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The Widow’s Payback – Review
The Widow’s Payback – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Dr. Amanda receives a cash reward and a party for becoming the newest partner in the dental practice. Her boss discusses a job for Amanda’s husband, Jessie. While the comment was in jest, it struck a nerve with Jessie. He hasn’t been able to get a job since his arrest. He hates depending on his wife to pay the bills. As Jessie and Amanda walk to their car, a man jumps from the shadows and demands money from Jessie. Jessie stammers before Amanda asks how much Jessie owes. She pays the man, and he walks away. Jessie is furious with Amanda when they get home. Handing over the money is another reminder that he can’t support his family. Amanda calms him and restores his faith in their relationship. Later, Jessie admits he had a lead on a job. He can become a bus driver after taking a training program. Amanda believes he will ace the exam.
Jessie takes his first ride for Blacktop Bus Lines. The passengers are asleep, so he calls Amanda. She’s passing out candy to children for Halloween. He promises to come home after he washes the bus and returns it to the depot. He scans the bus for trash and finds a hidden compartment. He opens the hatch and finds boxes of contraband. He mumbles that the bus is dirty and hangs up the phone. Hours later, Amanda hears a knock at the door. She opens it, and Jessie falls into her arms. He’s dead. Someone beat and suffocated him. She calls the police.
Months later, the police have yet to identify the suspect. Amanda flies in a rage. She assumes they aren’t looking into her case because Jessie was a person of color with a record. Amanda won’t rest until she finds Jessie’s killer. She links the bus company to Jessie’s murder. But the detectives don’t know who owns it. Amanda looks up the bus company, and it leads to a church. She will assume a new identity, join the church, and find out who owns the Blacktop Bus Line. She believes it will lead to Jessie’s murderer. Can she unmask a killer before the culprit takes her out first?
This thriller followed the groundwork of In Too Deep, but it lacked the suspense or plot twists (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Amanda becomes a honey pot to trap her husband’s killer and bring down their illegal enterprise. The actors’ work shines through because the script doesn’t deliver. The writers can add a sequel because everyone lives to fight another day. This wild ride with sex, espionage, murder, and Lifetime cops comes to a disappointing stop. Lifetimers will assume a big reveal or twists that never come to fruition. The sound quality, easter eggs, and editing were noteworthy. While the actors did their best, they couldn’t suppress a dull story.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
It’s been 5 o’clock for you since noon – Amanda
I’m your ride or die – Jessie
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Her Life is on the Line – Review
Her Life is on the Line – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Dr. Sarah hosts a podcast. Listeners call in with their issues, and she gives them advice, heartfelt truths, and encouragement. Her producer, Michelle, helps filter the calls. After a successful show, Sarah’s boss, Ben, calls her into his office. A conglomerate, Wellburst, wants her show. They are willing to pay substantially more and cover her relocation fee. However, they want her to have new guests with new problems. Sarah’s uneasy with this change because she has regular callers. She doesn’t want to abandon them. Sarah takes the contract and asks for more time. Then, Leon runs into the room—someone called in a bomb threat.
Detective Jake meets everyone outside and questions them. He assures Sarah the threat was a hoax, but wants to know if she has any enemies. Then, a man jumps out from the crowd and screams at her for ruining his marriage. Jake apprehends the man, pats him down, and takes him away. Jake gives Sarah his business card for the future.
Sarah returns to work and takes Edward’s call. He becomes increasingly hostile, and Sarah contemplates hanging up. However, Edward admits he’s holding someone Sarah knows hostage. If she doesn’t reveal her secrets, proving that she is inept, then he will kill the hostage. This exposure may ruin Sarah’s career, medical degree, and family. Can she save a life with hers on the line?
