sonicgeekette Reviews

The Empress (2022– )

Just Couldn't Do It!

[1/10 · 14 April 2024]

Had to stop after Episode 3, The Wedding, so much historical inaccuracies I wanted to scream with every episode from the very first episode. The costumes and material were so badly done, it's like watching a high school play where all the actors are responsible for providing their own wardrobe. All the modern bows on the men and the women, just so bad. The make up is way off, the actress that play the Archduchess Sophie, Franz Joseph's mother reminds me of Anna from General Hospital. She's supposed to be this major domineering controlling mother in law, instead she looks like she's ready to go out on a date. Franz Joseph's former lover has on way too much eye shadow. And what is with the hair? Did they do any research into the history of that period? Think Queen Victoria! I mean, Helene's bob when she doesn't get her man? Sophie's beaufont updo? And WTF is with Countess Esterhazy's hair? You've got to be serious! I wanted to vomit every time I saw her on screen. Oh, and Elizabeth's ladies in waiting looked like they were ready for prom, so did Sisi in that outfit with the bright top in Episode 2! What were they thinking?! Looks like they went shopping in a vintage shop filled with discarded 80s clothing. I kept looking for the zipper in Elizabeth's wedding dress, polyester lace and tulle? Come on! And WTF was with that wedding dance? Elizabeth and Frank's real life story had enough drama in it, did they really need to invent more drama for the show? Franz's brother Maximilian showing up for his birthday with a "Baroness" who later becomes a member of court? At that point in history he was devastated over the death of his betrothed Brazilian princess. Did they have to make him out as this jealous playboy that falls in love with his brother's fiancée? And what's the deal with Sophie's lover showing up at the wedding? This was supposed to be about Elizabeth and Franz. I supposed they decided to focus on the happy couple by ending the wedding episode with the two love birds having passionate love the morning after after falling asleep lying next to each other on the floor. Really? She was 16 and inexperienced! They couldn't even do it until 3 days later! Whatever! Too much drama and too many historical inaccuracies for me. I'm out!

One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery (2024 TV Movie)

Not the Same Without Mike

[4/10 · 6 April 2024]

I didn't realize until after I started watching the movie that Cameron Mathison (Det. Mike Kingston) was not in this movie. I've always loved the chemistry between Mike and Hannah. That's what kept me coming back and watching all the Murder She Baked mysteries. The last couple of movies gave me some hope that maybe there was still a chance they would get back together. Don't get me wrong, I did miss seeing Norman as her side kick in some of those movies, especially in the one where they got engaged. So it's great to see Norman helping Hannah with the cases again. I enjoy their friendship. And I know they end up together in the books but we deviated from the books a long time ago. This just doesn't have the same feeling without Mike. I was glad to see Andrea back but it's weird there was no mention of her husband and daughter and why she happened to be there in the first place. And what's happened to Delores? She's encouraging Hannah to get involved in the murder cases now? Helping her solve the mystery even. It's not the same, except that she's always trying to fix Hannah up with someone, and has always been on Team Norman. But Delores as a private eye is just not right. I love Alison Sweeney but don't know how much longer I can watch these movies.

The Chair (2021)

Oh! So Good!

[10/10 · 3 February 2024]

I just stumbled on this limited series on Netflix and absolutely loved it. It's witty and funny and so full of heart. Holland Taylor absolutely shines in this series, especially when her character, Dr. Joan Hambling, defends Chaucer. Ji-Yoon's daughter cracked me up! Oh, the stuff she pulled on her baby sitters! This kid is too wise for her age. I wanted to slap Bill so many times but he reels you in and makes you care for him. All the supporting actors were wonderful. Sandra Oh has come a long way from her days on Grey's Anatomy. You truly feel her character's struggle and being pulled in so many directions between Bill and wanting to defend her friend, her daughter Ju-Ju in trying to build a close relationship with her, being forced to make hard decisions by the dean, played by David Morse, trying to manage the other professors in her department, trying to be their boss, their friend and to one, their mentor, and have time for her elderly dad who she relies on for help with her daughter as a single parent with a demanding career. And then, there's her students, because when it comes down to it, title or no title, Ji-Yoon is a teacher above all else, and she tries to make time for them during office hours. This series is definitely binge-worthy!

