The Holiday Proposal Plan - Review
Sonny's boss, Genevieve, comes bearing gifts, but Sonny knows Genevieve has something up her sleeve. Genevieve wants Sonny to write a story for her followers while she spends time with her father, Cliff, and stepmother, Paulette. Sonny doesn't think subscribers will want to read about playing cards and drinking spiced rum. Genevieve tells Sonny to look at her gift. It's a substantial check, so Sonny promises to create a topic.
Sonny sits as her best friend, Bree, enters her apartment with wine. Bree got a promotion to host a traveling talk show without a co-host. However, she didn't bring the wine to celebrate. Bree learned her boyfriend, Jarod, planned to propose. He booked a European vacation with romantic settings. But Bree had to cancel after her promotion. Now, Jarod wants to spend the holidays alone to ponder their relationship. Bree doesn't want to lose the love of her life. Sonny thinks Jarod needs to remember the good times in their relationship, and they can plan activities to entice him to get down on one knee. They can find European Christmas traditions that incorporate love. It can be a travel-from-home story. Sonny realizes she can use this for her article.
Sonny pitches the idea to Genevieve, but it doesn't wow her. Then, Sonny hypes the idea by ending it with a holiday proposal, and Genevieve gives Sonny the green light. Sonny runs home to tell Bree about the article, but Bree has a surprise for Sonny. Bree invited Jarod's best friend, Kip, to come with them. Unfortunately, Kip is Sonny's ex-boyfriend. He broke up with Sonny because she worked too much. Sonny didn't want to risk her career growth for a man. Bree says Kip is the only person who can bring Jarod to Sonny's place without Jarod getting suspicious. So, Sonny agrees to let Kip come to their Christmas vacation at her parents' home. She hopes to avoid him and focus on her work. Of course, it won't be that easy. There are more deals to make, feelings to expose, and guests to arrive. Will their proposal plan work?
This movie has an interesting premise because it makes a plotline about what viewers argue the most about. The lead character has to give up their successful job for a man. Both Sonny and Kip state their beliefs and have devil's advocates. The key to this movie is compromise, not surrendering. While the movie handles a typical topic well, it's not captivating. It has lulls in the script until Victor and Jonathan arrive. Their snark brings humor to an average film. This movie is great for a snowy day, but don't let it take up space on your DVR.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
A no-strings-attached bribe - Sonny
Hello, you're supposed to be helping me - Bree
Where are we, Bro - Jarod
Well, he wouldn't have come up any other way - Kip
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Top of this Post
The Secret Gift of Christmas - Review
Bonnie returns from another satisfied client with a smile and clothing for a dog she doesn't own. Bonnie is a personal shopper and gets the most clients during the holiday season. She gets a new assignment in a ritzy part of town. His name is Patrick. He is a construction worker and needs someone to buy gifts for his crew, clients, and others. Bonnie puts on her bright red coat to meet Patrick at his address.
Bonnie discovers the meeting place is a construction site. Patrick's nephew, Bernard, hired her to help Patrick. Bernard introduces Bonnie to Patrick, and they find each other offputting. She thinks he is ridged and impersonal. Patrick believes Bonnie is as phony as her social media page. He wants her to buy work boots for his staff, and Bonnie must purchase gifts for Patrick's daughter's music teacher and his clients. Also, he needs Bonnie to buy an outfit for the annual Christmas party but not a tux. She hears Patrick's request but decides to elevate his choices. Will going above and beyond go too far, or will it give Patrick the boost he needs?
Let's address the elephant in the room. Bonnie has a shopping addiction. She can afford it now, but it will hurt her later. Next, Patrick's demands are reasonable. He wanted work boots for his crew. But Bonnie bought them shiny black boots that would get damaged on a construction site. The crew likes them, but they are impractical for the job. While one gift hits the mark and gets Patrick a job, the other gives Patrick's crush the wrong idea. Bonnie performs her job well but doesn't know how to set boundaries. This movie is cute but will get lost in the holiday movie haze.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I don't really do dressing up - Patrick
I love to get fancy - Bonnie
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Top of this Post
My Killer Reunion - Review
Claire prepares dinner for her family when her husband, Dr. James, returns from his rounds at the hospital. He sadly reports that their friend suffered an injury while hiking. Dr. James must take over his rounds until the hospital finds someone else. It means James will be late for Claire's reunion. Claire has some information for James. Their daughter, Iris, brought her boyfriend, Simon, to visit. Claire pleads with James to be nice to Simon because Iris likes him. James puts a smile on his face and plays nice for Iris.
