Tag: #hallmark2022

Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas Class Reunion

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-class-reunion

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love Saturday night romcoms! Hallmark could have romcoms every Saturday and I would tune in! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉

Quick Recap

Elle seemed to have it all during and after high school. She was class president, then moved onto a successful career. But she didn’t have a man in her life. She returns home to plan her high school reunion and runs into her high school crush. Will she have a chance with him this time around?

My Two Cents

I’m not gonna lie. I wasn’t looking forward to this movie. The previews all showed a very Carrie like moment (with water instead of blood) drowning Elle on a stage. I don’t care for bully romance movies and I was afraid this would be one. Good news! It’s not!! It’s actually a really cute romcom.

I really liked having the prologue with them in high school. It helped setup the rest of the movie. It was a little weird seeing all the actors and actresses playing their younger selves, but it was better than trying to figure out who was who if they had other actors/actresses portray them.

Hallmark also did a good job of making this movie well rounded by following several people from high school – instead of just one couple. I could really sympathize with Katie and Jay’s relationship – the high school couple who stayed together and is now facing adult challenges. I especially liked their ending where they find their happily ever after 🙂

I was surprised Devin had a teenage daughter, but I loved her! Yay for Hallmark making her a female computer programmer! It was fun to hear her pick on her non-technologically inclined Father. I’ve definitely heard very similar discussions a few times before 🙂

I wasn’t alone in enjoying this movie tonight. Even Jeff stayed for the whole movie! 😲 He even laughed a few times. Haha.

I think this movie will appeal to most. I could watch it again and probably will at some point. It isn’t new or different, but it’s a fun romcom. Not quite as corny as Haul Out the Holly. Hehe. But worth watching!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Fabled Holiday

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-fabled-holiday

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I was in a funk when I started watching this movie and didn’t give it a fair chance. I’m really glad I gave it a second chance! I re-watched it before writing this, because I had a feeling my original low rating was a me issue. I was right.

The first 15 minutes of this movie are very important, so make sure you pay close attention to the story or you’ll have to do what I did. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉

Quick Recap

As a child, Talia and Anderson use to read a story about a town called Wunderbrook. It was magical town where people would go who lost their way and forgot who they were. When Talia was 10 her father passed away. Talia and her mom moved away to be closer to other family, and Talia gave her copy of Wunderbrook to Anderson as a reminder of their time together.

As an adult Talia moved back into her childhood home and opened a bookstore while trying to be a writer. Unfortunately, she hasn’t been able to find a publishing company interested in her work. Feeling down about where her life is going, she’s looking forward to some time away from her store.

At the same time, Anderson is going through some issues at work and decides to take a break from work. They both wind up on a journey in the mythical Wunderbrook.

My Two Cents

I really enjoyed the fairy tale feeling of this movie. From the narrator to the hand drawn looking book pages and chapter introductions, this movie took it’s name to heart. Which I found endearing during my second viewing!

I can’t continue reviewing this before squealing like a little girl over this being the FIRST RYAN PAEVEY movie of the season!! EEEK!!! Elf Ryan was the highlight of my evening!!

Sadly, I think it’s his only movie this Christmas season. But I’m glad it’s a good one. I know I scored it the same as Coyote Creek Christmas from last year, but I enjoyed this one more! It’s more on par with A Timeless Christmas.

I also really enjoyed Ryan’s pairing with Brooke. If this isn’t the first time they’ve been paired together, then you need to tell me which other movies I need to add to my watch list! I hope we see them together again in the future!

Okay, enough about my guy and girl crushes. Lets get to the actual movie!

In some ways, this movie reminded me of the old ABC series Once Upon a Time. All these people are in a mythical town. Some of them know what’s really going on, while others are there for another purpose.

Mildred was like the Evil Queen, Judy was like Snow White, and Talia was like Henry, the believer/writer. I suppose all fairy tales are similar with the good, bad, and people who need to learn something or overcome an obstacle to move forward in their life. At least these people aren’t cursed to never be able to leave Wunderbrook 😉

Anyhow, I liked that this movie had the other couple and Charles who also had issues to overcome instead of the movie solely focusing on Talia and Anderson. It added substance instead of taking away from the main characters.

