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A Pickleball Christmas – Review
A Pickleball Christmas – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Tennis bad boy Luke retires from the game after winning his first championship. He returns home to capitalize on his newfound fame at his parents’ racquet club. His parents own the Sandy Lake Racquet Club and trained Luke there since he was a child. He wants to start the Luke Hollis Champion Center to train high-paying clientele. His family gives each other knowing glances, prompting Luke to demand an explanation. The club is drowning in debt, and a developer wants to buy the land for luxury condos. Luke thought his winnings would help the club, but his poor financial decision reduced his income. The club’s saving grace is pickleball. Caroline, the trainer, has brought in new customers and an energetic spirit to the court. However, it’s not bringing in enough income to save the club.
Luke arrives at the club and demands that Caroline move so he can teach tennis. She stands her ground and tells him to go to the tennis courts. Her side is reserved for pickleball. He exits in a huff. Caroline finishes her session with her clients before confronting Luke for his behavior. She believes he should find a way to coexist with pickleball because it’s the fastest-growing sport in the United States (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). He laughs but discovers she’s right. They organize a tournament to raise donations. He’s willing to host the event and contacts his old manager, Amy. Amy wants to help, but she says he must play to gain the response he needs. Luke thinks it’s an easy sport to learn because of his tennis expertise. Caroline begs to differ. She offers to train him, but only if he takes it seriously. He must slow down his game, play on a team, and release his aggression to succeed. What else will Caroline teach him?
This film follows the standard holiday romance format, while barely mentioning Christmas. Lifetime attempts to capitalize on a trendy sport, but doesn’t draw new fans. The plot does get saucy because it has more liberty with this network. However, that’s not enough to capture your attention. The family and pickleballers are funny and save the film. The dialogue between Luke and his sister, Jordan, is tender, but this film isn’t a standout for the 2025 Lifetime Christmas season. Sadly, Lifetime didn’t save the best for last.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Even if I did write that story, we both know you couldn’t read it – Jordan
I’m sorry you had to see that – Caroline
Ok, both of those are worse, and why do you care – Luke
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Sweet Holiday Romance – Review
Sweet Holiday Romance – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Amanda owns a small bakery that’s fallen on hard times. She tried to expand, but a horrible launch almost tanked her store. Entrepreneur Simon enters with a business proposition and convinces Amanda to give him five minutes of her time. Amanda listens, but she doesn’t want to be an influencer to sheep, so she rejects his offer. She believes winning The Big Holiday Pastry Show again will help revive her business. Meanwhile, the show’s producer, Marianna, calls Amanda—the call time has been moved up to now. Amanda rushes to the studio, meets her rival KT, and receives her first baking assignment: make a treat that embodies the holiday spirit. Amanda remembers a dessert created by her mentor, Jackie, called Joy To The World Fudge. She calls Jackie for help, and Jackie offers her boxes of fudge, but Amanda has to pick them up herself.
At the same time, Simon reviews his Aunt Jackie’s books, hoping to help her business grow. Jackie expresses concern that Simon doesn’t understand the bakery trade, but she’s about to leave for a vacation in Finland with her new boyfriend. She agrees to let Simon run her shop while she’s gone, promising she’ll trust him to expand the business if he proves himself. With her recipe book packed in her bag, Jackie departs.
Days later, the slew of customers overwhelms Simon. He can’t get the register to open. Amanda enters the store and can’t believe a suit is running her mentor’s shop. She sees him fumble and takes over the register as Simon retreats to the back. When he returns, she asks about the fudge, and he gives her one box. She chuckles because it’s not enough. Amanda asks if Jackie left the recipe behind. Simon emphatically says no because that recipe is a highly guarded secret. She asks him to call Jackie, but he doesn’t want to look inept. The five secret ingredients are hidden in Jackie’s love story. Jackie fell in love with her deceased husband over 5 days. They will follow the story and unlock the clues. Will they reveal more?
