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Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch – Review
Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Greg, manager for hockey player Wes, worries that Wes isn’t healing fast enough. It’s been months since Wes’s injury, but he still walks with a cane. Greg heard about a ranch in Nashville that focuses on equine therapy. He begs Wes to give it a try. If Wes isn’t on the ice by January, it could be the end of his career. Also, Wes could use the time to reconcile with his mom. Wes says no, but Greg calls.
Maggie runs the Keller Ranch, but it’s losing money, and she’s behind on the bills. Her assistant, Laurie, thinks renting out the barn and taking new clients will help, but Maggie refuses. Maggie wants to focus on her son, Dawson, this holiday. It’s the first Christmas since his dad’s passing. Maggie feels their relationship falling apart and wants time to reconnect. Then, Laurie gets a call from Greg. He wants Maggie to train Wes, but he has some demands. Wes must be the only client, the training must occur in December, and no photos or videos. Maggie says no until Greg offers triple for his player. When Maggie hears the word ‘player,’ she asks for the client’s name. Wes is Dawson’s favorite athlete. She agrees to Greg’s conditions. She has three weeks to get Wes on the ice while bonding with Dawson. Will Wes be ready in time?
Inspired by Thank God by Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown, this film isn’t as religious as the title suggests (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The movie is slow, with Greg and Maggie holding secrets on the tip of their tongue while exploring the town. Their connection to Dawson is intriguing. Viewers shouldn’t write Owen off at first glance. He is a sullen teen, but he’s hurting. Maggie understands because she’s mourning her late husband, also. The writers carefully introduced us to their struggles early so audiences wouldn’t judge Dawson too harshly. This film is sentimental and romantic, but the lulls outweigh the entertainment.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I’m just making sure your guys are paying attention – Wes
Do I make the call – Greg
I’m pretty done keeping the faith – Maggie
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Christmas in Alaska – Review
Christmas in Alaska – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Co-workers Megan and Oliver attend a meeting. Their boss, Kate, wants to step down and name her successor for editor-in-chief. However, she has two superb candidates to choose from: Oliver and Megan. They pitch the same idea for a non-traditional place to spend the holiday. It’s Tokyo, Japan. So she wants them to go and write about it. The best story will earn the promotion. Megan pulls Kate aside because she didn’t want to travel to Japan. She wants to do research and write about it. She wanted to spend the holidays with her son, Daniel. Kate informs her that an editor-in-chief must be flexible. So, Megan agrees to go.
At the airport, Oliver chuckles at Megan, who’s chained to her laptop. She believes planning and diligence are the keys to success. He thinks you should let vacations be spontaneous. Their flight makes an emergency landing in Alaska. They can’t find a flight or a hotel to accommodate them. So, Oliver relents and states he knows a place. They drive to the Aurora Inn, and the owner, Samantha, greets him with a knowing smile. Oliver admits to Megan that Samantha is his sister. She has two rooms for them because business isn’t going well since a luxury hotel opened nearby. Oliver doesn’t understand why Samantha didn’t call for help. He could have written an article to drive business. Samantha says it would be right to ask for a favor, knowing their history. Megan wants to know more, but Oliver refuses to talk about it.
Megan and Oliver try to go to Tokyo, but there are zero flights. So they contact Kate. Kate says Alaska is close enough to the North Pole, so they will pivot like a great editor-in-chief. They will discuss all the fun activities you can do near Santa. Megan and Oliver agree to the switch, but both have reservations. Megan hates being away from Daniel, and Oliver doesn’t want to confront his family’s issues. They will deal with their problems and gain so much more.
There isn’t much to say about this movie. The writers describe Megan as an uptight, workaholic who struggles with work-life balance. Oliver is a free spirit who hides from family issues. However, both are excellent at their job. The movie is less about their competition and more about overcoming family problems and expectations. The conclusion teaches the audience to express themselves and forgive. This film has a few funny moments within the standard plot. It’s not boring, but it’s not DVR-worthy either.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I’m here if you need me – Oliver
What’s your problem with Alaska – Megan
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A Runaway Bride for Christmas – Review
A Runaway Bride for Christmas – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Emma calls her sister, Nikki, before her Christmas wedding. She ran away from her last wedding after having second thoughts, but she feels good about marrying Ryan. Nikki reassures Emma that she’s making the correct decision. Emma ends the call and walks downstairs. She overhears Ryan expressing his doubts to his groomsmen. His thoughts are unfiltered and unbelievable. She calls off the wedding and runs out the front door.
