| Table of Reviews |
|---|
Taken at a Basketball Game – Review
Taken at a Basketball Game – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Security guard Wayne calls his daughter, Robyn, on her 18th birthday to offer well wishes. However, he becomes upset at her dismissive tone. Robyn would rather be at school with friends than spend five minutes talking. Wayne surprises Robyn by showing up at his ex-wife’s home to take Robyn to a basketball game. He tells Robyn about the gift, but she’s unenthusiastic. The pair take a walk in the park, and he convinces her to go.
Robyn and Wayne look for seats when a woman, Donna, compliments Robyn on her boots. Robyn sparks a friendly conversation, but Wayne sharply ends it. Robyn angrily sits next to Wayne and has an uncomfortable conversation about their past, their relationship, and his attitude. Wayne apologizes for distancing himself after a life-changing incident while working for SWAT. However, he won’t budge about Donna. Robyn abruptly leaves for the bathroom.
Robyn sees Donna in the bathroom and apologizes for Wayne’s behavior. Donna accepts and accidentally spills beer on Robyn. She tells Robyn she and her husband, Lucas, have a private box and offers to let Robyn clean her pants privately. Robyn follows Donna and meets Lucas. They offer Robyn a drink. Robyn wants to leave but feels woozy. Donna and Lucas forcefully remove Robyn from the arena under the guise that she’s drunk.
Wayne worries that Robyn hasn’t returned from the bathroom and calls her name outside the door. When Robyn doesn’t answer, he finds security, and they call her name over the PA system. Wayne works with the guard and finds images of two people putting Robyn in an SUV on security cameras. The guard can’t see the license plate or their faces. Their avoidance of security measures makes Wayne believe they’ve done this in the past.
Wayne and his ex-wife, Pam, go to the police for help. But they assume Robyn ran away to be with friends. Pam and Wayne return to Pam’s home and discuss the next steps. Pam permits Wayne to do anything to anyone to get Robyn home safely. He knows they are on borrowed time. The kidnappers are human traffickers and will sell Robyn soon. Can Wayne save Robyn before she’s lost forever?
Inspired by actual events, this film gives an all-too-familiar sad tale of human trafficking and the police’s slow response. The plot takes a moment to build because it focuses on Robyn and Wayne’s strained relationship. This build allows the viewers to understand how Donna quickly lured Robyn away. She called Robyn ‘an adult’ and ‘strong’ while talking poorly about Wayne’s behavior. It builds a rapport with Robyn and creates a common enemy. This plot also hints at Wayne’s past but holds onto the details until the 1-hour mark. It’s frustrating to know about an underlying issue without knowing the details. However, it seriously impacts Wayne’s emotional state while giving him the ability to work within the seedy underworld. The actors gave a stellar performance and allowed the audience to connect with each character. Also, the movie explains why some victims return to these horrific circumstances. The sets have noticeable budget constraints, but the well-choreographed fights ease those shortcomings. This story feels like driving uphill. It takes time to build the climax, but the drop to the conclusion is fast-paced and exciting.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
You never used to be like this – Wayne
Ten years ago would have been nice – Robyn
What’s your problem – Donna
Do yourself a favor. Start acting like a lady – Lucas
I give you permission – Pam
I think I know what happened to your daughter – Faith
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
What Would You Kill For – Review
What Would You Kill For – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Min checks on customers in her restaurant before going outside. Her ex-husband, former business partner Rick, sneaks up behind her. He warns Min that her new buyer, Ben, created lies about the property. Ben had someone survey the property, and they said the building had structural issues. Rick warns her that Ben is untrustworthy. Rick reminds Min that he owns 49% of the business and will fight her to keep it. Min tells Rick to leave and sits at a table with their daughter, Rosie, Min’s lawyer, Becky, and Ben. Min informs them of Rick’s warning, but Becky assures Min that Ben’s deal is fair and in her favor. Ben admits he overvalued the property to give Min a better deal. Min signs her restaurant over to Ben. He will sell the land, and she will get a fresh start with a new establishment.
