NiallMatter
#KillerTwin, #IllBeWatching, and more – TV Reviews
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Killer Twin – Review
Killer Twin – Lifetime – 2 hours and 2 minutes
Amber looks at a newspaper and sees her face staring back at her. Only that face belongs to her twin sister Kendra. When they were a few years old, the manager of their orphanage didn’t tell Kendra’s adoptive parents that she had a twin. Kendra was adopted and Amber was left behind to age out of the system. Gazing upon Kendra, Amber sees the life she could have had if she were adopted instead of Kendra. Amber thinks Kendra has had the “good life” long enough and she wants if for herself. Amber will steal, con, and kill to take over Kendra’s life. And when she does, her life will be complete.
The interesting twist about this movie is that Kendra doesn’t remember her sister. She believes that someone broke into her home, stole her identity, and started using her cards. Although she knows she was adopted, the just doesn’t remember having a twin. And it is a visual feast seeing Lindsay Hartley, play a character acting like another character. She adds a few subtle changes when she is Amber pretending to be Kendra. It makes the story believable for the audience that this woman is really a twin. Check out this movie today.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Kendra the chosen one. Now, the disposable one – Amber
Be careful. You’re tough but you’re in danger – Dane
Well if she wasn’t a criminal before, she is now – Kendra
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I’ll Be Watching – Review
I’ll Be Watching – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kate works in a bookstore while attending college. She spends her personal time at home, reading, and studying. Her neighbor Nate offers to take her to dinner to get her out the house. After a few tries, she agrees and has a good time. Until she gets home and finds a bloody purple rose. Creeped out, she calls the police and Detective Paine comes to take her statement. Kate discovers that the rose and Nate are both gone. While the detective believes her, there is nothing more he can do. Kate tries to go on with her life until she is attacked and someone is killed holding a note for Kira. The cops decide to give her 24-hour protection. After a few days, nothing happens and the cops are pulled off Kate’s stalking case. The very next night, Kate’s stalker attacks her, cuts her, and warns her to keep the cops away or she and the cops are dead. Kira is hospitalized and wakes up with the cops by her side. Even though she tells them to go away, they stay. After she gets the green light to go home, Kate gives the cops the slip and goes on the run. She contacts the detectives once a week from a blocked number to report but she makes sure to give no details. While she is holding back her location from them, they are holding back something from her. They know if she hears it, it will rock her to her core and bring her back. Back into the arms of her stalker.
Based on The Purple Rose by Christi R. Walsh, this movie sets a new notch on the creepy dial (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It’s great to see this movie break away from the Lifetime norm. The cops don’t blow her off and then show up in the last 5 minutes to save her from the killer. These cops understand the stalker is dangerous and do everything possible to help her. And in most Lifetime movies, knowing the stalker takes away your fear. But this time, it doesn’t. Not at all. Knowing this stalker’s face makes the fear 10 times worse. You will get a sick feeling when you watch. That is what makes this movie great.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
He cut me so no one else would want me – Kate
That looks horrible – Jake
Don’t be sorry and don’t be ashamed – Jack
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Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Disappearing Game – Review
Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: The Disappearing Game – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Aurora his happy to hear her cousin Phillip is coming to visit. She can’t wait because she knows he has been studying hard a college. And with his birthday coming up tomorrow, she and her mother Aida hope to take him out to dinner. When Phillip gets the invite, he asks if his roommate Josh and Josh’s girlfriend Tammy could come along. Aurora agrees and starts making plans. The next day, Phillip says he is sick and can’t make it. Out of concern, Aurora comes to his dorm with chicken soup and can’t find Phillip or Tammy. Aurora starts looking for Phillip immediately. Unfortunately, she finds Tammy dead. Now, Aurora concern grows to panic. And just when she thinks things can’t get worst, Josh is missing too. Now Aurora must find Josh and Phillip & discover who killed Tammy.