It feels like Hallmark is branching out a little more from their usual plots this year. I enjoyed this movie and would like to see more like this in the future. If you aren’t a fairy tale lover, then this definitely isn’t the right movie for you. If you love fair tales, fate, and general magic, then give this movie a try.

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Holiday Spectacular

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-holiday-spectacular

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

That was not what I expected! What a wonderful movie! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉

Quick Recap

Maggie comes from a rich family and is expected to have an arranged marriage. Her husband to be is perfectly nice, but she wants more. She wants to be a Rockette and she wants true love. She manages to try out and is offered a spot in the Rockette’s Holiday Spectacular. She escapes to New York to be a Rockette under the guise of planning her wedding.

My Two Cents

Wow everyone! That was a long weekend of movies! 2 premieres every night since Thursday. How many did you catch? I think I watched all but one. Unfortunately, I haven’t had a chance to write reviews on all of them. Maybe I’ll catch up, but I might not. This time of the year there are too many movies to keep up with them all!

Anyhow, let’s talk about tonight’s second premier movie, A Holiday Spectacular. I wasn’t looking forward to this movie. I tend to lean towards more of the corny romcoms, but this one gave me a few chuckles even though I wouldn’t really classify it as a romcom.

From the beginning, I loved the opening! It was flashy, engaging, and so beautiful! It felt like this movie was filmed in a higher resolution. Everything was so clear! And I’m not an expert in anything cinematic, but I loved the warmth of the movie. It reminded me of the warmth in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

But we aren’t hear to talk cinematography, so let’s talk a little more about the movie! I really loved all the lead and supporting actors/actresses. They were all so wonderful!

I thoroughly enjoyed the leading actress, Gina Claire Mason. I hope we see her more! She looked very familiar to me, but I couldn’t place from where. Anyone else know other movies/tv shows she’s been in? I looked on IMDB, but I didn’t see anything that stuck out.

I also liked how they decided to make this as a retelling of memories instead of a movie set in a specific time period. I liked the grandchild and grandma (or great-grandma?) having their discussions.

The ending really pulled everything together. Especially when Maggie’s fiance showed up unexpectedly in New York and surprised her with tickets to see the Rockettes. He was so sweet and thoughtful. Even when Maggie made her final decision to break up, he took it so well and wished her well.

I hope most people enjoy this movie! I know I did. I’ll be catching it on replay at some point this holiday season and I won’t be sad!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Haul out the Holly

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/haul-out-the-holly

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yay! It’s a corny Christmas romcom!! I loved this movie! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉

Quick Recap

Emily breaks up with her boyfriend and decides to visit her parents, but she discovers her parents are leaving for Florida. After they leave, she becomes responsible for all HOA items her parents weren’t able to do in their absence. While participating in the neighborhood activities, Emily rediscovers her enjoyment for the holidays and her childhood friend/crush Jared.

My Two Cents

Lacey Chabert is one of my favorite Hallmark leading ladies. So, I was super excited for this movie! Especially because it was a romcom! But do you sometimes that when you’re really excited for a movie that it doesn’t live up to your expectations? Well, I was pleasantly surprised that this movie beat my expectations!

I love corny romcoms and this one was definitely corny in all the right ways. Wes Brown and Lacey Chabert were both wonderful! So were all the supporting cast memebers. There was a cameo from another Hallmark star too, but I can’t remember the guy’s name. Maybe it was Kristoffer Polaha? Drop it in the comments if you saw him!

Additionally, did you all catch the call out to Christmas in Vienna?!? While it wasn’t my favorite movie, I chuckled because it was one of Lacey’s. Plus, her comment about, “I love this guy,” was fantastic!

Besides all the Hallmark Easter eggs, I enjoyed so much of this movie! I loved how Emily turned from slightly grouchy to full elf. And the neighborhood activities. I wish my neighborhood was like that! Plus, I loved the ending! It’s exactly how I wanted it to end!