This film’s humor and mystery are entertaining. Amanda and Simon use tools, a spa, and pancakes to find the secret ingredients. Nothing will stop them from making Jackie’s famous fudge. The moments in between with the rival love interest and the baking competitor slow down the plot. It attempts to stir up unnecessary conflict. Viewers know these people are inconsequential to the storyline and nothing but time fillers. So viewers should watch if they need comfort TV to ease out of the holidays.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I am a pastry chef. I am not an influencer – Amanda
I got this. It’s just fudge – Simon
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Where Pretty Girls Die – Review
Where Pretty Girls Die – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Sienna and her sleuth group solved a cold case, and she became a cover girl for a magazine. Melissa saw it and wrote to Sienna and her group for help. Melissa’s friend, Lexie, went missing 4 years ago. The detective on the case, Det. Norris labeled Lexie as a missing person. Her mother, Tricia, wants Lexie’s case to be declared a homicide so new eyes can review the case. Melissa thinks Sienna and her group could help move the case forward. Sienna presents the case to her friend, Gregory, and the newcomer, Tyler. They agree to take the case and travel to Georgia to review the case files and question suspects.
Sienna calls Gregory before they leave for Georgia. However, Gregory can’t make it because someone set a fire in his dorm. He’s safe, but he doesn’t know the amount of damage. He wants to stay to survey the area. Sienna tells her boyfriend, Marcus, that she’s going alone with Tyler. Marcus isn’t happy about the change and asks Sienna to share her location with him. Sienna and Tyler go on the hunt to uncover what happened to Lexie. Will Sienna and Tyler survive the truth?
This film details how an intelligent person can make unwise decisions. Sienna falls for every trap possible and ends up in the hands of a killer. She does take accountability for her mistakes. Then, Sienna calms down and thinks her way out of the situation. However, she isn’t alone. The people who care for her drop everything to help when they discover that she’s in trouble. The group effort is refreshing in an LMN film. This movie is the perfect break from the holiday season with great pacing, but it doesn’t require your full attention.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
We’re both right – Gregory
That’s because it’s a trick question – Sienna
They always do – Tyler
There goes that idea – Marcus
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Oy to the World! – Review
Oy to the World! – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Nikki works as the choir director at her father’s church. Everyone know she can sing, but she hasn’t since she was a child. Nikki enforces strict rules on her children’s choir to ensure a perfect performance. Her parents, Reverend Roberts and Cynthia, dote on their daughter and their faith. Soon, the church will have a Christmas Eve concert for the parishioners. Nikki wants it to be perfect.
Jake receives a phone call from his mother. The pipe in their family synagogue burst during his father’s sermon. Rabbi Levi doesn’t know what he will do because Hanukkah is starting soon. Also, his grandmother, Mrs. Markel, hurt herself in the maylay. Jake rushes home to be by their side.
Jake arrives at the synagogue to visit his father and sees Nikki across the street struggling with a box. He runs over to help her. They try to catch up, but their meddling mothers constantly talk about the other. It doesn’t take long for the pair to rekindle their old rivalry. They part ways in a huff.
As Pastor Roberts and Rabbi Levi talk, they come up with a great idea. The synagogue will have its services in the church, and they will raise funds to help fix the plumbing during the Christmas Eve concert. Then, they decide to join the children’s choir for a song. Nikki smiles because she will get a chance to work with her old choir director, Mrs. Markel, again. However, she feigns pain and says she can’t do it. But her grandson Jake can. Mrs. Markel puts Jake in charge of her choir. Now, bitter enemies must put their past aside to create a song for the Christmas Eve concert. Can they succeed without killing each other?
The families make this film. It is delightful with nagging moms and worried dads. And grandma plays everyone like puppets on a string. The writers did a stellar job with Jake instructing Nikki on how to navigate his family dinner. It’s a scene you can watch repeatedly and hear a new joke. The bowling scene is pivotal and heartwarming. And the final song is adorable. However, the rest of the film is Hallmark fluff. Hallmarkies need a movie that centers around the family and their antics.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Amen to that – Cynthia
I got nothing – Reverend Roberts
It’s close. Mazel Tov – Jake
Are you eating – Cynthia
She said she’s fine – Rabbi Levi
During the day? – Nikki
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Christmas in Big Sky Country – Review
Christmas in Big Sky Country – UPtv – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Rose worries about her husband, Josh, on an Alaskan oil rig, White Aurora, after their call disconnects. Her sister, Becca, advises Rose to call the parent company, Leed Oil, for more information. She takes Becca’s recommendation and gets forwarded to Logan in public relations. As Rose speaks to Logan, Logan can hear Becca in the background coaching Rose. Logan explains the rig had a power glitch, and everything will be okay soon. He promises to call if anything changes. Rose asks Becca to wait by the phone because Rose can’t use the phone in her classroom. Becca’s happy to help.
