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Three Wisest Men – Review
Three Wisest Men – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lucas says daily affirmations in the mirror, but they have changed because he is preparing to become a father to twins. Sophie is pregnant with their 2nd and 3rd child. He isn’t worried until he attends a birthing class. The instructor freaks him out with horror stories about forgotten anniversaries, sleepless nights, and a diminishing relationship. Sophie promises that it won’t be their future because Lucas is a fabulous father to Thomas. The precocious boy loves spending the holidays with his family and dreams of getting a Mighty Mech toy for Christmas. They travel to Lucas’s mom’s home to start the holiday celebrations.
Taylor meets with Noah in San Francisco. He assumes Noah wants his game, but Noah wants a partnership. The only caveat is that Taylor must move and work on-site. Taylor and Caroline never discussed their futures beyond their town. He has to deduce a way to broach the subject with her. Taylor asks for a few days to consider the offer, and Noah agrees. When Noah exits, Taylor’s ex-girlfriend, Fiona, enters. Taylor can barely speak as he’s confronted the woman who broke his heart. She admits that she recommended him for the job because he’s the best. Taylor leaves and flies home. Caroline meets him, and he tells her about the partnership. However, he doesn’t mention the move or Fiona. They arrive at Barbara’s home and relax.
Stephan nitpicks over wedding decisions with his planner, David. Susie begs him to pick anything because his indecision makes her doubt his intentions. Stephan plans to get out of his own way, like his third book says. Then Susie feels something drop on her head. They look up and see a large water stain on the ceiling. Stephan pokes at it, and a gush of water falls on his head. They call contractors who say it’s a leaky pipe and will take time to fix. Steven’s mother, Barbara, allows them to stay with her. Stephan’s comfortable in his old stomping grounds until he gets a knock at the door. It’s Susie’s father, Bob, and his pet bird, Jerry. Bob doesn’t believe Stephan is ‘man enough’ for his daughter, but Stephan will work tirelessly to prove Bob wrong.
Stephan, Lucas, and Barbara push Taylor about the interview. They cheer for the partnership, but he doesn’t mention moving. It doesn’t take long for Stephan, Lucas, and Taylor to antagonize each other. Thomas balls a piece of paper and throws it at them to get their attention. Lucas admonishes him for throwing things, unballs the paper, and reads it. It’s a real estate flyer for Barbara’s home. They can’t believe she will sell their childhood home. However, they pretend to be okay with it. Since this is their last Christmas at home, they will make it the BCE: Best Christmas Ever. Simple enough, right?
This third installment has all the humor, love, and self-awareness of the first two. The writers stayed faithful to the original, but the men’s growth and stumbling blocks were on display. When the brothers have a heart-to-heart, they expose their anxiety and hesitations in an open, charming, and hilarious way. It is wonderful to see men engaging in this level of mature conversations on screen. The three actors have astounding chemistry and make the brotherly bond feel authentic. The comedic timing is unmatched, and the plot expands their world to include in-laws. The Christmas suits are wonderfully expected and unhinged. And the wild animals add a new but interesting wrinkle that is reminiscent of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The fans started asking for part four of the series after this installment. However, this picture perfectly ends the series with a few product placements.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Doing the same thing you’ve been doing every morning for the last 6 months – Sophie
You’re not even looking – Thomas
No throwing – Luke
I’m fine. Honestly, I’m okay – Stephan
Stephan. Cake. Focus – Susie
You’ve been there for a while, huh – Taylor
I am so proud of you – Caroline
It wouldn’t be Christmas without you – Dr. MacLaren
Let me have this – Mark
I don’t care. Just get’er done – Barbara
That’s possibly for the best – Bob
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A Young Father’s Nightmare – Review
A Young Father’s Nightmare – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Tom’s family gets together to celebrate the birthday of his girlfriend, Bethany. His mother, Jackie, and father, Ross, try to get along although their divorce will be final soon. They give Tom the keys to their cabin so the couple can have quality time with their son, Liam. Before Bethany can gush over the outpouring of love, Jackie’s employee, Sophia, says goodbye. Her boyfriend, Mickey, has weekend plans for them.