Iris admits to Simon that she's worried about her parents. Her father cheated with a nurse years ago. Claire left him and started dating another man, Victor. However, Claire dumped Victor and worked out her relationship with James. Iris thinks James plans to skip the reunion to have another affair, not work. Simon doesn't mind hearing Iris's problems because he left his parent's home and now cares for himself.
Claire travels to the reunion with her best friend, Gina, who is Victor's business partner. Whitney greets them at the front door and walks Gina and Claire around the property. They meet their old friends, Morgan and Trevor, inside. However, everyone can see that something troubles Morgan. Morgan lost her job and husband to another woman, but she doesn't want them to focus on her issues. Then, Victor walks into the room, and Claire excuses herself. Victor follows Claire and tries to kiss her, but Whitney finds them. Claire looks out the window to see Whitney by the pool, and she looks pensive. Claire leaves her bedroom and walks to the garage. She finds Victor dead with blood on his chest. She calls the police for help as James enters the garage. The police consider all the reunion attendees to be suspects. However, Whitney points her finger at Claire. Can Claire clear her name before the cops arrest her?
This movie tries to use misdirection to be compelling, but it doesn't spark viewers' interest. Also, Victor is an awful person. He was a thief, manipulator, and cheater. So, you won't care that someone murdered him. The killer's monologue goes by too fast while Claire interjects to fill in the gaps. So, why should you view this? It's all for the drama and the shade. These women throw verbal jabs like MMA fighters. They aren't afraid to get dirty and go low. This film won't be a favorite but will kill two hours.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
This is the first time a guy's ever given me a flower - Iris
Yeah, you do - Victor
Victor was a private person - Gina
I don't know. Why would I know - Morgan
I saw that thing with you and Victor last night - Whitney
I did not do this. How dare you accuse me - Claire
Let's get the hell out of here - James
I think we should go help her - Simon
Find, shop for, and watch LMN movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Top of this Post
Heaven Down Here - Review
Imani bakes Christmas cookies with her kids, Julian and Roxy, when her boss, Dan, calls from Rocko's Diner. He wants Imani to come to work to help with a large reservation. Imani told Dan earlier that she couldn't work because she promised her kids to spend Christmas Eve with them. So, Imani hangs up on Dan. She continues playing with her kids until the bank calls. They gave Imani two extensions on her payment because she faced financial hardship after her husband died. However, the account will go to collection if she doesn't pay by the New Year. Imani calls Dan and tells him she is coming to work. Imani kisses her kids and promises them she will be home to tuck them into bed.
Pastor Felix preaches to an unenthusiastic congregation and asks for volunteers for the Mission Christmas Dinner. Every year, Felix and his parishioners feed 200 homeless people. This year, he doesn't have the funds or volunteers to help. He calls an annual donor for assistance, but that donor pulls out at the last minute. Felix grabs the church's petty cash and jumps in his car to pick up food from the grocery store. He doesn't think it will be enough, but something is better than nothing. Felix's car breaks down in the snow, and he pushes it to Rocko's Diner. Felix enters the diner and calls a tow truck for help. It will take hours because the snow is falling fast.
Carla's daughter, Jade, is heading to college across the country. Carla wants to give Jade the old-fashioned Christmas Jade had when she was little. Jade feels that the traditions are unnecessary, but Carla won't budge. Carla will go to work and pick up a pre-ordered black forest cake on her way home. Carla works as an in-home nurse for Nancy. Nancy is a petulant, older woman who treats Carla like a servant. Nancy demands Carla retrieve hand-crafted wood ornaments from the attic. Carla heads upstairs, calling her supervisor to request a new patient by the New Year. She brings down the ornaments, and Nancy marvels over them. Her daughter, Noël, created them by hand and marked them with the star of Bethlehem. Carla finds a folder with a young woman's photo and asks Nancy about it. Nancy snaps at Carla and demands Carla stop being nosy. Nancy tells Carla to leave and grab the card at the door. Carla hastily snatches her things and opens the card. Inside is a generous check. Moved by Nancy's gift, Carla grabs the folder with Noël's information and leaves for Rocko's Diner to get the cake.