After the call, Logan speaks to his boss’s boss, Martin. Logan connected with Rose’s family and wishes he could be there to comfort them. This gives Martin a great idea for publicity. He wants Logan to fly to Montana and get photos with Josh’s family. They can use it in campaigns to promote themselves as a family company later. The only catch is Martin doesn’t want Logan to tell anyone why he’s there. Logan agrees, flies to Montana, and meets Becca. He’s instantly smitten with her. He gets closer to her business, family, and farm. Will Martin’s corporate greed affect their budding romance?
This film’s captivating moments aren’t the love story. It’s Logan’s inner turmoil and Josh’s return home. The love story gives Logan a reason to care more about the family’s fears. However, Logan is genuinely a good person, so he would care regardless. The writers put so much detail into those storylines that the romance is a byproduct. You won’t concern yourself with Becca’s business or that family farm once the other storylines come to their conclusion. And let’s not forget the platinum dad jokes from Becca and Rose’s dad, Anthony. This film is captivating, but not for the love; it’s the compassion.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I’m not that old – Becca
It’s polite – Logan
You know us farmers can’t fail because we are always outstanding in our field – Anthony
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Rodeo Christmas Romance – Review
Rodeo Christmas Romance – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Emma’s boss, Billy, shares his concerns for his family’s ranch. They need to win the next rodeo competition and land a brand deal. The money will pay for the ranch and next year’s rodeo fees. The brand owner, Grace, wants a co-ed team to market her full line of men’s and women’s clothing. Emma promises to be at the meeting. Billy walks away but returns when he hears Emma’s horse, Regal, scream. Emma explains that something is wrong with Regal. She tried to mount him, and his legs buckled. Billy offers to house Regal at his ranch until the vet can visit and let her ride one of the team’s horses instead. Emma doesn’t feel comfortable riding any horse but Regal. So, Billy allows Emma to stay on his ranch until the vet checks on her horse.
Noal returns home after being honorably discharged from the military. He plans on leaving before his brother, Billy, returns from the rodeo. He slips into bed and finds Emma sleeping there. Noal screams at her to leave his bedroom, but she was there first with Billy’s permission. Noal groans and exits to another bedroom.
Emma explains her situation to Noal in the morning, and he begs her not to tell Billy that he’s home. She agrees. However, she can see there’s more to his story, and she won’t leave his side until she uncovers his painful truths. As they bear their souls to each other, they find love and comfort during the holiday season. Will it last when Billy returns from the rodeo early?
Based on Catching a Christmas Cowboy by Leah Vale, this holiday film has everything you expect from a rodeo romance. The plot won’t enthrall you, but it does entertain sporadically. Audiences will gravitate to the connection between Noal and Billy. The subplot presents a second love story, offering whimsy and fun in the script. This movie is great to watch while decorating the tree, but it’s a bit much for younger viewers.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Pressure makes good riders – Billy
Hey, Goldilocks. Wake up – Noal
We don’t need looking after – Emma
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Very Merry Mystery – Review
Very Merry Mystery – OWN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Salon owner Bea styles Evelyn while dabbling in the latest gossip. Evelyn plans to attend a party at Grace’s home with her husband, Dr. Maurice. Bea’s friend, Desiree, asks if Bea got an invite and a designated costume to Grace’s murder mystery party this evening. Bea says yes, but she doesn’t know why. Grace had a cancer scare and wants to make amends, but she’s never done anything wrong to Bea. Grace enters and glides into Bea’s chair. She confidently confirms everyone’s attendance at tonight’s soiree when Whitney interjects. Whitney was Grace’s protégé. Now, Whitney wants to start a firm that will be in direct competition with Grace. However, Grace sent Whitney an invite, and she wouldn’t miss it for the world. Bea closes the shop and witnesses Whitney arguing with her nephew, Calvin. The gossip around the salon suggests that Calvin has gambling debts and relies on Whitney to bail him out.
