Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas - Review
Producer Alex convinces a network to bring back a classic '80s drama for a live TV Christmas performance. He invited the five main characters, but only four signed on. Then, Alex persuaded the higher-ups to hire his friend, Nell, to direct. Dana, Lauren, Margaux, and Lily get comfortable in the house. But everything goes awry when Juliette appears. Dana and Juliette exchange harsh words, and Dana decides to leave. Then, everyone wants to leave if Dana abandons the show. Each woman calls home for perspective, and someone advises them to stay for different reasons. They choose to stay and pretend to be kind.
The women work through a table read and see Nell and Alex's interaction. They decipher the two have an attraction for each other. They pull Nell aside and request more information. Nell says she and Alex were best friends in college and collaborated on projects. They had one date and kissed. Alex dropped out of college the next day and never called her. They restarted their friendship but never spoke about the kiss. The women believe Alex and Nell are perfect for each other. They will use their wisdom to pair Alex and Nell by giving Nell the DIVA make-over. She will gain determination, integrity, vitality, and aspiration. Can the women right the ship when their changes spark another man's interest?
This movie is for fans of '80s dramas and films. It has the signature slap, crazy storylines, and big hair. As the women focus on Nell and Alex, they must mend their friendship and overcome personal turmoil. They redefine DIVA for the next generation and allow the audience to fall in love with them. This film won't be a favorite of the season, but it is entertaining.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Are you checking me out - Alex
She has a change of heart - Juliette
Honey, I wanted to get into this 20 years ago - Dana
I'll lead you all on a gratitude walk - Lauren
If you want it, you can have it. Age before beauty - Lily
Wheel over the liquor cart - Margaux
He just called me, buddy. I guess we're staying in the friend zone - Nell
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My Norwegian Holiday - Review
Jessica grades papers at a coffee shop while overhearing a woman breaking up with a man. The barista calls, 'Jessica Johnson.' Jessica, the man, and the woman all stand up. The woman grabs the drink, stops drinking in disgust, yells at the man for getting her drink wrong, and leaves. The man, Hernik, said he ordered the right drink, but the wrong Jessica Johnson grabbed it. He laughs because the women have the same name. The barista remakes the drink and gives it to Jessica. She exits, but Henrik runs after her with a question. Before Henrik can ask, he bumps into Jessica and makes her spill her drink and drop her exams. She gathers everything and asks Henrik to maintain his distance.
Jessica enters her classroom and finishes grading papers when Henrik knocks on the door with an escaped exam. He says it was surprisingly easy to find her after their run-in. He requests that she give the student a better grade for Christmas, and Jessica obliges with a seasonal message. Then, Henrik asks her to take Jessica's non-refundable ticket to Norway. He was going to give it to the other Jessica, but she left him. He doesn't want it to go to waste. And they have the same first and last name. Jessica says no to the preposterous idea, but Henrik leaves his number on her desk and spots a troll wearing a bunad. The hand-carved troll is from Bergan, like Henrik. The troll belonged to Jessica's grandmother, who took care of Jessica after Jessica's mother died. Henrik considers it a sign, but Jessica thinks he's strange.
Jessica meets with her PhD advisor, Bill, for an extension. She is writing her dissertation on polar ice caps, and Bergan is the birthplace of modern meteorology. He will give her more time if she goes on the trip with Henrik. Jessica calls Henrik with the updated information. She packs her troll and a photo of her grandmother. Jessica plans to leave Henrik at the Norway airport but will become integral to Henrik's life forever.
This movie takes a while for the unbelievable story to start, but it's building to an unforgettable conclusion. Jessica has no family and plans to spend the holidays working on her dissertation in Norway. However, Henrik's loving and inviting family won't let that happen. They give her a place to stay, cook krumkake, and guide her through the troll's origin story. Henrik and Jessica's meeting is fate. They fall in love by building each other's confidence. While Jessica tells Henrik about her life, he keeps a wall up about his. He lets go, and she becomes his sounding board. This movie will have you in tears, happy and sad.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
You're Jessica Johnson, too - Henrik
Please stop helping me, or whatever it is you are doing here - Jessica
Maybe she has thoughts in her head, unlike some people we know - Astrid
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Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas - Review
Carly sits on a bus headed to Waterford Creek. She diddles with her guitar pic while reading A Christmas to Remember (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Pastor John and his wife, Susan, hired Carly to direct the choir before the Christmas service. Carly's mother, her only family, died recently. So, Carly is happy to get away from the memories.