Love on the Right Course (2024 TV Movie)

We've Hit a Winner With This One!

[9/10 · 7 January 2024]

I've just watched Ashley Newbrough and Marcus Rosner in Flipping for Christmas and was greatly disappointed. So, I was hesitant to watch this movie, but decided to give them another chance, especially when I saw this one was set in Budapest. I have to say this one did not disappoint. I loved the scenery and found the acting and chemistry to be genuine. Ashley and Marcus are great together in this movie, their characters are fun and caring. I loved the dynamic between Whitney (Newbrough) and her father as they remember her mother who has passed. I loved all the supporting cast of family and friends, they helped make this movie enjoyable, even the dog. I really enjoyed seeing Brittany Bristow playing a competitor pro golfer. I rated this down by one star as Steve Byer who plays Whitney's caddy plays his usual character that is only looking out for himself. But I suppose there had to be some drama in the movie. All in all this was quite an enjoyable movie to watch.

Flipping for Christmas (2023 TV Movie)

I Fast-Forwarded Through Most of This Movie!

[4/10 · 7 January 2024]

I'm sad to say I actually found a Hallmark movie I just couldn't sit through. I generally like most of the actors in this movie, Ashley Newbrough, Marcus Rosner, Natalie Lisinska, and Peter MacNeill, all great actors I've seen in other Hallmark projects, but in this movie I just found them irritating. The chemistry between the leads. Abby and Bo was gritty like sandpaper. I found Bo antagonistic from their very first meeting when he just couldn't tell Abby about the coffee shop owner stepping out for a few minutes. And Ashley Newbrough's performance as a professional constantly on the go just seemed fake. I also wanted to slap Abby's sister Claire when she just couldn't find the right time to tell Abby there was a co-owner in the inherited house, although that part of totally predictable. I made it through to the initial assessment of the house where Abby started going through putting post-it notes on everything that had to go with Bo going behind her and removing all her notes. The way those two squabbled through the house reminded me of middle schoolers that constant bicker over everything, but not in a cute or adoring way. I was going to just exit out of the movie but thought maybe it would get better as it played out, so I fast-forwarded to the middle where they go tree shopping. The snowball fight around the trees seemed forced and fake. When Abby told Bo, "Oh, you're really the outdoor type." about a minute into their snowball fight I wanted to lose my lunch. I just didn't see the fun loving chemistry that's normally in a Hallmark movie between the leads. I fast-forwarded it to the scene where Abby is having a heart to heart with her dad and asking him for business advice because he's always told her you don't quit when you're tired you quit when you're done, but he tells her he was wrong and regrets not taking the time in his meetings to spend with the ones he loves most, speaking of her mother, his late wife, and I thought, okay, here's the Hallmark moment. Abby missed her mother and she's going to see that you need to slow down and enjoy life. But then she goes in and asks her sister for advice saying she's confused after speaking with their dad, and I just wanted to slap the sisters. Fast-forwarded the movie again to the last 9 minutes when Abby saves the day and breaks the deal to buy the house after she accidentally sent the information to her assistant and lead the guy she's supposed to be working for to town to buy the house she's been working on for her sister. Totally predictable ending. However, Bo's still mad at her for almost selling his house and can't stop to listen to her explain what happened. The dialogue between them again feels forced, just feels like they are reading from a script, very mechanical with no emotions. Even the scene with them on the porch under the mistletoe seemed forced, no chemistry, like she only kissed him because she had to but couldn't wait to part lips with him. And how could he kiss her with so much lipstick on? Do yourself a favor, save some time and skip this one. (I never thought I'd say that about a Hallmark movie, ever, but trust me on this one!)

