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The Holiday Junkie – Review
The Holiday Junkie – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Andie runs The Holiday Junkie. She decorates and creates schedules for her clients. She worries that her mother won’t think her decorations are up to par. But Andie’s friend thinks her mother will love them. Andie gets a call from her client, Bruce Parker. He has an emergency meeting and must leave town. Also, Bruce is going to take his family with him. He wants Andie to do the job and promises to be home to complete Andie’s schedule. He will also allow Andie to spend the night if needed.
Andie arrives at the Parker’s residence and hears a man above her. She looks up to see the house manager, Mason. Andie expected the home to be empty. She surprises Mason, too, because he thought Andie was a man. Mason wished to be alone during the holidays because it holds a bad memory for him. He wanted to avoid the holiday altogether. Andie experienced a heartbreak during Christmas. She desires to use the holiday to lift her spirits. Scrooge and Mrs. Claus are under the same roof. Can they co-exist?
This movie pulls at the heartstrings with some sad holiday stories. They feature robbery, car accident, love lost, and death. It’s nice to have a film feature the downside of the holiday, but this many stories can be depressing. Andie and Mason don’t compare pain. They acknowledge that the other’s feelings are valid and one loss isn’t more important than the other. Mason and Andie listen to each other and respond beautifully. Also, they give each other space. Their love is effortless and grows naturally.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Christmas isn’t really my thing – Mason
I was really hoping to be alone this Christmas – Andie
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Hanukkah on the Rocks – Review
Hanukkah on the Rocks – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Tory loses her job and only tells her sister, Becca. Tory doesn’t want to disappoint her parents because they are proud she’s a lawyer. Tory calls her grandmother Bubby because she’s made very little time for her in the past. Bubby asks Tory about her life, and Tory dodges the question. Then, Bubby asks Tory to buy a box of the ‘good’ Hanukkah candles. Tory is happy to help.
Jay flew across the country to convince his grandfather, Sam, to move to Florida. Sam sits in Rocky’s bar, and everyone agrees: Sam must stay. Jay tells Sam he will be in town through Hanukkah to change Sam’s mind. Since Jay will be around, Sam asks Jay to pick up the ‘good’ Hanukkah candles. Jay sighs and leaves.
Tory and Jay arrive at the store and find one box of candles. They grab for it, and Jay gets them first. He offers to give them to Tory, but she won’t let him because she’s a feminist. Jay scoffs and leaves with the candles. Tory follows him into Rocky’s.
Tory tells Sam about Jay’s actions, and Sam calls Jay a putz. Then, the bartender, Cara, tells the manager, Lottie, that Cara’s leaving for Christmas with her boyfriend immediately. Cara exits, and Lottie asks if anyone can make an Old Fashion. Tory prattles the recipe, and Lottie opens the bar to Tory. When Tory makes a stellar drink, Lottie offers Tory a job. Tory takes the position and has a great time with the relaxed hours.
Tory works another day and suggests Lottie lean into the Hanukkah theme. Tory will make a specialty drink for each night, host events, and add more decorations. The chef’s kiss: they will rename the bar. Jay offers to help with all her changes but will be there for much more. These eight nights will be a Hanukkah Jay and Tory will never forget.
Tory and Jay are unsure about their lives. Tory lost her demanding job and revels in the ease of bartending. Jay spends time in Sam’s well-knit community and wonders if he should go home. When Tory and Jay accomplish goals, they ask each other difficult questions but not themselves. Tory and Jay want to live up to their family’s expectations. They forget their families want what’s best for them. Tory and Jay uncover truths about their grandparents and traditions. This movie is a calming watch with inventive drinks and a great supporting cast.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
At least my grandaughter has a job – Bubby
Watching you is my business – Sam
What is wrong with you – Lottie
Tough room – Jay
Guilt imported from the Bahamas. What a treat – Tory
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Be Careful What You Say – Review
Be Careful What You Say – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Vanessa writes to a podcast, Dear Iris, for help with her teenage son, Dylan. Dylan has been moody, detached, and obsessed with violent video games. Recently, Dylan became physically abusive. Vanessa wants to know how to get Dylan on the right path. Iris tells Vanessa to put her foot down and demand respect. Iris ends the show but worries about Vanessa’s safety. Iris’s co-host, Zach, tells her to relax. The writer isn’t her responsibility after the recording. Vanessa enforces the rules with Dylan, and Dylan grabs his things. They tussle at the top of the staircase, and Dylan trips. He falls down the stairs, hits his head, and dies.
