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Secrets of Mercy Hospital – Review
Secrets of Mercy Hospital – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Army trauma nurse Major Kendra hides in the shadows during her mother’s burial. She jumps in a rideshare to catch the Army transport. However, a freeway accident halts her. Kendra exits the rideshare and goes to the local gas station. She sees concerned people surrounding the bathroom. A young woman went inside, and now she’s screaming in distress. Kendra enters, and the young woman is in labor with a breech baby. Kendra helps deliver the baby, but mom and baby are sick. The paramedics arrive and ask Kendra to join them. Mom and baby will need special attention, and one of them has to drive. Kendra agrees, jumps inside, and listens to the paramedic talking to dispatch. They tell the paramedics that Mercy Hospital is full because of the pile-up. However, Kendra says the other hospital is too far. The paramedic says he knows a doctor, Dr. Maddox, who can clear them for Mercy Hospital. His name Kendra knows well.
They arrive at the hospital, and Kendra assists when Dr. Vaughn Maddox enters. He works on his new patients while getting an update on Kendra. Afterward, Vaughn asks Kendra to stay in town and work at the hospital. She has to return to her job in a week. So, Vaughn asks for a week. Kendra concedes. However, nurse Billie isn’t happy. She and Kendra were friends in high school and played on the track team together. Before their most notable meet, Kendra disappeared. Billie lost the meet, her scholarship, and her chance to leave. Kendra apologizes.
Kendra meets Dr. Bennett. She is a young doctor who’s still gaining confidence. Dr. Bennett tells Kendra that Billie and Vaughn have an ongoing custody battle after they separated. Kendra knew Billie started dating her high school boyfriend, Vaughn, after she left. She didn’t judge them. Kendra hopes to finish her week-long rotation without any scandal, but this hospital holds her biggest secret. Can Kendra handle it?
This film spends over an hour on setting up the characters’ backstories in small bites. Soon, professionals bicker in an operating room. It’s petty and pointless. The boring plot drags to nowhere. Lifetimers will expect more from the conclusion, but you get nothing. The actors did what they could, but the script is bland. It tries to have miraculous moments in the NICU, but it’s better suited as a limited series. Lifetimers crave drama, scandal, and twists, not whiners, brats, and influencers. This movie should have been on another network because Lifetimers are the wrong audience.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
I did something unforgivable – Kendra
Why’d you quit – Vaughn
Not everything is about you – Billie
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Winter Wonderlanes – Review
Winter Wonderlanes – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Restaurant owner Audrey and her business partner, Chef Beckett, eat Thanksgiving dinner with her parents, Mrs. and Mr. Bell, and her grandmother, Gwen. Audrey and Beckett will leave tonight to close a business deal. They decided to invest in a brick-and-mortar restaurant and stop doing pop-ups. As the family laughs, Audrey quips about spending another holiday at the family’s bowling alley, Wonderlanes. Audrey spies the distressed look on everyone’s face. Gwen confesses that she’s going to sell Wonderlanes before Christmas. Gwen admits that her late husband ran the establishment better. Attendance is down along with sales. Real estate agent Natalie believes holiday buzz will help increase the asking price. Audrey tells Beckett she will stay in town to help her family. However, she can assist him with the restaurant deal over the phone. Beckett agrees.
News anchor Jason grabs coffee for his co-workers when he sees Audrey fixing the lights above the Wonderlanes sign. He approaches her, and she tells him about the sale. Audrey will reinstate the Jingle Bowl Championship to attract more buyers, and Jason loves the idea. Audrey stumbles over her words because they haven’t seen each other since Jason ghosted her after she won the bowling tournament. Jason leaves for work and gets information from the cameraman, Sebastian. The network wants a feel-good Christmas story. If he does well, it could lead to an anchor job in the city.
Natalie and Audrey sit in the bowling alley. They discuss the sale, Audrey’s restaurant, Beckett, and Jason. Audrey admits that Jason flusters her. However, she can’t get over how he disappeared without an explanation. As they talk, Jason approaches Audrey and asks to feature Wonderlane’s tournament on the news. Natalie believes the high profile will attract more interest. Audrey agrees, but she doesn’t want to be on camera. Jason beams with joy, while Audrey hides her fears. Can they work together, or will the past haunt them and ruin the sale?