The snowstorm caused the reserved party to cancel, and now Imani wants to leave. Dan forces Imani to stay and lock up because he wants to go to a party. She calls her children and sings them to sleep. Then, she promises to be home Christmas morning to open gifts. Pastor Felix asks Dan if he can spare some food for the Christmas dinner, but Dan offers to do it if the Pastor pays. Felix's cash will only cover 20 sandwiches. Dan leaves with no sympathy as Imani tends to the customers. Dan exits for his party and tells Imani to lock up. Felix convinces Imani to close early because the city is closing the main roads due to Snowmageddon. Imani alerts the customers and lets the cook leave. Then, Clara enters. Clara asks for the black forest cake, but Imani warns Clara that the diner is closed. Clara smiles because she prepaid. Imani finds Clara's cake and hands it to her. To Felix and Imani's surprise, Clara plans on walking home. Imani offers to drive them both but hears something in the back. Imani finds Dan playing video games. He admits that he has nowhere to go for the holidays. Imani, Clara, Felix, and Dan prepare to leave but are too late. They can't leave due to the snowstorm. And it will be an eye-opening blessing.
Based on Mickey Guyton's song 'Heaven Down Here,' this movie takes its time displaying the four main characters' backstories (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). So, don't give up on the plot because everything will come full circle. This well-written movie gives every character a mountain to climb and a way to help each other. As the plot reveals their connection, your heart will swell with joy. This film displays hard-working people from different walks of life and a bond with the holiday. They get each other through the night and into a new life. This story is a joyful standout this season.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
God loves a cheerful giver - Felix
Thank you for stating the obvious - Nancy
I am your nurse, not your servant - Clara
Nothing - Imani
A couple more hours, what's the big deal - Dan
Find, shop for, and watch HMM movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Top of this Post
Yes, Chef! Christmas - Review
Logan enters Viola's office and prepares to hear his partner for The Great Kringle Cookoff. He will mentor an aspiring chef to win the competition. The winner gets to create and cook the menu for the Kringle's Annual Christmas Eve Party. However, Logan's standing partner found a prestigious job, and they will need to find a replacement. Logan hates working with someone new because he wants to win. But Viola promises to find a great competitor for him to mentor.
Alicia loves to cook and teaches classes at the local college. She wants to become a sous chef. But Alicia lost her nerve after a bad review. She volunteers and cooks at a senior living community when she sees a new face, William. He asks a few polite questions and revels in her meal. Alicia doesn't know, but William has a picture of her with her information in his pocket.
Alicia grades her students' work at a restaurant. Logan approaches and asks if she can move to the bar. He has investors coming and needs the table. Since she is there alone, he assumes she can sit someplace smaller. Alicia says no with disgust and tells Logan to wait. Logan calls her selfish as a waiter hands out gold coins for a wishing well. They both take a coin, and Logan leaves in defeat. Alicia throws a coin into the restaurant's wishing well and wishes to discover her roots.
William runs into Viola's offices because he found the perfect replacement chef for Logan. It's Alicia. He knows Alicia doesn't have formal culinary training, but he can attest she is a magnificent chef. Viola accepts William's suggestion and sends Alica an invitation to the cookoff.
Alicia prepares breakfast for her father, Ken, as he walks in with a letter for her. The letter is from Viola Kringle. Alicia opens it, expecting junk mail, but it's an invitation. She stands in stunned silence because she didn't apply. She fears it's a joke and calls them. They confirm the letter is authentic and look forward to seeing her. Alicia phones her mentor, Chef Bobby, for guidance. He tells her to accept the coveted spot.
Alicia meets Viola, Viola's husband, Rick, and other competitors. Viola welcomes everyone to the competition and introduces the chefs to their mentors. Alicia sees Logan and quietly prays not to get him. Of course, she does. Alicia needs this win to restart her career, and Logan wants to prove he can win without Viola's help. Alicia and Logan must get along to win, but will they discover more about each other and themselves?
This movie tries to pull at your heartstrings, but it doesn't work. Alicia and Logan know what it's like to be adopted. Ken and his wife adopted Alicia when she was a baby. Viola's family inspired and looked after Logan during his troubled childhood. He considers Viola's family to be his second. This story is compelling, but it loses your interest halfway through. You know how everything will end when Alicia gets her DNA test (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Save this film for a snowy day inside.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
Are you sure you want me to answer that - Alicia
You know what's more fun? Winning - Logan
Don't think me. Go, win this thing - Bobby
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Top of this Post
Round and Round - Review
Round and Round - Hallmark - 2 hours and 0 minutes
Rachel's mother, Joanna, gives Rachel a wake-up call on December 13, the 7th night of Hanukkah. Joanna ordered donuts to celebrate the night she met her husband, Stan. Rachel jumps from her slumber, dresses, and heads to the bakery.
Rachel gets the donuts and calls her boyfriend, Adam. Adam says he can't make it to the dinner because he caught an airplane cold. Rachel bragged about him coming, and now she has to face her family single.
