month sabbatical. Harper lost her passion for books. The publisher rushed a book release that Harper didn’t fully support. While the books are a hit, the third didn’t get the widespread acclaim the previous books did. Nancy agrees to give Harper the time off. Harper’s friend, Jazz, asks Harper what her plans are. Harper has no clue until she gets a notification. Months ago, Harper signed up for Christmas in a bookstore. The winner gets to live in an apartment above the store rent-free if they work in the store. Jazz thinks it’s a sign, and Harper chooses to go but won’t tell people her occupation.
Harper arrives at The Book Cabinet and meets the owner, Sowyer. Harper questions why the bookstore has more wine than books. Sawyer explains they had to pivot like many brick-and-mortar establishments. Harper wants to implement some ideas, but Sawyer says no and shows her to her apartment. Harper settles into her new home and pulls out a gift from her best friend, Kimberly. Kimberly created a holiday bingo card with several tasks for Harper to complete before Christmas. Harper laughs at the list but wants to complete it.
Harper gives Sawyer a few more suggestions after helping customers, but Sawyer isn’t receptive. Then Harper overhears Sawyer’s conversation. His parents want to sell the bookstore. They knew running the business wasn’t his dream. Sawyer dreamed of being a writer but went to business school. He believes they are selling the store to force him to find his dream.
Sawyer’s friend, Joyce, invites Harper to the reindeer games. Sawyer takes Harper. He warns her that he’s won for several years. Harper takes this as a challenge and makes a side bet. He has to take her suggestions if she wins. Otherwise, he can continue to ignore her. Either way, Harper wants to lend her expertise to his manuscript. She will be his guiding light while he helps her cope with pain and guilt.
This plot is different because Harper’s job isn’t the big reveal. She tells Sawyer and her friends the truth when she decides to help Sawyer. Also, Sawyer opens up about his parents selling the bookstore. Sawyer and Harper communicate well and learn to listen to each other. The writers didn’t have the main characters reveal their secrets at the film’s conclusion. And they took realistic steps in their newfound relationship. Sawyer and Harper took time to heal and grow before they came together. It’s a refreshing spin on the Hallmark Mystery plot.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
This has to be a sign, right – Jazz
For a bookstore, it’s pretty heavy on the wine – Harper
Judgy much – Sawyer
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Holiday in Happy Hollow – Review
Holiday in Happy Hollow – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Gracie put the finishing touches to the most lucrative design of her career, Happi Hotel. They will build the hotel in Happy Hollow next year. Gracie and her co-worker, Amy, talk after their boss, Lucy, praises Gracie. Amy sees splotches on Gracie’s screen. Gracie assumes it’s food and tries to wipe it off. Then, she notices they are plots of land that are one foot by one foot. She can’t understand why the owners, The Carbells, would sell small pieces of land no one could build on. This information could halt production. Amy encourages Gracie to investigate.
Gracie goes to Marybeth in Happy Hollow, and Marybeth doesn’t know about the mystery plots. She tells Gracie to talk to Jack at the historical society. Gracie catches Jack before he gets his bike fixed. Jack grits his teeth, calls the bike repairperson to reschedule, and helps Gracie. He discovers that the Carbells wanted to boost town morale. So they raffled five plots of land on their Christmas tree farm. The winners kept the tree that grew on their land for free. This raffle happened decades ago, so he doesn’t know who won it. He advises Gracie to meet with Coralie Carbell.
Coralie is a known recluse who doesn’t get visitors. So, Gracie’s presence is a surprise. Coralie remembers the raffle and a brief description of two contestants. She recounts one being the town heartthrob. Coralie looks forward to selling the farm and moving to the next phase of her life. She politely yet firmly escorts Gracie out of her home. Jack takes pity on Gracie’s plight and offers to help Gracie find the five winners. Gracie learns about Happy Hollow traditions and residents. Some embrace the hotel, while others don’t. She has to win their minds and hearts, but Jack has a secret. The first is that he’s falling in love with her, and the second could halt construction.
