I Thought My Husband's Wife Was Dead - Review
Pregnant Layla talks to her husband, Leo, on the phone while he is away for business. Layla ends the call and hears someone banging on her door. She assumes it's her delivery and answers. Shocked, Layla sees a homeless woman calling herself Leo's dead wife, Vikki. Layla slams the door and grabs her gun because Vikki went missing five years ago, and two years later, the judge declared her dead. Through the doorbell camera, Vikki tells Layla she is alive and wants her life back. Vikki leaves and spends the night on a bathroom floor.
Vikki walks into Karing Salon for a job. The owner, Karin, sees Vikki is down on her luck. So she offers Vikki a job in exchange for room and board while Vikki looks for a better position. Vikki tells Karin her name is Tori. On Tori's first day, Karin asks her to take a pregnant woman to the hospital because the woman is having complications. The woman, Layla, refuses Vikki's help until the pains worsen. Vikki drives Layla to the hospital.
The doctor puts Layla on bed rest, and Vikki drives Layla home. Vikki helps Layla to bed, but Layla falls asleep before Vikki brings her water. Vikki takes advantage of the situation and steals Layla's clothes and shoes. Vikki takes a nap on Layla's sofa and cooks after waking. Vikki jumps and lunges a knife when she hears a noise behind her. It's Leo, and she cuts him. He wants to know where Vikki has been.
Vikki explains that a man grabbed her while she was running in the woods five years ago. She calls him the monster. He assaulted her for months. Then, he shot her and left her for dead. She still has nightmares and flashbacks about the assault. Vikki is back for what's hers. Vikki's father died before her kidnapping and left $80,000. She wants that money and one of Leo's cars to start over. Leo confesses that they are broke. They have a house, cars, and a restaurant but have no money in the bank. That's why Layla is auditioning to be on a reality TV show. Vikki demands the money by the end of the week or else. She takes cash from Leo's wallet and his car. Layla and Leo want Vikki out of their lives, but Vikki won't make it easy.
Based on Unmissing by Minka Kent, this movie is a visual chess game. It has several moving parts, and everyone has to think five steps ahead. Characters say things that feel trivial but return in the wrap-up. It will make viewers' heads spin. Layla is a greedy woman who purchases two of everything and knows their family's financial woes. Leo moved on from Vikki but traces of Vikki are in his restaurant in loving and disturbing ways. And Vikki is a forgotten woman scorned. You won't know who comes out on top until the last 3 minutes. This film works because all three characters are scandalous. Don't be surprised if you take a side.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
All I did was show up and smile - Leo
Leo needs to know that I'm alive and I want my life back - Vikki
Just one quick drink to steady my nerves - Layla
I know that you're carrying something. And it's too heavy to carry on your own - Karin
Why are you being such a Curious George - Gina
Probably some happy-ending service or something - Mark
You were incredible back there - Ally
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Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery - Review
Jazz Ramsey runs a K-9 institute after ending her career as a Search and Rescue firefighter. She gets a call from her best friend, Principal Sarah after class. Jazz knows she's late but lies and says she is in her car with her K-9 trainee, Zeus. Jazz arrives on time because Sarah lied about the start time earlier. Sarah requested Jazz's help with the Astor Academy for Girls Forensics Club. Jazz hasn't been to her alma mater in years. But the prank Jazz and Sarah played on Mrs. Quinn still haunts Jazz. Sarah grabs the keys from her office for the third floor. Jazz never knew the school had a third floor. Sarah explained that the third floor wasn't appropriate for classes but was perfect for the club. Before the club enters, Jazz keeps Zeus outside the room while she hides two human bones.
During the lecture, Jazz has Zeus search for the bones. He finds the first with ease but starts to scratch the carpet. Jazz maintains her composure and tells the girls to leave the room. She pulls up the carpet and finds a grate. Jazz shines a light into the grate and sees a dead body. She tells Sarah to stay out and call the police. Zeus uncovered a crime scene.
Jazz's ex-boyfriend, Detective Nick, sits in Sarah's office and questions them about discovering the body. Sarah believes it's her least favorite teacher, Mrs. Quinn. She never got over the prank Sarah and Jazz pulled. And Sara becoming Mrs. Quinn's boss didn't smooth things over. Months ago, Mrs. Quinn retired and never returned. As Nick interrogates Sara, Jazz worries Nick considers Sarah a suspect. However, Sarah wasn't alone in her resentment towards Mrs. Quinn. Students had issues with the hard-nosed teacher, and one parent, Asher, was considering a lawsuit. Jazz offers to help Nick and ensure Sarah stays off his suspect list. Can she find who killed Mrs. Quinn?
