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Before Your Father Finds Us – Review
Before Your Father Finds Us – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Mason sits in front of the parole board and pleads his case. He has been a model prisoner for 10 years and believes he deserves to re-enter the world and his family. His daughter was 4 when he went to prison. Now, he doesn’t want to miss out on her life anymore. The parole board says no because they can’t trust his actions. Mason snaps, kills a guard, trades clothes, and escapes. When they discover the prison break, they call FBI Agent Farnsworth. Farnsworth informs his partner, Agent Samuels. Samuels wonders if they should call Mason’s wife, Alex. Farnsworth’s will, but he doesn’t suspect Mason will find Alex because she and her daughter, Emily, are in the Witness Protection Program.
Sofia and her daughter attend church. Sofia takes her daughter’s phone away, but she loses focus when the preacher preaches about lies. Sofia meets her friend, Amanda, at the church’s bake sale. Their daughters will be spending the evening at Amanda’s home so Sofia can spend time with her boyfriend, Steve. Sofia has never let her daughter out of her sight. However, she trusts Amanda. Sofia asks her daughter to take items in the car while she finishes her discussion with Amanda. Sofia doesn’t see a man, Mason, quietly approach her daughter, Emily. Mason tells Emily that her mother lied. He is alive and wants them back. He pleads with Emily not to tell her mother he’s in town. Emily agrees.
Steve and Sofia’s date goes well until Steve gives her a key to his home. She dislikes discussing the future and desires to take their relationship slow. Steve doesn’t understand, but he agrees. He’s willing to wait for the woman he loves. Sofia gets a knock at the door and answers it. She’s dumbstruck to see Mason on her doorstep. He assumed the FBI forced her to testify against him. He can’t believe his wife, Alex, is standing before him. He tells her he received parole and wants them to be a family. She says she has to tie up loose ends and will leave with him in the morning. He breathes a sigh of relief and exits. Alex locks the door, packs her bag, and grabs some cash. Before she leaves, Amanda calls.
While Emily is at Amanda’s home, she sees a news report about Mason. It gives the grizzly details about his crimes. Amanda knew about Alex’s past and name change. She calls to warn Alex. Alex explains Mason’s untimely arrival and tells Amanda to prepare Emily. She will be there soon to pick up Emily and run. After Alex hangs up, Agent Farnsworth calls. He tells Alex not to worry about Mason because he can’t find her in witness protection. Alex angrily updates him that Mason is there. Now, they know someone is helping Mason. Army Veteran Alex must use her skills to save Emily and escape a killer. Can they survive?
This film is frustrating because Alex does everything correctly. She lives her life under the radar, tells few about her past, and keeps her skills up to date. It’s simple mistakes that lead Mason to her. Mason finds an emergency contact list, gets tips, or uses physical violence to track them down. This film doesn’t rely on unrealistic methods to locate people. It uses low-tech solutions and loyalty. With few characters, the audience will easily narrow down who Mason’s accomplice is. However, the writer’s passion for booby traps and guns shines through the script. While the plot twist is unsurprising, the film is an enjoyable rollercoaster.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
All I want is my family back – Mason
You get freedom, I get military lockdown – Emily
No, Sofia. That’s who you’re choosing to be with me – Steve
Will you please forgive me – Alex
You have the full support of the FBI – Agent Farnesworth
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Secrets of an Influencer – Review
Secrets of an Influencer – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Jess convinces her boyfriend, Robbie, to visit a bakery promoted by her favorite influencer, Amanda Jane. Robbie rolls his eyes but blames himself for introducing Jess to her. Jess snaps a picture of her cookies, and Robbie persuades Jess to tag Amanda. Jess does, and later, Amanda likes Jess’s post. Jess is star-struck.
Jess arrives at The Gable Inn, and her boss, Mary, gives Jess more busy work. Mary doesn’t have any reservations for the upcoming week. She remembers that Jess has a degree in marketing and asks for a suggestion. Jess proposes using discounts on services, but Mary doesn’t like any idea that brings in less money. When Mary exits, housekeeper Jaclyn airs her frustrations with Mary’s management style. Jess chooses to stay late, and the security guard, Esteban, catches her scrolling on her phone. He warns her that being distracted is dangerous for a young woman.