Tom and Bethany arrive at the cabin with Liam. They relax and enjoy each other’s company. Then, Tom proposes to Bethany. She hesitates but says yes. He puts his grandmother’s ring on her finger. Jackie gave it to him earlier that day when he made his intentions clear. Tom sleeps peacefully, but Bethany’s on the phone, crying. She begs someone to let her come clean. She loves Tom and is unwilling to lie to him anymore. Then, Bethany begrudgingly agrees to the person on the other end.
Tom wakes up with love in his heart. It’s replaced with fear when he discovers Liam and Bethany are gone. He calls Jackie to see if she knows Bethany’s location, but Jackie hasn’t heard from her. Later, Tom drives to Jackie’s home and they report Bethany and Liam missing. Tom tells Detective McLusky everything he knows before McLusky leaves. Tom sits in his room and opens his suitcase. He finds Bethany’s phone inside. He uses Liam’s birthday as a code to open the phone and finds a video that Bethany recorded. Tom refuses to give it to the police because it makes him look guilty. He decides, against Jackie’s wishes, to investigate it alone. Then, the police find a woman in the woods. Their preliminary check points to Bethany, but the baby isn’t there. Tom is their number one suspect. Can Tom prove his innocence before the police put him behind bars?
This plot is confusing because the writer wants a twist ending, but it doesn’t work. Lifetimers know the first suspect isn’t the killer. So, we keep our eyes open to the other characters. The culprit entices one woman while promising a life to another. It’s narcissistic. And Bethany takes zero accountability for her actions. It’s frustrating. The backing track is distracting, and the storyline lacks compelling elements. The actors do everything they can to succeed, but the script doesn’t match their efforts.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
How did we make such a cute baby – Bethany
You go worry about your job. I’ll worry about my family – Tom
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My Husband’s Other Wife – Review
My Husband’s Other Wife – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kelli kisses her husband, Ty, goodbye before he goes on his week-long work trip. She and their children, Luke and Emma, miss him when he’s gone, but he provides a comfortable life for Kelli. It allows her to work part-time and spend quality time with the children. Kelli sits with her friend, Maddy, and talks about missing Ty. Then, Maddy shows Kelli a social media page someone sent to her. It shows pictures of Ty with another woman over the course of months. Kelli is stunned into silence. Kelli asks Maddy to watch the children when Ty returns.
Kelli confronts Ty with the pictures when he returns. She forces him to tell the truth because the pictures prove everything. Ty says the woman’s name is Sasha. She is not his girlfriend, but his 2nd wife. He informed Sasha about his marriage to Kelli, and Sasha accepted the arrangement. Kelli refuses to live a lie. She wants a divorce and hands Ty his packed bags. Ty tries to manipulate the situation, but Kelli threatens to have him arrested for bigamy. Ty leaves.
Days later, Detective Ryan knocks on Kelli’s door. Ty crashed his car into a tree, and the fire incinerated his body. They will need dental records to confirm, but they believe Ty died in the crash. Kelli breaks down into tears for her children. She tells them about Ty’s passing when they come home from school.
Kelli buries Ty when Sasha puts a black rose on his coffin. Kelli orders Sasha to leave. With rage burning in her eyes, Sasha blames Kelli for Ty’s death. She vows to get her revenge. Kelli ignores Sasha’s threats until a process server hands her a lawsuit. Ty left both his homes to Sasha. He also gave Sasha legal rights to his children with Kelli. He left Kelli half of his life insurance policy. But it won’t pay out until the police determine the cause of death. Kelli can’t believe it. She returns home to find a real estate agent, Ronald, examining her property with Sasha. Sasha plans to take everything away from Kelli, including her home, children, and money. Kelli will have to fight to regain her life, but can she do it behind bars after Ryan accuses her of murder?