I will admit I was a little confused by the parent’s moving to Florida. It seemed like they had everything planned for Emily to take over the Christmas activities, but what if Emily hadn’t broken up with her boyfriend? Would they have called her to house sit? I guess that’s Hallmark for you 😉

Either way, I still loved it! Fair warning…if you aren’t a corny romcom lover, then you’ll definitely want to skip this movie!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Three Wise Men and a Baby

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/three-wise-men-and-a-baby

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s so much fun having a Hallmark movie that isn’t the typical boy meets girl Hallmark movie. While keeping a little romance, this one focused more on the relationship of three sweet brothers. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Brothers Stephan, Taylor, and Luke have grown apart over the years. But when a baby is dropped off at the fire station with Luke’s name called out, the brothers band together to take care of him.

My Two Cents

Three of my favorite Hallmark leading men together with a baby?!? I think my ovaries are exploding! They were all so cute taking care of little Thomas. 😃

Plus, taking care of Thomas brought the three brothers closer together. And made them realize how amazing their Mom was to take care of all three of them without ever complaining. I’m not sure how their Mom did that either. She must be a saint!

As if all that wasn’t enough…there was also a Kimberley Sustad cameo!! YES!! I loved it! I’ve been waiting for a cameo all season!!

The whole movie felt very natural and fun. I really liked watching these three together and I sincerely hope they do more collaborations! Especially if they’re going to put together more ridiculously crazy dances. LOL.

There was all the typical baby drama you would expect in a movie like this. Accidentally switching the baby, trying to do regular activities with a baby, and changing diapers were all fun little scenes. I loved when Thomas fell asleep and the guys suddenly became statues. Yup, we’ve all been there guys!

I think the majority of Hallmark lovers will find something to enjoy about this movie. I’m sure I’m a little biased in my review, because seriously, these are three of my favorite leads and it’s very rare we have more than one Hallmark star in a movie.

If you like dorky comedies that are light on the romance, then give this movie a try. But if you’re looking for a steamy romance, then this isn’t your jam. I hope you enjoyed it!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Inventing the Christmas Prince

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/inventing-the-christmas-prince

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

OMG! That ending! A horse drawn carriage, crowns, and a Christmas Prince. What more can a girl dream of?! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Evan is a brilliant engineer, but not a good boss. He doesn’t understand how his actions impact his employees. He’s lost several employees and his boss threatens to put him on review if he loses any more.

Evan upsets Shelby by telling everyone they’ll need to work Christmas, and she says she’ll quit until her daughter notices a mark on Evan’s hand and declares him the Christmas Prince. In order to keep the Christmas magic alive, Shelby bargains with Evan not to leave if he becomes the Christmas Prince for her daughter.

My Two Cents

In case you don’t know, I love movies with a little bit of fate or magic in them. So, I absolutely loved that this family had the Christmas Prince story passed down through generations until a man with a reindeer kiss on his hand met the woman who had grown up hearing about stories of the amazing Christmas Prince.

But he didn’t start as a Christmas Prince. He started more like a Christmas grump. In reality, he wasn’t a grump; he was someone who doesn’t understand peopling. Yes, I’m using that as a verb! Sometimes brilliant people understand facts in black and white, and they have a hard time understanding the subtleties of why people are offended when they state said facts.

People like Evan need people like Shelby in their life to show them how to people and why it’s important to treat others with respect and kindness. Because without Shelbys in the world, the Evans of the world will continue to be cold and isolated and never know what they’re missing.

I loved how the wishes helped teach Evan little things along the way about being kind and caring. And by the end of the movie, Evan really was the Prince from the fairy tale. It brought tears to my eyes to see such a sweet ending. Loved it!

I hope the majority of people like this movie. I really enjoyed it! It kept pulling me away from the book I was trying to read tonight. LOL. In case you’re wondering, By a Thread by Lucy Score is super hard to put down!! She’s a fantastic romcom writer. But this movie was worth putting my book down for a bit. I mean…HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE! WORTH IT 😊

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Hallmark Movie Review: The Royal Nanny

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-royal-nanny

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is a funny and cute romcom! It isn’t often that Hallmark combines suspense with romance, so this was a nice change from the usual. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

There is a perceived threat to the royal family. In order to protect them, the Security Service is placing Claire and Wallace in undercover positions. Claire becomes Elle and Robert’s Nanny where she must handle the kids and their Uncle’s pranks while trying to figure who might be trying to hurt the royal family.