Jess vents to Robbie about her marketing issues. She wishes Mary would let her implement her ideas. Robbie suggests Jess send a message to Amanda, asking to stay at the Inn for free. She can post content from there and share it with her followers. Jess loves the idea and presents it to Mary. Mary approves after learning about influencer marketing. Jess contacts Amanda, and within minutes, Amanda replies. She had plans fall through this weekend. Amanda agrees to stay at the Inn for content. She will tag the Inn on all her posts. Jess continues celebrating until she gets a message from Afanda Jane. This unknown person warns Jess to stay away from Amanda. Later, Amanda posts that someone is stalking her and her contacts. She asks her followers to be kind to one another.
Jess prepares the room for Amanda’s arrival and creates a gift basket. Amanda has a photoshoot and raves about the Inn’s quaint feel. After a few glamour shots, Amanda pulls Jess aside and questions her about strange messages. Jess recalls the DM she got from Afanda. Amanda cautions Jess that Afanda is dangerous.
Jess arrives at work the next day and discovers that Amanda left early. Jess is unsure why Amanda left but wishes she had gotten a chance to say goodbye. However, business is booming. Jess sends Amanda a message of gratitude, but doesn’t receive a response. When Amanda doesn’t have her regular 8 pm life session, Jess worries. She examines Amanda’s room and finds blood. Jaclyn blames herself and cleans it. Jess discusses Amanda’s actions with Mary and Esteban, but they dodge her question. Jess thinks Amanda is missing, but can she get anyone else to believe her?
This movie offers a fun mystery for this generation’s media-obsessed culture. Followers base their likes, dislikes, and buying power on their favorite influencer’s recommendations. The influencer feels like a friend. While the script could preach about phone addiction, that’s not the focus of the story. So don’t expect the plot to become preachy. The writers created rich characters with shady behaviors. It’s enough for viewers to give each character the side eye. If you aren’t paying attention, you will miss the bit of information that sets the wheels in motion. And the conclusion leaves nothing to chance. If the culprit doesn’t surprise you, the motive will.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
There are worse things in life I could be obsessed with – Jess
Jess, what do you have to lose – Robbie
Remember to be your own biggest fan – Amanda James
Don’t go looking for trouble – Mary
One day, you will understand what real work is – Jaclyn
Ms. Jess, why so nervous – Esteban
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The Wife Who Knew Too Much – Review
The Wife Who Knew Too Much – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Newly-appointed PTA President Lisa mingles at her first booster club party. Her daughter, cheerleader Taylor, and Taylor’s boyfriend, quarterback Noah, and her friend Kevin attend. Taylor and Noah want to leave early for another player’s party. Lisa agrees if Kevin goes with them and Taylor comes home at 11. Lisa introduces Coach Chip to her husband, Head Coach Sam. Chip wants to relocate and join the high school’s coaching team. However, Sam ignores Chip to talk to an influential donor, Tom. Lisa apologizes for Sam’s actions but makes a hasty exit when she sees Avery on the back patio. Avery shows Lisa a money-filled envelope. Recruiters have been fawning over Avery’s son, Noah, and will offer him anything to start school with them. Lisa worries about the legality of the arrangement and tells Avery to hide the cash. Avery and Lisa end their conversation when they hear Principal Finnegan break his drinking glass.
Kevin approaches Melissa about a class project, but she and her friends laugh at him. Kevin sulks, and Taylor sits with him. She refuses to leave his side or let him feel bad because they have been friends for 10 years. Then, they hear someone yell at Kevin from across the room. It’s Melissa’s boyfriend, and he’s accusing Kevin of flirting with Melissa. Noah ends the altercation before a fight starts. Kevin chooses to walk home alone.
Noah’s mother, Ruth, calls Lisa at 2 a.m. because Noah didn’t come home. Lisa checks on Taylor, and she’s home. During their conversation, Sam tells Lisa he got a call from Finnegan. He locked himself out of the school shed and needs the key immediately. Lisa tries to get Sam to stay, but nothing works. Ruth has a bad feeling and asks Lisa to stay over. Lisa agrees. In the morning, Ruth’s world stops when the police knock on her door. Kevin was the victim of a hit-and-run. He died in the street, and they don’t have any leads. Lisa informs Taylor and Sam. She rushes to comfort Ruth but sees that Mr. Finnegan, Sam, Avery, Noah, and Taylor don’t express the same concern. Lisa won’t let anyone derail her from finding Kevin’s killer, but will it cost Lisa her life?