Happy Hollow makes this movie worth watching. The audience knows what will happen between Gracie and Jack, so that’s not a plot selling point. The mystery of the contestants will intrigue you. Also, Gracie has to ingratiate herself with each of them to convince them to sell her their plot. After Gracie finds the first four, the story falls into a rut. Then, it saves itself with the fifth winner. This film wraps a love story in an enigma, but the romance won’t captivate you.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
How did I miss this – Gracie
Get nestled into Christmas – Amy
Why the I – Marybeth
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, Gracie – Jack
You can show yourself out – Coralie
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Confessions of a Christmas Letter – Review
Confessions of a Christmas Letter – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
For nineteen years, Settie Rose lost a spot on the town’s Christmas Letter Hall of Fame. Sue beams with pride as she wins again. Settie declares this year will be hers. She collects information about her family to add to the letter. Her daughter, Lily, will return from Italy. However, Lily won’t have a fiancé or a job. Settie’s son, Jack, forgot to organize lawn maintenance during his honeymoon. The HOA fined Jack. He refused to pay and took community service. Settie’s parents, Charles and Edith, found strange hobbies after retirement. And Settie’s husband, Paddy, is a quiet, unassuming man. Settie knows her family can be great and desires to write about their potential. She wants guidance on how to craft the perfect letter. Paddy offers, but Settie wants someone like her favorite author, Juan Sánchez. She courageously sends Juan a request.
Juan’s first book was a hit. Now, his publisher wants a second, but Juan has writer’s block. Juan Abuelo and Tío Carlos worry. Juan’s publishers gave him an advance, and they spent the money. The publishers could ask for the money back if he doesn’t present a book. Carlos gets Settie’s message and remembers Misery. However, Abuelo thinks time away is what Juan needs. Settie wants Juan to live in her home for two weeks and get to know her family. Then he can write the winning Christmas letter. Abuelo accepts it for Juan and tells Juan in the morning. Juan gives in and leaves Puerto Rico for Connecticut.
Juan waits in his Uber Pool for the second fare. Lily excitedly jumps inside the car. She informs Juan that she arrived late to surprise everyone. Juan ignores her until they arrive at Settie’s home. Lily hops out to greet Settie, and the driver informs Juan this is his stop, too. Settie greets Lily and Juan before explaining Juan’s presence. Juan says hello until Sue barges into the Roses’s home. Sue dredges up Settie’s losses and the family’s mistakes. Settie puts a positive spin on Sue’s observations. However, Sue mentions another of Lily’s failed relationships because Lily didn’t come with her Italian fiancé. Settie lies and says Juan is Lily’s new betrothed. Lily runs beside Juan and kisses him. At first, Juan doesn’t want to join in Settie’s lie. But something about Sue rubs him the wrong way. He chooses to write the letter to help Settie take Sue down.
This movie is funny because it shows the less-perfect side of Christmas. Hallmark movies have polished homes, sponsored ornaments with flawless trees, and meals fit for an army. The Roses forget the words to popular Christmas songs, burn food, and knock down the tree. Juan helps Settie see the beauty in the imperfection. She stops trying to embellish her family’s accomplishments and celebrates their wins. The family doesn’t resent her for this. They secretly create an unknown plan B in case her plan doesn’t work. They want Settie to win. Juan gains a new passion for writing because he meets his fans and the Roses. This film is a riot; hopefully, we can see the Roses again. And don’t forget The Office reunion.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
No amount of dressing is going to salvage the word salad you just forced me to digest – Sam
Did we just aid and abet her – Ana
I love it for me, too – Settie
I hope you don’t wind up with Christmas critters – Sue
I wouldn’t count on it – Paddy
Call her – Carlos
So, we wait another day, and then we call him – Abuelo
All hands on deck, Skipper – Lily
I was invited, and it is the holidays – Juan
That’s what I loved most about the book. The mystique – Piper
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A Very English Christmas – Review
A Very English Christmas – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Event planner Emma gets a call from her half-sister, Amy, in England. Amy got engaged to Harry, and they want to marry in two weeks with Emma’s help. Amy consistently visits Emma in Los Angeles, but Emma hasn’t been to England. Amy wants Emma to spend time with their dad and meet their little sister, Lucy. Emma ponders going and tells her mother, Nina. Nina believes visiting her family will be in Emma’s best interest. Emma researches the area and discovers that Oliver Halbrand has a hotel chain there. For months, Emma wanted a meeting with Oliver to showcase her work. She will go to England to plan Amy’s wedding and invite Oliver to show her skills.
Emma arrives, but Amy isn’t home. There’s a note on the door. It states that Emma should go to the Christmas market. Emma finds Amy, but Amy leaves Emma with Dylan. Dylan is Amy’s business partner and Harry’s best man. Dylan teases Emma before Amy returns. Emma finally gets Amy to focus on a single task. Amy has lots of ideas but can’t choose anything. She wants Emma to work with Dylan to create the perfect wedding. However, Amy wants Emma to enjoy the English countryside and visit their dad’s side of the family. Emma nods but cares about inviting Oliver and growing her brand. Dylan wants homemade items, while Emma strives for clean perfection. She hides her ulterior motive from Dylan but likes his approach. They find a loving connection over a yule log. But will that love disappear when Dylan learns the truth?