Like the book series, pay full attention to this story because you are getting 2 mysteries in one (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Don’t worry, they do come back full circle but you have to focus to understand everything that is going on. And in complete Aurora fashion, she is doing everything she is told not to do. But that’s why you love her. While foreshadowing does give the suspect away, it doesn’t reveal everything. So keep watching for some juicy reveals. Unfolding the mystery does go a bit fast, so don’t be surprised if you watch it twice to understand everything that happened.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
I’m just curious about my new neighbor – Aurora
What I live alone. I have taken one or two self-defense classes – Aida
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Cheerleader Nightmare – Review
Cheerleader Nightmare – Lifetime – 2 hours and 2 minutes
Sophie is happy to be the official photographer for her school. Her friend Mikey works with her and her mother is the cheerleading coach. And she is dating the captain of the football team, Tyler. While her life is going great, she has one major hater, Leah, the head cheerleader. Every time Sophie is with Tyler, Leah gives her the stink eye. Mikey believes Leah is jealous because the head cheerleader should always date the football player. But Sophie doesn’t believe that’s the reason. That is, until later that day when Mikey flies a drone over a team party to watch what is going on. Sophie believes he is being creepy and grabs the goggles. And in that split second she sees her boyfriend kissing Leah. Heartbroken she leaves Mikey behind and heads home. The next morning she wakes up to the horrible news that Leah was found dead. Worried that she will be a suspect, Sophie decides to investigate. But will this vigilante become a victim?
This is a good mystery with plenty of viable suspects. It even allows the audience to eliminate them one by one with the characters. The “why” for the killing could have been a bit more original, it’s still a good watch. So DVR this movie and save for a rainy day. But don’t open that bottle of wine.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Today never happened, ok – Sophie
One tragedy doesn’t fix another tragedy – Tyler
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Love on Safari – Review
Love on Safari – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Kira, a web designer in Chicago, gets a letter from her uncle’s estate in South Africa. They have been trying to find her for months because her uncle passed away and left her something in his will. In order to find out what she will receive, she must go to South Africa for the will reading. While she has picturesque memories of her uncle’s wildlife reserve, she has not been there in years. After toying with the idea, she decides to go. Upon arrival, she meets Rangers Tom and Ally. While Tom is getting Kira reacquainted with the reserve, he is concerned about its survival during the change in ownership. They have no idea who the new owner will be and a competitor is hoping to buy. Tom knows this buyer’s reputation and doesn’t believe the buyer will uphold the traditions set forth by Kira’s uncle. So, during the will reading, Tom is floored to hear that Kira is the new owner. Kira is stunned and bewildered. She instantly wants to walk away. To save the reserve and the surrounding village, he has to use his charms to convince Kira to keep the reservation.
While this love story follows the Hallmark format, looking at the breath-taking landscape and the magnificent animals makes this movie worth watching. It shows the good side of the reservations when they work with the neighboring communities without doing irreparable damage to the wildlife. It makes you want to see this place up close and personal. Don’t be surprised if you start looking up ticket prices after the first hour.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Of course, I can’t go to South Africa – Kira
You’re going all the way to Africa for whistles – Brad
What makes you think she does belong here – Ally
Just because the waters calm doesn’t mean there’re no crocodiles – Tom
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#HaileyDean, #TheWrongSon, and more – TV Reviews
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Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill – Review
Hailey Dean Mysteries: A Will to Kill – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
While reconciling her past and looking into Will’s murder, Hailey is intrigued by a missing classmate named Emma. She was last seen the night Will died. As a college news reporter, Emma has a list of enemies. And her personal life wasn’t easier. While Hailey barely knew her, she believes there is a connection between Emma’s disappearance and Will’s murder. Hailey has her doubts about the case until a fake social media account appears, a mystery cousin was spotted the day after the disappearance, and she is almost run over. Hailey knows this means she is close to solving Emma’s case but is she close to solving Will’s.
Based on the Hailey Dean Mysteries by Nancy Grace, this will finally answer the question Hailey Dean fans have had since episode 1. But don’t worry. This isn’t the end of the series. With this good mystery, you also get a fun subplot about Fincher relationship and his strong ties to Hailey. While this is a good story, it’s not the strongest mystery. This final part of a three-part episode had fans predicting perpetrators since the first part. And your prediction was probably right. So watch this movie for the “why” not the “who”.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
But I like you for you. Not for the things we do together – Hailey
For what its worth Hailey, I am proud of you no matter what happens – Jonas
I promise not to be afraid of you – Clyde
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The Wrong Son – Review
The Wrong Son – Lifetime – 2 hours and 2 minutes
A fun family day at the beach ends in a panic when Sara and Jake heard their son Ian screaming for his brother Matt. Decades later the family believes Matt was swept at sea. And the feelings of lost come back during Ian’s wedding, especially since his father Jake died a few weeks prior in a car accident. After learning the will is to be split between Ian and Sara, she finds a young man on her front lawn. He tells her he is Matt and he came to find his real mom. He explains he was found ashore after suffering a seizure, put into foster care, and then adopted. His adoptive parents finally told him the truth and he came looking for her. Now he is ready to reconnect and be a part of the family. While Sara is accepting, Ian is cautious. But Matt isn’t the only family member with a secret.