This movie is the Lifetime mystery that fans have begged for. The writer ensured everyone was out the night Kevin died. Also, everyone has a hidden agenda. Viewers unravel the mystery with Lisa as she breaks the law to uncover the truth. This plot has sex, drama, and a hint of Friday Night Lights (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The body count is low, but fans get a shovel to the face. Also, everyone’s plot comes to a satisfying and believable ending. The story gives you a brief introduction to the characters and their connection. Before the first commercial break, Kevin dies. Afterward, the film doesn’t slow down with scandal around every corner. Get your teacups ready because this picture is serving something hot.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Do think twice about that envelope – Lisa
This will be the security for his future – Avery
You should go hang out with your friends. – Kevin
I am with my friend. – Taylor
I love you. I didn’t mean to underappreciate you. – Sam
I got a feeling something is very wrong – Ruth
Is there anything else? – Principal Finnegan
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Unwrapping Christmas: Lily’s Destiny – Review
Unwrapping Christmas: Lily’s Destiny – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lily arrives at work to discuss the Christmas Gala sponsored by her store, All Wrapped Up. Her co-owners, friends Olivia, Tina, and Mia, want to focus on Lily’s date with the state’s most eligible bachelor, real estate agent Owen. Lily is surprised that he wants her, but her friends aren’t. She is funny, bright, and a former beauty queen. Lily glanced over her horoscope, and it predicted that an unexpected love would come. Lily sees Owen’s billboards all over town and thinks it’s a sign. Then, she gets a call from Sean. He wants to interview Lily for his newspaper. Lily knows this will bring attention to the store and the Christmas Gala, so she heads to the café for the interview and plans to meet Owen later.
Lily sits with Sean, and they talk about college. They discover they attended the same school and had a class together. Lily almost forgets about Owen until she receives a text message. She ends the interview with Sean, but he doesn’t have enough information for his article. Lily offers to meet again to answer business questions. Lily runs home, checks her horoscope, and wears the recommended color green.
Lily arrives at the restaurant to meet Owen, but he’s late. After a while, he enters, orders some wine, and talks about himself. Lily engages in polite conversation while seeing signs about Sean. She’s ready to leave, but Owen wants to see Lily again. He loves dating a beautiful and accomplished woman. She’s unsure until she talks to her friends. They convince her to give Owen a second chance. But they can’t ignore how much Lily gushes over Sean. Just then, Sean walks into the store to gather information for his article. Lily and Sean converse, laugh, and blush. They make an appointment for the upcoming interview before he exits. Lily’s friends encourage her to ask him out, but she’s not sure he’s single. Lily throws caution to the wind and runs out of the store. She sees Sean play with a child and hug a woman. She assumes it’s Sean’s wife and son. Liily slowly backs away. Later, Sean develops feelings for Lily, but he sees pictures of her and Owen on a blog site. Can these two read the signs and come together? Or will they let miscommunication stand in the way?
The third installment of the Unwrapping Christmas franchise adds astrology to the holidays. Lily lets horoscopes and divine signs guide her life. While some may roll their eyes, others will find comfort in Lily’s hopes. The script explains that Lily’s beliefs stem from her father’s love of the stars. He died recently, and she isn’t handling it well. Lily relies on the stars but ignores his favorite time of the year. The plot introduces a nosy neighbor, who will be your antagonist until you learn her backstory. The neighbor, Whitney, gets a second chance to be a better person and find love. Now, Owen will make your skin crawl. He is self-absorbed and annoying. The writers did a fabulous job creating a character whose attitude diminishes his looks. This film has more compassion than the others, while sticking with the same plotline. However, Lily doesn’t have the same number of Gala issues as the first two films. This film fits easily into the first two and gives a glimpse into the fourth. Nevertheless, it doesn’t require your undivided attention to enjoy this movie.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I’ll get to it. I swear – Lily
You could wear a brown paper bag and still take his breath away – Tina
I still got my Blockbuster membership card – Sean
People actually pay for that – Owen
It’s like you always say, ‘follow the signs’ – Olivia
Since when does Lily accept ‘okay’ – Mia
Of course. That’s what interns do. – Kenzie
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Categories: Alexa PenaVega, Allen Williamson, Ashley Brinkman, Ashley Newbrough, Before Your Father Finds Us, Christmas in July, hallmark, Jaeda Lily Miller, Kyla Nova, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Matthew Pohlkamp, movie, Nicole Unger, review, Secrets of an Influencer, Sizzling Summer Nights, Tahmoh Penikett, The Wife Who Knew Too Much, Tiffany Montgomery, Torrance Coombs, Tryphena Wade, tv review, Unwrapping Christmas: Lily's Destiny
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