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Pretty Hurts – Review
Pretty Hurts – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lauren works with her friend Rae when she gets a notification from her dream school. Lauren believes it’s her acceptance letter, but the notification’s link doesn’t load. Lauren calls her mother, Julia, to check the website, but it’s displaying a 404 error. So, Julia checks the mailbox and finds an acceptance letter. Lauren jumps for joy until she goes home. She overhears her parents arguing about the cost. Lauren’s father doesn’t want to saddle her with loans. So, they will encourage Lauren to apply for more grants and scholarships.
Lauren discusses her options with Rae when she remembers a customer, Helena, who had come into the café the day before. Helena was in the pageant circuit with Julia. Julia used her winnings to pay for school. Lauren tried it as a child but failed. Lauren researches a local pageant and discovers that Miss Teen Starfire’s registration will open soon. The grand prize is $50,000. Lauren talks her parents into letting her enter, and Julia becomes a full-fledged pageant mom. Lauren thinks this is an easy win for her future. However, she will let her school, work, and friendship suffer. As Lauren faces harassment, corruption, and intimidation, Rae will fight for her life. Will they come out on top?
This movie starts with a devious pageant plot. Lauren deals with mean pageant girls, an antiquated leader, and protected abusers. Meanwhile, she battles trichotillomania. However, viewers should remember that GSK sponsored this film. So, Rae’s storyline feels like it’s coming out of left field, but it promotes their product to a captive audience. GSK understands that the Lifetime demographic is most likely to have a teenager. They can advertise their vaccine while entertaining. However, the advertisement takes too long and is too late. Viewers are so focused on Lauren’s story that they don’t want to hear about Rae’s life-threatening illness. They use it for Lauren’s final lesson and triumphant moment. By then, the writers are reaching for anything to close the loose ends of the plot. If you need a backstabbing pageant story, allow yourself two hours for this one. But only if you can look past the 15-minute ad.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I seriously doubt that – Julia
Mom, it’s not the dark ages. They aren’t sending it in the mail – Lauren
You haven’t been the same since you started this stupid pageant – Rae
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My Boyfriend’s Wife is Dead – Review
My Boyfriend’s Wife is Dead – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Dean and Iris award Lena with the contract to redecorate four of their hotels. They raise their glass to celebrate, and Lena relishes the win. She finalized her divorce today and needed to smile. Iris and Dean look at each other and suggest another deal. They both like Lena and invite her to be a third in their marriage. They assure her it won’t affect the business and give her time to consider it.
Lena meets with her friend, Kathy, for coffee. Kathy knows about the famous couple as Lena tells Kathy about their proposition. Kathy inquires if Lena will take it, and Lena confirms. Lena wants excitement and passion in her life. This choice could be the first step in something new. Lena asks Kathy to watch her daughter, Madison, while she goes on a date with Iris and Dean. Recently, Madison’s school called because Madison missed several days of school. She explained that she spent time with her boyfriend, Jacob, creating a computer game. In turn, Lena is using supervision as a punishment.
Lena has a great date with Iris and Dean, and they invite her back to their home. Lena texts Kathy that she is staying in a hotel and asks her to watch Madison overnight. Kathy agrees, and Lena spends the night with Iris and Dean. Lena wakes up to an empty bed. She puts on her clothes and tiptoes down the stairs. She enters the kitchen and finds Iris in a pool of blood. Lena calls 911 and waits for the detectives to arrive.
Detective Michaels arrives at Lena’s home to question her about her relationship with Iris and Dean. Madison eavesdrops on the stairs to give them a semblance of privacy. But when the detective’s questions become too invasive, Madison runs downstairs. She warns Lena to obtain a lawyer and demands the detective leave. Lena believes Madison is too protective. So Madison shows Lena several news reports. Internet sleuths believe Lena murdered Iris. Lena tells Madison to ignore it because it will all blow over. Besides, she has one person in her corner: Dean. But something about Dean rubs Madison the wrong way. Can she find the proof before Lena falls in love?