Rick argues with his girlfriend, Emma, after returning home. He plots to regain the business, but she begs him to leave it alone. Over the years, Emma feels close to Rosie and worries that Rick’s revenge will shatter their budding friendship. Min prepares food for Rosie when she gets a text message from Rick in the morning. He wants her to meet him at the restaurant. Min arrives and finds Rick dead in the walk-in freezer. Emma enters soon after and blames Min. The paramedics arrive on the scene and want to declare Rick dead. However, they have to wait for the medical examiner. Emma is the local M.E. and calls Rick’s time of death.
Heartbroken, Min and Rosie return home to cry. Emma asks why Min wanted Rick to see her at the restaurant. Min says she didn’t. She tries to show Emma the proof, but Min’s messages are gone. Later, Detective Johnson says someone poisoned Rick with Min’s signature dish. Min is a person of interest in Rick’s death. Min meets with Becky to discuss options. Then, Min mentions Rick’s concerns about the deal. Becky knows a surveyor who can double-check the survey. Days later, the surveyor proved that Rick’s hunch was correct. Ben lied about the structural integrity. When Min confronts Ben, he refuses to release the property.
Min finds a threatening note on her windshield and runs to check on Rosie. Rosie’s safe but contemplates looking for her birth mother, Lily. Lily sends Rosie a birthday card without a return address. With Rick gone, Lily wants to dive into her roots. Min’s not sure if it’s the best idea because she is under investigation. However, she gives Rosie her blessing. Rosie starts to eat and chokes. Min calls emergency services and uncovers that someone left cyanide in Min’s kitchen. Determined, Min will find who killed Rick to save her freedom and Rosie’s life.
This mystery is wild and done correctly. Before each commercial break, viewers get a new secret and twist. Each reveal will have you second-guessing the killer. The plot starts with the cliché Lifetime setup, but don’t give up. It begins slow but ramps up to 200 miles per hour. This film will have you on the edge of your seat and begging for more. It’s one of the few storylines that tries to top itself and wins each time. The actors are convincing, the drama is superb, and the mystery is delicious. All writers should take notes because this is how you should script a Lifetime movie.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I have nothing to say to you – Min
Why are you always so stubborn – Rick
Please don’t do anything to push her away – Emma
You’re pulling out the big guns – Rosie
Your hunch was good – Becky
I swear. I can explain it to you – Ben
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Mystery Island: Winner Take All – Review
Mystery Island: Winner Take All – Hallmark Mystery – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Doctor Emilia, Detective Jason, Baroness Janie, and Fredricks have hosted several Mystery Island events. The island isn’t turning a profit, and a buyer wants to obtain the land for conventions. Janie has taken over as COO, and Carlos demoted Fredricks to house manager. Emilia and Jason work together to write the mysteries. Carlos calls for new ideas to keep the island. Janie wants to offer a grand prize. The winner gets an all-expenses-paid vacation for them and a guest. They will have high-profile clients to promote the new angle on their social media accounts. Carlos loves the idea and asks them to prepare it by Monday.
Emilia, Jason, and Fredricks meet their guests. NYPD Detective Bobby won a previous game with the fastest time of 32 minutes. He brought his brother, investment banker Davis, to the island. College student Alice runs a true crime podcast and previously solved the mystery in one hour. She is coming with her aunt, the hotel manager Louise. Mystery author Cassandra Cormwell is attending with her husband, Ted. One review from this famed novelist will have fans flocking to the island. And Janie is bringing her new beau, Texas oil tycoon James.
Everyone gathers for Emilia and Jason to give them the rules. Anyone could be the murderer or the victim. The game will begin when they go to their room, so everything is a clue. Each contestant will have a murder board in their room to track the clues. If one of the guests is the victim, they will stay at the ‘deceased bungalow.’ They give the guests the keys to their room, and they leave to unpack.