Slow build up, strong climax, with a lackluster ending. You know something is off about Matt but you are not sure why he is in their lives. As the plan reveals itself, it seems so ordinary. There is one big reveal but it just isn’t wow enough after several murders. While this movie answers every question you have about its characters, you don’t need to cancel plans to watch it.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Mom Help – Ian
It’s a lot right now but I’m managing – Sara
You don’t believe me – Matt
I’m too young to be a widow – Rachel
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Love At First Dance – Review
Love At First Dance – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Hope is a free-spirited dance instructor at DanceTopia. While she teaches children, she also helps couples prepare for the first dance at their wedding. As she is hoping to get a loan to buy the dance studio, she is offered to audition for an assistance choreographer job in London. She is now questioning where she should be in life. Eric is preparing to be the head of a brokerage firm after his father leaves the company. He will not be alone. His fiance Adriana’s father is stepping down too. She dreamed of running the firm since high school. And doing it with her future husband is a bonus. With his wedding and takeover just days away, Eric is wondering if its all enough for him. He had a double major in college: theater and finance. While he followed finance, his heart was in the theater. To make the wedding smoother Adriana and Eric’s overbearing mothers sign them up for dance class. With Hope. As Hope and Eric work together, they confide in each other and connect.
The love story has a steady pace to allow you to believe the love is real. And the divide between Eric and Adriana allows you to see the issues without hating Hope for their doomed relationship. This movie follows the Hallmark formula to a tee, so you watch it for character development and the jokes. The mother’s meddling will have you yelling at the screen but the wisdom of Eric’s father will bring you joy. And don’t forget to spot the Hallmark card!
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Peter was perfection on paper. Reality was something different – Hope
Who is he guarding? Is Rihana inside? – Eric
Tell me these nerves subside – Cassidy
A 93. She must have liked you – Vanessa
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#CocaineGodmother, #DeadlyInn, and more – TV Review
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Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story – Review
Cocaine Godmother: The Griselda Blanco Story – Lifetime – 2 hours and 32 minutes
In Columbia 1954, young Griselda was on the receiving end of a harsh slap from her mother who pimped her out to grown men. The young girl did not return with the money promised. So she went back to the man, shot him several times, and got the money she owed. Now, as a married mother of three boys, Griselda is known for her magnificent passport forgeries. But Alberto believes she has the potential to be so much more. Then as she was getting undressed she had a revelation. Hide small pockets of drugs in inside cute women’s underwear and shoes because they wouldn’t get search. The officers will be to busy checking them out. She presented her idea to Alberto. Griselda becomes the biggest drug dealer of all time and Alberto’s wife. She has amassed an empire that makes $8 million a week. The bigger her empire grows so does her drug addiction, her killing rate, and her effect on her children’s life.
Told through the eyes of DEA Jimmy, Griselda is marveled for her mind and tenacity in a male-dominated industry. She was able to stay ahead of the law and her enemies. She prided herself on being a mother but never cared about the children’s lives she stole. She followed the rule of “don’t leave the seeds”. She never left a witness and quickly disposed of all snitches. Her name was synonymous with fear. It only leaves you to wonder, what kind of impact could Griselda have made on a legitimate business. While there are several stellar performances, often the clothing, music, or ambiance is too modern. Also, the lead’s accent sometimes slips from Columbia to American and back. It can distract from the film. However, this is a good watch.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Mules are quiet and dumb. You don’t exactly fit the bill – Alberto
I’m in charge of this family. Now get me a beer. Please – Carlos
I’ll always take care of you. You know that right? – Griselda
A woman? – DEA Jimmy
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Deadly Inn – Review
Deadly Inn – LMN – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Robyn has bought a large home with the hopes of renting out rooms on a B&B website. As an interior designer, she knows she will need help fixing it up. So she hires Drew to make the home repairs. She worries that she isn’t spending enough time with her newly adopted, goddaughter Ava. Just as Robyn is getting a handle on everything, she gets her first guest Beth. She is taken aback by the guest because she hasn’t advertised on the website. However, when Beth presents a large wad of cash, Robyn allows her to stay. Soon, Robyn is infested with spiders, has a dead body in her home, and chased with an electrical saw. Robyn has no idea how her life spun out of control until she looks at her will to find a large change that turns her Inn deadly.
