Tag: #romance

Hallmark Movie Review: A Paris Proposal

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-paris-proposal

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A fake marriage romcom! YES! It was cute, funny, and engaging! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉

Quick Recap

Anna and Sebastian are sent to Paris to win an new account for their marketing firm. During the interview process, Anna accidentally talks about a honeymoon and the clients think she’s talking about her marriage to Sebastian. They decide to continue the mistake for the rest of the visit to Paris. Since the clients are relatives of Sebastian’s, they put them up in a honeymoon suite at a family hotel. They’ll need to sell their fake relationship and a killer proposal in order to land the account.

My Two Cents

I loved so much about this movie! The little jokes, engagement scenes, mime scene, the list could go on and on. Not to mention Alexa and Nicholas were fantastic together!

I mean, I totally have a girl crush on Alexa PanaVega! Who can blame me? She’s a beautiful and great actress who plays uptight women very well. I enjoyed seeing her in Taking a Shot at Love earlier today. She really develops connections with her co-leads. So, it wasn’t a surprise when combined with Nicholas Bishop’s charisma, the movie was something special to watch.

There were many scenes that made this movie so special. My favorite was the shopping trip at Laurant’s. The whole thing felt a little Pretty Womanish to me. Obvioulsy not because Anna is a prostitute, but because of her trying on of high end clothes with personal shoppers at her beck and call. Plus, the necklace scene! I was waiting for Sebastian to close the box on her fingers 🙂

Okay, I lied, my favorite scene was the one year follow-up. YES Hallmark! Please do more of these epilogues!! It wasn’t much, but it was perfect.

This movie will rank up there with my every time favorites. The movies I will watch EVERY SINGLE TIME they’re on TV. Movies like Love on the Sidelines and A Country Wedding. The ones Jeff has even had the joy of watching multiple times. Hehe. 😉

If you like romcoms and fake marriages, then give this movie a try! I think it’ll have broad appeal. I hope you enjoy it!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Sweeter Than Chocolate

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/sweeter-than-chocolate

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Gah! This movie was missing the romance and lighthearted feel I desperately wanted tonight. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉

Quick Recap

Cynical Dean Chase is a local investigative reporter who outs people making false claims. He’s assigned to create a fluff piece on Cupids; magic chocolates help people find love. Unfortunately, he ruins his chances when he insults the owner, Lucy.

My Two Cents

If you read my blog somewhat regularly, then you’ll know I love movies with a bit of magic. So I was excited for this movie, because it seemed like it would be similar to A Kismet Christmas and the kismet cookies.

But this movie didn’t bring about the same feelings. There seemed to be more sadness. Lucy’s mom having lost her husband and Lucy in general seemed sad. Don’t worry though, because there’s a happily ever after.

Even with the happily ever after, I’m torn on this movie. I liked the magic of the chocolates, but the movie couldn’t keep my attention. I found myself gravitating to my book instead.

Maybe I’ll try this movie again tomorrow and see if it has greater appeal. In the mean time, I might search out Love, Romance & Chocolate for the millionth time. After all, who doesn’t mind a movie with accents, chocolate, and Lacey Chabert?

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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: 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 Movies and Mysteries Review: Love’s Portrait

Image via: https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/loves-portrait

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I don’t normally watch the Movies and Mysteries premieres, because they’re late at night on a work night. I know that sounds pathetic, but I need my sleep and I don’t have a DVR or anything like that. I know, it’s surprising someone doesn’t have one these days, but I’m pretty cheap with spending money on media services. Anyhow, Monday is a holiday and I don’t work! So, I put this movie on tonight and boy am I glad I did! 1,000,000% yes to this movie! Here’s a quick recap and my full two cents. 😉 

Quick Recap

Lily works for a museum that receives a donated painting. When her and her coworkers open the painting, they discover it’s a painting of her. Not just a doppelganger, but it’s actually her. Wanting to discover the story behind the painting (and hoping to find Lily a husband), Lily’s boss sends her to Ireland to find out the truth about the painting.

My Two Cents

OMG! I was a puddle of goo watching this movie. I LOVE FATE ROMANCES. Add a bit of mystical magic and Ireland and I’m ALL IN. Let’s dive into this fate romance 😁

It kills my heart when someone doesn’t believe in soul mates. I feel like if you don’t believe, it’s because you haven’t found yours. I could see how it would be hard to believe in something you haven’t felt. I have faith, so I’m a believer. I could also understand Lily being mad with fate at taking away her first husband.

