Paging Mr. Darcy - Review
Paging Mr. Darcy - Hallmark - 2 hours and 0 minutes
Professor Dr. Eloise disembarks the plane and looks forward to the Jane Austen annual conference and ball. Eloise will be the keynote speaker but has another opportunity in mind. Professor Jennings, who sits on Princeton's Hiring Committee and is an Austen scholar, will attend. Eloise wants to get in her good graces and get the position as the foremost leading Austen scholar. Eloise stands dumbfounded when she sees a man dressed like Mr. Darcy holding a sign with her name. He is her guest of honor liaison and offers to drive her to the conference. Eloise is embarrassed and chooses to take a rideshare. While others cosplay at this conference, Eloise considers it ridiculous. Also, she doesn't like being a spectacle or the center of attention. Eloise waits outside, and Sam, a.k.a. Mr. Darcy, sits beside her. He apologizes for embarrassing her and drives to the remote location.
Eloise refuses to participate in any activities because she is serious about work. She locates Professor Jennings in the dining room and introduces herself but doesn't mention the job. Jennings laughs about the festivities and bucks at anyone who doesn't revel in the fun. She dislikes people who are too stern to let loose. Eloise nervously laughs, and Jennings waves over Sam. Eloise embarrassingly hides behind her hand, and Jennings introduces Sam as her nephew. Sam pretends that Eloise loves the dress-up, balls, and lawn games. However, he plays up the façade for a reason. An actor, Krispen, spends an excessive amount of time with Jennings. Sam worries that Krispen wants the job and is unqualified. If Jennings hires him, she could become a laughingstock at Princeton. Sam wants Jennings to hire Eloise. So, he will ensure Eloise plays to Jennings's liking. Can Eloise and Sam stay in character and get the job before Jennings discovers the truth?
Inspired by Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, Jane Austen fans can quickly infer which film characters derive from the novel (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). This review skipped everything about Eloise's sister, Mia, because she starts as an unlikeable character seeking endless attention. However, she sees the error of her ways and redeems herself before the end credits. Eloise discovers having fun can help her connect to the books she loves and the author she admires. As Eloise lets her hair down, viewers will laugh and want to join the celebration. And if you listen carefully, you can hear Sam reveal his heartbreaking past. He wasn't the man Eloise saw before her today. Also, Eloise's take-charge attitude comes from teasing and family duty. This film has a lot to unpack but captivates.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
A pretty woman in tears is always a subject of interest - Eloise
You leave me no choice - Mia
Well, then we should probably get out of here - Sam
You got to be able to enjoy yourself - Prof. Jennings
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Gilded Newport Mysteries: Murder at the Breakers - Review
Emma Vanderbilt-Cross hands her completed article to her boss, Mr. Milford, on the politics of Susan B. Anthony. However, Milford wants Emma to rewrite it to focus on Susan's fashion, not the cause. He doesn't believe women want to read about politics. Emma grinds her teeth and drafts another article. Before she leaves, Emma gets an invite to Gertrude's coming out party. The family shunned every other reporter. But they trust Emma because she is family and a Vanderbilt. Well, at least half of the famous family. Emma's parents are away selling their artwork while she earns money for the home.
Emma attends the party with her brother, Brady Cross. Brady is the family's black sheep, but she can bring a plus one. Their aunt Alice and uncle Cornelius greet Emma with a smile but boldly ignore Brady. Emma runs to Gertrude's side because Gertrude looks unhappy. Gertrude tells Emma a secret. Alice and Cornelius are upset because Gertrude's brother, Neily, is interested in Grace. They don't consider Grace an optimal choice for Neily and threaten to cut him off. Emma tells Gertrude to focus on her party and forget about the drama.
Emma stands on the dancefloor and catches a stranger's eye. Before the stranger can introduce himself, Cornelius's business advisor, Mr. Goddard, asks for a dance. Emma politely accepts his greedy invitation and dances with him. During the dance, Emma mentions she has the Vanderbilt name but won't inherit the wealth. Mr. Goddard excuses himself to put Cornelius's lucrative railroad plans in the safe. Emma spots the stranger, Derrick, but Alice stops Emma to discuss Neily. Alice wants Emma to keep an eye on him and keep him away from Grace. Alice leaves, and Neily is gone.
Emma looks around the room and sees an old friend, Adelaide. Emma apologizes for missing Adelaide's wedding to Rupert, and Adelaide quickly forgives Emma. Rupert demands Adelaide retrieve his walking cane. Adelaide sighs and leaves the room. Emma notices an open door during Alice and Cornelius's toast for Gertrude. Emma walks through the door and hears someone arguing above her. Then she hears a sickening thud. She turns and sees Mr. Goddard dead on the ground.
Detective Jesse examines the scene with Harriet. She finds a gilded shard in the wound and determines someone struck Mr. Goddard before he fell over the balcony. Emma informs Jesse that the area with the balcony is Cornelius's office. They run upstairs to find Brady unconscious on the floor with a gilded candlestick in his hand. Later, Cornelius discovers his railroad plans are missing. Jesse arrests Brady for murder. Emma tries to reason with Jesse and Cornelius, but Cornelius won't listen. Emma visits Brady in jail and uncovers a bump on the back of his head with a gilded object in his hair. Emma believes the culprit set up Brady and took the plans before killing Mr. Goddard. But can she prove it?