Emma runs to her car and tries to open the door. Mitch, recognizing Emma from high school, asks why she’s breaking into his car. She says it’s the vehicle she rented and shows him the reservation on her phone. He laughs because it’s for the right city, but the wrong state. He offers her a ride to Nikki’s home.
Nikki embraces Emma. They commiserate over Emma’s second failed wedding. Emma feels like a hypocrite because she’s a life coach who doesn’t have her life together. Nikki doesn’t blame Emma. They were adopted. Nikki understands that Emma desires the stability that they never had growing up. Nikki has an idea to help. The school fundraiser isn’t going well because it’s centered around their failing basketball team, coached by Mitch. Nikki wants Emma to help Mitch guide the team to a winning season using her life-coaching skills. Emma agrees. Nikki warns Emma to be careful because she knows Emma had a crush on Mitch in high school. Emma tells Nikki she’s over her teenage fantasies, and it will be all business. Is Emma right?
This film is captivating because of the relationship between Mitch and his son, Owen. The writers made them the heart of the storyline. It makes the relationship between Mitch and Emma more believable. She uses her stills to bring them together. It’s romantic, charming, and wonderful. The added stress about the fundraiser is a time filler. Viewers won’t worry because we know everything will work out in the end. This movie encourages conversations about father-and-son bonding and what’s deemed acceptable. Otherwise, this picture won’t capture your full attention.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Yeah, this feels right – Emma
Why does it feel like I’m marrying a glorified roommate – Ryan
I can see that – Mitch
You’ll get him next time – Nikki
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My Mother the Madam – Review
My Mother the Madam – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Lauren cries at her father’s funeral. Police Chief Jon was so proud of his daughter’s journalism career. He encouraged her to dig until she found the truth. As she sobs, Lauren deals with her mother, Elizabeth, trying to set her up on a date. Lauren brushes her off and continues with the services. Afterward, Lauren contacts her best friend, Kevin, about Elizabeth’s strange behavior. He reminds Lauren that Elizabeth’s behavior is typical. He helps Lauren relax before she has lunch with her mother. Lauren admits she’s experiencing more stress than normal. Since Jon died from a heart attack, she worries about something happening to her. Elizabeth tells Lauren to see her old pediatrician, Dr. Melanie McEntire. Lauren scoffs but takes Elizabeth’s advice.
During her appointment, Lauren expresses her concerns about hereditary heart diseases. Melanie tells Lauren that she should manage her stress better, but Jon’s heart problems won’t concern her because she’s adopted. Lauren does a double-take. She never knew Elizabeth wasn’t her biological mother. Melanie apologizes for the slip-up as Lauren runs out the door. Lauren confronts Elizabeth about her birth mother. Elizabeth explains that her mother was the town’s madam and an addict. She warns Lauren to go home and accept her life. But something doesn’t sit right with Lauren. She enters Jon’s office and goes through his papers. She finds her birth certificate with her birth mother’s name, Jean. She wants to meet Jean and know the truth. Lauren will uncover the seedy underbelly of the town and the puppet master behind it all.
This film is a wild, pearl-clutching good time. It brings viewers back to old-school Lifetime. With outlandish plots, devious characters, and several bodies, the script has everything for you. First, everyone in this town is in each other’s bedrooms. While it doesn’t condemn prostitution, it doesn’t celebrate it. It properly displays the dangers people face in this world. Second, there are only a few ‘good’ characters. The plot has shady people at every turn. If someone acts normally, you will question their motives. Third, the conclusion leaves room for a part two, and a sequel with the same writers will be greatly appreciated. While you may scream at the ending, it’s worth the ride.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
How is the queen? – Kevin
Can’t you just talk to me and be a real mother – Lauren
Will you calm down? – Elizabeth
Get out of this place – Jack
I was hoping I could get yours – Chad
Lauren, you are a writer – Jon
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Single on the 25th – Review
Single on the 25th – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Nell receives Christmas cards from her friends and family. She sees happy marriages, engagements, and baby announcements. She’s happy for them, but has nothing to report on her life. She tells her best friend, Julia, that she created a schedule for her family’s visit during the holidays. One activity is to have a Christmas photo shoot. For the first time, she won’t feel single on the 25th. Then, Julia announces that she’s expecting, and Nell jumps for joy. She can’t wait to share this information with her family. Until they call her and cancel plans. Julia extends an offer for Nell to spend the holidays with her family, but Nell doesn’t want to intrude.
