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Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie – Review
Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kai turns over the keys to her father’s old rig one last time. She will retire today and spend time with her niece, Latoya, also known as Toy, on a drive to the West Coast. Kai calls Toy to check in, and Toy discusses her issues with social media. Toy shared her autism prognosis online and met some backlash. Kai tells Toy to turn off social media and focus on the world around her. Then, she notices Toy’s new jewelry. Toy explains that a male friend bought it for her. Kai expresses that Toy shouldn’t accept gifts because they can have social implications that Toy doesn’t understand. Toy disregards her aunt’s worries but agrees to stop taking the presents.
Kai meets with her sister, Madison, and beams about retirement. However, Madison secured a job that could potentially lead to a large contract. She wants her best driver on the job, and that’s Kai. She begs Kai to take the job, but it will derail her trip with Toy. Kai accepts the drive and tells Toy. Toy is visibly upset but uses her coping mechanisms to relax. Toy counters and asks to join Kai on her job. They can drive to Dallas and spend time together. Kai agrees, and Toy convinces Madison to let her go.
After a few days on the road, Toy leaves the cab to get food at a truck stop while Kai sleeps. A man named Eric approaches Toy. He’s her online, gifting friend. He gives her another present, but Toy doesn’t respond the way he expects. She tries to explain her autism and her varying online relationships. Eric takes offense to her friendly nature for many online. Toy tries to run, but he grabs her and stuffs her in the trunk of his car. Toy obtains her hidden phone and calls Kai. She relays her situation, and Kai tracks her. Then, Toy warns Kai that her phone has 3% battery life. Kai follows Toy’s location until the call ends. Kai calls the police and Madison. Kai fears that the police aren’t taking it seriously because they want to label Toy a runaway. Kai will find the community she thought overlooked her to bring Toy home.
This film is a combination of several actual stories, but it falls short of others in this category. The plot focuses more on the failed relationship between Kai and Madison. Toy becomes an afterthought to their bickering and family issues. Viewers will beg them to stop the petty nonsense and focus on the missing teen. Also, the writers focused on the trucker community rejecting Kai. By the conclusion, it feels like Kai kept them at arm’s length. Eric was the quintessential red-pill villain. He blames everyone but himself for his shortcomings. While Kai’s friend, Clutch, is the opposite. He is funny, kind, and understanding. This movie is not the best of the series, but it’s a decent way to kill two hours.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
You know better than to feed the trolls, Toy – Kai
I understand – Toy
Did your auntie tell you that – Madison
I’ll take that as a compliment – Clutch
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Dancing With a Murderer – Review
Dancing With a Murderer – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Aspiring fashion designer Nora walks around the Legacy Masquerade Gala until she bumps into an old friend, Liz. This gala is Liz’s vision, but she doesn’t recall putting Nora on the guest list because Nora doesn’t live in town. Nora returned to help her ailing mother, Margaret. She came as Naomi’s plus one. Naomi interrupts Liz with exciting news. She nominated Nora for the most coveted award at the gala. Many aspiring business owners use the prize money to grow their business. Nora looks around the room and sees her ex-boyfriend, Daniel, attending the bar. She walks over to the nominees’ table to check out her competition. Paul introduces himself. He makes sly comments because his daughter, Angela, is on the list. After Paul leaves, Dom walks over and asks Nora to dance. Nora says no at first, but Dom won’t let her fears stop him. As they dance the night away, Angela enters with a stab wound. She falls to the floor, and attendees call the police. Nora gets a text that she was supposed to be the victim. She rushes home as Angela dies.
One year later, Nora returns. To her surprise, Liz is throwing the gala, but in Angela’s honor. Nora thinks they should cancel it, but it’s too late. Dom cuts off their conversation and gives Nora his business card. He hopes to meet with her later. Nora returns to her mother’s home and sees Daniel there. He explains that he helps when he can, especially after Margaret had an uncomfortable encounter with Paul after Angela’s death. Nora looks through the mail and finds another threat. The killer still wants her dead and won’t stop until they get it right.
This whodunit film isn’t much of a mystery. Off-hand comments and side glances give the killer away. The motive is predictable, too. Viewers will wonder why it takes Nora so long to figure it out. The editing, acting, and costumes are perfect, but they can’t make up for the dull script. Once you hear the killer’s underhanded remarks, your attention will fade into other activities until the monologue. This movie is perfect for holiday background noise.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
I feel like I’m crashing a royal ball – Nora
The envy was clear on her face – Paul
Not tonight – Dom
We can come back from this – Liz
I know what my limits are – Margaret
Or he’s lying and has something to do with it – Naomi
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The Prep School Disappearance – Review
The Prep School Disappearance – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Elise draws in the corner when her ex-boyfriend, Joey, approaches. He doesn’t want her to bring awkwardness to their situation. Elise sits flabbergasted by Joey’s request. Joey cheated on Elise with her former best friend, Kaylee. Now, Kaylee and Joey are Romeo and Juliet in the school play. She demands space and leaves.