This film is uncomfortable to watch because Lena is too old to be making these mistakes. Luckily, Madison has a good head on her shoulders and suspects everyone. Lena lets money and kind words blind her to evil. Lifetimers will see the writing on the wall, so this film isn’t a mystery. It’s a story about a woman making poor choices. The writing and plot is unorginal for Lena’s character, but highlights Madison. For the first time, Lifetimers will cheer for the ill-mannered teen and her sweet boyfriend. Otherwise, this film will anger you.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I knew he would – Madison
It’s a new beginning – Lena
In whatever way works for everybody – Dean
You are not responsible for his behavior – Iris
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The Wrong Marriage – Review
The Wrong Marriage – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Carrie packs her things and creeps out the door when her estranged husband, former cop Marc, calls her. He warns her to stay in the home, or he will make her pay. Carrie examines the house and realizes that Marc installed cameras to watch her. Carrie won’t let fear stand in her way. She leaves and drives to her friend’s home. Carrie updates her friend, District Attorney Kim, about Marc’s heightened stalking. Kim warns Carrie to go to a place that Marc doesn’t know about. Carrie will drive to Malibu, 7 hours away. She will stay there until Kim calls her to testify against Marc. Kim hands Carrie a new identity with the necessary documentation.
Carrie drives to a diner and sees a help wanted sign on the door. She goes inside and speaks to the owner, Meredith. She tells Meredith her name is Maggie, and she wants a fresh start. Meredith hires her as a waitress and tells Carrie to start tomorrow. Carrie looks for a place to live but can’t afford it. So, she sleeps in her car.
Carrie goes to work and meets her co-workers, Gina and Kyle. Kyle offers Carrie a cheap place to stay. She can’t believe her luck and accepts Kyle’s offer. Then, Carrie takes a picture of herself in front of the restaurant and sends it to Kim and her mother, Diane. Carrie is grateful for the new lease on life but careful. She knows Marc is crazy and determined. He will hunt her down eventually. Sadly, she’s correct. Will Carrie survive?
This new movie in ‘The Wrong’ series doesn’t disappoint. Carrie is an intelligent and careful woman. However, Marc is the husband from hell, and his side chick, Becky, makes things worse. Becky will do anything to prove her love and loyalty to Marc, including helping him stalk Carrie. Carrie’s inner circle isn’t naive to Marc’s games. They protect Carrie at all costs, and one person pays the ultimate price. Marc gets close to Carrie by sheer dumb luck and tenacity. Lifetimers will sit on the edge of their seat as Marc gets closer. This film has the proper build and excellent writing. It will grab your attention and won’t let go. And the conclusion makes you believe their will be a part two.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Why didn’t you tell me – Diane
There’s more to being a husband than just providing – Carrie
Just where do you think you’re going? – Marc
I know lots of people in all kinds of places – Kim
The first thing you can do is lose the ma’am – Meredith
I guess that’s the definition of eavesdropping – Kyle
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Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery – Review
Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Hannah helps a well-dressed customer, Victoria, at the counter when Hannah’s mother, Delores, enters and gives Victoria a death glare. Victoria orders four banana cream pies, makes a quip towards Delores, and exits. Delores explains that Victoria is her competition. Victoria constantly edges her out for roles. After getting the latest part, Victoria ordered pies at Hannah’s bakery to antagonize Delores. Hannah laughs and promises to come to Delores’s opening performance.
Hannah and her sister, Andrea, arrive at the Murrayville theater and meet the manager, Tonya. Tonya gushes over Victoria because Victoria has a dedicated fan base that ensures the theater will stay in business. Hannah and Andrea agree not to tell Delores. Hannah bumps into Victoria’s nephew, Roger. The sculptor is uninterested in the theater or Delores’s performance. He would rather be working on his art. Hannah and Andrea sit and watch the play.
Later, Hannah brings the pies to Victoria’s home. She sees an angry neighbor, Jacob, on the front porch. Hannah looks inside and sees Victoria on the ground. She drops the pies, breaks a window, and enters the home. She checks Victoria’s pulse, but it’s too late. Hannah smells something burning and runs to the stove. She finds an empty frying pan on top of a burner set to high flame. She turns off the burner and calls 911 for help.
Sheriff Ron surveys the scene with several officers and A.D.A Chad. He takes Hannah’s statement but warns her to stay off the case. Out of respect for her budding relationship with Chad, Hannah promises not to sleuth. However, things change when Ron makes Delores his #1 suspect. Hannah has to uncover the dark secrets in Victoria’s life to prove her mother’s innocence.