This movie is insane and somewhat believable. Ty is a man who refuses to take accountability for his actions. He and Sasha are different sides of the same coin. However, eagle-eyed Lifetimers will know there is more to the plot. Viewers will watch this woman scrap to survive and realize she’s always had the upper hand. The writers created the perfect villain in Sasha. She is beautiful, intelligent, narcissistic, and deadly. When you think the script can’t get cringier, it serves a horrific teeth-cleaning scene. You won’t look at your dental hygienist the same.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I can explain – Ty
How could you do this – Kelli
You’ll still have us – Sasha
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A Keller Christmas Vacation – Review
A Keller Christmas Vacation – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
College Coach Cal Keller wraps up classes and practices in Portland. His divorce is final, and he’s ready to profess his love to Lauren. Unfortunately, she’s with another man. But Cal won’t let that stop him. He is going on a Danube Christmas vacation with his family, and he’s excited. If she says yes, he will invite her. Otherwise, her rejection will mortify him, so he can’t let his family know.
Dylan’s ready to take his relationship to the next level and marry William. It’s been 5 years since their meet-cute, and their anniversary is the best time to propose. However, William hesitates and won’t explain why. Dylan tells William to stay in Arizona while he spends time with his family on their Christmas Cruise.
Emory works as a business analyst in Denver. It’s not her passion, but it pays the bills. That is, until her company lays off her division. She doesn’t want to tell her family she doesn’t have a job because her older brothers are successful. They know her as a flake who can’t get her life together. So she will keep quiet and apply to any job until she lands one.
Cal, Dylan, and Emory arrive at the port and start to squabble. They notice that William isn’t there, but Dylan dodges the question. They ask why Emory arrived last when she left first. She quips about taking several flights, but resorts to picking on her brothers. They battle verbally until their parents join them. They check in with director Noah, and he notices the camera around Emory’s neck. She has found her spark for photography and plans to use it on the trip.
After they enter their small cabin, Cal, Dylan, and Emory join their parents for dinner. However, their parents are late. A fellow passenger asks if he and his granddaughter, Felicity, can join their table. Before Cal and Felicity blink, they are alone. After the Keller family joins them, they have a nice meal and connect. Later, the Keller siblings discuss a nagging feeling that their parents are keeping a secret from them. The siblings will dance, collaborate, and love as a family, but first they must expose their secrets.
This hilarious and heart-warming trip has something for all Hallmarkies. So, make sure you have your jingle juice ready. The siblings quarrel like children, and you won’t be able to contain your laughter. The surrounding culture around the Danube River drives the story forward. Each dock exposes the family to their truth and the audience to the unique Christmas traditions. It’s wonderful to see the family delight in Christmas markets and dances while they work out their issues. They let down their guard for a moment and become a bickering and humorous unit. The movie has a somber moment when the parents unveil a sad secret. But the siblings come together to help their parents navigate a path forward. This film is unique, comical, and beautiful.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Oh, he’s not invited – Cal
All German cities sound alike – Dylan
I thought this was for your dating profile – Emory
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A Royal Christmas Manor – Review
A Royal Christmas Manor – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Katie’s parents leave her in charge of the Fredonia Inn for the first time. Her parents will spend the time with their first grandchild during his first Christmas. They can’t contain their excitement. Her mother gives Katie a Christmas gift, but requests that she open it on Christmas morning. Katie tends to the guests and handles the steadfast disposition of their chef, Gretchen. The concierge lets Katie know that someone booked the last vacancy. Thankfully, the Inn has no vacancies this holiday season. For Katie, this holiday will prove to her parents that she can run the Inn after they retire.
Jackson laughs at his friend, Prince Alexander. His staff does everything for him, so Alexander is helpless. The paparazzi expect more from the heir to the throne. They consider him nothing more than a Playboy. Alexander’s not ready to find a queen because he’s not sure if a woman really wants him for him or the title. He wants to have fun for one more holiday before settling down. Alexander’s mother agrees but warns him to create a plan before speaking with his dad. Later, Alexander develops the proposal and convinces his parents to let Jackson come with him. They found a small hotel with the same name as their country. He agrees to fly coach and asks his staff to pack for an American holiday.
Jackson and Alexander arrive at Fredonia Inn. Alexander becomes smitten with Katie. He wants to win her affection without giving away his royal lineage. Katie tries to ignore the spark between them, but the guests and staff can see the signs. When the group gets snowed in without a chef, Katie fears she will lose her guests’ trust, and in turn, her parents’. Alexander won’t let that happen. For the first time in his life, he will roll up his sleeves and do the hard work. Can they help Katie keep her legacy while falling in love?