My Two Cents

I have a feeling this movie will grow on me like many of my favorites. Each time I watch it, I think I’ll like it a little more. I was worried it would attempt to compete with Crown for Christmas. I was excited when I realized it was quite different!

Typically I let movie inaccuracies go. But the ear pieces with the old school phone cords going down the back of the agents necks really bothered me. I doubt they would use ear pieces like that when they could use bluetooth devices. Similarly, Claire touching her ear when she was talking was annoying. I wouldn’t do that if I was trying to be covert.

Aside from those two things, I really enjoyed so much of this movie! Claire’s umbrella training and the spaghetti bucket prank were two of my favorites, but there were so many more wonderful romcom moments. Plus the pranks were something I would have done as a child to a nanny or babysitter.

Let’s not forget the reindeer toss game! I had to look it up to see if it was really a thing. Guess what!! It is!! Here’s a link in case you want to buy it for someone special 😉

Overall, this was a fun movie. I enjoyed the umbrella parts way more than I should have and now I really want one of those umbrellas and become my own version of Scary Poppins. LOL. Okay, maybe it’s time for bed. Have a good day/night everyone!

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Hallmark Movie Review: In Merry Measure

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/in-merry-measure

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A movie with good music and 80’s/90’s references? Yes please! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Darcy was a one hit wonder singer. She’s come home to spend time with her family for Christmas. While there, she discovers her niece wants to sing for a local choir, The Herald Angels, but isn’t selected to join. The choir coach, Adam is very selective on who can join the choir, because it’s won a local competition 6 times and he wants to continue the winning streak. So, Darcy creates her own choir group from the people who weren’t selected. Only one choir can participate in the competition. So Darcy and Adam decide to compete to see who will go to the big competition.

My Two Cents

Do you ever have those nights where all you want to do is crawl into bed? That was me tonight after working all day, taking care of a sick child, and cooking a few different dinners. I wasn’t even going to watch this movie tonight, but it sucked me in!

I really empathized with Darcy. It must be hard to be a child pop star who becomes who had one hit song and then couldn’t find further success. She kept putting her heart into her music, but kept being rejected by different studios who expected her to be in the same box she was 20 years ago. Yet she kept trying!

I also loved how down to Earth she was. She genuinely wanted to help her niece. She even helped the other kids become an amazing choir in a short period of time. Completely unrealistic, but hey – it’s Hallmark.

Then there was Adam. I enjoyed their enemies to lovers dynamic. He was super sweet to Darcy by the end. Wasn’t he? How about that Coach t-shirt? Super cute! And Darcy preparing for her date was hilarious. Freaking out like a teenager and doing the Macaulay Culkin “aaahhhh!!!!” face. Loved it!

I loved these two together. They were fun and cute. But I also loved Gretchen, the niece, and other kids. Actually, I enjoyed all the casting! The principal was funny too!

I think this movie will have a fairly broad appeal. It has a mostly upbeat/happy feel that sucks you in. Of course it also has the Hallmark happily ever after where everyone has the perfect ending. Give it a try!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Lights, Camera, Christmas!

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/lights-camera-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes Hallmark! It’s corny romcom night! I LOVE this movie!! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Kerry is thrown into costume designer on the movie My Favorite Santa, which is being shot in her hometown. She runs into Brad Baxter, the leading actor of the movie several times. She doesn’t fawn all over him, which makes him interested in her.

My Two Cents

Wow! What wasn’t there to love about this movie?! Corny comedy, killer casting, and a great plot! I loved every dorky cheesy moment! The first 90 minutes had me constantly giggling and Jeff wondering what was in my water tonight. 🤣

I was in stitches over what a tool Brad was! From the smoldering looks to the conceited phrases. Plus the winking and perfect hair 24/7. It all contributed to the overly corny romcom. And I loved every minute.