This film is the definition of messy. Sarah is a woman who maintains a put-together appearance for the media. She touts a successful marriage, career, and friendships. However, her world is in shambles. As Edward forces Sarah to reveal every secret, you will clutch your pearls for a moment. However, only one secret is detrimental. The rest are soap opera staples. The ongoing investigation is at best lackluster. Cops don’t get involved until callers report Edward. Then, they lean on Sarah to do their dirty work. The overall culprit isn’t a surprise, although the writers have a few red herrings. This film’s pace is steady, but the ending is sappy and anticlimactic.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
It’s because I care – Sarah
Try to stay out of trouble – Jake
But we need to tell her soon – David
I wouldn’t hang up if I were you – Edward
Sometimes I wonder if she’s actually really qualified – Michelle
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Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Buried at C – Review
Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Buried at C – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Gethsemane’s students sing at Eamon’s ceremony to kick off the 1st annual McCarthy days. Eamon happily pops in to see the unveiling of his statue. He and the town are slightly disappointed. Gethsemane chats with Griff before the head master corners him about coaching the hurling team. Gethsemane convinces the math teacher to accept the new role. Then, they remember Gethsemane’s brother, Jackson, is coming to visit. She can’t wait. However, she knows that her brother will unintentionally steal the spotlight. Before Jackson arrives, Gethsemane warns Eamon that Jackson doesn’t know she got her father’s gift of seeing ghosts. She needs his help to maintain a low profile.
Jackson arrives, and Gethsemane opens her arms to him. He broke up with his girlfriend but still runs their father’s store. Gethsemane takes him around town and introduces him to her friends. They stop at Siobhan’s pub and see Shannon putting up missing persons flyers for her father, Captain MacLachlan. He went out on his boat a few days ago but never returned. Shannon fears something awful happened to her father. Jackson meets everyone and buys the bar a round of drinks. After a fun night, Gethsemane leaves Jackson to prepare tomorrow’s lesson.
Later, Siobhan calls the last round. Jackson sees a man named Ray with a violin. He asks to see the instrument. Ray offers a peek because the violin is an antique and expensive. The exquisite piece stuns Jackson. Ray quickly closes the case and leaves with the instrument, but forgets his sack. Jackson remembers that Ray was staying at the hotel across the street. He grabs the sack and runs over. Jackson enters and approaches the concierge. But the lights go out before they speak. The concierge runs to check the circuit breaker. Jackson sees something out of the corner of his eye and cautiously walks over to investigate. He finds Ray on the ground and a hooded figure running away. He checks Ray’s pulse and can’t find it. Someone killed Ray.
Gethsemane arrives at the hotel and worries about Jackson’s safety. If the killer saw him, Jackson could be next. She will do anything to keep Jackson safe. Gethsemane walks to the pier and calls to the heavens for Eamon’s assistance. He appears by her side. Eamon can’t help her, but he knows someone who can: Captain MacLachlan. Captain MacLachlan tells Gethsemane that Ray killed him. He overheard Ray discussing the violin on the phone with a buyer. Captain MacLachlan realized Ray was smuggling the violin and sent a distress signal to the Coast Guard. Ray struck him, stole his boat, and deactivated the signal. Gethsemane has to find the killer of a killer to keep Jackson safe.
Inspired by A Gethsemane Brown Mysteries by Alexia Gordon, this film adds a new layer to Gethsemane’s gift, family, and friends (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Similar to Ghost Whisper, Gethsemane sees her abilities as a blessing and a curse. She can help others, but worries that people will label her weird. This script introduces Gethsemane’s brother and expands on her father. Also, Hallmarkies get a hint of love on the horizon for our newest sleuth. However, it doesn’t let the mystery fall to the wayside. Finding a killer’s killer isn’t a new plot point, but this well-written rendition is captivating. It involves history, the black market, and a new ghost. The sky is the limit for this series.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
You’ve got to stop doing that – Gethsemane
I thought it would be rude to ghost them – Eamon
I haven’t quite gotten my line back in the water – Jackson
Every bit of damage has a story behind it – Ray
I wish I had been a better father to her – Captain MacLachlan
Are you really here – Shannon
It’s not about money – Katie
You never disturb me, per se – Inspector O’Reilly
I don’t know. I wasn’t myself – Pierce
You know that’s not true – Doran
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Brace for Danger – Review
Brace for Danger – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Captain Tom put Detective Peyton on a new case. Someone attacked a podcaster, Erin, in her home after she announced her upcoming tell-all. She killed her intruder, but the police uncovered that someone had hired him. However, they don’t know who. Erin could still be in danger. So, they put Peyton in police custody until they can reveal the mastermind. Peyton’s boyfriend, Detective Ryan, asks for the location, but Peyton scoffs because it’s against the rules.