It’s not the worst but it’s not the best either. It does provide a few shocking moments with Beth attacking the guests and others; however, the plot isn’t new for Lifetime. It does throw in a “complicated” love story to try to keep the viewer interested but it’s not enough. The ending is predictable. You just sit and wonder how long it will take Robyn to “get it”. So, root for Beth in this story and turn a horror/suspense into a comedy.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
But I just feel like I belong here – Iris
She thought you were my mom. Why didn’t you tell her – Ava
I’m sorry. We all have our own ways of coping – Erica
No thank you for letting me be a part of your family – Drew
You’re crazy – Robyn
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Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery – Review
Past Malice: An Emma Fielding Mystery – HMM – 2 hours and 2 minutes
While unveiling her latest discovery, Emma is approached by her old friend Adele. Adele wants Emma to oversee Prof. Thomas Webster’s work. Adele will be handling items going up for sale that need to be appraised before a home is sold. Webster believes he has found huge discovery in the family crypts. While Webster is smart, his reputation is spotty. Adele wants an archaeologist she trusts, like Emma, to double check the find. Emma arrives at a house filled with tension and secrets. She finds Webster and he is all abuzz about his new discovery. When Emma enquires to see it, he tells her its not ready yet. But it will be first thing tomorrow. The next day, Emma goes to find Webster. She with the help of FBI Agent Jim Connor, find Webster’s dead body inside a secret room in the crypt. Now Emma is determined to find out who killed Webster but first they have to find a way into the secret room without destroying the evidence or the artifacts.
Based on the novel Past Malice by Dana Cameron, this mystery has plenty of suspects but not a lot of in-depth motives fans are accustomed to in this series (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). This movie is missing some of the magic of the previous movies. On the other hand, it offers more into the developing relationship between Jim and Emma. Jim is treading lightly while getting advice from Emma’s friends. He wants to take their friendship further without ruining it. You start to feel for his plight as he attempts to express himself while remaining professional.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
An iron fist with manicured nails – Emma
That’s a nice word for what he is – Adele
I prefer to think of it as leverage – Thomas
I don’t think anything. I’m just the house manager – Sherman
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Frozen In Love – Review
Frozen In Love – Hallmark – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Mary his the proud owner of her family’s bookstore On the Same Page but the bookstore is suffering from a steady decline in sales. Mary’s brother Tyler wants her to become more modern but Mary hopes 40 years of being a community staple is enough to keep it going. With her brother’s constant urging, Mary decides to go to her friend Janet, a PR specialist. Adam is an embattled hockey player that has been suspended for the next 10 games. The team manager wants him off the team because he conflicts with the team’s wholesome image. She wants him to have an image makeover and suggest a PR firm, Janet’s. Janet believes Mary and Adam should work together. Adam’s celebrity will drive in new business and Mary can soften Adam’s image while working in the bookstore. However, Janet doesn’t know that the two have had a bad interaction with each other. She considers Adam arrogant and he considers Mary to be uptight. With apprehension, these two must work together to succeed but soon love is in the air.
Sigh. As soon as you realize the two are headed to the same PR firm, you know what will happen and start to check out. With a story that follows the Hallmark template, it must rely on humor or strike an emotional cord to keep a viewer captivated. This movie just falls short. Now Hallmark fans will find comfort in the plot’s simplicity but no real depth. You will only watch this movie and wonder about your favorite book and the start of chocolate chip cookies. Nothing more. If you are not a true fan of Hallmark movies, this one can be skipped.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
So, we’re competitive with 10 years ago – Tyler
Is this the part where you are taking things more seriously – Mary
It is too early for a lecture – Adam
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#FindingFatherChristmas – Review
Finding Father Christmas – HMM – 2 hours and 0 minutes
Miranda has ignored Christmas every year since her mother died, on stage, performing A Christmas Carol 20 years ago (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). She believes this Christmas will be the same, until she gets a call from Rick. Rick still works at the theater where Miranda’s mother, Eve, died and found some of her things. Miranda picks up her mother items and starts to look through them. She finds old clothes, photos, and jewelry. Of all the items, she does not recognize 1 photo. It has a man dressed as Santa and a little boy sitting on Santa’s lap. Also, it has “Carlton Heath, VT” written on the back. Curious about her mother’s past and the father she never knew, Miranda decides to go to VT and see if she can find the boy in the photo, more about her mother, and possible her long lost father. The town of Carlton Heath are more than happy to help.
Based on the book, Finding Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn, this heartwarming tale is different because there isn’t a “bad guy”, just a woman trying to find who she truly is by looking through her mother’s past (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Once she is close, she starts to worry about the impact it will have on the others around her in this wonderful town. You may be able to pick parts of the ending but not the full explanations. It would be great to see if the rest of the books get made by Hallmark. With raunchiness on full display these days, it’s nice to have a movie the whole family can watch and love.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Welcome to the club – Ian
You are batman – Miranda
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