I especially loved the Caleb and Jill lovers to haters to lovers side romance. And Jamie replaying what each of them said when the other was standing right there. Priceless! They were so funny to watch.

I think the only thing missing from this movie was a Paul Campbell cameo. Actually, I’m missing the cameos in general this year. I really enjoyed them last year! I’m hopeful Hallmark will bring them back in the future!

Before I finish this, I want to give a shout out to Kimberley Sustad and John Brotherton! They were great together! Kudos you two! And one other quick shoutout to everyone else! The casting was great on this movie!

Romcoms like these are my bread and butter movies. I’d watch them everyday/all day. But I know there will be many who find it too corny and too dorky. If you decide to watch this, please keep in mind that they intended it to be every bit as dorky as it is. Every wink, joke, and goofy moment was intended to be lighthearted comic relief. If that isn’t your thing, don’t watch this movie. If it is, then enjoy the fun!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Magical Christmas Village

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-magical-christmas-village

Rating: ⭐⭐

I’m sad to say I barely made it through this movie. It couldn’t hold my attention for more than a few minutes at a time. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Summer’s free spirited Mother, Vivian needs a place to stay, so Summer offers to provide a home until she can find one. Vivian brings a Christmas village with her and tells Summer’s daughter that it’s magical if you believe in it. As Summer’s daughter starts moving characters around on the board, her Mom and Ryan start acting out the scenes she’s making.

My Two Cents

Oh man, I really wanted to love this movie. It has so many wonderful pieces. A magical Christmas village, Alison Sweeney, Luke Macfarlane, and a free spirited Mom. But for some reason, these pieces didn’t come together right for me. I couldn’t get into it.

Maybe where it lost me was when Summer explains that she was responsible for ensuring the bills were paid. She lost part of her childhood taking care of her free spirited Mom and always felt like she didn’t have a choice.

Movies like this are usually on HMM. They lack the light hearted romcom feeling I usually love about Hallmark movies.

I also didn’t feel a lot of chemistry between Luke and Alison. They felt like best friends going around doing stuff together. Not potential love interests.

Anyhow, I was glad it had a Hallmark happily ever for everyone. Summer and Ryan even wore the outfits from the Christmas village. Super cute. Unfortunately, I almost fell asleep several times and really couldn’t get into it. I might try this again to see if it’s a me not being in the mood tonight thing. Sometimes that happens.

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HMM Review: Christmas Bedtime Stories

Image via: https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/christmas-bedtime-stories

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Where did the magic come from?! I didn’t know this movie had a bit of Christmas magic! I thought it was just a Mom reading her daughter bedtime stories. I’m so glad it was much more than that! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Danielle’s marine husband, Colby, died while deployed. They never found his body. Danielle and her daughter moved on with their lives. Eventually Danielle’s daughter starts asking questions about her father. Danielle tells her stories about her father at bedtime and the stories start coming true. At the same time, Danielle accepts her boyfriend’s proposal and begins to question if there’s a higher reason for these miracles and if Colby could still be alive.

My Two Cents

Why is it always the movies I’m not looking forward to that keep me captivated from the first moment?! This was a bracket movie that I wouldn’t have watched if it wasn’t in my Hallmark Christmas Movie Bracket, because I usually don’t seek out military movies. They usually make me cry.

This one wasn’t any different. I found myself on the edge of tears every ten minutes. It’s so hard watching a movie where the husband dies and leaves behind a wife and child. Especially when the child is young and doesn’t remember her Dad.

But this movie is magic. I loved how Danielle’s stories kept coming real. Running into old friends, finding missing ornaments, freak snow storms, and more. I LOVE movies with this kind of magic! Somehow, it kept it just light enough that I didn’t cry the entire time.

But I wanted to cry every time I saw Danielle hurt poor Pierce’s feelings. I wondered how long he would last before he ended things with her or she finally figured out what she really wanted and stopped hurting him. I was glad when things worked out the way they did.

**SPOILER ALERT**

I almost died the last 5 minutes of the movie. Have your tissues ready! Colby’s reappearance gives the perfect Hallmark movie ending, but dang did it hit me right in the feels. I really really wanted this ending and I’m so happy Hallmark ended it this way! Is it realistic? Absolutely not, but that’s not why I watch Hallmark. I watch it to see the happily ever after that doesn’t always happen in the real world.