One year later, Iris hopes Skywalk will add her podcast to their roster. Iris has financial issues, and this deal could fix it. Her boyfriend, producer Henry, assures Iris the deal will go through. They spend the night together, and he proposes. Iris says yes. Iris’s life is looking up. However, she doesn’t see the threat on the horizon. Vanessa started a podcast about turning pain into power. She blames Iris for Dylan’s death. Vanessa stalked Iris and Iris’s friends for a year. Now, she’s ready to put her plan in place. Vanessa will make Iris pay.
First, Iris’s sister, Kylie, was right. Iris needed some formal training before giving advice. Or she could inform her listeners that she isn’t a licensed professional. Second, Vanessa must take responsibility for Dylan’s death. It was a sad accident. Also, she allowed his behavior to go unchecked for too long. These two truths will frustrate the audience as Vanessa unleashes a wild brand of crazy. She accuses, sabotages, and kills anyone in her way. Vanessa is an entertaining villain to watch.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
And remember, we care about you – Iris
We can’t solve a lifetime of problems with a couple of sound bits – Zach
Don’t call me by my first name – Vanessa
He hated me because he hated you – Dylan
Just because you have a microphone doesn’t make you an expert on mental health matters – Kylie
I am not going to let you do that – Henry
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All I Need for Christmas – Review
All I Need for Christmas – Hallmark Mystery – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Maggie’s manager, Lewis, tells her that she won’t be the opening act for a country artist. He tells her to write a new song to get back on top of the country charts. Then, Lewis gives her a present: a smartphone. He thinks Maggie is too old school. She doesn’t have a social media presence to engage current and new fans. However, Maggie is happy with her flip phone. Maggie drives to her dad’s Christmas tree farm. When Maggie arrives, she learns her dad, Ed, has thousands of followers on social media and knows about hashtags and metadata. He is far beyond his daughter. Maggie meets with her friend, Clara. Clara’s daughter, Lucy, will be in a pageant. But the director quit. She asks Maggie to take over the job. Maggie says yes after Clara mentions a stipend.
Archer and his sister, Piper, meet with their father’s attorney. His father left a stipulation in his will. The person with the highest net worth on Christmas morning will get their father’s seat on the board. Piper jumps for joy because hers is currently higher. The attorney urges them to release their competitive nature and build together. Outside, Piper hands Archer a photo of their favorite Christmas. It was the first and only time they had an authentic Christmas tree. Archer looks at the image later and makes reservations at the cabin. When he arrives in town, Archer visits the Christmas tree farm and discusses trees with Maggie. He tells Maggie he developed a popular app, and her anger boils. She says the app generates AI music and strips the artistry from it. She sells him a tree and leaves.
Ed hears about Maggie’s encounter with Archer and reminds her it’s bad for business. He tells her to go to his cabin and make amends. Maggie grabs some decorations and drives to the cabin. Archer quickly accepts her apology and lets her inside. It’s the first time she’s seen the interior. It’s beautiful but could use some holiday cheer. She tells him about her troubles in the industry, and he relays the family problems. Maggie and Archer need each other. They hold each other accountable and encourage each other to be and do something different.
This film is more than a technophobe meets social media. It wonderfully displays no contact, toxic people, and problems with comfort zones. Archer laid boundaries with his father before his father’s passing. However, the unhealthy relationship their father created between Piper and Archer lingers. Maggie helps Archer stay out of those patterns and bond with his family. Maggie sees social media and AI as the enemy. However, Ed and Archer show her how she can use apps to drive business, connect, and grow. Archer and Maggie find each other when they need each other most. It’s wonderful to see them change, and it spread to better the community.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
No, you’re not – Archer
He is on the business side of music, which is ick right there – Maggie
You were right. Hotel trees don’t count – Piper
Dreams only die when you stop watering them, kiddo – Ed
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Leah’s Perfect Gift – Review
Leah’s Perfect Gift – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Leah dreams of Christmas. She loves spending Hanukkah with her family but feels like an outsider looking in on Christmas. Leah wants to know if it’s as good as the movies. She meets with her boyfriend, Graham. They spend the evening making latkes with her extended family. Leah’s cousin, Sarah, asks when Graham will propose. Leah hopes it will be soon but doesn’t want to push.
Leah and Graham meet Graham’s sister, Maggie, at a restaurant. They reveal that Leah will spend Christmas with them. Maggie gives Graham a look and asks if Graham warned Leah. He told her a few things but didn’t delve into specifics. Graham tells Leah that Barbara doesn’t like to be called Barb. And the outside of the home is beautiful, but the inside is crazy. They pull up, and Leah is engrossed in a magical Christmas wonderland. She thinks her time with Graham’s family will be the Christmas of her dreams. She is stepping into a nightmare.
