Sense and Sensibility - Review
The Dashwood sisters - Elinor, Marianne, and Margaret - stand by their father's deathbed with their mother. Mr. Dashwood makes Elinor promise to keep their family together. He wishes he could leave an inheritance to them, but the law won't allow him to leave anything to women. Then, their half-brother, John, enters. Mr. Dashwood will give the inheritance to John but makes John vow to take care of his half-sisters and stepmother. He accepts.
John comes to the property with his wife, Fanny. She believes John is giving the sister too much money and tells him to decrease it. Mrs. Dashwood wants to stay but knows Fanny will want them out soon. Elinor walks the ground with Edward, Fanny's half-brother, and he smittens her. Edward knows Fanny and his stepmother, Mrs. Ferrars, will never approve of their relationship because Elinor is below their station. Before they part, Edward gives Elinor a sketch pad as a gift.
Elinor wrote to relatives, and one agreed to let the family stay in their cottage. Mrs. Dashwood can't bear the thought but has no other options. So, the Dashwoods move to Mr. and Mrs. Jennings's cottage with a supplied servant. The women make themselves at home, and Marianne plays the piano for the Jennings. Then, they hear Colonel Brandon applauding in the background. Later, Marianne admits she likes him but doesn't want to be married to an officer because they aren't romantic.
As Marianne and Margaret walk the grounds, they see a man on a horse. Margaret runs towards him, and Marianne stumbles, chasing after her. Marianne hurts her ankle, and the man, John Willoughby, carries Marianne home. They learn that Mr. Willoughby is an unmarried wealthy man, and Marianne has caught his eye. Elinor knows how she feels because Elinor still dreams of Edward. Marianne has to choose between two men, while Elinor has to love beyond her station. Love is a dangerous game of tricks, rumors, and heartbreak for these women. Will they get the love they seek?
Based on Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen, this movie follows the novel with stunning scenery, practical sets, and magnificent costumes and makeup (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). It will transport the viewer to a complex but romantic time. A time when men married for love, but women did it to maintain or exceed status. Also, the backing track has music from SWV and Seal to attract a larger audience. The script brings delight and pain to gossip and makes the viewers beg for more. You will laugh at uncomfortable dinners and become angered at scoundrels. This movie proves that Jane Austen's words transcend era, nationality, and ethnicity. It will stay on your DVR and become a favorite.
I give it 5 out of 5 stars
Yet, the law says differently - Fanny
I promise - John Dashwood
We are all guests in our own home - Mary
I'm not very good at this sort of thing - Edward
I think very highly of him. I esteem him - Elinor
You don't understand Elinor. I require so much - Marianne
The world can be a very cruel place - Brandon
Anything you ever held will be more than enough - John Willoughby
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CrimeTime: Freefall - Review
After wrapping the last episode of her series, Crime Time, Hadley meets with her agent, Saunders. He warns Hadley to return her parking pass and other items she stole from the set. He hasn't been able to find more acting work for Hadley, but he negotiated a memoir deal for her. Hadley and her family will move to Mystic, Colorado. Hadley can visit her mother, Dee, in Mystic, Colorado while writing about her life and time on the show.
Hadley and her kids, Rain and Hendrix, drive to Mel's diner to meet with Hadley's real estate agent, Jay. They notice a man, Anson, posting missing flyers of his business partner, Sam Davis. Hendrix takes a photo of the flyer, post it to social media, and gives it a hashtag to spread awareness. Anson thanks Hendrix for the support. Once inside, Hadley notices a man, Kirk, sitting at the bar with bruised knuckles while Mel serves him. Jay gushes over Hadley's accolades before taking her to the rental property.
Jay informs Hadley that the area is quiet and her closest neighbor, Frank, is miles away. The kids settle in, and Dee visits. Hadley tries to go to sleep but can't because of screaming and gunshots. Rain tells them the screaming is coming from Frank's goats, but she is unsure about the shots. Hadley calls the police. Detective Shawn Caden tells Hadley it's hunting season, and the mountains create an echo chamber. So, the shot will sound closer than they are. However, Hadley researched gunshots on her show and thinks Shawn is mistaken.