Rachel runs through a crowd of people with three dozen donuts, and a man, Zach, bumps into her. The donuts spill everywhere. Zach tries to help, realizes the desserts are a lost cause, and leaves. Rachel finds his dice protector and tries to get his attention. But it's too late, so she puts it in her pocket.
Defeated, Rachel arrives at her parents' home sans jelly donuts. As the party starts, more family members come, including Rachel's grandmother, Rosie. Rosie heard about Adam ditching Rachel and brought her art teacher, Zach. Yes, the same Zach. Rosie pulls Rachel aside and gives her an antique dreidel. Rosie tells Rachel that Rachel will know when to use it.
Rachel's family asks Zach to play, but she warns him not to because they will take his money. Zach loses, and Rosie gives Rachel a look. Rachel takes out the dreidel and spins it. The curtains catch fire, and Joanna puts it out. Joanna and Stan worry that the buyers won't want the house. They are selling the house and never told Rachel. Rachel wakes and assumes she is in her parents' guest room. Joanna calls and reminds Rachel to get their three dozen jelly donuts. Rachel concludes she is experiencing deja vu. However, it's December 13th, and she is in a time loop and needs to find a way out.
This movie starts slow, but give it time. It's warm, endearing, and hilarious. It's like Groundhog Day and Happy Death Day but with a twist (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). When Rachel discovers the time loop, she tells Zach the truth. He wants to help but knows he will forget her the next loop. So, he has to reveal things about himself so she can convince him in the next loop to save time. Each time loop fixes an issue, but two more arise. Rachel tries to rescue the donuts, end her relationship, spark a career change, and help her parents to stop the loop, but nothing works. The final loop will warm your soul. Despite its slow start, you will fall in love with this film.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
It's when you're afraid to meet your girlfriend's family - Bex
You are nailing it - Rachel
Since when is comparison shopping against the law - Rosie
This one's still edible. No, it's not - Zach
Find, shop for, and watch Hallmark movies on Amazon (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Top of this Post
Christmas at the Amish Bakery - Review
Sarah goes through manuscripts on her desk when her boss, Darla, barges into the room. Cookbook sales are down, and she wants Sarah to create a new idea now. Sarah spitballs a few thoughts, but Darla turns them down. Then, Darla picks up a holiday card in disgust. Sarah says it's from her sister, Rachel. Darla sees the card has Pennsylvania Dutch written inside. Darla whispers that she didn't know Sarah was Amish. That realization gives Darla an idea for an Amish cookbook. Sarah says they exist, but Darla says they aren't authentic. Darla is willing to give her family a contract. If Sarah doesn't get it, they will lose their jobs. Sarah hasn't been home in years but looks forward to seeing her family.
Sarah drives to the gate and sees a man hanging a 'no trespassing' sign upside down. He tells Sarah she can't come in because she is not Amish. She points out that the man isn't Amish either. He explains that he is a friend of the Amish. Sarah explains to the man, Dean, that Jonathan is her father. Dean apologizes and lets Sarah inside the fence.
Jonathan and Rachel welcome Sarah home. They wish she would visit more. Sarah follows Rachel to Rachel's bakery, but Sarah's list of baking questions makes Rachel curious because Sarah doesn't bake. Sarah explains that she wants to try baking again and asks for the recipes. With a glum look, Rachel says the recipes burned in a fire. Rachel works from memory. Also, the bakery loses business daily and needs a new income stream. Sarah pretends to have an epiphany. She can watch Rachel make the recipes and type them at night. And Dean, an illustrator, can draw the pictures. They can create a cookbook for Amish and English people. Sarah states that her company can sell the book and save the bakery. But Rachel refuses because the family doesn't want to do business with a large company. Instead, Sarah will use the local printer and sell it at the Kids Christmas Concert. Rachel agrees to Sarah's strategy because Rachel wants to save the bakery. But will Sara lose her job?
Sarah and Dean have a love story, but that story slows down the plot. Also, Dean is a widower and single father to an adorable little girl. The plot tries to make you care about their budding romance. However, viewers will care more about saving the bakery. Also, Darla is the perfect comic relief for this movie. She slides down a razor's edge to keep her job because her father fired her grandmother. Darla's stress level is at 100%. This antagonist will keep you laughing. This film is forgettable and lost within the holiday cinema tornado.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
I prefer Caffeine Queen - Sarah
Are you going to help or just look at the scenery all day - Rachel
Sorry, she's affectionate - Dean
Find, shop for, and watch UPtv movies on iTunes (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Top of this Post
Christmas of Yes - Review
Before Amy leaves for work with her self-made Christmas Coffee, her bother, Phil, and Phil's husband, Jacque, ask if they can have soirée at Amy's home. She instantly says no. Also, she rejects decorations and outings. Amy's boss, Winnie, gives Amy good news and bad news. Amy worked tirelessly on an acquisition deal, and it went through. Sadly, the holding company decided to eliminate Amy's position. Amy's carefully laid out 5-year plan is down the drain.