Based on The Secrets of Bones by Kylie Logan, this mystery is one of the darkest in Hallmark history, which makes it more compelling (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Hallmarkies will use their sleuthing experience to find the most and least obvious suspects, but everyone will be wrong. The killer is in the details. This movie highlights issues with media and society. During the investigation, Nick's bosses want him to consider Mrs. Quinn's case a low priority because she doesn't have family advocating for her. Also, women of a certain age feel overlooked or invisible. Both facts are hard to swallow. This film starts slow, but the killer's reveal makes it all worth it. The plot fills in time with stories of Jazz's father's passing, her mother's new romance, and her relationship with Nick, but this information is unnecessary for the mystery. The story is solid and has room to grow with two other books in the series.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
You told me the wrong time so I would be on time - Jazz
That's exactly the point. Accidents happen even when you do follow protocol - Sarah
It's much more peaceful now that she's gone - Eddie
Were you involved in this prank, too - Nick
Life is hard - Ms. Quinn
This Quinn nonsense was supposed to be over - Asher
I got worried - Sam
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Deadly Estate - Review
Deadly Estate - LMN - 2 hours and 0 minutes
Hotel manager Zakiya checks Ron and his new wife, Valeria, into the Magnate Hotel. Ron booked two rooms and wants the key to the second, but Zakiya refuses to give it to him based on the law. She offers Ron and his other room occupant a complimentary bottle of champagne. Valeria whispers Ron is buying the hotel for her because it's where they met. Zakiya politely smiles and stews about the new owner's potential changes. Later, Ron's son, Astor, checks in with a younger woman, Phoenix, who is not Astor's wife. Astor takes both room keys before heading to their suite.
Detectives George and Daniel collect evidence around an unknown woman's body in the woods. Detective George remembers the Magnate Hotel is within 25 miles and wants to question the staff about her. George approaches Zakiya and shows her a picture of the deceased. Zakiya offers to look at the hotel's guest logs, but her supervisor, Steven, stops her. He invites George to come into his office to talk privately.
Astor calls Zakiya to his room for a towel change. He dismissively tells her to get the dirty towels off the bathroom floor. She finds them bloody and next to a gun. Before Zakiya exits, she crosses paths with Phoenix and sees bruising. Zakiya leaves the room and feels sick in the pit of her stomach. Later, Phoenix runs to the front desk with a large bruise on her neck and begs for a new room. Before Zakiya can print the key, Astor slowly approaches. Zakiya lies for Phoenix, and Phoenix leaves with Astor.
Zakiya walks to Astor's room and hears Phoenix screaming. Zakiya uses her master key to open the door and witnesses Astor pointing a gun at Phoenix. Zakiya demands Astor release the weapon, and he hands it to her. Steven enters, and Astor lies. Steven forces Zakiya to return Astor's weapon and tells her to apologize for entering the room with a 'Do Not Disturb' on display. Zakiya quits.
George knocks on Zakiya's door, and she assumes he has more questions about the woman found in the woods. However, George wants to know why she was in Astor's room the night prior. Zakiya tells her side of the story, and George informs her that someone murdered Astor. He asks Zakiya to come to the station. Zakiya soon realizes George considers her a suspect. And Steven pointed them in her direction. George arrests Zakiya. Now, Zakiya must discover who framed her or spend the rest of her life in jail.
This movie attempts to be salacious but is predictable for experienced Lifetimers. You can figure out the next victim and double crosses throughout the story. The plot tries to shine a light on class warfare and becomes preachy. The writers struggle to make the protagonist look like an intelligent woman. Zakiya is great with guests but consistently makes mistakes by trusting the wrong people and talking too much. It's difficult to cheer for someone this foolish and irresponsible. Zakiya wants to screw wealthy people but falls prey. Viewers should save this movie for a rainy day.
I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars
Your son's a big boy. Let's enjoy that champagne - Valeria
Same crap, different shovel - Zakiya
I like the name on the room to be first name, cash, last name, money - Astor
The good furniture is for the guests - Harry
You can't save everyone. Sometimes, it's just enough to save yourself - Detective George
Here at The Magnate, we pride ourselves on discretion - Steven
Men don't discuss mourning - Ron
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Alex and Carlee moved to Maple Street and got a deal on their house because the previous occupant, Mrs. Claremont, died by hanging. The residents of Maple Street don't hide their feelings about the cankerous and nosy Mrs. Claremont. They look forward to meeting the new couple, and Katie rejoices that she is not the newbie on the street. The wives invite Alex and Carlee for drinks, but Alex doesn't want to attend. He desires to maintain a healthy distance from the townspeople. However, Carlee answers yes for them.