A World Record Christmas (2023 TV Movie)

So Much Heart

[10/10 · 31 December 2023]

I absolutely loved this movie! It has so much heart. The actor playing Charlie did such a wonderful job portraying a teenage boy with autism. Every time he spoke it just melted my heart and made me smile. Nikki Deloach is such a wonderful mother that her role as Marissa, Charlie's mom, seemed so natural. I love that this was based on a true story, and I love how this movie shines a light on autism in such a positive way. When Charlie was sitting in the library in the psychology section staring at all the books on autism and Eric told him it's not about autism it was about him (Charlie), this took the focus off autism and put it on Charlie and who he was, as if to say, it's not about the disability, it's about the ability in him. Yes!

I love how this movie ends as Charlie learns he only needs to prove things to himself.

Notes of Autumn (2023 TV Movie)

Perfect Role for Luke Macfarlane

[10/10 · 19 September 2023]

This movie was so enjoyable to watch with a great cast. I was especially delighted to see Luke Mac.farlane playing a gay man since he has come out as being gay. He's usually cast as a straight man in the Hallmark movies (and in sci-fi) so it's nice to see him playing a role he identifies with. Ashley Williams is always a delight to watch in anything she's in. She brings so much energy and vibrance to any role she's cast in. Ashley and Luke are very believable as best friends. I love their chemistry in this movie. And what a treat to see Kavan Smith and Pascale Hutton portray the characters from the book series that Macfarlane's character writes. I love seeing these two playing a couple (The Perfect Bride, and When Calls The Heart). They were so funny at projecting Macfarlane's character's thoughts. Too bad they didn't get credit in IMDB as cast members even if they did get credit in the movie.

Fall is my favorite time of the year and I hate that Hallmark cuts it short to start Christmas movies in the middle of October. Fortunately I recorded this and other fall movies that I can enjoy the romance of fall/autumn until I'm ready to watch Christmas movies. And speaking of the romance of autumn, how about Marcus Rosner's character? How poetic was his nature tour? Kudos to the entire crew for making such a fun and entertaining movie.

Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Something New (2023 TV Movie)

Just Not The Same

[4/10 · 7 August 2023]

I was excited to see a new Aurora Teagarden movie, however, after I started watching it, I quickly noticed that it just doesn't have the same feel as the other movies. It's missing the heart. I like that they kept Marilu Henner as Aida, Aurora's mother, and brought Karen Kruper back as Sally's Aunt Gladys. But felt like they could have included other characters from the original series, especially John, Sally's uncle and her cousin Lizzie Allison. I feel like these characters would have been there for Sally for her wedding.

It's missing the opening sequence with a shot of the Lawrenceton water tower, streets downtown, and the waterfall (which is really in NY not WA). And I'm not sure if it included the same music at the beginning as the original series. Other reviewers mentioned the change of sets not giving it that small town feel, especially the change in Aurora's and Aida's house. But their house, especially Aurora's changed a lot through all the movies. In one of the later movies I think they even made a joke about it with Sally saying how Aurora kept moving. One thing I found confusing was that the house they used for the wedding venue seemed like it was the same house they used in the original series as Aunt Gladys's house. But in this movie, it wasn't her house.

I like seeing Steve Bacic in this movie as the detective. This makes his 3rd Hallmark Mystery Movies series he's appeared in after Garage Sale Mysteries and Murder 101. I also felt that Evan Roderick did a good job staying true to playing Arthur. He felt like a younger version of Peter Benson's character. I can't say the same for Aurora and Sally. While I applaud Hallmark for trying to keep a fan favorite series alive after some of the lead actors have left, I don't feel this movie did the series justice. It just doesn't feel the same.

Francesca Quinn, PI (2022 TV Movie)

Lacking Chemistry in Lead Characters

[1/10 · 28 September 2022]

I was excited to see a new mystery on Hallmark so I watched this. However it was too easy to figure out who the real killer was. I'm not going to spoil it for those that haven't seen this movie. My main complaint about this movie is that there wasn't any chemistry in the lead characters. They supposedly were an item and were partners on the police force before Francesca left and became a private investigator. But there isn't much in the way of a chemistry between them. She says she's known him since they were in Kindergarten, but you don't really feel any closeness between them. She's pretty deadpan and cold fish most of the time.