Based on Banana Cream Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke, this movie gives Hallmarkies the scene we are begging for: a kiss between Hannah and Chad (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Hannah and Chad’s romantic relationship makes great strides in this film. And Chad, a man without a sweet tooth, understands Hannah’s quirks and finds them charming. He loves her family, too. This film also expands on Hannah’s assistant’s life. Lisa’s family is in town for a reunion. And one member, Lisa’s cousin, brings drama and disrespect to the plot. This mystery is easier for Hallmarkies to uncover, but it delivers funny, inspirational, and loving moments. So have your banana bundt cake and butterscotch crunch cookies ready. You will keep this on your DVR.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
She bought four pies from you on purpose, Hannah. – Delores
Hannah, this is no time for jokes – Andrea
Well, you can thank the Marine Corps for that – Chad
If he told you not to investigate, you probably shouldn’t – Hannah
I keep telling myself that – Lisa
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A Home to Die For – Review
A Home to Die For – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Anna’s book sales are down, and she’s reeling from her divorce proceedings. She’s overwhelmed with everything around her. So, her friend, Crystal, suggests Anna take a vacation. Anna confesses that money is tight. Crystal knows a way to save money: a home swap (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). She tells Anna about the WanderNest website. She can swap homes with another person for free.
Anna tries the website and matches with a woman named Aurora from Greece. The only catch is that Aurora is coming to Los Angeles tomorrow. Anna throws caution to the wind and books a flight. When her estranged husband, David, calls, she chooses to keep the trip a secret.
Anna arrives in Greece and makes herself at home in Aurora’s place. She takes a bath and relaxes. Then, Anna hears something fall. She grabs a weapon and walks toward the sound. Anna screams when she sees Niko in the living room. Aurora asked him to keep an eye on Anna and to deliver a welcome basket. Anna puts down the weapon and gets travel tips from the handsome stranger. Anna thinks Greece is a much-needed refresh. However, she is in someone’s crosshairs. Will Anna survive her trip?
This potential Hallmark movie comes with a surprising twist that experienced Lifetimers won’t see coming. The film’s setup starts like so many Hallmark films. A woman, down on her luck, takes a last-minute trip to a foreign land. She finds food, joy, and a handsome stranger. Typically, they fall in love, have a misunderstanding, and work it out with a kiss. The director changed this with a gray overlay. Viewers know something more sinister will happen to Anna. Also, someone in a black hoodie watches and takes pictures of Anna from the shadows. This picture disappoints with the motive. It’s out of step. However, it doesn’t take away from the stalker’s shock value. Viewers should watch this before someone ruins the twist.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Cheers to thinking about it – Crystal
I can’t just ignore him – Anna
The tragedy is staying in an unhappy marriage – Niko
This is still my house, too – David
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A Wedding for Belle – Review
A Wedding for Belle – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Annabelle works for a struggling magazine, Timeless Brides. For weeks, they haven’t had an editor-in-chief. A photographer, Cage, informs Annabelle that the boss, Patricia, wants Annabelle in her office now. Annabelle steadies herself and walks toward Patricia’s office, but Annabelle’s fiancé, Matthew, cuts her off. He knows that his mother, Patricia, had a meeting with the board members. He wants to be there when Annabelle gets Patricia’s exciting news.
Patricia warns Annabelle that the sales are down and they need to pivot to something more exciting to attract readers. So, she’s decided to move up Annabelle and Matthew’s wedding date. She wants them to get married in three weeks and allow the magazine to document it in the next issue. If the issue attracts new readers, Patricia will make Annabelle the editor-in-chief. Patricia will even allow Annabelle to have the wedding in her hometown. Annabelle grits her teeth and agrees. She invites Cage to take pictures and Riley to assist her with handling Patricia.
Annabelle, Riley, and Cage drive to Annabelle’s hometown. Annabelle arrives at her mother, June’s, home. June assumes Annabelle returned after a breakup. She’s relieved that Annabelle’s relationship with Matthew is over. Annabelle stops June and tells her they moved up the date. Stunned, June accompanies them to the Grand Hall.
The director tells Annabelle that they closed the hall for six weeks to make changes. Annabelle explains her situation, and the director remembers her. So, the director calls the owner into the room. The owner walks down the stairs, and Annabelle’s memories rush into her mind. The owner, Lucas, is her childhood best friend and ex-boyfriend. They worked in the hall together during weddings. Lucas sees her and says no. They get into a screaming match, and Annabelle and her team leave. The director convinces Lucas to change his mind. Annabelle and the man of her dreams will meet in the hall. But will it be Matthew or Lucas?
