The teasers and ads for this movie turned me off of wanting to see it because they only showed the group being boisterous and loud (similar to, "Haul out the Holly" which I could not watch in its entirety). It was my sister who recommended this movie and so I gave it a try and was not disappointed. It was surprisingly heartwarming and felt very real. The script was well written and the casting perfect. Yes, there were a few plot holes, but the fact that this was fresh and original along with the nice musical score led to me wanting to highly recommend this movie to others as well as watch it again and again.
Reviews
19 Reviews
Love's Greek to Me
(2023 TV Movie)
Enjoyable
11 June 2023
Contrary to other reviewers, I enjoyed this movie. It's a bit different than other Hallmark movies in that the couple is already together. I think it was realistic to have a potential mother-in-law who is acting out of her cultural norms and out of her own caring heart without realizing how it is being seen by her children and their spouses-to-be. She comes to realize by the end of the movie that she was focused solely on her own wants and needs and it ends happily (It's a Hallmark movie). With any marriage there are complex human emotions and eventual conflict involved and I liked that Hallmark is showing this side of life.
The nod to other recent Greek movies (Mamma Mia and My Big Fat Greek Wedding) was very cute. The dialog was nicely paced and realistic. I thought the acting was very good.
In addition, the scenery was stunning. I give Hallmark credit for filming this movie in a real setting.
The nod to other recent Greek movies (Mamma Mia and My Big Fat Greek Wedding) was very cute. The dialog was nicely paced and realistic. I thought the acting was very good.
In addition, the scenery was stunning. I give Hallmark credit for filming this movie in a real setting.
Firefly Lane
(2021–2023)
Sobbing at the end and so moved by the beauty . . .
2 May 2023
Wish I could give an 11 or 12 rating for this series. I feel like I lived along with them and cared so much about everyone in the series that I was sobbing by the end. Outstanding performances by each cast member made this book come alive. I read the books, but really feel that the series was even better. Even with the gap in viewing it, I was able to pick up with the characters this week from where they left off. I have friends that are "Tullys" and friends that are "Kate". The depiction of the timeless deep love they have for each other was so moving. Bottom line message: Women need other women in their lives.
Thank you to everyone who put this impactful series together.
Thank you to everyone who put this impactful series together.
Ride
(2023)
Lacking something . . .
16 April 2023
I waited to write a review and give this series a chance to evolve each week, however I am still not quite "hooked" yet and I don't really look forward to watching it the way I did with, "The Way Home". It's watchable, but something is lacking to hook me to care about the characters and what happens to them. I hope that the writers, actors, etc. Will examine what works and what may not be working to improve it. It could be so much better if there were some kind of dramatic plot line besides the "losing the property" one. I will keep watching for now, but I am not excited if I miss a show or two because of other life events.
Our Italian Christmas Memories
(2022 TV Movie)
Enjoyed this movie
17 November 2022
Contrary to other reviewers I really enjoyed watching this movie that accurately portrayed a family dealing with a tough issue - early Alzheimer's disease. Beau Bridges acted the role so well. Family relations are messy with holidays intensifying all of those relationships. The actors playing the grandchildren were very believable. The story was well written; searching for the grandmother's sugo recipe was a great theme. Food is central in many families and preserving the recipes that have cultural meaning and history is of critical importance as people age and memories fail. More movies like this one please!
Noel Next Door
(2022 TV Movie)
Excellent acting and enjoyable movie.
26 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
A wonderful production with great casting as well as writing. The two leads, as others have noted, have wonderful chemistry. The script is realistic and funny. The scenery and snow look realistic. It was nice to see the portrayal of dealing with a sudden disability.
A sudden life changing disability occurred with my husband eight years ago and the chronic pain and accompanying grumpiness (curmudgeonly behavior) is spot on. Those who live with chronic daily pain will identify with this behavior and the toll it takes on relationships.
My only criticism has to do with the scene with Noel's blind date. What is wrong with preferring not to shake hands? Fist bumps should be normalized, especially with Covid and the Flu increasing currently. This is a sore spot for me especially since I am immunocompromised.
It would be great if in a future Hallmark movie, preferring not to shake hands and do fist bumps or something similar is portrayed as a positive way to behave to keep others safe from potential life threatening illnesses.
A sudden life changing disability occurred with my husband eight years ago and the chronic pain and accompanying grumpiness (curmudgeonly behavior) is spot on. Those who live with chronic daily pain will identify with this behavior and the toll it takes on relationships.
My only criticism has to do with the scene with Noel's blind date. What is wrong with preferring not to shake hands? Fist bumps should be normalized, especially with Covid and the Flu increasing currently. This is a sore spot for me especially since I am immunocompromised.
It would be great if in a future Hallmark movie, preferring not to shake hands and do fist bumps or something similar is portrayed as a positive way to behave to keep others safe from potential life threatening illnesses.
Perfect Harmony
(2022 TV Movie)
Enjoyable romance and story
18 October 2022
A truly refreshingly well written movie that doesn't rely on the usual Hallmark formula. The characters are believable and the acting well done. It was nice that there were family members in this movie (James Denton and his real son as well as real life married couple Peter Benson and his wife). I specifically look for any Peter Benson movies now because he always seems to produce quality stories. Would love to see more movies like these in the future, Hallmark: well written adult storylines where the characters have life history that presents challenges to being open to new relationships however through the storytelling they learn to grow and be open to learning new ways to interact.