Hadley leaves home to meet Dee at the diner and hears strange flapping. She finds a parachute on a tree with a dead jumper attached. The jumper is Sam. Shawn investigates, and the medical examiner makes a positive ID and declares the death a murder because Sam has a bullet wound. As Hadley updates Dee, Sam's mother, Steph, enters with a request. She wants Hadley to investigate the crime because Mystic police are short-staffed, and Hadley trained with actual officers. Hadley says yes and assembles her Clue Crew to help. They will look into Sam's life and use Hadley's expertise and hyperobservation skills to solve the crime, with Detective Shawn protecting and unknowingly guiding them.
This movie is an entertaining start to a new series. Hadley and her kids must learn about small-town life, a world of free parking, screaming goats, and no matcha martinis. They don't demonize the area or look down on the people. They must adjust. Hadley may seem out of touch with reality, but she loves her family. She is more than almond milk and goat yoga. The crime is intriguing and complex. But the wrap-up proves the clues were in front of the audience the whole time. There are scores of red herrings and juicy tidbits along the way. Viewers will look forward to seeing these characters grow while solving more crimes as a Clue Crew.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Show me any real cop who runs in heels - Hadley
Yeah, I can be too much - Jay
I bet you can't find a view like that in LA - Dee
Aminals that sound like people, not terrifying at all - Hendrix
I'm sure you were great - Shawn
I get paid to exploit for you - Saunders
Ms. Crime, it's time for you to leave - Mel
It's a silent killer - Rain
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The Ex Obsession - Review
Personal stylist Kim completes a reel for social media before heading to her husband's company picnic. Kim's husband, John, can't stop talking about his new co-worker, Grant. Kim thinks John has a man crush on Grant. Kim doesn't mind and admits she has a girl crush on her assistant, Raven.
John introduces Kim to Grant. She says a quick hello and focuses on John's boss. As John plays cornhole, Grant glides to Kim and asks for an update since they broke up. She warns Grant that John doesn't know about their past and demands Grant keep quiet.
Grant comes to Kim's workplace, and they kiss. Grant leaves Kim's office but doesn't see John standing across the street. They meet a few more times before Kim professes her love for John and tells Grant to back off. Later, John returns home to find Grant and Kim sitting on the couch. She confesses they dated in the past but didn't have sex recently. John doesn't believe her, flies into a rage, and attacks Grant. John walks away in horror, and Kim kneels next to Grant. She whispers she would do the same thing if John were on the floor. Kim takes a needle, stabs Grant through the eye, and kills him. She convinces John that he killed Grant, and they bury Grant in the backyard. Now, they have to stay one step ahead to cover up Grant's murder, but can they trust each other?
This movie has one of the most gruesome murders. It will be hard to keep your eyes on the screen. Both John and Kim change after Grant's murder. Kim isn't a sweet, professional wife. She is a calculating temptress. John changes from an agreeable husband to a take-charge man. Soon, John becomes Grant, and Kim can't stand it. You watch them predict how cops think while keeping an eye on each other. However, it's no surprise who comes out on top. But how they get there is the mystery.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
Self-assured people are usually hot - Kim
You and Raven? Tell me more - John
Everybody likes me - Grant
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The Taste of Love - Review
The Taste of Love - Hallmark - 2 hours and 0 minutes
Taylor finished her third and final season of her show, Q.E.D - Quick, Easy, and Delicious. She wants to create a show centered around fine dining like she did as a sous chef. Before she leaves, a network executive asks to meet with Taylor tomorrow, and Taylor agrees. Taylor's manager and friend, Jessica, can't contain her excitement.
Taylor meets with the executive, and they have marvelous news. They want to move Q.E.D. to prime time because her show is the highest-rated on the network. When she reminds them about her upscale show, they don't want another show that audiences can't cook or relate to. They will increase Taylor's budget and pay. Taylor says no and flies to her hometown, Dunedin.
Taylor arrives at her parents' restaurant, Cici's Riders, to find it close. She finds her childhood friend, Jacob, delivering food. Taylor says she didn't know her parents, Glenn and Patty, were renovating, and Jacob teases her about the show. Taylor meets with her parents and tells them about the offer but not the rejection. Then, they come clean. They aren't renovating the restaurant. They are selling it. People want deconstructed avocado toast and vegan pumpkin paté, and they can't keep up with the trends. Taylor's heart breaks. They tell Taylor to go to Jordan's birthday party to take her mind off the sale.