Nell starts her holiday with takeout. She steps outside to get it, but the door closes behind her. She is locked out because she forgot her key. Nell asks her handsome neighbor, Cooper, to buzz her inside the apartment building. He does. She walks to her door and realizes she forgot her apartment key, too. Nell knocks on Cooper’s door, and he lets her inside. He doesn’t eat the Chinese food, but he opens a fortune cookie. His cookie says, ‘A great adventure awaits you,’ but hers is empty. She opens a second cookie, and it states, ‘Your last fortune will come true.’ She groans and admits Christmas plans are ruined. Cooper tells her to enjoy the holiday as a single woman. This time of year doesn’t have to be dreadful if you have fun. Nell declares that she will do everything she planned with her family alone, but asks for his help. He agrees. They will be alone together on the 25th.
Inspired by the song ‘Single on the 25th’ by Lauren Spencer, this movie starts with a promising premise of self-discovery (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). After the 10th complaint, it feels like whining or self-loathing. Nell makes the mistake of comparing herself to others. She doesn’t see the joy she brings to the table. The movie can help others deal with their singleness during a romantic holiday. It shows viewers how to handle intrusive questions and uncomfortable parties with class and style. Once Nell has fun, the film becomes enjoyable. Sadly, it takes too long to get there.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Even the cocoa is coupled – Nell
You can stay here and have your perfect Christmas with yourself – Cooper
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A Christmas Murder Mystery – Review
A Christmas Murder Mystery – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Cynthia finds part-time puzzle editor, Vera, because she’s about to miss her deadline. Vera hands in the article under the wire, but forgot about the 2nd one due soon. Vera promises to get it done during her Christmas vacation with the Sterling Family. Then, she pitches having a larger puzzle section. Cynthia agrees to consider it if Vera gets her 2nd puzzle completed on time.
Harold Sterling reviews his will with his lawyer, Darren. Harold leaves his office and greets his wife, Ellen. Ellen lets him know that their daughter, Katherine, has arrived. Ellen wants them to play nice, but Harold thought his daughter would join the business, not become a real estate lawyer. Katherine enters with biting remarks before making a slow, deliberate exit.
Vera arrives at the property as Harold’s son, Michael, and Michael’s wife, Jan, approach. They hand Vera their bags, and she abruptly says she doesn’t work there. Vera walks into the home as they stand on the front porch, looking stunned. She unpacks her items and overhears Michael arguing with Harold about a loan. He is upset that Harold gave his brother, Troy, money as a gift but expects him to return the loan. Troy is the black sheep of the family because his working on a comparative literature doctorate.
During dinner, Harold notes that Darren is with them. However, he won’t explain Darren’s presence until they finish their meal. The announcement doesn’t happen because the family starts to argue, and Harold leaves in disgust. Then, Vera hears Katherine arguing on the phone before Katherine sees Vera and closes the door. The family goes and sleeps in their separate rooms.
Ellen’s screams wake the house. The family enters the owner’s suite and finds Harold’s dead body. Vera leans over the body and smells something suspicious. She runs to her room and calls the local police department. The Sterling family doesn’t know she consults for them in her spare time. Deputy Neil takes the case. He arrives and speaks to Vera. She smelled bitter almonds on his breath, a sign of poison. Also, she can tell he died late into the night. Vera grabs her Polaroid and takes pictures of the scene (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). She and Neil believe the killer is in the house. Until Vera and Neil uncover the culprit, no one is allowed to leave the property. Will they find Harold’s killer?