Amy returns home and drinks hard liquor while serving Jacques and Phil wine. She stopped having fun to work 18-hour days and sacrificed vacations, friends, and her family. Amy wants to start her job search now, but Phil tells her it's pointless. No one is hiring high-ranked positions this close to the holidays. He wants Amy to relax and have fun for once. She admits that she envies their lifestyle because they have more fun in one day than she does all year. Phil admits that they say yes to everything. So they challenge Amy to say yes to any offer until Christmas. She reluctantly agrees. Then, they ask two questions. First, can they have their soirée, and second, will she go to an improv show? Amy exhales and says yes to both.
Amy scrolls through job listings during the improv show and catches the eye of the performers. They call her on stage, and she belittles their performance. Amy, Jacques, and Phil leave the show, and the actors catch up to them. Amy tells the duo that planned jokes are better. An actor, Nico, states that Amy doesn't have a sense of humor, and Nico's acting partner senses an attraction and invites Amy to their toy drive. Phil and Jacques lean in to hear Amy say no and lose their challenge. She grits her teeth and says yes. This 'yes' will change the course of her ultra-planned life.
This movie is funny and complex. How much do you say no to an opportunity or an experience because it doesn't fall into your plan? Amy says yes to new things and discovers that something she enjoys can become a money-making passion. She doesn't do a complete 180 and throws her plans out of the window. Amy learns to create a healthy balance. She will continue to make plans but say yes to fun. That message is the driving force in this holiday film of yes. So say yes and watch today.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Told you she'd say no - Phil
Yes, I'll be fine - Amy
I can't look away - Jacque
That was pretty aggressive - Nico
Find, shop for, and watch OWN movies on iTunes (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Top of this Post
A Cowboy Christmas Romance - Review
Lexie Crenshaw closes two deals in one day and sits in her office to prepare the paperwork before her holiday vacation to Iceland. Lexie's business partner, Simone, warns Lexie not to get too comfortable. Simone has a land deal that will catapult their business. Sky Island wants to buy a ranch in Arizona. However, the seller, a 3rd generation rancher, is stubborn. Lexie knows that emotional ties can complicate deals. Simone reveals the ranch is next to Lexie's family's. Lexie takes a deep breath because she hasn't returned to the farm in 10 years after a massive argument with her father, Harry. Lexie plans to ride into town, close the deal, and leave before her family spots her.
Lexie drives to town at night and goes to a local bar. A man sits next to her and speaks like he knows her. He assumes Lexie is his blind date. The two hit it off, leave the bar, and make out in the alley. The man stops Lexie because he is not a one-night type of guy. Lexie asks for his name, but he doesn't give it.
Lexie arrives at the ranch and knocks on the door, but no one answers. She goes to the stables and finds Millie tending the horses. Millie's son owns the ranch and directs Lexie on his location. Lexie finds the owner, Coby, with his daughter, Abby. Lexie recognizes Coby because he is the man from the bar. Coby doesn't want to hear Lexie's deal when he discovers she is a Crenshaw. Her family bought most of the ranches in town and, under the advice of her brothers, Walton and Jack, turned it into a luxury ranching destination. Jack welcomes Lexie, but Walton dismisses her. This deal will take longer than Lexie anticipated. Lexie discovers there are no vacancies in the area. So she must swallow her pride and stay with her family. She plans to change Coby's mind and strike a deal of a lifetime. Of course, it won't be that easy. A puppet master is pulling all the strings.
This movie starts sassy and grimy as Lexie pulls Colby's attention away from his blind date. Afterward, this movie is a tamed Yellowstone (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It doesn't require your undivided attention when Lexie argues with her family. And the plot bores as Colby and Lexie fall into lust. The final deal is pleasing, but did Lexie make it to Iceland? This movie won't be a favorite. But it has a few entertaining moments.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
How massive - Lexie
You wouldn't be good for me - Coby
My Daddy's Magic - Abby
I was not expecting you to say any of those words - Simone
Find, shop for, and watch Lifetime movies on Amazon TV (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer)
Click here for more information
Top of this Post
No comments:
Post a Comment