Donovan enters Lilly’s classroom. She is the art teacher at the prep school and his sister-in-law. When her sister, Helen, died, Lilly’s drinking got out of control. She’s been clean for 6 months and works with her sober coach, Brian, daily. Donovan tells Lilly that the school has had financial issues, and their biggest donor will stop their funding if their daughter leaves the art program. He wants her to stay clean and focus on her job.
Lilly rests at home when she gets a knock on her door. Her niece, Elise, barges in with tears streaming down her face and a bruised wrist. She’s tired of the school discussing her failed relationship and doesn’t want to live under her father’s rules. Elise plans to run away, but wants to say goodbye to Lilly first. Lilly begs Elise to stay the night and think things through. Elise will, but only if Lilly gives her the truth about her mom. Lilly tells Elise that Helen got pregnant at 17 and the school forced her to leave. Helen had the baby, but the child did not survive. She never told Lilly who the father was. Elise can’t believe the secrets her family kept from her. She upholds her end of the deal and spends the night.
Lilly gave in to temptation after missing meetings and ignoring Brian’s calls. She finished a bottle of vodka and slept on the kitchen floor. She walks into the living room, but Elise is not there. Later, Donovan discovers that Elise is missing, and he blames Lilly. Worst of all, Lilly blames herself. She believes that if she were sober, Elise would be here. Lilly will sacrifice everything to get her niece back. Will she succeed?
This film has a crazy and fun villain with a predictable motive. It doesn’t take much to formulate the why when you hear Helen’s backstory. The main characters make stereotypical mistakes, with Brian being the dumbest of all. And the writers made Donovan the most unlikeable father in a Lifetime film. The investigation was sloppy, forced, and accidental. Nothing about the plot felt organic. It was all happenstance. The actors played their roles to perfection and cared about the project. However, this film starts promising, but ends flat.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
This place is a machine – Donovan
I failed my niece. – Lilly
Who did I piss off exactly – Elise
I said what I had to say – Joey
She wasn’t exactly collecting fans lately – Kaylee
You know this is technically your fault, right – Wren
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A Christmas Angel Match – Review
A Christmas Angel Match – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Monica has worked as a Christmas Angel for over 5 centuries. She’s used Christmas magic to match couples for generations. Lately, it’s been difficult for her because tender hearts, a.k.a humans, won’t look up from their devices. She’s lost her mojo. Newer angels, like Michael, are surpassing her matches. He uses fun to connect his couples. However, they have a habit of breakups followed by makeups.
Gabriel hosts the annual Christmas Angel awards. For the second year in a row, Michael beat Monica for angel of the year. Monica pretends to be happy but seethes inside. After the awards, each angel introduces their next match. Monica walks to the podium and announces her next couple is Daisy and Patrick. Both have good hearts and will spread more joy in the world together. Michael cuts her off because the higher-ups gave him the same couple. This mix-up hasn’t happened before. Then, Gabriel gets a phone call. They paired Monica and Michael together to see if the Christmas Match Angels are effective. If they fail, the higher-ups will merge the Christmas Angels with Cupid, and some angels will lose their jobs. Monica will teach Michael the importance of long-term matches, while he will show her how to have fun breaking the rules. But is there more in store for these angels?
This holiday film brings a heartwarming view into the meet-cutes Hallmarkies love this time of the year. It’s not just Christmas magic that brings the spark to your favorite movies. It’s angels. This script includes lovable grandparents, a flash mob, and karaoke. The writers incorporated charm and humor without being sappy or preachy. The green screen could use more work as Michael and Monica exercised in the clouds. It takes viewers out of the realm of imagination and lowers the production quality. Otherwise, this is an entertaining story that makes you believe in Godwink moments.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
It’s been a little disheartening lately – Monica
At least I didn’t get any on your clothes – Michael
Go seize the day – Daisy
Did he cry when you beat him – Patrick
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Five Date Rule – Review
Five Date Rule – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Hattie gave up her dreams of performing on stage and now creates children’s songs with life lessons. She’s jumped headfirst into work after her fiancé, Bob, broke off their engagement. Hattie meets with her friends, Jill and Arya, to celebrate her birthday. They give her a 3-month subscription to a dating app as her gift. They want Hattie to find a loving relationship and get married like them. Hattie rolls her eyes and thanks them for their gift.