Matthew sits on the bus after finishing his latest tour of duty. He is ready to leave the service and settle in his hometown, Waterford Creek. Matthew hopes to see his high school sweetheart again and pick up where they left off. He didn't think their relationship could handle the distance, so he broke up with her. Matthew wants a second chance. Matthew sees a guitar pic on the bus floor as he disembarks. He picks it up and puts it in his bag.
John and Susan invite Carly to stay with them and attend Sunday service. Susan must contain her excitement about seeing Carly and wants to make the house more festive for her. So Susan asks her friend's son, Matthew, to get a tree. Carly goes to the tree shop and hears a man singing. It's Matthew. She asks him to join the choir because he has a beautiful tenor. Carly wears Matthew down, and he joins the choir. This moment is the first step to healing their past.
Inspired by Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas by Dorothy Shackleford and Travis Thrasher, this movie hints at a bigger plot for the audience but reveals it at the conclusion (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). The singers have great voices and fill out the storylines with heartwarming tales. However, the plot is slow and dull. This movie doesn't require your attention to discover Susan's secret. Keep this movie on the back burner for a snow day.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Oh, my choir days are long over - Matthew
So, you have experience - Carly
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The Perfect In-Laws - Review
Newlywed Xander comes to his family's estate after his father, Lionel, requests everyone return for an announcement. The house manager, Ms. Harper, greets Xander with a hug while his stepmother, Marlena, meets him with disdain. Xander's half-sister, Nicole, runs to the door to welcome him. He congratulates her on her academic success while Marlena makes snide comments about Nicole's looks. Xander lets his family know his bride, Audrey, will arrive shortly. She had some business to tend to before meeting everyone for the first time.
Soon, Lionel's lawyer, niece Teresa, and Teresa's husband, Warren, join them. Marlena and Xander don't want them there, but Lionel tells them it's none of their business. Marlena leaves and goes into Sonny's room. Marlena enjoys having an affair with Sonny under Lionel's nose. But she will never leave Lione because she doesn't want to give up her lifestyle.
Lionel sits with Marlena, Nicole, Xander, Teresa, and Warren. He informs them that he is selling the company. Xander is furious because his deceased mother started that company. Lionel reminds Xander that he is a majority shareholder. So, Xander is powerless. He tells the family he is cutting everyone off except Teresa. She will still have a position with the company. Then, Lionel pulls Marlena into his office. He has evidence of her affair and threatens to tell her charity. He tells her to end it, or she will leave the marriage with nothing.
Audrey arrives at the home, and Ms. Harper greets her. Audrey apologized because she got a flat tire, and a kind stranger, Chip, helped. She mentioned meeting Xander's family and could tell Chip held something from her. Audrey runs to Xander and learns Lionel's plan. Then, everyone hears a loud crash. Lionel drunkenly fell down their stairs and died. Well, at least that's what the police say. There is something devious about Audrey's in-laws. Can she uncover it before becoming the next victim?
Oh, the messiness. This family is a boiling pot of unlimited tea. This movie packs a 6-month soap opera in two hours. There are countless affairs, multiple plans, double-crosses, and murders. Viewers need a pen and paper to keep it all straight. And most of the characters are underhanded. So, the audience will watch to see who comes out on top. And it will surprise you. This film is all about the drama, and it's captivating. Sit back and enjoy this before someone ruins the ending.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why don't you find something more flattering to wear - Marlena
We'll try to be on our best behavior just for you - Lionel
If you were worried about dinner, you would be up there. Not here with me - Sonny
You can't sell my mother's company - Xander
How fast can the police get here - Audrey
Can I see - Nicole
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Laughing All the Way - Review
Aubri works as a ghostwriter and assistant to the comedic legend Bella Deldomino. She helps Bella on set and at Bella's comedy club. Aubri approaches Bella about doing a set, but Bella doesn't think Aubri is ready for the stage. Aubri decorates the club for Christmas with a Frosty. As she stumbles with the large decor, a man directs her to the best position. She puts the Frosty down and sees the man is Mike. Mike started at the club but, like many others, left when he became famous. However, his last few serious independent films flopped. And his manager wants him to return to superhero blockbusters. He returned to the comedy club to gain his roots. However, Aubri wants nothing to do with him because he left her for Hollywood.
Aubri watches Bella during an interview, and the report asks Bella about sponsoring the Christmas Fest at the comedy club. Bella answers the questions with a smile but gives Aubri a side-eye. Aubri planned the sponsorship but never told Bella. Bella furiously returns to her dressing room and confronts Aubri. The Christmas show will have to sell out to break even, and people don't like to leave their houses on the holiday. Bella puts Aubri in charge and her career on the line.