**END OF SPOILERS**

Hallmark Movies and Mysteries movies always hits me right in the feels. I swear I wind up ugly crying on 75% of these movies. I’m super glad I watched this movie tonight. Military movies are always hard for me to watch, but this was definitely worth it! Give it a try!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Jolly Good Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/jolly-good-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Jolly good fun! Or was it? Maybe! I struggled with the beginning, but the end was certainly jolly good fun! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Anji is an aspiring writer and struggling personal shopper. She accidentally switched packages with a stranger who had intended to buy his girlfriend a gift card for Christmas. After learning of the switch Anji tracks down David to switch back the packages. David realizes a gift card probably isn’t the best Christmas present and offers her double her normal fee for helping him find the perfect gift for his girlfriend.

My Two Cents

I LOVE Reshma Shetty. Once upon a time Jeff and I watched Royal Pains and she was one of the leads on that show. I hadn’t seen her in a long time, so when the Jolly Good Christmas previews started, I was very excited to see this movie!

Despite being excited, I struggled to get into it. I’m not sure if it was me or the movie. Once again I was cranky when the movie started. So, quite possibly it was me. I kept thinking about how similar this movie was to 12 Gifts of Christmas, which admittedly kept me distracted.

Eventually I got into the movie and ended up enjoying it quite a bit. I liked the havoc created when David and Anji continued to run into Charlotte. Like when Anji’s purse became stuck in the Christmas tree and David accidentally shoplifted. I also giggled a little bit when David fell into the water and Anji commented about Americans. 🤣

There were a few good British references, which I appreciated. I like when they use local words for where they’re suppose to be. Anji said Mum instead of Mom and I think she called the trunk of the car the boot at one point. It’s the little things that I enjoy sometimes. 😉

I’m going to keep this review a little shorter, because Christmas Bedtime Stories is on and honestly, it’s already better than this movie. Why is it always the movies I’m not looking forward to that capture my interest?!

Anyhow, Jeff gave up on this movie early on. He called it dull and left. I don’t think it’ll appeal to everyone because of the slow start and David’s friend is a gay married man. I’m giving it a 3.5, but since I don’t do half stars, I’m leaving it at 4. Give it a shot! You might like it!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Cozy Christmas Inn

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-cozy-christmas-inn

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had a divided house here tonight! Jeff liked this a lot more than I did. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Once upon a time (prior to Dr. Brunel), Erika dated Andy in Seattle. Unfortunately, Andy left her and returned home. Erika still works in Seattle. Her boss wants to acquire an Inn in Garland, Alaska and sends Erika there to close the deal.

My Two Cents

In case you don’t know, back in 2014 there was a movie called Christmas Under Wraps. It starred all the same leads, except the female lead was Candace Cameron Bure. It had a similar plot. Dr. Brunel came to Garland, Alaska as the town’s new doctor. She falls in love with Andy and we presume they lived happily ever after.

In this movie we find out they did NOT live happily ever after. 😭 Dr. Brunel left Garland to take a fellowship offer she could not refuse. Leaving Andy girlfriendless.

I loved Christmas Under Wraps. It had magic, cuteness, corny jokes, and of course, the now famous, “that’s Garland for ya” tag line. I think if I had never seen Christmas Under Wraps, I would have enjoyed this movie more.

A Cozy Christmas Inn was cute and funny in it’s own way, but I feel like it lacked some of the magic of the first movie. I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why. Maybe because the elves weren’t as obvious? Rudy was missing? Andy’s plane was missing and a telescope took it’s place? Or maybe it was the overuse of the tag line? I’m not sure.

Honestly, maybe I didn’t enjoy it for a very simple reason…maybe I was mourning Dr. Brunel and Andy’s relationship ending. I think I would have handled it better if she had unexpectedly died, because at the end of the first movie she had changed and she was happy to be the local doctor. Not a big fellowship doctor.

