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Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy – Review
Mary J. Blige Presents Be Happy – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Val and her husband, Ross, barbecue for their friends and family. Their daughter, Kayla, is expecting her first child with her husband, Mica. And their son, Jeremiah, will soon start college. Val can’t wait to be an empty nester. But tonight, she and Ross will be alone to celebrate their anniversary. She brags to her friends that she’s ready to shake the headboard tonight. However, Ross would rather work on his car than be with her. Val cries.
After Val and Ross drop Jeremiah off at college, they reminisce in the car while listening to Mary J. Blige. She mentions that they haven’t had an intimate connection in months. It leads to an arguement, nearly causing a crash. Val meets with her friends, and they suspect that Ross is going through male menopause. They recommend counseling. When Val offers this solution, Ross tells her to go alone. While Ross believes he gave her the ideal life, Val wants more. She decides to leave Ross in North Carolina and move in with Kayla in New Orleans. She can discover what it means to find herself and be happy. But will she uncover more?
Inspired by Be Happy by Mary J. Blige, this film isn’t about drama, murder, or fighting (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It’s about a woman finding and demanding the love she wants and deserves. The writers had Val go through self-discovery to find happiness within herself first. The film utilizes New Orleans’ food, music, and art to infuse warmth and history into the narrative. It grounds the story in reality. Viewers can imagine themselves as Val. The conflict isn’t between two men. It’s between who Val is becoming versus what Val was. Ross and her new love interest, Peter, represent that tug-of-war. Both men are flawed, confusing Val as she moves between the two. This picture is the definition of grown and sexy.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I like seeing you happy – Jeremiah
I didn’t happen – Val
That’ll give you enough time – Ross
No, I’m apologizing for earlier – Peter
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Our Dead Husband – Review
Our Dead Husband – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kris’s second-in-command, Brandy, alarms Kris that their most important client has arrived early. Kris panics as she rushes to the conference room. However, her husband, Richie, sits and laughs, while Brandy slinks out of the room. Richie quit his job and wants to move to Portland. He thinks the new environment will be a wonderful restart for their marriage. Also, they can start the family Kris desires. Kris worries about her company, but Richie reminds her that remote work is a great option. Kris wants to think about it, and they can iron out the details at home. Later, Kris arrives at home and finds a pot burning on the stove, a broken picture, and Richie’s body. Someone shot and killed him. Detective West sits Kris down and asks questions. After the interview, Kris chooses to stay at Brandy’s home.
To everyone’s surprise, Kris arrives at work to take her mind off Richie’s murder. Brandy informs her that a woman named Cassie is waiting for her in the lobby. Kris greets Cassie and learns that she is Richie’s sister. Kris thought Richie had no family, but Cassie says she and their mother are alive and well. She tells Kris that Richie wasn’t a good man. He asked for money to invest, and he left them with nothing. This revelation is strange to Kris because Richie had nothing when they moved into their home, only luggage and a clock. Kris goes home and uncovers that the clock is a safe. She opens it and finds an ID with Richie’s face and another address. She drives to the location, and Jennifer answers with her bodyguard, Clyde. Jennifer looks at the ID and recognizes the man as her husband, Richie. The women talk and commiserate over playing the fool for years. Kris is unsure what to do until Detective West suspects her. She teams up with Jennifer to reveal the man behind the lies. Can they clear Kris’s name before Detective West takes her away in handcuffs?
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
This phone breaks in an hour. Nice knowing you – Richie
I just feel numb – Jennifer
We don’t need a code – Kris
I wasn’t sure how to tell you this – Cassie
I always thought Richie was shady – Brandy
Feel free to check it out, Nancy Drew – Will
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Missing the Boat – Review
Missing the Boat – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Parker’s sister, Emily, wants him to unplug and enjoy their luxury cruise. However, he can’t relax because this trip is for business. His company wants to acquire the luxury liner, adding it to its portfolio. Parker’s boss, Adam, finds him on the ship and asks for an update. Adam brought his laptop, to Emily’s chagrin, and will check the numbers before the presentation. Emily begs him to walk around the deck. He plans to, but only to check for precautions. Emily gives Adam a flirty grin before he leaves. Parker begs Emily to stop flirting with his boss.
Kelly unpacks in her room while talking to her boss, George. Kelly must go incognito as a guest and report if the cruise liner is a good investment. George wants her to leave the analog behind and put her findings in an app. Kelly sighs with frustration because she enjoys jotting down notes about her experiences, allowing her to connect with her surroundings. However, George wants to stay informed. Kelly hangs up and walks on the deck for fresh air when she sees Parker checking the lifeboats. He was an actuary and now wants to ensure the ship’s safety. After a few dad jokes, Kelly exits with a smile.
Kelly and Emily arrive at dinner and discover they are alone at the singles table. Emily wonders if their are single men on the trip. Kelly admits that she’s met one who’s a bit odd. She points out Parker, and Emily laughs. She knows how strange he is. Parker joins them at the table and continues to make dad jokes. Then, he pulls out his laptop, and Kelly sees that he’s working for the company that she’s spying on. Emily convinced Parker to leave the ship and venture out on a waterfall excursion. Kelly also planned on exploring it. So, they invite Kelly to join them.
As they exit the ship, the captain announces that everyone must return to the port on time. They won’t wait for anyone. Stragglers will have to meet them at the next location. Emily decides to go on another excursion with Adam so the pair can be alone. Kelly and Parker eat lunch before arriving to meet their guide. They show up late, and the guide only has donkeys for them to take up the mountain. They enjoy a smooth ride, disembark their donkeys, and take photos by the waterfall. They turn to exit, and the donkeys are gone. After a valiant effort, they miss the boat. They must get back. Parker needs to make his presentation, and Emily must report to work. Without it, they could lose their jobs. Can they make it back in time?
This film takes this pair on a couple’s therapist’s dream project over a few days. The plot pits them against scammers, strikers, and hospitality staff. Each step tries their patience, but they lean on each other. The writers had the pair deal with their setbacks and struggles in a mature manner. They argue, take accountability, and compromise. Their dialogue is witty, empathic, and heartfelt. The Italian scenery does make an appearance in this film, but it’s not the focal point. Movies like The Godfather and Star Wars have a stronger presence in the show (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The captivating question is when and how Parker will uncover Kelly’s job. And the ending delivers a second couple in the making. Hallmarkies should watch this film if they need a laugh, but not before they go on a cruise.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Be neutral – Parker
Less talking, more walking – Kelly
Yeah, he’s definitely odd – Emily
Who are you – Adam
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