Taylor enjoys the festivities until she argues with Jacob about leaving years ago. When Jacob leaves, an old rival, Linda, approaches to gloat about her family's thriving restaurant. With Cici's Riders shutting down, Linda's Wild Irish won't have competition during the Food and Wine Contest, even though Linda's family has won every year. She walks away with a smug smile, and Taylor chases after Jacob. Jacob still resents Taylor for leaving for the big city and never returning. She didn't want to settle like he did, and the two left on bad terms. Next, Jessica calls. The network wants Taylor to take a second look at their offer with more money and a larger budget.
Glenn and Taylor go out for breakfast, and Linda walks over with a news article about the competition. Taylor entered into the contest without telling Glenn. She hopes winning the competition will save the restaurant and inspire her parents to keep it. But she will need help from Jacob to reconnect with the locals and create the perfect menu for their palate. Can Taylor save the restaurant and her friendship with Jacob?
This movie has an emotional core. It draws the viewer in by showing Taylor's past. She had an integral connection to her grandmother, Cici, cooking, and Jacob. Next, viewers have a methodical villain, Linda. Linda knows the right buttons to push to get under anyone's skin. She all but dares Taylor to enter the contest. Finally, we have loving parents. Glenn and Patty enter the contest for Taylor and aid in Taylor's job decision. They foster open and honest communication to guide her choice. This film will whet your emotional appetite while making you hungry. And Taylor's final dish is legendary.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
You found a thing, didn't you - Jessica
He put ketchup on his beef Wellington - Taylor
I am strong, like bull - Glenn
Not everything is about you, Taylor - Jacob
You said it, not me - Linda
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The Man in the Guesthouse - Review
Ashley quit her job and hasn't worked in a while. She suggests to her husband, Brandon, that they rent their AUD, Additional Dwelling Unit, to make up the income. Her friend, Shelley, supplements her income that way, and Ashley thinks it will help cover the mortgage until she finds work. Brandon isn't sure but says yes to the idea. On their way out of the restaurant, Ashley runs into her old boss, Clay. They have a polite exchange at Brandon's expense before leaving.
Ashley meets with Shelley after renovating the unit with Brandon. They list the property online and look through the candidates. They find Dan's profile. He is a college student looking for a long-term rental. Shelley tells Ashley that he will bring a steady income. They get his information and offer him the rental.
Dan meets Ashley and Brandon. He is an MBA student who needs a larger space to study. Also, he and his mother have started to aggravate each other. So they both can use the space. Ashley and Brandan allow Dan to settle in the unit, but Ashley feels something is off about Dan. He is too nice and friendly. Is she right?
Seriously, let's all promise to do a background check and learn about tenant's rights. It doesn't take long for Dan to overstep his boundaries and threaten Ashley and Brandon. The couple become prisoners in their home when Dan claims he is a resident after 30 days. Dan causes leaks, breaks into their home, and makes revenge porn. And the villain's monologue pieces the story together nicely. You realize every scene has a purpose, and everything comes full circle. As you watch, try to uncover Dan's motives and enjoy the crazy.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
I already am - Brandon
I was stuck in a rut there - Ashley
See you guys around the neighborhood - Dan
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Romance in Hawaii - Review
Leah's boss, Diana, pulls Leah aside after Leah's party to celebrate her historical sales. Diana wants Leah to get the partner promotion over Leah's co-worker, Michael. Diana tells Leah the board will decide soon, so Leah needs to keep her winning spirit to cement the job. Leah relaxes at home and calls her college friend Kiki. Leah admits to not wanting love and not having a passion in life but looks forward to the new job. Kiki wishes Leah would visit the island and reconnect.
Diana calls Michael and Leah into her office for an announcement. A family has to sell their property in Hawaii because they can't pay the property taxes. The family doesn't want to sell the property to a large corporation, so the board wants to send Leah and Michael to act as private buyers. They won't be working as a team but as competitors. Diana lets Leah know that her future partnership is on the line with this deal.
Leah and Micheal fly to Hawaii and check into their hotel. Distracted by her phone, Leah bumps into the activities director, Ikaika. She looks up, apologizes, and notices the beautiful scenery. Ikaika warns her that she could see more if she put down the phone. Leah and Michael visit the desired property, but the owner doesn't want Haoles to purchase it and kicks them off. Leah and Michael attend a dinner with a Hula and singing performance. The dancing moves Leah. She calls Kiki and reveals the dance made her feel something, a feeling she hasn't had in a long time.