This predictable movie has sprinkles of humor throughout an overdone plot. The Christmas royalty story is a common theme during the holiday season. Without adding anything special to the plot, this film becomes background noise and nothing more. The actors did everything possible to make it compelling, but you cannot out-act a boring story. There is zero magic, Santa, or galas to look forward to. Just kind people stuck in an Inn with little to do or say. You can leave this holiday trope on the back burner.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Do men even have a biological cock – Alexander
Why fly on a royal jet when you can fly commercial – Jackson
I guess there’s something about Alex – Katie
Who are you – Gretchen
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Christmas Above the Clouds – Review
Christmas Above the Clouds – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Ella Neezer’s staff runs and hides as she enters the workplace. They shiver because she set the thermostat to 55 degrees and demands zero holiday cheer around the office. Her staff exhibits their ad campaign, and she hates it. She’s tired of seeing couples on vacation. Ella wants single people like her. She orders them to work through the holidays to ‘make it better.’ Ella calls her assistant Bobbi into her office. Bobbi reviews their schedule for the company’s Australian launch. Ella planned a Christmas 26th meeting because they will skip the holiday by losing a day in flight to the land down under. Bobbi calls her mother to check on her son, Tim. Tim has asthma, but doctors don’t know the correct cocktail to treat it. Bobbi’s mom can’t believe that Ella forces Bobbi to work on Christmas. However, Bobbi is grateful to have a steady paycheck, although the benefits don’t cover Tim’s treatments.
Ella arrives at the gate and bumps into her ex-fiancé, Jake. They ended their engagement on Christmas Eve six years ago. Stunned, Ella brushes off her feelings and runs to her first class seat. She groans when Jake sits next to her. He’s running his non-profit and works hard to give his staff the best. He isn’t surprised to see Ella thriving. She sits and relaxes before the flight crew gives the passengers their safety instructions. Ella looks at the screen and sees her mentor’s face. Marlene taught Ella to prioritize business over everything and everyone. However, Marlene died years ago. Marlene spent her time in purgatory with chains of polyester because she lost her Christmas spirit. The same will happen to Ella if she doesn’t change her ways. During her flight, three spirits will visit Ella and show her the past, present, and future. Then, Ella can choose her fate. What will Ella decide?
This Christmas Carol adaptation is funny and charming (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It follows the core of the story with changes to the characters’ names and updated ghosts. The ghosts are an overly helpful flight attendant as Christmas Past, a foodie pilot as Christmas Present, and a TSA agent with few words as Christmas Future. The writers used the confines of the plane to drive the script forward. This atmosphere works surprisingly well. Because it’s a plot point, not a hindrance. And having Ella return to the coach bathroom is pure genius. The script even takes time to make fun of the montage. And you can’t deny the connection between the leads. They have a Christmas love story for the ages. Although we know the ending, this mix of The Devil Wears Prada and A Diva’s Christmas Carol is a great twist to a classic.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
I’m solitary as an oyster, and it suits me just fine – Ella
Merry Christmas to us – Jake
Please keep your seat belt fastened while the seat belt light is on – Marlene
Time to buckle up. It’s time for a memory montage – Ghost of Christmas Past
Let’s kick the tires and light the fires – Ghost of Christmas Present
I love her and I’m sad she’s not here – Frances
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Categories: A Keller Christmas Vacation, A Royal Christmas Manor, A Young Father's Nightmare, Andrew Walker, Ashton Leigh, Brandon Routh, Brianna Cohen, Christie Leverette, Christmas Above the Clouds, Christopher Sky, Countdown to Christmas, Eden Sher, Erin Krakow, hallmark, Hateful and Grateful, Joel Gretsch, Jonathan Bennett, Kennie Nicole Jenkins, Kirk Barker, lifetime, lifetime movie network, lmn, Made for TV, Margaret Walker, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, My Husband's Other Wife, Paul Campbell, review, Three Wisest Men, tv review, Tyler Hynes, UPtv
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