Bella decides to get payback by forcing Aubri to work with Mike. They get positive reviews on social media. Aubri believes that naming Mike the headliner will help the show sell tickets. He agrees because he is falling in love with Aubri and standup comedy for the second time. Everything is going in the right direction until Michael's manager calls. Mike got the next blockbuster, but he has to leave for LA now to do press. Will Michael choose Hollywood again?
This movie is the standard Hallmark movie on Lifetime. The comedic sets are average, and the one-liners are dull. The only stand out is Bella. She is intelligent, a diva, and the show. She steals every scene she is in. Otherwise, this story is forgettable and shouldn't waste space on your DVR.
I give it 1.5 out of 5 stars
I'm sorry for the frosty dance - Mike
It's been five years. Maybe start looking for an elevator - Ian
She's looking at me - Aubri
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A Biltmore Christmas - Review
Lucy is a screenwriter, and Michael hired her to rewrite their holiday classic, His Merry Wife. Michael hates Lucy's rewrites because she changes the ending to match the modern era. That movie was their flagship, so Michael thinks it should stay the same to honor his grandfather, who started the production company. Michael comes up with an idea. He wants Lucy to visit where they shot the film, the Biltmore. He thinks the ambiance will inspire Lucy to write a new script without changing the movie's magic.
Lucy travels to the Biltmore and meets the concierge and tour guide, Winston. He takes Lucy and other guests around the hotel and shows them props, clothes, and sets from the film. In a private area, Winston presents Lucy with the famous hourglass from the film. Lucy notices a large crack in the timepiece, and Winston informs her that it happened on set in 1947. Soon, they will loan the hourglass to the Smithsonian. Winston leaves Lucy alone, and she gets a phone call from Michael. He wants the new script by January 1st. Lucy bumps the hourglass in shock and knocks it over. She picks it up, and everything changes. Lucy is on the set of His Merry Wife in 1947. The cast and crew assume she is the candy cane girl and send her to the props department. In the blink of an eye, Lucy is back in 2023. Lucy decides to go back and talk to the cast and crew about the movie, especially the film's breakout star, Jack Hutson. He died before the movie's release.
Lucy realizes the amount of sand determines how long she will stay. So, she ensures the 2nd trip is longer. During one of her trips, Lucy breaks the hourglass and gets stuck in 1947. Lucy knows she needs to return to her time, but she falls in love with Jack and wants to save him. Can Lucy fix the past and return? Or will she stay?
This time-bending mystery pays homage to classic cinema while entertaining the audience. Lucy has to walk a tightrope to keep her cover and take notes. She will find the purest romance within the script and the hotel. The conclusion will break your heart and then repair it. One question remains: Did Winston know? The costume and set designers ensured the hair, makeup, clothing, and decor would match the time and the black-and-white color scheme. This film is fun, charming, and captivating. And watching a glimpse of the remake brings Hallmark veterans to the screen. Viewers should set aside two quiet hours to watch this film.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Why couldn't the hourglass be a DeLorean - Lucy
I'm starting to think it's me - Jack
Your friend talks like a fortune cookie - Ava
She's a fraud - Claude
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Mistletoe Connection - Review
Mark's car breaks down. So, he and a co-worker, Rick, take the bus to their meeting. Mark updates Rick on his relationship status. Mark broke up with his girlfriend because she didn't like Christmas or Christmas movies. He sees a woman drop a package and helps her pick it up. Mark observes that she, Kate, is dressed like an elf. Kate gets off at the next stop but leaves her earring behind. Mark can't stop thinking about her on his way to work. He wishes he got her name. So, Mark goes to a missing connections website, posts about the woman, and hopes she sees it. Rick grabs blueprints and a proposal from Mark's desk but accidentally gathers the picture Mark drew of his mystery woman. Rick takes the image and creates a bus stop flyer to find the woman.
Kate opens her shop and goes over the books. Kate's co-worker, Josie, brings a letter from Kline Enterprises. They want to buy out Founders Square, knock down the buildings, and create a new commerce space. Kate's family bought the store 30 years ago. She will never sell and plans to fight Kline face-to-face. She decides to go to their office in the morning and confront Mr. Kline. She walks into a conference room and interrupts Rick's meeting. He instantly recognizes her and tells Mark to go to Kate's shop.
Kate and Mark meet at her shop, and she declares him the enemy. She shows him the importance of her store and the others around it. Mark doesn't want to lose his dream woman but needs his job. Can Mark have the best of both worlds?