Bea arrives at Whitney’s home, and Desiree answers in a maid’s uniform. She begs Bea to hold her laughter because it’s a paid gig. Bea saunters into the parlor and, surprisingly, spies her mother, Debra, on the couch. Bea has a contentious relationship with her overly critical mother and didn’t know she would be at Grace’s home. Grace enters the room and states the rules. Every person receives a character card. That card states information about their characters and whether they are the killer. Everyone must decipher the murder while the murderer must remain elusive. If the killer doesn’t get caught at the end of the night, then they win. Otherwise, the sleuth is the victor. The lights go out, and Grace is gone. The lights turn on, and Calvin pushes Desiree as he enters the room; books are scattered on the floor. Everyone assumes this is part of the story, so they continue to play. However, clues around the home prove that Grace is in danger. Debra discreetly messages Bea’s boyfriend, Detective Troy. Troy arrives at Grace’s house and won’t let anyone leave until they locate Grace. Grace is missing, and everyone is a suspect. Bea will use her skills to help Troy uncover the truth, but what happens when some of the clues point to her?
This mystery does what successful enigmas do. They offer all the clues you need to solve the case throughout the mystery. The writers didn’t add details after the fact that were never presented to the audience. They also added solid red herrings along the way and a sneaky ending. The lead is a quiet, unassuming woman with an attention to detail because she runs a self-care business with high-profile clientele. She doesn’t have any idiosyncrasies that differentiate her from anyone else in the world. Anyone can be her. Now, there is a love story at the center of this film, but you will only be concerned with the mystery. This movie could become a series with the proper material.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why mess with perfection – Burton
Since when do you care about missing meetings – Whitney
I may be quiet, but I am no doormat – Evelyn
And I love you – Bea
If I was 20 years younger – Maurice
The things I do for money – Desiree
Point taken – Clavin
I don’t know what you are talking about – Debra
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A Suite Holiday Romance – Review
A Suite Holiday Romance – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Sabrina wrote a loving oped about the author, Hazel Holley, of her favorite book series, Cordelia. It caught the eye of an art dealer mogul, Mr. Grayson Westcott. He requested Sabrina ghostwrite his autobiography with the same passion with which she wrote the article. He put her up in a suite at the Fairbanks Hotel and had her sign an NDA. Her friend, Anna, is excited because a royal family will be staying at that hotel before displaying their family’s jewels exhibit at a local museum. Sabrina doesn’t believe she will run into the royal family.
After completing a day with Grayson, Sabrina calls the bar for dinner. They have enough time to make a club sandwich before closing. She thanks them and runs to the bar in her pajamas. She sees a sandwich, grabs it, and eats it. Ian puts down his phone and ponders why she ate his dinner. Sabrina says it was hers as the waitress places another sandwich on the table with a silver cloche. She apologizes and gives Ian her dinner. They have several encounters where he takes the time to remind her about their embarrassing meet-cute. At dinner, Anna overhears the man’s accent and assumes Ian is a member of the royal family. Sabrina runs with her assumption, and Ian doesn’t correct her. He works for the royal family as a secretary. He keeps the lord in order while away on trips. Ian promises to tell Sabrina the truth, but can’t find the right time. Will Sabrina’s fairytale end when she discovers his secret?
Based on A Magical New York Christmas by Anita Hughes, this story feels like a Christmas Prince tale (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). However, the lead male isn’t a prince, and the actual prince is a lord. It doesn’t matter because the script doesn’t captivate you. It’s a constant list of misunderstandings and overreactions. The only interesting storyline is Grayson retelling his life story. It comes full circle with a locket. His tale of sacrifice, redemption, and love is magical, grand, and beautiful. It should have been the film’s focal point.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
If what you write for me is half as eloquent as that, I’ll be a happy man – Grayson
It’s a great robe – Ian
Which one of those are you – Sabrina
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Categories: A Pickleball Christmas, A Suite Holiday Romance, Ashleigh Murray, Branden Greenberg, Brooke D'Orsay, christmas, Christmas in Big Sky Country, Christopher Russell, Corey Sevier, Countdown to Christmas, Dominic Sherwood, Erin Karpluk, hallmark, holiday, Its A Wonderful Lifetime, Jake Epstein, James Lafferty, Jessy Schram, Kim Sandwich, lifetime, Made for TV, Most Uplifting Christmas Ever, movie, Olivier Renaud, OWN, OWN For The Holidays, Oy to the World!, Rebecca Dalton, review, Rodeo Christmas Romance, Slay Bells, Sweet Holiday Romance, Tristan Mack Wilds, tv review, UPtv, Very Merry Mystery, Where Pretty Girls Die, Zibby Allen
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