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Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle – Review
Unwrapping Christmas: Tina’s Miracle – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Tina prepares the store, All Wrapped Up, with her co-owners, Mia, Lily, and Olivia. They are excited that their store will sponsor the Annual Christmas Gala this year. But Tina worries. If it goes well, their business will thrive and expand. If they fail, it could ruin their business and the gala’s legacy. Tina’s friends assure her that the gala will go smoothly and they will win the wrapping competition again.
Tina eats lunch at her father’s home. Her dad, Thomas, wants to have The Alford House declared a landmark. He is the caretaker and recalls meeting his late wife there. They met in front of a painting they called ‘Woman in Blue’ at a Christmas Gala. Thomas considers the home and the gala to be a cornerstone of their family. Later, Tina goes to the store to find a gift and sees a young woman, Haley, fumbling with a Polaroid camera (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Haley can’t get the film inside, and Tina offers to help. After fixing the camera, Haley explains that she’s looking for the perfect gift for her dad. He works a lot and doesn’t dress well. Tina helps Haley find a tie. Then, she hears a man’s voice complimenting it. Tina stammers at the handsome man as Haley hugs him and calls him dad. Tina tells him about her shop and offers a discount when they visit.
Tina visits The Alford House with Thomas and relishes in its history. Then, Rachel enters with frustrating news. The owners of The Alford House sold it. The new owners don’t want any celebrations on their property. Tina panics because there aren’t any open venues that can host all their guest this close to Christmas. Tina asks Rachel for the seller’s name. To her surprise, it’s Michael. His company is ruthless. They are known for buying companies. Then, gutting them and firing employees. She can’t let the gala fail, or it will risk her company’s future. She must convince Michael to change his mind or lose everything. Tina will need a Christmas Miracle.
This movie is the first of a four-part series. While it doesn’t often incorporate the other characters, the plot presents Tina and Michael with well-detailed backstories. The conclusion hints that the other three women were busy, but the other films will cover that. The story incorporates the beauty of history while Tina learns to trust. Her ex-fiancé lied and broke her heart. She fears that Michael will do the same. Tina makes snap judgments and considers him a villain in her narrative. They uncover their miracle in history and the beauty of a coincidence. The film has a subplot about Haley and Michael. Haley has dyslexia and can’t find a proper school. Michael resigns to build one for her. That plot is beautiful. However, they have a teenager who doesn’t act her age. It’s distracting. This movie is a decent kickoff to the series. Hopefully, the next three will be better.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Time for the shark to take the bait – Tina
You’re very photogenic – Haley
Don’t worry. I take rejection well. Most of the time – Michael
Nice to meet you, Michael – Thomas
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My Sister’s Double Life – Review
My Sister’s Double Life – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Chelsy walks to Tony’s restaurant and sits in her sister’s section. Her sister, Hayley, takes a break to talk to her. Chelsy hates that Hayley deals with Tony’s sexual harassment and has to wear a demeaning uniform. Hayley needs the money to pay for her dental hygiene classes. Hayley can’t get a job anywhere else due to her history of drug use and theft. Then, Hayley’s co-worker, Miranda, walks by with a rude comment. Before Chelsy can defend Hayley, Hayley stops her. She knows Miranda is having an affair with Tony and resents her for Tony’s sexual comments. Chelsy resigns to Hayley’s decision and leaves for work. At home, Chelsy tries to convince Hayley again, but it doesn’t work.
Chelsy opens Hayley’s bedroom door, but Hayley isn’t home. She goes to Hayley’s job, but Miranda and the restaurant’s handyman, Tim, haven’t seen Hayley either. Chelsy calls Hayley’s school and uncovers that Hayley never enrolled. Chelsy runs to the sheriff’s office to report Hayley as a missing person. The sheriff doesn’t express concern because of Hayley’s past. He assumes she relapsed and returned to her ex-boyfriend, Cam. Chelsy won’t write her sister off that easily. She will go to the darkest corners of the Earth to find Hayley, but will she like the double life she uncovers?
This film offers too many hints about the kidnapper’s identity, but makes up for it by creating a compelling motive. Lifetimers will revolt at the sheer number of mistakes the protagonist makes. After someone breaks into her home, Chelsy leaves evidence lying around. She tells the wrong people her plans and nearly gets her husband, a police officer, fired. Also, Chelsy breaks the law multiple times. However, Hayley’s double life keeps the audience glued to the screen because the plot doesn’t reveal her secret until the end. While the kidnapper is standard, the execution is exceptional.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Don’t forget. I know what you’ve done – Hayley
AI doesn’t need to save money for a house – Chelsy
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Technically Yours – Review
Technically Yours – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Erin loses her coveted promotion to a newcomer, Jack. She assumes her boss, Rufus, picked Jack because he’s a man. However, she discovers that Jack has a similar background to hers. She covertly confronts Jack and discovers they had one class together before she graduated. Erin leaves because she is a remote worker and doesn’t want to deal with the embarrassment. She meets her sister, Sadie, and grandmother, Carolyn, at home. Sadie has terrific news. She and her boyfriend, Andy, got engaged. Carolyn joyously praises Sadie and Andy’s upcoming nuptials. Then, she expresses concern for Erin. Carolyn worries that Erin will be alone and have no one to take care of her. Then, Erin screams that she has a pediatrician boyfriend named Brad. Her family can’t contain their excitement. Sadie wants Brad to be Erin’s plus-one for the wedding.