Emilia notices Louise flirting with Fredricks by the pool. She curiously walks over, but Louise exits. Emilia tries to question Fredricks, but he changes the subject. Later, Emilia overhears Cassandra bickering with Fredricks and asks to help. Cassandra says her room is too small. However, Ted intervenes before Emilia can offer new accommodations. Fredricks exits to prepare dinner and ignores Emilia’s concerns.
Everyone sits for dinner while Bobby and Davis snap at each other. Bobby believes Davis makes rash decisions. However, Davis is successful. Davis encourages Alice to pursue her plans. Even if it doesn’t involve college, much to Louise’s chagrin. Then, James announces his plan to buy the island and turn it into a convention resort. He was the investor Janie feared. Janie assures James she has no plans to sell. James decides to calm everyone by making polomas in the game room. For Alice, James puts a pink umbrella for the non-alcoholic drink. James sets the drinks on the lazy susan and spins them (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Everyone grabs a drink and takes a sip. James chokes and falls to the floor. They figure out James is the game’s victim. Then, they see an explosion in the distance. Emilia, Jason, and Janie know this isn’t part of the game. They run to the blast site and find Fredricks dying next to a trip wire. Jason kneels to help and hears Fredricks’s last words, ‘arrest.’ He dies. Emilia, Jason, and Janie tell the guests that Fredricks is dead. Bobby offers his services, but Jason says no because Bobby is a suspect in the murder of Fredricks. Emilia takes everyone’s passport and tells them to stay until she and Jason uncover who killed Fredricks. In the meantime, the guests can solve the original mystery of who murdered James. Can Jason and Emilia solve the crime before their guests leave Mystery Island?
This second installment will take two viewings to keep up with both mysteries (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). You get an overview of each character as they leave the transport vehicle. However, you only know as much as they do. Viewers don’t know the intended victim until James chokes. Also, you don’t know the actual casualty. But Fredricks won’t be the last. The body count keeps growing as the plot deepens. This story is unique because it spans years instead of moments. The culprit stewed for years to find the perfect opening. The recap and unveiling of both mysteries are fast. Viewers should set their DVR so they can rewind. Since the main characters have an established relationship, the writer doesn’t focus on them. This film is fun, intriguing, and remarkable.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Please, kill the victim however you see fit – Janie
You don’t know why you like working with me – Emilia
Having fun – Jason
Well, in that case, please kill me – Davis
The game of death has arised – Cassandra
Did I say I was a fan – James
When you’re running things – Alice
I don’t think I follow you – Fredricks
Oh, Wall Street will hire anybody – Bobby
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark Mystery movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
The Last Woman Who Lived Here – Review
The Last Woman Who Lived Here – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Joel and Charlotte tour a home with their realtor, Trudie. Charlotte enters the backyard while Joel discusses the price with Trudie because it’s far below the market value. Trudie tells Joel that the last owner, Vanessa, died on the property after falling down the stairs. Joel asks Trudie to keep that information from Charlotte when she decides to buy the house.
Joel and Charlotte move into their home and receive a party invite. Charlotte recognizes the man on the invitation. It’s Rick, a wealthy philanthropist. They don’t know how he got their information but choose to attend. Joel and Charlotte knock, and Rick warmly greets them. Trudie is Rick’s friend, and he wants to welcome them to the neighborhood. They meet Rick’s wife, Serena, and Serena bonds with Charlotte. Serena has fertility issues, while Charlotte feels under pressure to have children. Serena and Charlotte laugh over wine when Laurie approaches. Laurie asks Charlotte why she bought the murder house. Laurie’s husband, Ted, pulls Laurie away. Later, Charlotte demands Joel tell the truth. He tells her about Vanessa but says it was an accident. However, Charlotte can’t let it go. She finds clues around their home alluding to a murder. Then, someone breaks into their home and attacks Joel. Charlotte vows to uncover what happened to the last woman who lived there.