Then she met William. What did you think of the meet cute?! Not the run off the road meet cute, but the one where they meet face to face. Did you see the way William looked at Lily? I just about died. That’s true love. That’s when William realized why he was having dreams about a woman he’s never met.

I gotta say, if you aren’t use to Irish brogue, you might struggle sometimes. The movie does a pretty good job of explaining most of the unfamiliar words, but I’m glad I’ve read a lot of Irish romance books. It definitely helped!

I loved Lily and William going around Ireland looking for the person who sent the picture. I loved even more when they found him and the story he had about it. I cried a little. Maybe a lot, but hey, it’s was super sweet.

Definitely keep some tissues on hand. Maybe I’m super emotional tonight or maybe this was tear provoking movie. It caught me a few times.

If you have the opportunity, definitely watch this movie. I loved pretty much every part of it. Including Lily’s boss and coworkers and the fact that Lily knew how to sign so she could speak with her deaf coworker. Honestly, I loved it all. I really wish this had been the Hallmark Channel premiere last night. I would have enjoyed it a lot more.

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Hallmark Movie Review: Dating the Delaneys

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/dating-the-delaneys

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes! Corny romcom city! One of my favorite movie tropes! AND RACHEL BOSTON AND PAUL CAMPBELL!! I love them together!! This was a fantastically fun movie! Here’s a quick recap and my two cents. 😉 

Quick Recap

Maggie is a divorced mom of two teenagers. She learns her mom is dating, her daughter is dating, and her ex-husband is engaged to be married. Feeling a bit out of sorts, she decides to start dating again. After a failed blind date, she starts pretend dating and hanging out with her widowed friend Michael.

My Two Cents

I’m getting over the flu and it was difficult to watch a movie that has this much delicious looking food! Bacon loaded chocolate cake, mozzarella sticks, milk shakes, and so much more! I wanted to eat it all! But this movie was about so much more than the food. It was corny, sweet, and loveable.

Usually I like movies with one or maybe two romance plots. Movies like The Christmas House can be a bit overwhelming with everything happening. But, I liked the several different relationship story lines in this movie. It was perfect.

I liked revisiting the 16 year old crush plot line. Emma’s crush on Zach was obviously so wrong for her and her first date with Zach was so awkward! Oh to be 16 again and figuring out who you do/don’t like. I just kept yelling at her to notice her chemistry partner, John! He even sent her the adorable beaker photo and they exchanged dad jokes. So cute!

Maggie’s mom dating Rick was adorable too. I like the thought of finding romance after you’ve lost your first love. Similarly, I liked Michael looking for love after his wife died too. He was so sweet to Maggie. Helping her. Building her up. Being there for her. Honestly, a perfect partner!

This is definitely a movie I’ll enjoy watching multiple times! I hope you watch it too. The movie had a lot of cute lines and quotes, but my favorite was that 40 is the new 30 and 10 PM is my new bed time, so I better get going to bed. 😉 

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Splash of Love

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-splash-of-love

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Awww…what a sweet movie! I love small town romances. In a world that could use more love, friendliness, and teamwork, a small town like Cable Cove provides hope for better. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents on this small town romcom. 😉 

Quick Recap

PHD student Chloe is a marine biologist who accepts the opportunity to visit Cable Cove to see the whales she’s been studying in a lab. Once there, she meets Ben who owns a whale watching business. Chloe and Ben spend time together while Chloe tries to find the elusive Echo pod.

My Two Cents

Sometimes there are movies I watch and when it’s over I say to myself, that was a good movie. Then I sit here for almost 2 hours struggling to write much 😲 Fair warning – this might be a rough review! I’m just not feeling it tonight.

This is definitely a movie for sweet small town romance lovers. It has sweetness in spades. Except for the boyfriend / ex-girlfriend part. In fact, I wish Hallmark had left out those story lines. I think the movie would have been a little better if it had just focused on Ben, Chloe, and the whales. Then it could have been sweet without the drama.

I liked Ben and Chloe’s chemistry. It felt like they knew they were right for each other immediately. They have this kindness towards each other and their friends that was contagious. I loved seeing them come together to help bring the people to town when the road washed out, then again with the dock party. They have helper spirits that inspire others. We need more Ben and Chloes in the world.