Hattie creates an account and sees the gardener, Henry, whom she met earlier on the app. She skips his profile and matches with three other men. Sadly, those dates go poorly. Hattie accepts Henry for a match. Later, she sees Henry and notices his wedding ring. Then, a woman named Lisa and two children, Amy and Josh, hug him. Henry spots Hattie and tries to say hello. But Hattie drives away. Henry comes to her home with Lisa, Amy, and Josh. He explains that Lisa is his sister and the kids are hers. He wants Hattie to give him a chance. She agrees, but only if her friends can vet him. He relents.
During the date, Jill and Arya grill Henry, and he impresses them. Hattie and Henry chose to implement Henry’s family’s five-date rule. They will date exclusively for five dates. If things go well, they will strive for more. Otherwise, they will move on. Can Henry and Hattie survive five dates, or will their past and opportunities get in the way?
This film found the right place on UP TV. The plot combines relationship sermons with storytelling, although edited poorly. The sound editing is distracting and uncomfortable. Also, the crying scenes are overdone and annoying. This movie’s saving graces are the dating montage and song. The montage is laugh-out-loud funny, and the song will stick in your mind. Save yourself two hours unless you want to watch a Christian-focused film with overacting.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Do you have pregnancy brain – Hattie
I’m doing this for you, okay – Henry
No, you don’t – Arya
She’s exaggerating – Jill
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A Royal Montana Christmas – Review
A Royal Montana Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Princess Victoria feels out of step during the Advent wreath lighting ceremony. Her mother, the Queen of Zelarnia, plans to step down in the coming weeks and needs Victoria to handle more responsibilities. Victoria confesses to her courtier, Gabriel, that she wants to change the palace traditions. Also, Victoria wants time to relax before taking the reins. Victoria sits at her desk and re-reads a card her father wrote before he passed. She sees a wooden horse. Her father carved it for her when he took her to a Montana ranch for Christmas. Victoria wants to relive those Christmas memories and asks the queen for time away. The queen approves, but Victoria must return to Zelarnia before the 3rd candle lighting. And Gabriel must chaperone because he is from the States. Gabriel laughs because he’s from New York, not Montana. The only thing he knows about ranch is dressing. Despite that, Victoria and Gabriel set sail for Montana.
Victoria and Gabriel search for coffee in Montana, and she accidentally runs over Huntley’s Christmas decorations while parking. After a heated debate, Victoria apologizes. Then, she runs over them again while leaving. Victoria and Gabriel drive to the Peaceful Pines Ranch and meet the proprietors, Jimmy and Nadine. The blissfully married couple welcomes them with a list of Christmas-themed activities. She asks Nadine about the Christmas Dance. Sadly, they canceled the dance years ago. However, several guests are playing Christmas Heads Up, and Nadine invites Victoria to join in (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Then, Huntley enters with broken ornaments. He is Nadine and Jimmy’s son. Huntley playfully recalls their run-in with his parents before heading off to the stables.
Later, Victoria asks Huntley to give her the cowboy experience, like the one she had as a child. He chuckles and points her and Gabriel towards the barn. He has them do the dirty work, but smiles when she takes it like a champ. Gabriel can see their connection but wonders if Victoria will ever tell Huntley the truth about her royal lineage. She doesn’t know that she and Huntley have something in common. His parents want him to take over the ranch. But Huntley doesn’t believe he’s ready. When the town comes together to support the firefighters, Huntley and Victoria will revive the Christmas dance, stirring up memories. Victoria and Huntley will second-guess their place in the world. Will they accept their path in life or carve something new?
This film is a great way to kick off the 2025 Countdown to Christmas season. Every year, Hallmark provides Hallmarkies with a Christmas Princess story. This movie follows the roadmap, but contains more heart and whimsy. Victoria wants to connect with her dad before falling into family pressure. Huntley must heal his past before he can move into the future. The Christmas Dance brings them to this moment of growth and awareness. Gabriel and other guests add necessary humor to the script. They say what viewers are thinking and drop in at the worst time. The sound editing could use more work, but the montage was entertaining. This movie offers viewers a hopeful insight into this year’s programming.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
The goal is to breathe right – Victoria
Wrong spirit – Gabriel
You just crushed Christmas – Huntley
Don’t squat with your spurs on – Jimmy
I’ll leave you to it – Nadine
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Categories: A Christmas Angel Match, A Royal Montana Christmas, Aubree Bouché, Benjamin Ayres, Brennan Clost, Brett Geddes, Countdown to Christmas, Dancing With a Murderer, fiona gubelmann, Five Date Rule, Garcelle Beauvais, hallmark, Janelle Arthur, Jason Burkey, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Marci T House, Meghan Ory, Melissa Bray, Mimi Côté, movie, review, Shocktober, Sierra Sidwell, Taken at a Truck Stop: A Black Girl Missing Movie, The Prep School Disappearance, tv review, UPtv, Warren Christie
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