Even if I was mourning Dr. Brunel and Andy, I did enjoy Erika and Andy together. They were a cute couple and the story line was interesting. I liked how they discussed their past relationship and what went wrong. I loved the Inn – it was beautiful! And I loved the ending with Andy and his Dad resolving who will take over the family business.

Even though I wasn’t a huge fan, Jeff definitely preferred this movie. I think it’s because it had less magic – he doesn’t like movies with magic. But it could also be that he likes Jodie Sweetin more and I tend to like Candace more.

Whether you saw the first movie or not, I think this one is still worth seeing. You don’t need to see the first movie to see this and it might be better if you don’t. This is definitely a solid Hallmark countdown to Christmas movie. Give it a try!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Kismet Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-kismet-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If Hallmark wanted to make a perfect movie just for me, this is it. And the best part was that it was completely unexpected! I really wasn’t looking forward to this movie. It looked too corny even for me. Anyhow, here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

There’s an old family legend that if someone receives a kismet cookie and sleeps with it under their pillow, then they will dream of their true love. As a teenager, Sarah did this. When her dream showed Travis was her true love, she went to him to tell him. Unfortunately, Travis was marrying someone else. Sarah ran away to become a writer. Now she’s returned to her hometown, and discovered Travis is the father of the child who won her writing contest.

My Two Cents

Wow! This movie really grew on me! I started watching it in a slightly crabby mood. And the opening scene with Sarah and Travis as teenagers didn’t help. It was all so fake with them playing their younger selves. It killed me. Normally like corny, but I was not in the mood.

Also, I don’t know either of these leads super well. So I was a little leery of this movie from the beginning. BUT how could I not fall in love with a movie that has a second chance romance plot, magic cookies, a scavenger hunt, and so much more!

By the time Travis helped Sarah with her writers block, I was so invested, it made me cry. I love when men show they love someone without telling them they love them. Travis was obviously head over heals.

This is a movie I’ll put on repeatedly throughout the holidays and enjoy every time. If you like the themes in this movie, then I think you’ll like it too. If you aren’t a magic/fate lover, then skip this movie.

Don’t worry if you skip it, we’re in full blown Countdown to Christmas most and there’s at least 2 movie premieres on Hallmark each weekend and I think GAC has one or two too. Pace yourself folks. There are lots of movies this season!

Did you watch this movie? Let me know what you thought! Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: We Wish You A Married Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/we-wish-you-a-married-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

At a solid 3.5 (rounded up to 4 for ease), this movie is another cute and funny romcom. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Becca and Robby’s marriage is in shambles. After 13 years, they’re ready to call it quits when their marriage counselor recommends a trip to Gracious, Vermont. They try to call it quits again after the first night, but a freak snowman accident keeps them in Gracious a little longer. While waiting for their car to be fixed, they begin to remember what their relationship use to be like.

My Two Cents

I can sympathize with Becca and Robby. I’ve been with my husband for almost 20 years. Sometimes I pause and ask where did the last 20 years go? College, dogs, houses, kids, it’s all made the time pass in the blink of an eye.

It’s true our relationship isn’t what it was when we first met. In many ways it’s better than it was back then. But we both put in the effort. Without that, it’s easy to let things slide and drift apart.

Becca and Robby let it slide too much, but they were willing to put in the effort to bring it back together. Luckily, they had a marriage counselor who knew of a special place they could go to reconnect.

I loved a lot about this movie! The ornament falling on the car, all the little tasks the B&B owners assigned Becca and Robby, becoming locked in the Christmas storage area, llama grams, and so much more! I especially loved the chemistry between the two leads.

My heart melted when Becca and Robby were decorating their stockings and Robby opened up about the baking class and his reasons for taking it. I loved how open and honest he was. Apologizing for what he’s done wrong.

I swear I could listen to Kristoffer Polaha (and Luke McFarlane) all night long. I loved his monologues. Both men should record stories for the Calm app. Not that I’ve used it, but I might if they were reading me stories!

Squirrel!

Not everyone will like this movie, but I think the majority of people who like romcoms will. And if you make it through until the end, the last 15 minutes are totally worth it!

Did you watch this movie? Let me know what you thought! Leave a comment!

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