With all the sweetness in the movie, it’s not surprising the ending needed a dramatic moment to keep Chloe in Cable Cove. But this dramatic ending left me scratching my head a bit. I didn’t quite understand why Chloe couldn’t find a boat to take her out. Maybe I zoned out during the exact explanation.

They went down to the marina and there were dozens of boats. Plus there was the boat she had originally rented for the week. Why couldn’t she take that? Hadn’t she learned how to boat a little while spending time with Ben all week? I’m sure I’m thinking too hard. The drama was needed to bring Chloe and Ben together in the end.

Overall, I found myself giggling a few times at the jokes and funny moments. Especially the oyster over the shoulder bit. There were enough of these moments to keep me (but not Jeff) mostly entertained throughout. Keep your expectations reasonable on this movie and I think you’ll enjoy it. If you’re looking for something spectacular, this isn’t that movie.

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Hallmark Movie Review: Two Tickets to Paradise

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/two-tickets-to-paradise

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

FULL DISCLAIMER: I have a thing for Ryan Paevey. This entire review is probably slanted because of this. Please keep that in mind as I give a quick recap and my full two cents. 😉

Quick Re-Cap

Josh and Hannah are both dumped on their wedding day. They run into each other outside the church and encourage each other to go on their honeymoons. They wind up honeymooning in the same location and continue to run into each other until they decide to spend their vacation together.

My Two Cents

I loved everything about this movie! Hawaii, turtles, dolphins, an adorably funny meet cute, frequently shirtless RYAN freaking PAEVEY, ASHLEY WILLIAMS, and so much more. Even a bit of magic 😉

Of course, I’m not talking about actual magic. I’m talking about the magic of fate. I loved the data driven and statistically sensible actuary becoming speechless and spontaneous around Josh. By the end, even Hannah couldn’t deny there’s sometimes a higher power helping two people come together.

Beyond the magic of fate, I really liked how this movie explored what it means to love someone and be in love with someone. Also, how it’s okay to have conflicting emotions. Someone told Hannah, “You have the right to be really mad and really sad, sometimes at the same time.” – I really loved this advice. It’s so true. Sometimes we feel so many emotions at once and they’re all okay.

There’s no right or wrong with emotions, but there is an actress who is spectacular at displaying her emotions! I love Ashley’s over the top facial expressions and reactions paired with Ryan’s solidness. I was worried these two wouldn’t be a good match, but I was very pleasantly surprised! They were so cute together!

I’ve waited this whole review to have this freak out…Ryan Paevey with his shirt off on a beach!! 100,000% yes! I would see that EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. If there was no other reason to like this movie, that would be it!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Just One Kiss

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/just-one-kiss

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yes Hallmark! I’ve been waiting for a movie like this! A kismet filled romcom that pulls you in from the beginning and keeps it going! I fell hook, line, and sinker. Even Jeff said, “It’s not that bad.” Score! Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents. 😉

Quick Re-Cap

Recently divorced Mia isn’t looking for love, but she winds up meeting the tenacious Tony Romano who doesn’t take no for an answer. When their moms meet and agree to push them together, Mia and Tony don’t stand a chance of staying apart.

My Two Cents

I love when two scheming moms make it their mission to bring their children together in love. Add in my favorite supporting character Matty Finochio and I’m sold!

I really liked when Mia and Tony didn’t fall head over heals in love the first time they met. Tony was interested in Mia, but when she wasn’t willing to give more he wisely offered friendship instead. I loved this! It allowed their relationship to grow naturally and gave them time to get to know each other.

Plus, a slowly growing relationship made more sense given the probable ages of the characters. Being middle aged instead of in their 20’s, the main leads are a bit older and have more life experiences.

I loved when Mia tried to apologize for Casey’s appearance after their date, but Tony said, “Dating is tricky, you can’t walk in the middle of someone’s life and expect them not to have one.” So true and insightful!

I want to give a shout out to the supporting cast members! I love Matty! He wasn’t even credited in this movie 😢 He’s amazing! The mom’s were equally endearing and definitely made the movie. Especially the ending. Have a tissue ready for the last 3 minutes.

Honestly, I enjoyed just about everything about this movie. It was funny, sweet, and had the perfect amount of magic. The final scene had me choking up a bit, but it was perfect. Definitely add this to your list. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Eight Gifts of Hanukkah

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/eight-gifts-of-hanukkah

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Friends to lovers romances are not my favorite. But I enjoy any movie done well and this one is definitely done well. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents. 🙂

Quick Re-Cap

Newly single, Sara is garnering attention from random men in her life. On the first night of Hanukkah she receives an anonymous present. Each night she continues to receive anonymous presents that are absolutely perfect for her.