Based on Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell, the movie has the challenge of solving a crime without modern-day technology (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Emma can't track phones, use call logs, or wait for DNA. She utilizes her wit and connections to move within the inner circle. But Emma has to do it with the elegance of a woman of her era. One misstep and she will fall down the societal ladder. Reminiscent of today's woman, Emma weighs the decision of having a family versus a career. The perpetrator may be easy to decipher for some, but it's fun to watch Emma find the clues. Fans of the book will note the differences between the pages and the film's setting. This film is a solid introduction to the characters, era, and style. It has room for growth while entertaining.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
I know women and they don't want to read about politics - Mr. Milford
I refuse to accept the snobbishness - Emma
The creative spirit runs through your veins - Harriet
It's almost a perfect night - Gertrude
Oh, so this is why she brought me - Brady
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Sabotaging the Squad - Review
Missy gleefully shares the news with her daughter, Arielle. Missy got the job as head coach of the 360s. Missy cheered for them early in her career, and now Arielle wants to carry the torch. But Arielle knows Missy won't give her the position. Arielle must earn it. The two happily pack and move.
Missy unpacks her kitchen and finds her friend, Gemma, standing there. Gemma and Missy cheered together and were co-captain and captain, respectively. So, Missy hires Gemma as her assistant coach. Gemma jumps at the offer.
Gemma enters the training facility with Missy and Arielle. Sasha, the facility's manager, introduces himself. He replaced the old coach, Darlene, with Missy because the famed 360s didn't make regionals. Tanner, Sasha's intern, greets Arielle. Darlene's daughter, Heidi, has the top spot on the team but prefers her phone to practice. Tawnya, the mayor's wife, beams as she watches her daughter, Fiona, practice. And Darlene and Tawnya love to spend time and drink with Candi. Candi will do anything to ensure her daughter, Janelle, stays on the squad. Gemma warns Missy that Candi, Darlene, and Tawnya will be difficult. They ran the team to ensure their daughters were on top.
Missy pulls the cheerleaders aside and informs them that everyone has to earn their spot. Darlene, Candi, and Tawnya become angry. They demand Missy give their daughters their rightful positions. Missy doesn't back down and makes the women sit in the parents' section. They threaten to take her job and funding if she doesn't change. However, Sasha backs up Missy, and the women leave furious. Later, the women disseminate a picture of Missy hugging Sasha on the internet and infer they are having an affair. Missy barrels to Tawnya's home and lays down the law. Missy leaves with satisfaction, but the women have more devious plans. And, someone is dangerous. They will drug, sabotage, and kill to control the squad. Will Missy survive?
There isn't much to say about this movie. The heroine, Missy, is a take-charge, no-nonsense woman who won't let these cheer moms disrupt her practice and performances. She can pivot under pressure and brings the best out of her squad. The overall mystery falls flat. The average Lifetime watcher can see the villain coming from a mile away. And the motive is petty. So, viewers should watch this movie for Missy's nurturing and commanding demeanor. Otherwise, you will be disappointed.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
I hope your moneys on me, Bestie - Missy
Don't let her get too comfortable, Sasha - Darlene
Mom, stop. You never stop - Heidi
To take care of this - Candi
Deny, deny, deny - Sasha
You're a liar - Rachel
Mom, I don't want to go - Heidi
I promise. I will never lie to you again - Gemma
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My Husband's Seven Wives - Review
Maggie leaves work and grabs dinner to celebrate her anniversary, but the card declines twice. She gives the hostess another card and goes home. Alan pretends to be stuck at work but surprises Maggie. After a passionate night together, Alan tells Maggie has to leave town again for work. He gets in his Corvette and drives away. Maggie brings the leftovers to her neighbor, Selma, and Selma asks for a favor. Selma needs a ride to a mall 40 minutes away for a date. Maggie agrees with a sigh.
After Maggie drops Selma off, she sees Alan's car drive past. She follows it to an unknown home and enters the garage. A woman, Pam, enters the garage with a knife, demanding an explanation and threatening to call the police. Maggie assumes Pam stole the car, but Pam states the vehicle belongs to her husband, Alan. The women compare pictures and realize they are married to the same man. Pam offers Maggie some coffee and admits to questioning Alan's fidelity. But she didn't have proof. Then, Pam asks Maggie if Maggie checked her credit card statements because Alan ruined Pam's credit. Maggie uncovers that Alan drained $36,000, and her credit score dropped to 568.
Pam has an idea to learn about Alan's finances. They go to his job and trick the payroll person into giving Alan's banking establishment. He informs Pam that Alan needs to change the beneficiary in the company's system. The name they have is Kristin. Pam believes it's his ex-wife, but she's Alan's 3rd wife. They go to the bank to withdraw Alan's money for revenge. But their names aren't on the account. Heather, Alan's 4th wife, is. Pam and Maggie are out for blood and won't stop until Alan pays. Can they stay ahead of the man who fooled them for years?