Pumpkin Everything
(2022 TV Movie)
Independent Living not Assisted Living - CCRC
13 October 2022
I want to correct those who mentioned that the Grandfather was being urged to go into Assisted Living.
I went through this situation with my father 9 years ago and he was just as stubborn and resistant. What finally worked was asking him leading questions and honoring his opinions. I asked him, "What is your main barrier to moving?" My mother's health was failing and she really wanted to move to Independent Living (in a CCRC setting - Continuing Care Retirement Community). We finally convinced him to move to the Independent Apartment that they currently live in and they both love it. They have met many friends and are very active with classes, zoom meetings, etc. (Aged 91 and 88 years). Most all of their health care is on-site.
The idea that when one is old that Assisted Living is the only option is very dated. CCRC's are designed for Active Seniors. Assisted Living is an option as is Skilled Nursing . . . If needed at all.
Overall, I felt the movie could have been better. The chemistry between the two leads was lacking and the pace of the movie was a bit slow.
I went through this situation with my father 9 years ago and he was just as stubborn and resistant. What finally worked was asking him leading questions and honoring his opinions. I asked him, "What is your main barrier to moving?" My mother's health was failing and she really wanted to move to Independent Living (in a CCRC setting - Continuing Care Retirement Community). We finally convinced him to move to the Independent Apartment that they currently live in and they both love it. They have met many friends and are very active with classes, zoom meetings, etc. (Aged 91 and 88 years). Most all of their health care is on-site.
The idea that when one is old that Assisted Living is the only option is very dated. CCRC's are designed for Active Seniors. Assisted Living is an option as is Skilled Nursing . . . If needed at all.
Overall, I felt the movie could have been better. The chemistry between the two leads was lacking and the pace of the movie was a bit slow.
Love's Portrait
(2022 TV Movie)
Beautiful film
6 September 2022
I enjoyed this film very much. The accents were real and not faked as in many Hallmark movies. I recognized many places they visited as sites we traveled to on our tours in Ireland. The scenery and music made me feel as if I was back there again. The story was sweet and fanciful without need to be realistic - it was like an Irish story being told where you don't know how much is real and how much is fantasy but it doesn't really matter in the end. All that matters is the love and connections made. I think the main characters had chemistry and were believable. I don't understand why the female lead carried an umbrella while the male lead did not since it didn't look like it was raining at the time that they were visiting each O'Brien in the area.
One annoyance was the friend/boss Michelle who acted wooden and unrealistically pushy.
One annoyance was the friend/boss Michelle who acted wooden and unrealistically pushy.
The Journey Ahead
(2022 TV Movie)
Well done!
17 August 2022
A thoroughly enjoyable female bonding road trip movie with excellent writing and a good story line. The actors were well chosen and so believable in their roles. Their conversations were real and not their emotions not forced. I have nothing negative to say about this movie. Hallmark - more movies like these that have a lot of depth and honesty would be most appreciated! And if you could put these well written movies on your regular Hallmark channel (my sister isn't able to watch HM&M) that would be great!
Love in the Limelight
(2022 TV Movie)
Enjoyable!
8 August 2022
Unlike other reviewers, I thought this was a sweet story and I enjoyed watching it. All of the main actors seemed to be enjoying themselves. I especially enjoyed the dancing Abuela. The film has a light humorous aspect. I thought that the married in real-life couple did a good job of showing their deep friendship and love for each other.
Color My World with Love
(2022 TV Movie)
A must-watch Hallmark film!
14 June 2022
This was by far one of the best Hallmark movies I have seen in years. It rises to the level of a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. All of the actors were amazing and so believable. I think that every mother can relate to the challenge of being protective of her daughter while trying to let her be independent and happy in life. The challenge of having a daughter with special needs only amplifies the emotions between holding-on and letting-go. Please make more movies like this one! I will definitely watch it again.
(My one complaint: Because not all TV providers (i.e. DirecTV) carry Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, my sister is unable to see this movie. Please consider showing this movie on the regular Hallmark Channel to reach a wider audience).
(My one complaint: Because not all TV providers (i.e. DirecTV) carry Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, my sister is unable to see this movie. Please consider showing this movie on the regular Hallmark Channel to reach a wider audience).
Love, Classified
(2022 TV Movie)
Loved the modern storyline!
17 April 2022
Loved the fast paced modern storyline. The connections become apparent as the movie proceeds to tell the character's stories. It didn't flow well at certain spots in the story when it just jumped ahead in time, but overall I thought the story was well written. Love and family relationships are always complicated and this movie addresses these aspects in a unique manner.
Butlers in Love
(2022 TV Movie)
Cute movie . . .
30 January 2022
The other reviews here are very negative, however I found this to be very cute and with a different premise than the usual Hallmark ones. I don't watch Hallmark movies for their in-depth dramatic themes. It was light, humorous, and the actors looked like they were enjoying themselves.
Sugar Plum Twist
(2021 TV Movie)
Refreshing story
16 December 2021
Good film with a cultural twist that doesn't seem forced or have just a token diverse character thrown in. The story was interesting and included actors not seen in many other Hallmark movies, More movies like this please!
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: The Kristine Carlson Story
(2021 TV Movie)
Well done!
18 October 2021
A quality project with excellent compelling acting by all. You can tell that theis was a labor of love. I loved the books by Richard Carlson and enjoyed hearing his wife's story after the sudden tragedy that befell them. Thank you for making this inspiring movie.
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