This holiday love story takes place in a bowling alley. It’s a unique and new setting for the network. The set designers add a fun holiday element to the alley that keeps viewers in the Christmas spirit. Wonderlanes is in a small town, but the street movement makes it feel bigger. This script isn’t typical, so the holiday decor doesn’t feel like a cheap add-on. Jason and Audrey are ex-lovers, but they long for each other. Audrey is more vocal about her needs to family and friends, but Jason keeps everything private. Those pining moments slow the script down. And steals from scenes viewers want: Audrey and her grandfather. Their loving bond is magnetic and inspiring. It pushes the romance to the background. The leads don’t have a major conflict because neither the sale nor the relationship is in trouble. Outside of bowling, the ending is anticlimactic. This film is an easy watch if you need to kill 2 hours.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I can help – Audrey
Honestly, the leftovers helped – Beckett
Loose ends have a way of tying themselves into knots if you leave them too long – Mr. Bell
That’s one way to end up on the news – Jason
Of course you can do it. You are your grandfather’s granddaughter – Mrs. Bell
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Seduced by an Amish Stranger – Review
Seduced by an Amish Stranger – Lifetime – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Jebediah surprises Bethany when he returns home from rumspringa. He decides to return to the Amish faith to start a family. She blushes. Bethany sells her mother’s homemade goods at the Amish market. When English women harass Bethany, a stranger intervenes. His name is Seth, and he’s Amish. However, he lost his family, and now he’s looking for a new community. Seth asks the leaders to let him stay, but Jebediah believes it’s ill-advised. Beth’s mother, Anna, enters the room and says her late husband would let Seth stay. The elders agree with Anna, but he has to live with her until he gets back on his feet.
Seth moves into Anna’s back house. She demands that he do chores and respect her rules. Seth agrees. Anna makes Seth a plate of food but won’t allow him to eat with them to keep up appearances. At night, Anna closes Bethany’s curtains before bed. She doesn’t want Seth to look into her room. The next day, Seth and Jebediah meet and trade verbal jabs. During their second encounter, Seth kills Jebediah. Seth flirts with Bethany and gets her to break the rules. Anna has no idea how dangerous Seth is until Bethany runs away with him. Can Anna save her daughter from a killer?
This suspense film follows Bethany’s character arc while adding a bit of mystery. At first, Seth and Jebediah are dangerous. Jebediah is controlling and overprotective, but Seth is a killer. As Bethany juggles her emotions between two men, Seth tests her commitment to her faith. She tries to declare her independence from her mother by falling for Seth. The pacing is gripping as Seth and Bethany go on the run, and Anna leaves her community to search for her daughter. Viewers know their worlds will collide soon, and it will be explosive. The film contains more shocks and awe than twists. The film lacks in editing. The backing track was too loud and drowned out the performances. However, the writer respects Amish culture with the actors’ costumes and hair. The film talks about Amish guidelines without judging them. It has a classic Lifetime premise and unfortunate editing.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
It just wasn’t for me – Jebediah
If you don’t have family here, what are you doing here? – Bethany
I consider us all family – Seth
You lied earlier – Anna
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Mr. and Mrs. Christmas – Review
Mr. and Mrs. Christmas – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Holiday decorator Taylor moves to Pineway with his daughter, Jenna, and son, Arlo. Arlo is excited, but Jenna worries she won’t find friends. Taylor assures them he will bring the same Christmas magic as before. Taylor arrives at City Hall with a truck full of Christmas decorations. He can’t find a spot, so he parks in a reserved one. As he unloads, Sophie arrives. It’s her spot. Sophie politely asks him to move, but he requests 2 minutes to get everything. She relents because he’s Mr. Christmas. Taylor finishes with time to spare. However, he locks his keys in the car. Sophie finds another spot and arrives late to her budget meeting. Sophie rushes to grab her spreadsheets, but the committee is indifferent. Instead, they want to talk about the Festive Market and Christmas Parade. Due to budget cuts, they haven’t hosted these events in years. However, Paul wants to reinstate him so he can leave with a bang. His departure will create a vacancy for the Head of Community Engagement position. They need someone who loves the town and won’t change anything. Sophie stays mum but plots to get the job.
Paul meets with Taylor to give him a building fob and his family’s Santa Letters box. Paul warns Taylor not to lose them. Then, he instructs Taylor to work with Sophie to stay on budget. Taylor starts his setup but realizes he left something in his truck. He goes to get it but leaves the fob inside. Taylor sees Justin inside and yells for his assistance. He startles Justin, and Justin steps on the box. Stunned, Paul fights back tears. He sees it as a sign of things to come. Afterward, Paul seeks out Sophie. He advises her to supervise Taylor. She will be a shoo-in for the promotion if Taylor is successful. Sophie meets with Taylor, and he promises to bring the events back to their glory days. Later, Sophie meets Taylor’s kids and sees the disconnect between him and Jenna. She guides him, but he uses it to change the festival. It is a disaster that highlights what Taylor believes Jenna likes. Paul wants to cancel the parade, but Taylor, knowing Sophie’s promotion is on the line, vows to save it. Can Taylor revive the parade for Sophie while reconnecting with his daughter?