Finally, a Christmas movie that doesn’t follow the same tired clichés. There is zero love story, no montage, no events, and no local business to save. The plot is purely a mystery. Vera is a well-written character. She is unintentionally funny, bright, and quirky. This behavior is similar to ‘Monk‘ (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). So fans of that show will love this film. The writer introduces each character with a purpose, backstory, and conflict with Harold. So you are unsure about the culprit and motivation. And the conclusion wraps up the story with ease. This picture should be a holiday staple for fans who want a break from the typical plot.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
What’s a 4-letter word for procrastination – Cynthia
Funny, I thought I always made my interest pretty clear – Katherine
She’s always had a penchant for theatrics – Harold
I don’t work here – Vera
They don’t expect us to carry our bags, do they – Jan
I always thought you could do better – Michael
Oh, I’m just hiding from family drama – Troy
Good night, sir – Darren
That’ll do it – Neil
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Merry Missed Connection – Review
Merry Missed Connection – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Marie returns to her family home and greets her brother, Ben, and sister, Anna. They are stunned she didn’t bring a new guy home for Christmas. Marie confesses that she is tired of her boyfriends ruining the holiday, so she created a checklist to exclude any unsuitable suitors. Ben and Anna laugh because they know Marie wrote it in her journal, but she tells them they’re wrong while hiding it in her bag (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Determined, Marie sets up a series of events to meet the perfect man—one she hopes to bring home for Christmas.
Marie’s first event is speed dating. The host, Andrew, is filling in for his best friend. He lays out the rules and sits at Marie’s table. He admits that he is an attendee too. At first, everything goes well. Then, Andrew mentions he likes to sing. Marie’s rule number two is no singers. Her interest fades before Andrew leaves to welcome the next woman. Marie strikes out at the event. Then, Andrew hears a knock at the door. It’s several Santas. He ran his event over, and the Santas want the space. Andrew and Marie leave while saying goodbye. Marie realizes she left her diary inside and runs in to retrieve it. She opens it later and discovers it’s not hers. Ben wants to read it, but Anna tells her don’t. That’s someone’s private thoughts. Marie lies in bed, and curiosity gets the best of her. She reads the journal and uncovers the perfect man for her. She wants to find the mystery man.
Marie finds Andrew and tells him about the journal. He starts to speak, but she stops him. Marie tells him that the journal man is her soulmate. She asks if anyone searched for a journal after the party, and he says no. Marie considers leaving her name and number in the book for the mystery man to discover and handing it to Andrew. She gets a better idea. Since Andrew met every man there, he can help her with her quest. If they can’t find the journal’s owner, then she will give it to Andrew. Andrew agrees, but he has a secret. The journal is his. He wants to retrieve it without raising Marie’s suspicions. Can he do it before he falls in love with her?
This film offers more than a love story. It covers familial bonds and expectations. The siblings have unique stresses during the holidays, and they navigate their siblings’ challenges with love and compassion. They also offer guidance to their mother. The writers made Marie’s flashbacks the focal point for the film’s humor. She dated chefs, singers, and bores. They all left a mark on the holidays that will make the audience laugh out loud. This picture, like others, uses Christmas as a countdown clock. Any holiday would suffice for this plot. This film is comical and warm.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Here’s the thing about problems: they can be solved. Usually – Marie
Well, I was close – Anna
Did you clone yourself – Ben
You think someone stole your dairy – Andrew
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The Christmas Showdown – Review
The Christmas Showdown – OWN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Chastity’s parents, Jessie and Lydia, love having their daughter home, but not for 2 months. She lost her job in New York and came to town to find work, but with no luck. Since then, Chastity has rearranged their kitchen several times and created detailed schedules for everyone. Lydia mentions that she heard that Hen was stepping down as the chair of the Christmas Jubilee. Chastity refuses to believe it and decides to find out from the source.
April’s mother, Sonia, is frustrated with her daughter’s carefree lifestyle. April let her work visa lapse and couldn’t stay in London. She lost her home because she refused to demand her salary. April believes in fun and letting things happen organically. Rigid rules ruin the fun. Sonia tells April to enjoy the Jubilee, as this may be the last because Hen is leaving. April runs to confirm.