Diana calls Leah for an update, but Ikaika interrupts the call. Leah was in a phone-free zone during a Hula demonstration. So, he interrupts her call and makes her volunteer. Leah dances while Michael takes a video and posts it online. Diana calls in a fury. That video will make the board look down on Leah. Diana tells Leah to grow up and focus on business. Leah tells Michael to take the video down.
Leah can't forget the feeling Hula gave her, so she finds Ikaika and asks for private lessons. He says no because he isn't a Kuma. Besides, she couldn't get into a Hālua. Ikaika mentions Leah's request to his cousin, Billy, and Billy thinks Ikaika should do it and charge. To Ikaika's surprise, his mother, a Kuma, agrees. She tells Ikaika to teach the Haole a few basic steps for extra income. They can use it to pay off the taxes before their property is on the auction block. Ikaika and Leah open their hearts and find each other. But will it last when Ikaika learns why Leah is there?
Viewers will feel inspired by the dance. The film gives the audience a peek into the history behind Hula. It's more than grass skirts and tiki torches. The dance has a rich history that takes years to master and requires the utmost respect. This movie is one of the first films to give the dance and its teachers the credit they deserve. This storyline is so captivating that the love story and promotion fall behind. You assume you know what will happen between the main characters, so it's easy to tune out. While the love story is predictable, the promotion isn't. So keep your eyes and ears open.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
You got to be open to the finding, Leah - Kiki
Now, my food delivery is all I need - Leah
May the best man win - Michael
Put that phone away, or I'm gonna make you a volunteer - Ikaika
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An American in Austen - Review
Librarian Harriet introduces another bibliophile to Pride and Prejudice because she wanted something lighter after reading Love in the Time of Cholera (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Harriet's boyfriend, Ethan, arrives at the library to take her to dinner, and her supervisor, Natalie, permits Harriet to leave early. Unbeknownst to Harriet, Ethan slyly takes her phone out of her bag and hands it to Natalie. During dinner, Harriet notices her phone is gone and remembers she had it at work last. Ethan drives her back and into a proposal. He walks Harriet through the chapters of their love story while singing a Foreigner song. Harriet says maybe.
Harriet drinks on the stoop with Natalie and her co-worker, Wendy. Harriet believes the proposal is sweet but wants a man like Mr. Darcy. Ethan doesn't live up to the romance she's read in books. As she gets in the cab to go home, Harriet sees a shooting star and makes a wish. She wishes for Mr. Darcy, gets in the cab, and falls asleep.
Harriet wakes to the smell of a horse-drawn carriage that stops at a house. Mrs. Bennet announces Harriet as their visiting American cousin. Then, she introduces Harriet to her five daughters - Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Harriet assumes they are Jane Austen cos-players hired by Ethan. Their authenticity charms Harriet, but she wants to go home. When they refuse to break character, Harriet decides to go with the flow.
Harriet attends a ball with the sisters as Jane meets Mr. Bingley for the first time. Then, Mr. Bingley introduces them to Mr. Darcy. Harriet stands in awe as her dream man enters the room. She overhears the men's conversation about the women and confronts Mr. Darcy about his disparaging comments. Harriet admits she hated this part of the book, and Elizabeth is the perfect woman for him. Mr. Darcy becomes smitten with Harriet and her tenacity. Soon, Harriet realizes this isn't an interactive play. She is stuck in Pride and Prejudice with no way out. She wants to leave and return to Ethan. But can she?
Harriet discovers that living in a book isn't a fantasy. They gawk at Harriet not being married in her 30s. They shower once a week and wear uncomfortable clothing. Although they have charming parties, Harriet lacks the social graces. Her uncouth nature sparks Mr. Darcy's interest, and he gives her a copy of Evelina, the book that inspired Jane Austen (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Harriet discovers she is ruining her favorite novel and has to fix it. As she repairs Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth's love story, Harriet finds the beauty in her relationship with Ethan. This film will make you laugh and love the classic again.
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
You just described a kidnapping - Natalie
It's a skill - Ethan
At least, he's rich - Harriet
You flatter us, Mr. Kingsley - Jane
Darcy, you are far too difficult to please - Mr. Bingley
On Saturday, we use the basin - Kitty
Love is truly a luxury afforded to men - Mrs. Bennet
What is for the best is our daughter's well-being - Mr. Bennett
Who do we marry - Elizabeth
Seems like a silly notion to me - Mr. Darcy
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