The one bit of trivia in here says that this movie followed Mystery 101's last movie and was supposed to replace the franchise. I certainly hope not! Please bring back Mystery 101! The trivia said this movie had a similar plot line as the cliffhanger we were left with in Mystery 101 #7, just the names and occupations, and let's not forget the actors, writers, storyline, and chemistry was all completely different. Bring back Mystery 101 and give us some closure!

Mamma Mia! (2008)

Why Have I Waited So Long?!

[10/10 · 22 May 2022]

Absolutely loved it! I don't know why I've waited so long to watch this movie! The lead cast members were the best! I particularly enjoyed seeing Julie Walters playing such a fun role and letting loose. If you've been putting off seeing this movie, don't. Watch the movie, you won't be sorry.

How to Fall in Love (2012 TV Movie)

It's the "Can't Buy Me Love" movie for grown ups!

[10/10 · 6 June 2020]

I absolutely loved this movie! Eric and Brooke were wonderful in this tale of a shy, dorky guy who hires a popular girl he went to high school with to help him improve his image. However, instead of "McDreamy" AKA Patrick Dempsey hiring his pretty high school neighbor to pretend to be his girl friend so the kids in school will think he's somebody, it's 20 years later, and Eric Mabius is hiring Brooke D'Orsay, the prettiest girl from high school, to be his dating coach. Along the way they both learn things about themselves, each other, and how much they have in common. This movie must have been preparation for the Signed, Sealed, Delivered series as Eric Mabius certainly delivered the same quiet gentlemanly charm we have grown to love about his Oliver O'Toole character. If any Postables fans haven't seen this movie, yet, it's a Must-See!

Brooke is beautiful as always. (I don't know why some reviewers say she's not as pretty as other Hallmark actresses, I think she's gorgeous! When she smiles you can't but smile with her.) Her portrayal of Annie, an out of work, undiscovered, party planner who goes to Harold (Eric) for a job as his dating coach is very believable. When she apologizes to Harold for hurting him when they were in high school you feel like it's genuine.

Kathy Najimy's supporting role as a waitress who works with Annie is a bonus. She's delightfully weird, as always, especially when she helps Harold practice conversation for his date and tells him about things she likes to do in her spare time. (Don't judge her!)

Yes, it's totally predictable, like all the Hallmark movies, but such a wonderfully romantic tale that makes you laugh, cry, and smile.

Signed, Sealed, Delivered: To the Altar (2018 TV Movie)

A Fan Favorite!

[10/10 · 18 May 2020]

This movie was the BEST of a fantastic series, yet! I see Hallmark is working on another installment to be released this year (2020). I am late in joining the Postables, but so glad I found them! I binged watched the whole series from the pilot movie, through the TV series, and all the movies in a weekend. I love the way the movies flowed and continued the story lines. I enjoyed watching Norman and the ever adorable Rita, and loved watching Shane and Oliver's story unfold from acquaintances to friends to the wonderfully sweet couple. Their respect and trust of one another is what true love should be. I also love how the writers handled mental illness in this movie, and how they dealt with Carol Burnett not being able to make this movie due to scheduling conflicts, but still kept her a part of the wedding. This movie had so much heart! I can't wait for the next installment of this series!

Outlander: Journeycake (2020) Season 5, Episode 11

Boo! Not a fan of the ending!

[3/10 · 3 May 2020]

While I was okay with them bringing Young Ian back early in the season, and with them keeping Duncan Lecroix around for Murtagh until the Battle of Alamance, I'm not okay with the mixing of the storylines from books 5 and 6. They did it in the last episode with Bonnet's death, and now they've done it again with Claire's abduction at the end of the episode. They missed their chance to pull in more characters from the 5th book that play a major part in Claire and Jamie's story, such as the Christies. I think it's cool that they have Marsali in as Claire's apprentice, she's a strong character, and I love the actress who plays Marsali, she's a real spitfire, but bring in Malva! There was some real drama with that one! I liked this episode right up to the point where Brianna and Roger decide to leave. I gave this episode 3 stars because of the acting, otherwise I would have given it 1 star, as I feel so strongly about the mixed story lines between the books. The scenes with Caitriona and Sophia were heart wrenching - I miss my own daughter when I see those two together. And it's always a treat to see David Berry (Lord John). I especially enjoyed watching the chemistry between David and Sophia, and David and Sam.