Chastity sits and waits for Hen. She ducks when she sees April enter with a bouquet. They see each other and exchange fake pleasantries. They were best friends and performed at the Christmas Eve show. That is, until college tore their friendship apart. Hen enters as their argument reaches its peak. She confirms the rumors that she’s stepping down. Hen is considering selling if someone can’t take her place. Both April and Chastity jump at the chance. Hen has a proposition. She will give them a Jubilee activity. The person who creates the best event will produce the Christmas Eve show and take her place. Hen tells them it’s not a competition but an audition. April will plan the ice skating party, while Chastity will decorate cookies. Both give each other a knowing glance before exiting. Hen laughs because she has more up her sleeve for these two.
This film changes the dynamics because the competing pair aren’t romantic lovers, but they did deeply care for each other. The women do find love, but that’s a byproduct of the storyline. Their friendship is the main focus. It’s maddening that viewers don’t get to the core of their friendship’s demise until the 2nd half of the film. Otherwise, the film has great pacing and focuses on friendship, and not relationships.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
It’s mushroom coffee. It’s good for us – Jesse
Are you trying to get rid of me – Chastity
Kinda? Sorta? – Sonia
What was I supposed to do, ask them for money – April
I get the picture – Hen
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She’s Making a List – Review
She’s Making a List – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Isabel works for the Naughty or Nice Group as an investigator. They curate Santa’s list before Christmas. She follows the kids on the list to see if they have changed and mark infractions. However, they must remain in the shadows and go unnoticed. While tracking a young boy on the naughty list, Jason accidentally bumps into her.
Her latest assignment, Charlie, steals, lies, and disobeys, while Isabel follows her. Isabel notices something different about the young girl and decides to investigate further. She pretends to be an electrician while watching Charlie inside the house. Then, Jason scares her with a greeting. She turns around and sees the handsome man again. He remembers her but doesn’t recall where from. She laughs it off and offers a plausible excuse. Jason assumes she knows about electricity and asks her to look at his power box. Isabel admits she knows nothing about it. His daughter, Charlie, meets Isabel, and Jason invites Isabel to spend more time with them. She agrees, but lies to herself, saying it’s for work. She’s attracted to her subject’s father. And dating him goes against all the rules in the handbook. As she gets to know Charlie, Isabel discovers there’s more to children than naughty or nice. They must change the rules to look deeper. Can she before her boss, Rudolph, implements the new Naughty or Nice List, powered by AI?
This movie brings the whimsy of Christmas to life with Elf on the Shelf, the Naughty or Nice List, and Santa (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It weaves in childlike wonder into a Hallmark plot. The young actress is believable like her adult counterparts. The chemistry between the leads leaps off the screen. The writers made Jason represent the parents’ role in the holiday. Kids know when they have been naughty and get a gift. This film explains how and why it happens. If your kids have magical Christmas questions, this is the picture for them. It’s amusing, warm, and mystical.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Some kids have to learn the hard way – Isabel
So much for Elf on a Shelf – Heidi
Is that real gingerbread – Fred
Or maybe you just know how to leave a good impression – Jason
Oops – Charlie
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Categories: A Christmas Murder Mystery, A Runaway Bride for Christmas, Amber Stevens West, Andrew Bushell, Andrew Walker, Arielle Kebbel, Caryn Richman, christmas, Christmas in Alaska, Corbin Reid, Countdown to Christmas, Cullen Douglas, Daniel Lissing, Emily Alatalo, Emma Johnson, Gina Vitori, hallmark, Harrison Russell, holiday, Isabella Hofmann, Its A Wonderful Lifetime, Jason-Shane Scott, Jesse Kove, Katy Wilson, lacey chabert, lifetime, Loretta Devine, Lyndsy Fonseca, Made for TV, Marcus Rosner, Mark Ghanimé, Merry Missed Connection, Michael Paré, Morgan Bradley, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, My Mother the Madam, Nischelle Turner, OWN, OWN For The Holidays, Philip Boyd, Randy Jay Burrell, review, Rob Mayes, She's Making a List, Single on the 25th, Slay Bells, Susan Gallagher, Thank God: Christmas at Keller Ranch, The Christmas Showdown, tv review, Tyler Hilton, UPtv, Vivica A. Fox
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