Carlee mingles with Betsy, Katie, and Dina. They plan to spend more time together. But the men's side of the room isn't going well. Alex remains icy towards Scott and Roger. Roger and Scott ask for an invite, but Alex says the home isn't ready. When they keep requesting, Alex sternly rejects them and leaves with Carlee. Carlee pleads with Alex to be kinder, but Alex wants to focus on their home, its previous owner's contents, and his new job. Carlee hears noises in the middle of the night and looks around the house. She sees someone with a mask briskly exit. Carlee screams, wakes Alex, and calls the police. Detective Vaughn looks around while interviewing Carlee and Alex. They state nothing is missing, but Carlee's concerns about the quiet neighborhood grow. She worries the intruder was after Mrs. Claremont, not them. Carlee digs into Mrs. Claremont's life and discovers her suicide may be murder. Can Carlee uncover the truth before the intruder finishes the job?
The next installment of the Secrets of Maple Street invites a new family to the block. However, this couple isn't squeaky clean. Alex and Carlee keep secrets from each other and a watchful eye on their neighbors. The townspeople berate Mrs. Claremont over her casket, and it's brutal. However, the script allows the viewers to see the dark side of Gladys Claremont. She kept her finger on the pulse of Maple Street while having a knife at their back. It doesn't take long for the focus of Detective Vaughn's case to change. This series may not be a favorite, but the character development is compelling. Each chapter introduced a new neighbor and crime. The final scene will let the audience know there are more mysteries in the future.
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars
But is he happily married? That is the question - Betsy
And I'm no longer the new girl on the block - Katie
It's as Alex says, 'people die everywhere.' - Carlee
Not as much work as this - Roger
Once we get our claws into you, we'll never let go - Scott
If only we had taken care of this sooner - Jake
I thought that was your job - Alex
Break-ins? They can happen anywhere - Detective Vaughn
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An Ice Palace Romance - Review
Ken encourages his friend, Lori, to ask their boss, Maxine, to add Lori's name to the promotion list to head the new division. To Lori's surprise, Maxine thinks Lori will be a perfect fit. However, Lori needs to add a newsworthy piece to her portfolio. Maxine heard that the Ice Palace, an ice skating rink in Lori's hometown, may close. Maxine wants Lori to return to Greenville and write the story. Lori rejects it and leaves Maxine's office.
Lori's sister, Susan, meets Ken and Lori for lunch. Ken updates Susan on Lori's decision to reject the story for a promotion. Susan makes Lori explain why. Lori was an Olympic hopeful and practiced at the Ice Palace. She became a local hero. During the Olympic qualifier, Lori fell and lost her chance to join the USA team. Lori never skated again and became a journalist. Ken thinks Lori acted rashly but accepts Lori's decision. Then, Susan gives them exciting news. Her husband's job gifted them a trip to Mexico for Christmas. Susan wants Lori and their mother to join them. Lori can't imagine Christmas in a winter climate. She accepts Maxine's offer.
Lori converses with a young girl, Zoe, who is messing with her ice skates. Zoe tells Lori that her dad, Mark, wants to start a clinic for ice skaters. Mark sits down and believes he recognizes Lori. But Lori dodges the question as they board the train to Greenville. Lori checks in to the local bed and breakfast and meets her camera person, Jen, at the Ice Palace. Jen offers to take Zoe around town after they meet the Ice Palace's owner, Mark.
Lori interviews Mayor June after Mark rejects her for the article. Lori discovers the ice rink's lease will expire soon unless Mark makes significant improvements to increase funding. A developer, Chad, made a counteroffer for the property. He wants to build shops and condos to increase the town's revenue. The townspeople approved the plan because Chad bought another property for a new ice rink. Mark doesn't like the new location because it's close to the highway and on the outskirts of town. Everyone knows the move will force Greenville to cancel its annual Christmas skating competition and ball. Lori left town before she was old enough to go to the ball. It won't feel like Christmas without it. She convinces Mark to let her do a feel-good article about the Ice Palace to spark interest and investors. Mark agrees, but only if she helps Zoe skate. Can Lori and Mark save the Ice Palace, or will Lori's past continue to haunt her?
This movie gives viewers everything you expect and makes fun of itself. Ken asks Lori if her cute high school crush is wearing a flannel shirt. Of course, he is. It's a Hallmark Christmas film. Viewers know the result of the love story, but the journey keeps you watching. Lori and Mark don't deny their attraction and maintain an honest dialog throughout most of the picture. However, Mark goes against the standard male protagonist. He isn't a widower. Mark adopted Zoe and chose to raise her alone. It's refreshing to see men make this choice in movies. And keep your eyes on Greenville's fairy godmother, Mayor June. Nothing gets past the sweet woman with power. This film was the best way to end Christmas in July.
I give it 4 out of 5 stars
Is there something you forgot to ask me - Ken
This is true - Lori
Everything is horrifying when you're 16 - Susan
That was our secret - Mark
Christmas is in your heart - Jen
That still counts - Zoe
Are you sure you're only here for work - Mayor June
After the first dozen, they're all the same - Chad
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