I'm paying for the Starz app for my iPad just so I can get up early on Sunday mornings and watch this show, and you are ruining it for me! Bring back the Outlander that I loved, this season is not working for me!

Outlander: Mercy Shall Follow Me (2020) Season 5, Episode 10

Bonnet gone too soon!

[3/10 · 3 May 2020]

I have to say, I'm not a fan of this episode, at all! They mixed the story arc with Bonnet that happened in books 5 and 6 and compressed them into one episode. They should have held off killing Bonnet until Season 6, just like he dies in the 6th book with everything that is happening during that time period as well. They didn't even bring in Phaedre or anything from River Run. I realize that most of the 5th book was pretty slow moving with a big portion at the beginning a continuation of the gathering, and then the whole Battle of Alamance in the middle, however they could have spent more time on River Run and the wedding with Duncan and Jocasta. There was so much more there happening at River Run, the whole mystery with the slaves, finding out about Phaedre's mother, the gold, and Bonnet making an appearance there. There was so much more they could have done with Bonnet, building on the whole drama of Jemmie's paternal parentage. Sadly disappointed in my favorite show. This is Outlander, not Game of Thrones!

Outlander: The Ballad of Roger Mac (2020) Season 5, Episode 7

Heart wrenching episode,

[10/10 · 30 March 2020]

I've read all the books so I know what happened to Murtagh. And was so happy when they brought Duncan Lacroix back last season. We didn't get to see Murtagh die at Culloden as he did in the books, so to see him die at the Battle of Alamance was so heart breaking and gut wrenching. As a fan of the books I love how they wrote and played out this episode starting with Jamie taking stock on his birthday (right out of the book), Isaiah showing up, Bree coming, and Roger! And Graham McTavish as Buccleigh McKenzie (Buck) that was awesome! I can't wait for the next episode!

Murder, She Baked: Just Desserts (2017 TV Movie)

Best Murder, She Baked, Yet!

[8/10 · 4 April 2017]

I absolutely loved this latest installment of the 'Murder, She Baked' mystery movies series! Alison Sweeney has come a long way from her younger years as the bratty teen you loved to hate, Sammy Brady, on Days; and has gotten more beautiful with age. Her co-star, Cameron Mathison is yummier than ever, so I was so happy to see the two of them end up together.

I knew the movie was going to be good when it started with Hannah and Mike on a date and talking about how they each needed to take a vacation. It seemed like they were hinting at taking a vacation together. So sweet! (I've been rooting for those two to get together since the series started, and there was the whole Mike, Hannah, and Norman triangle.) I'm glad to see Hannah and Norman remained close friends, and Norman is still able to tag along and help Hannah out on some her own investigating. They are fun as pals, but I always thought that Mike was more for Hannah, as she always loved being rescued by him. (Who wouldn't?) It was very apparent, though, right from the start of this movie that Hannah and Mike were meant to be together, especially with Norman accepting defeat and dating other women. The chemistry between Sweeney and Mathison is magical. When Hannah teared up after Mike turned her down for lunch, it broke my heart. And when Mike showed up as Hannah was running late to go into the Bake-off, and told her how he felt, I almost couldn't contain my happiness.

I read that Alison Sweeney was injured on a skiing trip just before this movie went into production, and her injury was written in so that she could be on a crutch. This worked out so well and seemed like it was really part of the story line of her being injured as one of the judges in the Bake-off.

My only complaint about the movie is casting David Lewis as the "bad guy". This is type casting, and I knew it was him right away. He's played the bad guy in several movies, including other Hallmark mysteries. But like the other Hannah Swenson mysteries, his character and motive was complicated, and he wasn't all bad.

The ending was the best and I certainly hope they continue to make more Murder, She Baked mysteries with Hannah and Mike. They are so sweet together.