My Two Cents

My Jewish heart is exploding with this movie. I really wish Hallmark would do 8 nights of Hanukkah movies during Hanukkah. I mean, if they can do 50+ Christmas movies during the Christmas season, 8 Hanukkah movies should be a slam dunk.

Of course there was all the the typical Hanukkah celebration items. Menorahs, dreidels, latkes, brisket, kugel, etc. But I didn’t expect to see the beautiful menorah collection! It wasn’t quite as beautiful as last year’s dreidel collection in Love, Lights, Hanukkah! but it was still amazing! There was also that beautiful hand made dreidel that Daniel gave Sara. That one hit me right in the feels folks!

This whole movie was filled with feels worthy moments. Every gift given to Sara was so personal and had a sweet story. Especially the final gift… **SPOILER ALERT** The ring given to Daniel by Sara’s Bubbi was the most beautiful gift and had me in tears for the final minutes of the movie. Bubbis know all!

Now that I’ve spilled all my love for this movie into this review, I want to share a few things that bothered me…

  1. How did Sara not think of Daniel as leaving all those gifts? I heard her explanation, but who else knows her that well? Didn’t she say she liked puzzles? If so, then this should have been pretty easy to figure out.
  2. It’s hard for women older than 25 to find men. Yet somehow Sara attracts like 4 or 5 men? And they’re not just any men. One super rich man, one famous chef, and several other seemingly amazing men. Well, maybe her ex isn’t super amazing. No one wants a man who doesn’t put you first! Daniel must have been right, her sweat must smell phenomenal to attract all the men!
  3. I never saw a picture in the picture frame gift. Did I miss it in the end? Sometimes I get so into writing that I don’t look up often enough and miss these things. This was another quick ending movie that left me feeling a little incomplete. I really wanted to see a picture in there. I thought maybe Sara would find a picture of her and Daniel and put it in the frame before the end of the movie.

I don’t think I’ll add this to my Countdown to Christmas must watch list, but I definitely enjoyed it. There were lots of cute jokes and sweet moments that drew me in. You should definitely give it a try!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas in Tahoe

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-in-tahoe

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s a second chance romcom guys! Yes! That’s my jam!! I’m bummed I missed this one on premiere night. I was Hallmarked out by the time it came on. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents. Enjoy!

Quick Re-Cap

Booking agent Claire has prepared an all star line-up for her family’s hotel’s Christmas variety show. Unfortunately, the main headliner cancels due to a medical issue, all the other acts drop, and her ex boyfriend reappears for the holidays. This show is a final interview for Claire’s Las Vegas dream job. She needs to find a way to put the show back together in less than a week.

My Two Cents

I fell in love with Laura Osnes last year in One Royal Holiday. She has an innate ability to make me laugh in these cute romcoms. She is the IT factor in her movies!

But she wasn’t alone in this movie! Pat Monahan and George Lopez added to the star power! I mean c’mon, I couldn’t have been the only one yelling at my TV, “Pat Monahan from Train is sitting right next to you!!!” when Claire is trying to think of a new act with Jackson.

Train is one of my all time favorite bands folks 🙂 I’m just going to leave this here…

Some of the backgrounds drove me nuts, because they were obviously super fake. BUT can someone please tell me how I get an extra large snow globe and wishing tree for my yard?! The snow globes looked amazing!! And WISHING TREE. I don’t need to say anything else about it, except do you think it would work? 😉

I wasn’t sure the romantic chemistry worked between Ryan and Claire. They definitely had the friendship relationship down. I loved when Ryan kept sticking his foot in his mouth and Claire kept giving him the business. It just always seemed more like friends than lovers, but this isn’t a stare longingly into your eyes movie. It’s a second chance romcom (ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLOTS), so I think I’m going to give it a little break.

I’m also going to give it a little break on feasibility. I’m not in the entertainment industry, so I don’t know if that many acts can really cancel within a week of a show. It doesn’t seem likely, because how would you sell tickets?! But, it did provide entertainment and necessary drama for the story. So, I think it was needed for the movie.