This relationship doesn’t stand a chance. Matthew is a sniveling mama’s boy and knows nothing about Annabelle. Patricia is condescending and manipulative. She disrespects June’s lifestyle and Annabelle’s traditions. The writers made sure the audience would pray for this relationship to end. However, you won’t care as Annabelle chooses between the life she fought for and the one she gave up. Her character is weak and indecisive. It’s June that keeps eyes on the screen. She calls out everyone’s bad behavior and stands up for herself. Patricia is a worthy villain hiding behind sophistication. This film won’t require your attention. You can decipher the outcome and major plot points. It’s Patricia, June, and Cage’s verbal jabs that make you push the rewind button.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Was I supposed to be taking notes – Riley
I don’t know whether to kiss you or kill you – Belle
Wipe that adorable, confused look off your face – Matthew
I’m honored to be a part of the Annabelle experience – Cage
Girl, are you out of your mind – Lucas
What is wrong with you? – June
I guess she does have a decent eye – Patricia
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Villa Amore – Review
Villa Amore – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Liara sits in the realtor’s office, waiting for her fiancé, Kyle, to arrive. They will sign for her dream home, get married, and honeymoon in Italy. Liara dreamed of going there because it was where her parents met and fell in love. The realtor shows Kyle where to sign, and he refuses. He changed his plane ticket from Italy to Thailand and quit his job. He ends his 6-year relationship with Liara and tells her that she isn’t spontaneous enough. Liara retreats to her mother’s home. Mrs. Taylor encourages Liara to take the trip alone and become enamored with it, just as she did.
Liara arrives in Italy and enjoys the tourist hotspots. Before she leaves, Liara asks the concierge for something off the beaten path. He directs her to Luca’s Pastries. She enters and asks the man, Leo, beneath the sink for a suggestion. Leo offers her a sfogliatella, and she relishes its exquisite flavors. He admits that Luca’s sfogliatella is the 2nd best in Italy. His grandmother makes the best in her shop in Capena. That’s the small town where her parents met. Liara would love to visit, but she has to leave.
Liara waits at a bus stop for transportation to the airport. She scrolls through social media and sees a picture of Kyle in Thailand. Then, she spies a bus to Capena in the distance. She ditches her plans and hops on the Capena bus. Liara finds the bakery and delights in Nonna’s sfogliatella. Liara walks past Enzo’s office and spots a familiar villa on his notification board. Mrs. Taylor confirms that the villa on the flyer is the same one Mr. Taylor wanted to buy for her. Enzo is selling the property for 1 Euro. Liara can sell it at any time and won’t have to pay property taxes. Enzo warns her that it needs repairs as Liara signs on the dotted line. Liara walks to the Villa as Leo drives behind her. He offers to give her a ride but warns about the contract’s fine print. Liara must start the renovation in 3 months and complete the repairs within a year. The residency restrictions complicate these rules. Liara must leave the country in 90 days if she can’t get a residency extension. However, that extension will last 9 months. If Liara tries to flee without the renovations, Europe won’t allow her into the continent. Liara sees construction material in the back of his car. She asks him to help with the repairs. Leo says no, but gives her a countdown app. He gets a call from his father, starts having a panic attack, and drives down the road. He pulls over and states five things he can see. He turns around and agrees to help Liara. Can they fix the villa before Liara leaves Italy?
This movie finds its funny bone quickly as Liara enters her honeymoon suite. Liara continues to bring the laughs as she deals with the locals. They aren’t mean but weary of someone changing their quaint town. They fear Liara will sell the property to a hotel chain and alter Capena’s dynamics. Unlike other films, Liara and Leo never have a misunderstanding that nearly causes a breakup. Instead, they have open and honest communication about themselves, their past, and their dreams. Leo shows how much he cares when Kyle arrives in Italy. This moment will make Hallmarkies clutch their pearls and swoon. This movie follows the Hallmark format but adds chuckles, intelligence, and well-written characters while using Italy as a backdrop.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I’m going to Thailand. Alone -Kyle
Tell the truth. – Mrs. Taylor
You’re cheating my villa – Liara
You have the worst poker face – Leo
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Categories: A Home to Die For, A Wedding for Belle, Alicia S. Mason, Alison Sweeney, Barbara Niven, Braxton Angle, Brianna Cohen, Cyane Gan, Donny Boaz, Ella Cannon, Eloise Mumford, Haley Gosserand, hallmark, Haylie Duff, Hector David Jr., Jackee Harry, Jason Tobias, Julia Terranova, June Grooms, Kaci Barker, Kevin McGarry, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Love Sundays, Made for TV, movie, My Boyfriend's Wife is Dead, Nicole Marie Johnson, Passport to Love, Peru Kavalieri, Pie to Die For: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, Pretty Hurts, review, Sarah Borne, Signature Mystery, Sleuthers, The Wrong Marriage, tv review, Unhappily Ever After, UPtv, Vaggelis Papadakis, Victor Webster, Villa Amore, Vivica A. Fox
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