This holiday rom-com offers two types of decor for its Christmas celebrations. The first event will pull you out of the holiday spirit, but that’s by design. You will squirm at the arcade setting, boba tea, and techno DJ. The set designer did everything perfectly to make this a Christmas gone wrong. It has the proper impact on the audience. When Taylor gets it right, you get the warm holiday feeling with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and festive music. Labeled a rom-com, this film’s relationship between Taylor and Jenna reinvigorates the plot. He’s a dad trying to do his best. However, nothing works. The writers ensured Jenna wasn’t a brat, just a teenager. Their conflict is better crafted than the romantic one. This holiday film will resonate with teens’ parents, but it’s not the best Hallmark has to offer.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Count me in – Arlo
Change is good, right? – Jenna
Bam, welcome to the team – Taylor
Wow, really living the dream, Mom – Lily
It’s a lot to take in – Sophie
When I said I wanted to go with a bang, this is not what I meant – Paul
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Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story – Review
Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Avery visits her stepfather’s sports bar and reads while patrons watch the Chicago Bears’ game. Ron is proud of his bar because Mike Ditka owned it. Avery’s in town for the holidays, working as a freelance reporter. She doesn’t plan on staying long. Firefighter Matt asks if she’s a Bears fan. She doesn’t care much for sports, unlike her mother, Jodie. They never exchange names before he walks away. Avery gets a call from her ex-boyfriend, Shawn. He works at the Chicago Herald, and they need someone to write a human-interest story. A man named Matt alerted them that his grandmother, Darlene, will attend her 500th Bears game. They want her to write about Darlene, the team, and her love for the game. Avery agrees to do the story. Shawn informs her that this story could land her a permanent position on the team if she wants it. Avery hasn’t considered staying home, but she would like to spend more time with Jodie and Ron.
Avery arrives at the firehouse and laughs after seeing Matt again. He’s excited that Avery will interview his grandmother, but he hasn’t told Darlene yet. He warns Avery that Darlene is with the Grandma Bears. Avery asks to meet the group, and they are delightful. Darlene and her friends do charity work for the organization, Bears Care, to help the community. She allows Avery to accompany her, but Avery must keep up. Avery asks Darlene why the team means so much to her. Darlene’s first date with her future husband, Bernie, was at a Bears game. It was the best blind date she ever had. For the first time, she met someone who loved her favorite team as much as she did. Then, Darlene pulls out a scrapbook with ‘One Day at A Time’ inscribed on it. Bernie bought it for her before he passed and put their tickets inside. He made sure there were 500 spaces. Although Bernie is gone, Darlene carries his memory with her to every game. Avery loves the story. Before Darlene elaborates, she tells Avery that she must leave to do more charity work. The truth is, Darlene can see the passion between Avery and Matt. She wants them to spend quality time together. Matt vows to turn Avery into a Bears fan. Will it work when Avery’s life pulls her in another direction?
This film is the best of the Holiday Touchdown series. This holiday romance strikes the perfect balance between Christmas spirit and Bears fandamonium. The set design blends the holiday decor with football gear, and the plot could work for any holiday. It sprinkles current players, retired players, and Hall of Famers throughout the script. If you blink, you might miss a few. The writers added tailgates and charity to show the special connection fans have with the team. The sound editor added famous holiday songs by Chicago natives Jennifer Hudson and Donny Hathaway. Both Avery and Matt grow as individuals. They discover their paths and celebrate their wins. Their chemistry feels easy and real. Viewers get a meet-cute, holiday challenges, and a final kiss. However, it feels organic and fun. And Darlene’s backstory will make you cry. This film is a holiday gem.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I’ll take a hot tottie or a hug – Avery
Is everyone behaving themselves – Matt
She’s a protege – Ron
I am hardly newsworthy – Darlean
Team spirit is like Christmas lights. You can never have enough – Jody
So, I like you – Darlene
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Categories: Alexandra Coble, Ashley Newbrough, Barbara Alyn Woods, Boti Bliss, Brendan Penny, Brigdon York, Countdown to Christmas, Franco Lo Presti, hallmark, Holiday Touchdown: A Bears Love Story, Judy Reyes, Khary Payton, lifetime, Lyndsy Fonseca, Made for TV, Marsha Mason, movie, Mr. and Mrs. Christmas, Pascal Hutton, review, Robert Buckley, Secrets of Mercy Hospital, Seduced by an Amish Stranger, Sheryl Carbonell, Tahmoh Penikett, tv review, Winter Wonderlanes