This movie based on Leah’s Perfect Christmas by Catherine Beck will make you clutch your reindeer (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Barbara has a Christmas Itinerary with scheduled hours for sleep. She doesn’t like torn wrapping paper, criticism, or losing. Leah wants the bright lights from the movies, but Barbara dims them. And her family tiptoes around her feelings. Maggie and Graham try to stand up to her, but Barbara takes it as a personal offense. It’s easy for Hallmarkies to give up on Barbara and beg Leah to stay away. However, keep your heart open. Barbara has a redemption arch that softens viewers. Barbara becomes a better person, but this family needs a backbone.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Christmas is just so magical – Leah
Has she met the parental units yet – Maddie
Would you like to spend Christmas with our family – Graham
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How to Fall in Love By Christmas – Review
How to Fall in Love By Christmas – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Nora entered the meeting but wasn’t aware of the new start time. The owner, Max, wants Nora’s magazine to reach a younger audience. So, he wants her to use a new dating app and report on her success. The ads say it can help its users find love the old-fashioned way. The app encourages its users to go out and mingle. Nora rejects the idea until Max reminds her that his company bought her magazine. They can fire her if she doesn’t comply. Nora relents.
On Nora’s first outing, she attempts to manufacture a meet-cute. And a man, Jack, catches and laughs at her. She storms off. Later, she meets with Max, who has another idea. Writing about her experience isn’t enough. Max wants to document the dates and outings with photos. And he hired a freelance photographer, Jack. Nora laughs at the situation. However, she doesn’t want the men featured in the images because it will maintain their privacy. Jack agrees.
As Jack and Nora work together, they flirt while she flames out on each date. Nora devises a devious plan. They will fake the photos for content and her job. She can lie about the dates in her writings. Jack agrees because he needs this job for his resumé. He doesn’t want to freelance, and this position will attract Nora’s competitor for a full-time job. Nora lies about her dates as her feelings for Jack grow. Will they dissolve when he learns he wants a position with the competition?
This movie is an easy watch without much more to offer. You don’t have to stretch your imagination to uncover the conclusion. The plot doesn’t give viewers much to watch with incredible talent. Nora’s horrible dates are humorous. However, she often looks desperate and sad. Eventually, the audience gets a misunderstanding, leading to the love birds arguing. Nevertheless, you won’t care because you know how it will end. This film is excellent background noise for 2 hours.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Sis, this single is quite happy not to mingle – Nora
We met yesterday when she tried to stage her own meet-cute – Jack
This is kind of stellar – Max
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12 Dares of Christmas – Review
12 Dares of Christmas – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Laura prepares her proposal for the school board. She wants a few students from France to participate in an exchange program with her school. Laura believes a dose of culture will positively reflect the student’s grades. She shows the plan to her sister, Chelsea. Chelsea notices a typo. Instead of the 12 days of Christmas, it reads the 12 dares of Christmas. Laura thanks Chelsea and fixes the mistake. But Chelsea admits that dares sound more fun than days. Later, Laura presents her proposal, but they don’t like her idea. They don’t think it’s bold enough. Laura’s boss, Rita, tells Laura to add more spunk to the proposal and redo the presentation. If Laura does well, she can get a promotion to vice principal. Laura returns home to retype the proposal and add bold elements. Chelsea hands Laura her birthday gift early. It’s an envelope with 12 dares. Laura must do each dare and document it with a photo. Laura doesn’t believe she has time for childish dares. The first dare is to try to give her phone number to 12 strangers at a bar.
Gabriel talks to his boss, Victor. Gabriel is excited to meet Laura and work on the exchange program. Laura approaches him at the bar, and they exchange numbers. She gets an email from the board demanding more information and calls Gabriel’s number. Only to learn he is sitting beside her. After a good laugh, he states that the students will fly in soon. Laura gawks. She thought Gabriel understood the program would start next year because they don’t have the funding. They had a major miscommunication. Gabriel explains that he used his money to fly his students to the United States. They don’t have lodging, food, or activities planned. Also, Gabriel won’t get his money back. Laura must find a way to make the plan work. The 12 dares of Christmas will give Laura the spark she needs for the proposal, the promotion, and Gabriel.
The dares sound like fun and simple to accomplish. Chelsea’s goal is for Laura to do something new. Whether saying hi to a cute person, making a gingerbread house, or having a snowball fight, Laura learns to relax and enjoy the unexpected. The dares help Laura become more outspoken in her professional and personal life. She updates her proposal and earns money while falling in love. The plot is predictable yet fun.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Bold with bells on – Laura
Your eyebrows look like two surprised caterpillars – Gabriel
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A Season to Remember – Review
A Season to Remember – OWN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Sports reporter Simone presents an idea to her boss, Randy. Randy mentions the story to the team and gives it to the anchor, Tyler. Simone quietly fumes, and Randy asks her to interview the cheerleaders and mascot. Simone bites her tongue and agrees to the article. Simone walks to her favorite cameraperson, but previously, Randy assigned him to Tyler. Randy hired a freelance photographer, Iggy, and paired him with Simone. Simone remembers Iggy because he crashed into her earlier and made her drop her gingerbread house.