Peyton takes Erin to the safe house, but the mastermind strikes again. Tom tells Peyton to focus on her upcoming vacation. She will visit her parents to celebrate their anniversary. Peyton will miss her daughter’s game. However, Ryan offered to attend and cheer for her. Peyton promises she will make it home to see Lucy’s qualifying match. Peyton agrees to put work aside for her family.
After a successful anniversary, Peyton struggles with her luggage on the plane. A passenger, Samantha, offers to give Peyton the first-class seat next to her. The stewardess, Jade, agrees to the change, and Peyton thinks this is her lucky day. She relaxes as they sail towards the sky. During the fight, Samantha’s mood changes. She warns Peyton that her associate has Lucy. If Peyton wants Lucy to live, then Peyton will tell her Erin’s location before she lands. Samantha shows Peyton a picture of Lucy, bound and gagged. Peyton stresses that she is no longer on the case and doesn’t have access to that information. Samantha doesn’t care. She wants Erin’s location by any means necessary. Or Lucy will die. What will Peyton choose?
This film is a refreshing thriller for Lifetime. The writers used an effective countdown clock, setting it to the landing of the flight. The writers added someone’s life on the line, with another’s in the balance. While Peyton plays it stressed, she remains cool under pressure. Every character has a purpose in the storyline and adds something new. They have a specific behavior that makes you wonder who the mastermind is. Viewers will have three worthwhile options. Don’t be surprised if you change your mind at the film’s midpoint. Samantha is a clever contract killer who considers all the variables. Any creative way that viewers consider warning the flight crew, Samantha has a response. This film delivers and is worth your time and full attention.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Be nice, your mom’s had a tough day – Ryan
I do not deserve you two – Peyton
I love it that you count down the days until we’re married – Erin
Better scared than dead – Tom
35 days until our forever starts – Andrew
You wouldn’t believe me if I told you – Samantha
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A Country Encore – Review
A Country Encore – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Jingle writer Laura arrives to find a crisis at work. Their singer is ill and can’t sing their latest jingle. Their client will come soon, expecting a finished product. Laura’s co-worker, Zoe, recalls that Laura can sing. However, Laura stopped after experiencing stage fright. Zoe convinces Laura to add the vocals to the song. Laura presents the jingle as a rough draft, but the client loves her voice. He wants Laura’s vocals to stay on the jingle. After the meeting, Laura’s boss wants Laura to write a new jingle in a week. If it goes well, she will promote Laura to the Head of Marketing.
Earlier, Zoe admitted that she secretly entered Laura’s song into the Harvest Lane Showcase songwriting contest hosted by country superstar Jackson Walker. Jackson will perform the winner’s song on live television. Laura’s song won. Laura panics because Jackson is her ex-boyfriend. She doesn’t want to see him or perform her song in front of people. Zoe emails Laura the release form in case Laura changes her mind. Later, Laura’s boss emails Laura the release form for the jingle. Laura signs it, but the boss doesn’t get it. She opens the email, signs it again, and emails it back. The boss finally receives the updated contract. After the call, Laura reads the first release she signed. It was for the contest. She panics. She signed the rights to the jingle to Jackson. If she doesn’t get him to give up the song, she could lose her promotion and her job. She will confront her past face-to-face. Without explaining the details, Laura must obtain the rights to her song from Jackson. However, he won’t let the love of his life go that easily.