This movie has a unique meet-cute, but nothing else stands out. A woman meets a man and discovers they are at odds. They work together while trying to prove their point. They fall in love, but a conflict arises and almost ends their relationship. Finally, a miracle fixes everyone's problems, and the couple comes together. This movie will burn a few hours, but you won't remember it.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I'm a hopeful one - Mark
Who doesn't love Christmas - Kate
If you start talking about Cinderella, I'm going to be physically sick - Rick
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Our Christmas Mural - Review
Olivia's boss, Hayden, praises her work. However, they lost their grant, and he can't confirm if she will have a job next year. Olivia will visit her hometown with her son, Parker, to clear her mind and consider her next move. Olivia's parents, Mack and Betty, can't contain their excitement. Olivia walks into her old room and spots her paintings. She wanted to be an artist but became a curator.
Olivia sees signs about the Wellington Winter Walk. Cody, the organizer, tells Olivia the walk will end with a mural, and they are having a contest to pick the painter. They hope the mural will inspire the town to keep art programs funded. Cody remembers Olivia can paint and asks her to enter the contest. She still has time to submit a sample artwork. Olivia says no but goes to the art supply store for paint. She knocks over a tube of mistletoe green paint, and a man, Will, grabs it (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). She assumes he will give it back, but he keeps it. Will says he needs it and purchases the paint.
Olivia talks about the mural at the dinner table, and Betty encourages her to enter. However, Olivia can't come up with an idea and doesn't have time. Olivia and her mother attend the mural's winner announcement the next day. Olivia sees her old painting on the stage. Betty submitted it without Olivia's knowledge. Cody says Will is 2nd place and Olivia is the winner. Will is disappointed because that mural would have been his first professional artwork. Olivia admits she has no idea what to paint, and Will offers to help. Will will heal more than Olivia's creativity. He will mend her family and heart.
The movie is sweet on the surface but lackluster. The script is predictable because it follows the rom-com formula. The plot tries to pull at the viewer's heartstrings because Olivia is a widow, and Parker can't make friends. So, Will uses art therapy to help them. This ploy doesn't work because the dialog doesn't capture your attention. And the predictable ending will have you reaching for the remote control. Only watch this for background noise.
I give it 2 out of 5 stars
No, this is just good old fashion rage - Olivia
Merry Christmas. I think you will need a cleanup in aisle 8 - Will
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Christmas at the Chalet - Review
Lex bakes cookies while ignoring online articles about her emotional state and appearance. Since her ex-husband, Charles divorced her a year ago, photographers have followed her and captured ill-timed images. Lex's son, George, enters with his camera, recording for social media. Lex explains the images and states she is doing great. George stops filming and explains he is letting Lex tell her side of the story. Then, he invites Lex to spend Christmas with him in Aspen like they did in the past. Lex wants to go but doesn't want to see Charles. She tells George she has a date, and the doorbell rings. She makes George leave out the back and answers the front door. A flower delivery person surprises Lex. She checks the card, and it reads that Peter canceled. He thinks Lex is great but wants to return to his ex. Lex opens her laptop and books a room at the Aspen Chalet.
Lex arrives but can't book a rideshare. She sees a man, Eric, getting into a cab and asks to split the fare. He refuses because he is traveling with 6 cases of wine. No matter what Lex offers, Eric says no until he uncovers that she is staying at the chalet. He gives up the cab, and she arrives at the boutique chalet. Lex speaks with the very young receptionist, Aurelie, but Aurelie can't find Lex's reservation. Aurelie calls her uncle Eric as he enters. Eric asks Lex for Lex's confirmation number, but she doesn't have it. Eric explains that another guest beat her at booking the room, and their are no other available rooms. Aurelie slips that they have one room, but it's for a chalet person. Lex wants the room, but Eric says it's only for employees. Lex offers to do the job for the room, and Eric begrudgingly relents. Lex walks to the room but hides when she sees Charles with his new girlfriend.
Lex gets her chore list and relaxes in the room. She decides to post about her life on social media. She wants to give decorating and cleaning tips to her followers. Lex decides to get personal and offers advice on dealing with exes, dating, and clothes after interacting with Charles and Eric. Soon, Lex will have to choose between the life she knows and the one she is building. Can she take advice as well as she gives it?
Lex had a thriving career but gave it up to raise George. She doesn't regret losing her career but has second thoughts about the divorce. For a brief moment, Lex sees a glimpse of the man she knew. But everyone else can see the truth. Charles's romance with another chalet girl guides Lex's choices. Also, she doesn't stop Charles's budding romance. Instead, she cheers for them. Also, Lex confronts her issues head-on and doesn't run like other rom-coms. This movie is endearing, comical, and honest.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Don't believe everything you see online - Lex
It's a huge deal, Mom - George
I'm not sure you can still call yourself a damsel - Eric
We're not managing - Aurelie
What will people think - Charles
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