Jack discusses his investor meeting next month with his ex-step-sister, Taylor. He’s creating a cancer screening prototype, but he knows he needs Erin’s help with the datasets. After their last run-in, he knows Erin doesn’t like him. Taylor sees the sparkle in Jack’s eyes and discovers he has a crush on Erin. Jack doesn’t want to pursue it because he saw an Instagram post of Erin with a man’s arm around her. Taylor persuades Jack to call Erin to discuss working on the prototype.
Jack and Erin meet at a coffee shop to discuss the prototype. He offers her a share in his company, but Erin says no. She made a similar deal with an ex-boyfriend, Pete, and he stole her idea. Before Erin can exit, she hears Sadie scream ‘Brad.’ Sadie also saw the posts but didn’t know it was an image Erin had altered. Sadie walks to the counter for a coffee, and Erin quickly tells Jack the story of Brad. Jack offers to be Brad if Erin helps him with the prototype. They agree to a fake relationship for the wedding. Can Erin handle the ruse when her feelings become real?
This UPtv movie has the classic Hallmark plot. The difference is that Jack carries a torch for Erin and her coding prowess. They don’t have disdain for each other. Erin has trust issues. The writers were careful not to demonize Erin’s work. Erin lies because she doesn’t want Carolyn to worry, and Jack goes along because he is in love with her. This film presents the classic meet-cute, misunderstanding, and ex-boyfriend’s return. But it offers nothing else. Watch this film if you need a few hours to kill.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
So, do not let them see you cry – Erin
I don’t understand anything you just said. – Jack
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A Machu Picchu Proposal – Review
A Machu Picchu Proposal – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Katie’s fraternal twin, Dan, begs her to go to Peru with him and his girlfriend, Luciana. She thinks he’s up to something. However, he wants to get her out of the classroom before the new semester starts. She can find new ingredients and dishes to introduce to her students. Katie begrudgingly accepts his offer.
Katie, Dan, and Luciana arrive in Peru and meet Luciana’s play brother, Chef Carlos. Carlos got a behind-the-scenes connection to visit Machu Picchu and bypass the government red tape. Katie and Dan give excuses, but Luciana begs them to go. They arrive at Machu Picchu, and Katie can see the anticipation on Dan’s face. He admits that he wanted to propose to Luciana there, but only after asking her father’s permission. However, the early visit to the site ruined his moment. Katie tells him not to wait and propose now. Dan gives Katie his high-resolution drone to record the moment. Sadly, Katie fumbles with the camera setup, and another couple proposes. Carlos highlights it, takes their photo, and celebrates. Katie and Dan return to Luciana’s family home in defeat.
Dan blows several more proposal opportunities, and Katie blames Carlos. She thinks he is a liability and will reveal Dan’s plan. She distracts Carlos, but Dan still can’t find the perfect place to propose. So, Dan considers giving up. Katie softens and tells Carlos Dan’s plan. He decides to help Katie find the ideal place for Dan’s proposal, but will he and Katie uncover more?
This film is genuinely funny. Each proposal attempt exposes the audience to the astounding Peruvian culture while putting Dan and Katie in an uncomfortable situation. After watching this movie, you will never look at chocolate or alpacas the same way. The cast has a stellar connection that jumps off the screen. The writers respectfully introduce the audience to Peru’s beauty. Viewers will pause their TV to marvel at the sights. It will inspire you to consider a trip to the magnificent location. This picture is a strong ending to 2025’s Passport to Love. Watch it today.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
What is this really about? – Katie
You just need to find your person – Luciana
He likes him. Don’t worry – Carlos
Come on. This could be your Eat, Pray, Love. – Dan
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Categories: A Machu Picchu Proposal, Alec Santos, Amalia Williamson, Anna Hopkins, christmas, Christmas in July, Cody Ray Thompson, hallmark, June Grooms, Kristi Murdock, lifetime, Made for TV, movie, My Sister's Double Life, Natalie Hall, Nathan Dales, Passport to Love, review, Rhiannon Fish, Sarah Grey, Technically Yours, Tom Gipson, tv review, Unwrapping Christmas: Tina's Miracle, UPtv
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