This love story has a predictable conflict, romance, and resolution. It follows the rom-com keypoints from beginning to end. The entertaining moments are watching Laura regain her confidence in writing and singing. One instant on stage ruined her dreams and relationship. She never turned back and found a side door to her dreams. Jackson states that she writes songs with no passion. Although he likes her jingles, Laura rediscovering her drive for music is more captivating than the romance. This film is a mindless watch with a country twist.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I can’t believe this is your solution – Laura
You know I’ve always been a fan of his – Rose
Changing my mind last minute isn’t my thing, it’s yours – Jackson
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Haul Out the Halloween – Review
Haul Out the Halloween – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Evergreen Lane is quiet because everyone is at Jared and Emily’s wedding. After seven years together, the couple tied the knot on Jared’s parents’ anniversary in honor of his late father. The neighborhood pledges to keep an eye on things until the happy couple returns from their honeymoon.
Pam, Bob, and Mary Louise spot some spooky decorations from the new neighbors, Marvin and Luna. They cover their yard with skeletons, grave stones, and ghosts. Even their doorbell screams. They decide not to interrupt the happy couple on their honeymoon about the various HOA violations.
Jared and Emily arrive with love in the air, until Jared spots the Halloween spectacular across the street. He pulls out his clipboard, marches to their home, and rings the doorbell with Emily behind him. Jared updates them about the bylaws, but Marven and Luna are surprised. Their realtor told them this was the most festive street in the country. Jared corrects them because they celebrate Christmas. They spotlight that the bylaws don’t mention Halloween and politely shut the door.
Jared and Emily stew in their home and air their frustrations to Emily’s parents, Albert and Gail. They explain that the town stopped celebrating Halloween after Emily’s grandmother passed. It was her favorite holiday. Also, the holiday was too scary for Emily. They considered outlawing the holiday in the bylaws, but never came to a definitive vote. Instead, the town collectively stopped celebrating it. Emily can’t believe everyone gave up a holiday for her comfort. She and Jared decided to reinstate the holiday and invite the neighbors. Evergreen Lane will become Ever-scream Lane, but it won’t be easy. A storm is brewing this way.
The third installment of this franchise brings a new holiday to the story. It doesn’t take long for the claws to come out when the competition starts, and the town battles with cookie wars, pumpkin carving, and decorations. No one is safe. The vanity department had fun creating looks for each character to give them a spooky touch. And the storyline has two subplots. One between Jared’s mom and Ned, and the other between Emily and her childhood rival. Both subplots are entertaining and add a dynamic layer to the main story. This film proves that Evergreen Lane rises above a singular holiday. They can branch out to Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Valentine’s Day. Hallmarkies will look forward to more movies and holidays.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Do not call my mom ‘dear’ – Jared
Looks like we have a couple of bona fide fright-o-philes – Ned
Double, double toil and trouble – Pam
By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes – Luna
You brought the clipboard on the honeymoon – Emily
Which is what exactly – Marvin
Halloween is for remembering your loved ones and having a whole lot of fun – Grandma Melrose
I get around her, and I turn into plastic – Emily
They are more than welcome. Thank you very much – Belinda
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Categories: A Country Encore, Adam Huss, Amanda Jordan, Andrew Fultz, Bianca Lawson, Brace for Danger, Connor McMahon, Daniel Kountz, Ellen Travolta, Fall Into Love, hallmark, Haul Out the Halloween, Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Buried at C, Her Life is on the Line, Jessica Morris, Kheon Clarke, Kimberly J Brown, Kristina Clifford, lacey chabert, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Marco Grazzini, Melissa Peterman, movie, review, Sami Nye, Shocktober, Stephen Tobolowsky, Tamera Mowry-Housley, The Widow's Payback, tv review, UPtv, Wes Brown
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