Simone sits with Iggy and questions him about his upbringing, skills, and work history. She deems him acceptable, and they complete their first project. Simone notices that Iggy has a relaxed work style. She has a very rigid plan to guide her to the anchor desk. Iggy wants to produce sports documentaries but hasn’t thought past the dream. When Iggy watches Randy hand Simone’s suggestion to Tyler again, Iggy asks why she doesn’t speak up for herself. Simone states complaining at her last job got her labeled ‘difficult.’ She doesn’t want to repeat that mistake today. Iggy believes Simone can be more if she demands it. Simone thinks he isn’t working hard enough for his dreams. They will show each other the way.
Simone’s issues mirror many women in male-dominated fields. The writer attempted to make Iggy look supportive and encouraging, but his statements feel dismissive. Their relationship is the focal point of the script, but it’s not what gets the audience’s attention. It’s issues in Simone’s family. Her brother, Aaron, didn’t bring his girlfriend for Christmas. He’s been calling other women and going out wearing nice clothing. Simone’s father, Willy, is more forgetful. Her mother, Freta, wants to ignore it, but the audience can see the signs. Viewers will come for the romance but stay for the family.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Well, if the suit fits – Simone
I’ve been called worse – Iggy
I woke up like this – Aaron
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Sugarplummed – Review
Sugarplummed – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Emily cooks fruit cake while getting her family ready for the holiday season. Her son, Max, focuses on making unreleased TikTok dance videos, while her daughter, Nina, practices for the school winter pageant. Emily’s husband, Ben, redesigns a building for his demanding boss. Emily calls her family to the kitchen and pulls out the holiday checklist. It contains five steps for a flawless Christmas. They will beautifully decorate their home, spend time together as a family, buy the perfect gifts, decorate the tree, and have one magical Christmas memory made as a family. Her family groans and says they are too busy.
Emily realizes she forgot her heirloom ornaments at work and goes to retrieve them. She knocks a few over and picks up a northern star finial. It has an inscription on the back. If someone holds it and makes a wish, it will come true. Then, Emily’s assistant’s computer plays a Sugarplum movie. Sugarplum is a character who lives in Perfection. She meets princes, saves small businesses, and spreads Christmas magic in each film. Sugarplum pictures are Emily’s favorite. Emily grabs the finial and wishes for a perfect Sugarplum Christmas. Then, Emily hears a noise in her office. Emily stops when she sees Sugarplum standing there. While Emily can’t believe it, Sugarplum understands. Her appearance follows her book of rules. Christmas magic removed her from the movie. If she wants to return, she must fulfill Emily’s holiday wish before Christmas. This holiday plot should be simple, right?
Emily and Sugarplum have a lot to learn. Emily thinks a perfect Christmas will bring her family together. However, it pulls them further apart. Sugarplum is a holiday wizard with wrapping paper, decorating, and frosting, but doesn’t understand the beauty of imperfection. She uses her magic and large handbag to make Emily’s checklist a reality. Sugarplum follows the rules of any holiday movie with hilarious and realistic results. She gets billed, sued, served, and arrested. This film makes fun of holiday movies while being one. It’s a delightful escape from the Hallmark pattern.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
And you sound a little off-key – Nina
I’m going to go with ‘or not’– Max
A plan? All I do is plan – Emily
It’s gotten a bit overcomplicated – Ben
You have a career? – Sugarplum
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Categories: 12 Dares of Christmas, A Season to Remember, All I Need for Christmas, Barbara Niven, Be Careful What You Say, Brian Hallisay, Brittany Underwood, christmas, Countdown to Christmas, Dan Jeannotte, Dan Payne, Daren Kagasoff, Debra Christofferson, Emily Arlook, Evan Roderick, hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, Hanukkah, Hanukkah on the Rocks, holiday, How to Fall in Love By Christmas, Its A Wonderful Lifetime, Janel Parrish, Jason Tobias, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Kristin Chenoweth, Leah's Perfect Gift, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Lynn Andrews, Made for TV, Maggie Lawson, Mallory Jansen, Marnie Mahannah, Michele Weaver, Miracles of Christmas, Morris Jude, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, Nathan Owens, Nicole Dionne, OWN, OWN For The Holidays, review, Sean Yves Lessard, Skye Coyne, Slay Bells, Stacey Farber, Sugarplummed, Tanner Hagen, Taylor Castro, Teri Hatcher, The Holiday Junkie, tv review, UPtv
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