If you’re a romcom lover, definitely give this movie a shot. I really enjoyed it! Don’t forget to sing this season…

Shake it up
Shake up the happiness
Wake it up
Wake up the happiness
Come on y’all
It’s Christmas time

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas CEO

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-ceo

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Total meh movie. Meh? Yup, meh. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t horrible. There were moments of greatness and good quotes, but it was missing the IT factor. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Old flames Chris and Joe started a toy store business when they were younger, but Joe left. Now, Chris wants Joe to sign for a merger between CJ’s Toys and Arlo Toys. However, Joe will only agree to sign the documents if Chris agrees to volunteer for the toy drive Joe holds every year.

My Two Cents

I tried watching this movie the night it released. I don’t remember what else I was doing that night, but I couldn’t keep my attention on the movie. So, I decided to hold off on writing a review. I figured I was having an off night.

Tonight I caught this from the beginning and thought I would try it again. I had the same problems. I couldn’t keep interested in the movie. There were definitely things I enjoyed in this movie…

I’m totally a corny magic loving person. So, I loved “Nick” the Santa Clause who kept appearing when he was needed. Especially when he distracted Chris so she would volunteer to work with Joe more, and when he appeared with tickets to the Christmas dessert shop (sorry – I can’t remember the exact name).

I liked when Chris and Joe reminisced about the good moments in their past relationship. They always had sweet looks on their faces. I also liked when they competed in that reindeer race game. That looked like a lot of fun! I want to try!

Bonus! There was chemistry between Joe and Chris, but I don’t think long term they would work. I feel that if there was a follow-up movie in 5 years, Joe and Chris would be separated for the same reasons they didn’t work the first time.

I think the niece needs a huge shout-out! I loved her song at the end! In general, I enjoyed her throughout the movie.

I think that’s everything I really enjoyed in this movie. It’s a second chance romance movie, which I’m normally all over, but I wasn’t with this. I wasn’t feeling a long term love with these two. I think they were right to break up the first time.

This movie isn’t making my Countdown to Christmas must see list. I would pass on watching it again if I have another option.

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Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas at Castle Hart

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-at-castle-hart

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh man, I just wasn’t feeling this one until the last 30 mins. I think this is a total case of “it’s me, not you” though. So, I will try it again another day and hope more of the movie resonates with me. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

After being fired as a server for a famous event planner Brooke and her sister, Margot, decide to go on a trip to Ireland to try and find their Irish heritage. While there, Brooke is mistaken as the famous event planner and is hired to plan the Christmas party at Castle Hart.

My Two Cents

Maybe I’ve watched too many Hallmark movies this week. Or maybe my mood isn’t what it needed to be for the beginning of this movie, because I wasn’t feeling it until the last 30 minutes.

I love Lacey Chabert and this movie was no exception. She was great! Her connection with Margot and the other actors/actresses was on point and really enjoyable to watch.

And how about the actress who played Margot?! Ali Hardiman. She was spectacular in this role. I really loved when she volunteered Brooke to plan the Christmas party and all the other scenes where she is trying to cover for the lie she helped perpetuate. Margot is the perfect ride or die sister (or friend) everyone deserves in their corner.

The women were definitely amazing in this movie, but I also enjoyed the character of Aiden (played by Stuart Townsend). I think we all want a man who says the things he says. And looks at us the way Aiden looks at Brooke. Swoon.

This movie is full of cute little moments that will have you smiling and giggling. Enjoy it for the romcom it’s meant to be 🙂

Oh! And have tissues handy for the ending! OMG! Such a beautiful ending! I loved how they tied up the loose ends beautifully. It was so sweet.

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: An Unexpected Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/an-unexpected-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Funny and feels worthy! Can you ask for more in a Hallmark movie? This is definitely a movie to watch this year! Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Emily was planning on taking a Hawaiian vacation, but instead is sent to the hometown of her ex-boyfriend, Jamie, for a work project that a coworker wasn’t able to complete. By happenstance Jamie and Emily arrive in town at the same time and Jamie’s sister thinks she’s there to spend the holiday’s with them. Emily is unable to use her coworker’s hotel reservation, so she spends the week with Jamie’s family while pretending she’s still his girlfriend.

My Two Cents

First things first…was I the only person searching faces in the crowds for an Andrew Walker cameo?! Since Tyler cameo’d in Walker’s My Christmas Family Tree, it seemed only fitting that we would see Andrew in this one. And then I saw him!! Andrew runs into Jamie in the bar at about 1 hour into the movie for those who want to catch the scene 🙂

Since Paul Campbell was in Kimberley Sustad’s movie, I think I’m going to go back and re-watch The Santa Stakeout again and see if Kimberley is an undiscovered Easter egg somewhere in there 🙂 Did anyone notice her? If so, where??