This movie is a worthwhile mystery. However, there wouldn’t be a movie if Trudie had someone deep-clean the home before selling it. Charlotte finds blood stains on the floor, broken glass, and a word etched on the wall. The writer attempted to add a twist, but it’s a classic for Lifetime fans. Also, the motive isn’t original for the Lifetime audience. It’s Charlotte’s sleuthing skills that lock you into the plot. She uses charm, wit, and tenacity to discover what happened to Vanessa and won’t let anyone stop her. Although the conclusion is bland, you will love discovering the truth with her.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I see it now – Charlotte
You guys got the murder house – Laurie
I’ve said something wrong, haven’t I – Joel
No operation clean up tonight – Serena
It’s not a one-time offer – Rick
I lied to the police, but I didn’t kill Vanessa – Ted
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
The Reluctant Royal – Review
The Reluctant Royal – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Prudence is Duke William of Glasswick’s advisor. He calls her to his office to discuss his health. William hasn’t felt well lately and believes it’s time to pick his successor. He will announce his choice at the ball in seven days. Prudence balks at the thought because William doesn’t have an heir. The next in line for the throne is his cousin, Lord Allistair. Allistair is a title chaser with little regard for the people. Prudence digs through the royal documents and finds a United States marriage license for William and a woman named Dorothy. Prudence looks up Dorothy online and discovers she has a son, Johnny, who looks exactly like William. She runs to William and gobsmacks him with the details. Prudence goes to the United States to find Johnny.
Johnny is an auto mechanic who can fix anything. His lady friend ends their three-month courtship because Johnny isn’t ready to commit. Johnny goes to his favorite pub. The bartender tells Johnny his homemade juice isn’t selling, but Johnny remains optimistic. Later, Johnny joins his friends for karaoke. Johnny finishes his song with flair and sees Prudence standing over him. They walk to a corner to talk privately. She tells Johnny that he is the rightful heir to Glasswick and gives Johnny a first-class ticket. Johnny doesn’t want to see his father because his father hasn’t shown interest in him or his mother. Prudence leaves.
Johnny visits Dorothy. She explains that she met and married William after dating for three weeks. However, his father demanded that William return home. She found out she was pregnant after William left. She wrote William a letter, but he never responded. She resigned to raise Johnny alone. She encourages Johnny to go to Glasswick and meet William.
Johnny arrives at the castle and surprises everyone. William and Prudence are happy to see him, but Allistar remains cold. William takes a moment with Johnny and tells him that the throne and land don’t have monetary value. William’s assumptions frustrate Johnny, and Johnny leaves for a local bar. Prudence follows him and asks him to return to the castle. She doesn’t want Allistair in charge. Johnny agrees to stay if she beats him in a game of darts. Prudence crushes him, and Johnny returns. He will give the royal life a chance but doesn’t notice Prudence is falling in love with him. Will this reluctant royal take the throne?
This funny twist on a classic plot allows the male lead to be the person overwhelmed with the crown. He maturely states his issues with William, allowing space for connection. When he and William bond, it’s over a car. However, William takes the role of student, and Johnny takes the teacher. William realizes his disconnection with his son extends to his people. You will laugh when Johnny confronts Allistair. Allistair hides behind his title with smug condemnation, but Johnny won’t allow it. He uses his streetwise attitude to put Allistair in his place. This 2nd installment to the 2025 Royal series is comical, romantic, and charming. Set your DVR!
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
You don’t approve? – William
Horses are an excellent judge of character – Prudence
And now, for the moment, absolutely no one has been waiting for – Johnny
Meet him. Go there – Dorothy
Can you imagine someone like that in a place like this – Allistair
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Share this:
Categories: Andrew Walker, Charlie Weber, Cindy Sampson, Claire Qute, D. B. Woodside, David Chinchilla, Elizabeth Henstridge, Emilie de Ravin, hallmark, Hallmark Mystery, Kristin Booth, Laura Provenzano, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Moni Ogunsuyi, Morgan Kelly, movie, Mystery Island: Winner Take All, Rayisa Kondracki, review, Signature Mystery, Sleuthers, Steve Byers, Taken at a Basketball Game, Tamara Almeida, The Last Woman Who Lived Here, The Reluctant Royal, tv review, Twisted Fate, What Would You Kill For
thatdarngirlmovie.reviews 
2 replies »