Peter had three daughters with three different women over two continents and doesn’t understand why there’s a disconnect. So, let’s put that aside and discuss the differences between Amy and Emma. Amy is scattered-brained but loving. Emma is goal-oriented and loves to-do list. That’s what makes her a great planner. Dylan and Emma are similar, but he likes to do things by hand. He believes manufactured goods are cold and impersonal. He wants things done on schedule but is willing to take the time to do them. Emma loves his ideas but it clashes with what she wants to present to Oliver. Otherwise, Emma would go with Dylan’s designs. She keeps Oliver a secret from him and Amy. Fans know the truth will come to light, but Oliver’s choice will surprise you. UPtv is the right station for this film.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Feel free to express joy – Amy
Is it exciting, or is it impulsive – Emma
Too busy to come and visit, ever – Lucy
Can I ask my question – Dylan
Anything worth even a 1% chance deserves 100% of that chance – Harry
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Jingle Bell Run – Review
Jingle Bell Run – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Avery sits in the teachers’ lounge after class, and everyone congratulates her, but she doesn’t know why. Then, Avery’s sister, Ruby, enters with lunch. Ruby left teaching to become a personal trainer. Ruby admits she wanted Avery to be more adventurous. Ruby entered The Great Holiday Dash TV show as Avery. Ruby believes Avery will be great at solving the puzzles, but Avery knows she lacks athletic abilities. Ruby offers to train Avery. Avery relents after her students praise her.
Former professional hockey player Wes creates a promo video for an athletic drink. He hopes the video will garner a company sponsorship. Wes’s manager looks at the company website and sees they selected Wes’s rival, Nash, as their spokesperson. Wes fumes because he doesn’t know what to do next. Then, he gets a notification. They selected him to be on The Great Holiday Dash. Wes thinks the exposure will get him brand deals and a 2nd chance in the spotlight.
Avery stays in the gym after she finishes training with Ruby. She jumps on the treadmill, but it won’t start. Avery puts her towel on the other to switch, and Wes steps on it. She politely tells him it’s her machine, and they swap. Avery alerts him the other machine isn’t working, and Wes starts it. She asks for help on her machine, and they both start. Avery tries to match his speed, grabs him, and slips. They both fall. Wes tells her to find a new gym and leaves.
Avery and Wes arrive for the show and meet the host, Keegan, and producer, Dirk. Wes sees Avery, and they make snide comments until Wes spies Nash. Nash gets the attention and becomes the star of the show. Keegan announces changes to this year’s show. Everyone will be on a team of two, and the show picks the team. The winners will get $1 million. Avery wants to use the money to start a reading program. Avery and Wes are the last pair that Keegan announces. They win the first few challenges, and Wes’s competitive nature rubs off on Avery. Then, Nash loses. Dirk is upset because the show expects the celebrity to win. Dirk creates a plan. He asks Wes to start a romance with Avery to maintain the ratings. Wes agrees to the farce for exposure. But can he keep up the lies when the romance becomes real?
This movie balances humor with heartfelt moments well. Viewers learn about the other contestants and what motivates them. They all have a dream for the prize and deserve it. As Wes and Avery spend time together, they learn more about themselves. He became a star, although his brother played hockey too. His brother found a career in announcing, but Wes retired early without a plan. Wes misses time with his family but feels out of place there. He struggles with ‘what’s next.’ Avery helps him see that being off the ice doesn’t mean being out of the game. Avery stopped looking for adventure after her engagement ended. Ruby sees Avery retreating from life and pushes Avery into it. Wes solidifies that intent by helping Avery become more open and competitive. This film is funny and charming.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Remember it? It still haunts me – Avery
When did you become a bystander to your own life – Ruby
We’re back, baby – Wes
Hey Wes, try not to blow it, buddy – Nash
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Categories: A Novel Noel, A Very English Christmas, Alec Santos, Andrew Walker, Angela Kinsey, Ashley Williams, Blaise Crocker, Brendan Penny, Brian Baumgartner, christmas, Christmas on Call, Cody Ray Thompson, Confessions of a Christmas Letter, Countdown to Christmas, hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, Hateful and Grateful, holiday, Holiday in Happy Hollow, Its A Wonderful Lifetime, Jingle Bell Run, Julie Gonzalo, Kimberley Nixon, Lewis Griffiths, lifetime, lifetime movie network, Lillian Doucet-Roche, lmn, Love Sundays, Made for TV, Margaret Colin, Miracles of Christmas, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, My Mother Stole My Life, Patrice Goodman, Paul Campbell, Poppy Gilbert, review, Sara Canning, Ser'Darius Blain, Tamara Almeida, Three Wiser Men and a Boy, tv review, Tyler Hynes, UPtv
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