Okay, moving on from the Hallmark Easter egg cameos. This movie has lots of humor and heart. I was laughing for most of the movie and swooning for the rest. These are my favorite movies. The romcom’s with lots of heart.

The heart came through especially strong in many of the family scenes. Like the explanation of the ornaments on the tree, the story of the sleigh falling off the roof, or when Jamie’s Mom tells Emily that she always has a home with them. Extra heart-worthy was when Jamie and Emily are outside by the fountain and he shares the tradition of the family members writing their initials on the stones and putting them in the fountain. 😍

But the swooniest (yup, I like making up new words at night) moment was when Jamie asked his Dad, “How’d you know she’s the one?” His Dad’s answer was so simple and perfect, “Whenever we’re apart, I feel like there’s a piece of me missing.” Then at the end of the movie when Emily leaves – c’mon, you knew that would happen! – everyone says they feel like a piece of them is missing. Seriously y’all, soooo sweet. 😍😍

Like I said, this movie isn’t all feels. It’s also fantastic amounts of funny 🙂 The scenes with the waiter were some of my favorites. Keep an eye out for him in the last two minutes of the movie. That little nugget was totally worth it! LOL.

Honestly though there are too many cute/funny moments to list. Tyler and Bethany did a fantastic job with their characters. And they weren’t the only ones! Alison Wandzura was great as Jamie’s sister Becca!

I’m sure we’ve all threatened to tell our parents about a secret our sibling was trying to keep, right? So, I loved when Becca threatened to tell the secret to their parents if Jamie wouldn’t agree to be in the show and Emily had to work concessions. It’s dog eat dog in show business folks 😉

This movie is definitely on my Countdown to Christmas must watch list. It’ll probably make my all time favorites list too. I have a feeling I could watch it anytime and enjoy it just the same. Give it a try folks! I hope you like it as much as I did!!

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: The Nine Kittens of Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-nine-kittens-of-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s a second chance romance movie guys!! I LOVE second chance romances! Especially when they’re done as well as this one. It’s definitely a hit you in the feels – IT factor full movie. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents 😉

Quick Re-Cap

We catch up with Merilee and Zachary about 7 years after the end of the last movie. It’s been 5 years since Merilee and Zachary broke up. Merilee graduated, became a Vet, opened a Vet clinic of her own in Miami, and is dating an employee.

Merilee is spending the holidays with her sister and her family. While in town, she runs into Zachary and helps him find new homes for 9 kittens that were dropped off at the fire station.

My Two Cents

I watched The Nine Lives of Christmas a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot! I didn’t realize it was filmed seven years ago 😲 Time really flies. I’m glad they played it right before the new one, because there were some really cute references from the new movie to the old (the shopping cart and ice cream, the Christmas tree test, etc.).

If you have a chance, try to catch The Nine Lives of Christmas before watching this. It’ll make it much more entertaining.

OMG! Did you see the cameo by Paul Campbell?! I did!! I squealed, pointed at the TV, and yelled, “Ahhh!!! It’s Gridley!!!” (Surprised by Love is one of my Hallmark favorites). My son and husband gave me the ever popular, “Mom’s lost it again watching another Hallmark movie” side eye.

I’m seriously loving Hallmark this year! Earlier we saw Tyler Hynes cameo in My Christmas Family Tree. Plus, the other famous reunions in Next Stop, Christmas and A Kiss Before Christmas. I want this tradition to continue!

As much as I loved this movie, I will fully admit that first kiss was super awkward. I’m not sure if it was intended that way or if it was just bad. If I was kissing an ex-boyfriend (not that I plan to be doing that – lol), I don’t think it would be that awkward. If it was, it would be a sign we shouldn’t be doing that!

Aside from super awkward kiss, I really enjoyed this movie. I enjoyed Merilee and Zachary being brought together to find the kittens homes. Plus, I liked how they worked through some of the pain they went through from when their relationship ended the first time. I wasn’t super thrilled with Zachary during the very last scene. I felt it was very rushed, but it wasn’t enough for me to drop it in stars.

Definitely give this movie a try! Keep an open mind and enjoy it for what it is. A goofy, silly Hallmark romcom. It’s one of those movies I’ll be re-watching when it’s on again 🙂

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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