Wow, this movie is the classic Lifetime fans want and need. Pam and Maggie could fight and blame each other, but they quickly band together and focus on their collective enemy, Alan. When Maggie doubts herself, Pam encourages Maggie to fight. Maggie isn't passive. She creates plans under pressure and makes excellent business deals. Of course, more wives add unseen wrinkles and complications to their plans because some wives have other angles. Each layer of this story will keep you on the edge of your seat and pearls clutched. This movie demands a permanent space on your DVR.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Do you want me to get fired - Alan
So, we just need to get going - Selma
Ok, just breathe - Pam
You said you knew for a while - Maggie
What's with the tire iron? Did you get a flat - Kristin
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My Perfect Romance - Review
Vivian and her co-workers, George and Justine, have been working on their app, The Perfect Match, for months. This app will ask questions about the individual and match people without pictures. People will meet based on compatibility, not looks. Vivian wants to fine-tune the algorithm before presenting it to her boss, Westin.
Westin's mother, Judith, calls and wants an update on his division of her company. The technology sector's profits are steadily declining, and she wants results. Westin arrives late for work. So, his executive assistant, Adele, told the employees to start the marketing meeting without him. Westin saunters into the meeting and rejects all of Derek's ideas. Derek slips that a team is working on an app, and Westin wants to hear more. So, Derek finds Vivian, and she pitches the idea. Westin thinks it's perfect for a Valentine's Day release and will generate funds from suckers looking for love. Vivian dislikes that Westin doesn't believe in the product but is happy it will be released. She runs to her office to finish it.
Westin's brother, Ben, has stupendous news. He got Westin a guest spot on a morning talk show to introduce the app. Westin confesses he doesn't know how it works. Ben tells Westin to invite Vivian along. Vivian comes to his office and says no because Westin doesn't think that the app will help people find true love. Adele pulls Vivian aside and explains how going on the show will help. Vivian agrees.
During the on-air interview, Westin tells the reporter they will do a soft launch of the app for the local area and then a U.S. rollout on Valentine's Day. The report asks if they believe in the app, and both say yes. He challenges Westin and Vivian to join the app and prove their claims. Later, Vivian creates a profile and wakes up to 5 matches. Westin has Adele fill out the answers but doesn't submit his profile. He says he will do it at home. Will the app find the perfect match for Westin and Vivian, or has it been before them all along?
Westin is a man avoiding love for business, like his mother. He believes in Ms. Now, not Ms. Forever. Vivian uses work to shield herself from the dating world. Her sister, Michelle, advises Vivian to create a profile before the launch, but Vivian says no. These two love-phobic people have to convince the world to find love. Vivian finds this stressful as she goes through a string of hilarious first dates. And they are all caught on camera. Judith is a terrific comic relief, and Michelle keeps the script grounded. However, romcom fans can predict what and when everything will happen. Watch this on Valentine's Day for a laugh with some wine.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
I know for a fact that you are not allergic to girls - Michelle
It's a balanced meal - Riley
Wes, where do you find these women - Judith
You know I can hear you - Westin
Well, you're not that important anyway - Adele
Why do I own so much beige - Vivian
Tag. You're it - Ben
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Romance with a Twist - Review
Gabby runs the Hazelton Festival of Arts and needs it to wow her boss, Katrina, to keep it going. The show will have one professional paired with a local talent. So Gabby invited her brother, Bennett, to perform an aerial silks routine for the finale. And his partner grew up in the town. Bennet arrives at the practice location and finds a woman, Luna, horsing around on the silks. He yells, and she falls. He admonishes her for not taking the art seriously. Luna embarrassingly leaves. Bennett tells Gabby his partner isn't coming because she booked a music video with Rhianna (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). He plans to do the performance solo. Gabby won't accept his change because a solo act doesn't fit the show's theme. They decide to hold auditions to find a local artist.
Luna meets with her family to discuss the festival. They won the contract to set up the festival. They plan to do it on time and under budget. As they discuss plans, Luna daydreams about being on the silks. She danced professionally until her injury. Now, she works for her family's construction company. Later, Luna makes an excuse to leave and runs to the training facility. Gabby texted Luna because the auditions were horrible. Luna enters and climbs to the top of the silks while Gabby and Bennett argue. In shock, he agrees to train her for the festival. Now, Luna has to work construction and train while fearing heights. She hopes Bennett will gently train her, but he hides secrets, too. Will these two fly high with love or fall flat on their faces?
This film doesn't require your undivided attention. It's a mundane love story with a beautiful aerial performance. The final display is worth the two-hour watch. The director and editor smoothly transitioned between the stunt performers and the actors. Their final act will wow you. This film isn't a strong ending for the 'New Year, New Movies!' season, but it won't waste your time.
I give it 3 out of 5 stars
As you can see, it's not a toy. It could be dangerous - Bennett
Check, check. Final inspection, complete. Safe to use - Luna
I can? Yes, I can - Gabby
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