lorriehoagland Reviews

The Mistletoe Secret (2019 TV Movie)

Mistletoe?

[5/10 · 25 October 2023]

So my biggest complaint is the lack of attention to one very important detail. The whole movie is based around mistletoe, mistletoe is key to the story, and yet the ornament seen throughout the movie to symbolize the mistletoe is HOLLY! Pointy leaves, red berries, and looks nothing like mistletoe. Hallmark, get your props department to do a better job.

Kelly Pickler is a terrible actress. She's cute as a button, sings beautifully, but acting is not her thing. I like the plot, but it's very hard to feel sympathy for the lead character Aria when she can't see through the obviously super shallow Sterling and overlooks nice guy Alex. Couple that with her bad acting and lack of attention to prop detail and it's a movie that's hard to watch.

A Royal Christmas Crush (2023 TV Movie)

So ridiculous

[4/10 · 15 July 2023]

The lead characters had zero on screen chemistry, for starters. The prince's fake accent was ridiculous. No one came across as believable or genuine (except a very small side character- a paparazzi photographer with integrity - was played very well by the actor). And we're supposed to believe the lead female character, Ava, is innocent and all but invites the prince into a hot tub? If she was just trying to help him with his sore neck she would have suggested he go and she kept her distance. And then the villain, Brigitta, just magically and instantly changes into someone who cares about the prince's best interests? She's been plotting and conniving the whole movie, has huge plans on putting her family in a royal position, but just suddenly gives up? Uh, no. It was just ridiculous and don't waste your time. I'll never get that 2 hours back unfortunately.

Love in the Maldives (2023 TV Movie)

No chemistry, not great acting, too many inconsistencies

[6/10 · 8 May 2023]

Positives: the storyline wasn't terrible (although rehashing so many parts of other Hallmark movies) and the scenery was beautiful.

Negatives: acting is not great, not much chemistry between the leads, and I really wish Hallmark would eventually realize the "little details " matter. For example, they make a big production of the travel writer only having a backpack when arriving, and it has mosquito netting, flashlights, etc. But by the end of the movie, said travel writer has worn at least 8 different outfits, 4 different pairs of shoes, and has accessories as well as extra pieces of clothing. And that all fit in the backpack, huh? In another part of the story they make a big deal that these baby sea turtles are gathered and released in a group to increase chances of survival, but immediately they take just 2 by themselves and release them. Little things like this drive me crazy! It makes the writers, director, and editors look very uncaring and unprofessional.

Aisle Be Home for Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

Don't waste your time

[5/10 · 29 December 2022]

I really wanted to like this movie. The plot had so many possibilities. Unfortunately bad writing, terrible acting, and bad directing ruined it. Terrible dialogue, actions that made zero sense, timing that was impossible (an hours long white out snowstorm that traps them all night in a store, then just because it stops they can "leave the store soon" , like there won't be piles of snow that will take a long time to clear?), and the list goes on.

The one decent actor was the older gentleman who played "Coach". I made myself watch the whole thing, but honestly I have that "well that's two hours of my life I'll never get back " feeling. So do yourself a favor and don't waste two hours of your time watching.

Inventing the Christmas Prince (2022 TV Movie)

Adorable!

[10/10 · 11 December 2022]

No spoilers. This is a great movie! Good characters, good acting, the little girl is precious, and a cute storyline. I loved it!

It's family friendly. Has a strong lead female character who is smart and has a job that isn't usually found in a Hallmark movie. She's also kind and funny and trying to raise her daughter to be the same way. Doesn't have the over used "I misunderstood stood a partly overheard conversation" or other regular plot twists either. The male lead was a good choice as well and I like how his character develops.

I will definitely watch this one again and hope to see more like it in the future.