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Reviews
Autumn at Apple Hill (2024)
Something different about this RomCom
We have watched a lot of romcoms since the pandemic, and although this particular movie followed the typical checklist, it had a certain appeal that was lacking in many others. We particularly liked the secondary romance in the background, as well as the great performances by the lead actress and actor.
Initially, we thought that the rich guy coming to the rescue for the Inn keeper would be the winning formula. What was different about this movie however, was surprising - the rich guy did something different.
They of course, still fell in love. And of course, everything worked out in the end.
The Family Plan (2023)
Like CODA - Well Done!
Not sure how Apple TV does it, but I really enjoyed this action packed movie that had me interested from the Title alone. Just like Apple TV's CODA, although I am
almost certain this movie will not get a best picture nomination like CODA did!
Reminded me of Mr. And Mrs. Smith, but with the addition of three kids, including an adorable baby who was filmed perfectly reacting to the wild events unfolding right before his eyes.
The best part of the movie was the importance of family, and how everyone was able to add significant value to the trials and tribulations that the lead encountered.
A fun family movie - keep up the good work Apple TV+!
Holiday Road (2023)
One of the BEST Christmas Movies this or any year!
Very well done Hallmark! Although it followed some normal Christmas checklist points of Hallmark movies (e.g., cancelled holiday airlines and broken down vehicle before arrival) , the grouping of such a diverse cast was truly extraordinary. Everyone interacted so well after a rocky start. We have watched a lot of Hallmark movies and as far as Christmas fair goes, this was truly one of the best! The role of the social media influencer was very well played and helped tie the great story together. This movie had everything, from sadness to great happiness and of course love. The beginning, the story and especially the ending were really very very well done! My wife and I highly recommend this movie!
Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023)
Would This Happen in 2023?
We enjoy the two leads (very different from Jingle Bell Princess), and we were delighted to see Eric Peterson (last seen in the great and very funny series Corner Gas) - a much different role indeed!
We wonder about the entire premise of this movie being applicable in the current state of the world in 2023 - would a single lady actually answer a random text message and travel to a complete stranger's family to celebrate the biggest "family" holiday of the year?
In any case, she did, and the rest of the script played out beautifully, as we hoped it would.
All in all, a sweet romcom - 8 out of 10!
Guiding Emily (2023)
This Was Truly Great (and Different) RomCom!
My wife and I have watched a lot of RomComs since the Pandemic (and we rate them on a spreadsheet we can share). Guiding Emily was one of the elite "Very Best" and was very different from many RomComs.
To begin with, all the actors were very good, even the guide dog! It could not have been easy having a sighted actress portray a bind person, but it was done very well indeed! Kindness abounded for someone in need.
And Emily's team love for her, as well as her rock wall climbing beau, were very believable and heartwarming.
Except for Emily's supposed original love interest abandoning her, everything in this movie was different and well done.
We highly recommend this great movie! Thanks!
The Love Club (2023)
Very, very hard to watch! first movie review only!
We have watched a very lot of ROMCOMs since the pandemic started, and this was far and away the worst we have ever seen. Where to begin?
The script was terrible and we don't blame the Lead actors. When the plot revolves around lying and deceit, you can expect problems!
The 4 lady friends acted like high school kids and it was painful to watch their interactions - painful might be too generous😩
We especially disliked the cringeworthy yoga / massage sequence - harder to watch, if you can believe it, that the four friends interactions, which was very bad!
Finally, the idea that someone, engaged, would pursue a never met old pen pal (while still engaged) is not really the best theme for a ROMCOM.
Don't waste your time!
The Love Club: Nicole's Pen Pal (2023)
Don't Waste Your Time!
Since the pandemic, my wife and I have watched over 500 Hallmark movies and other romcoms. We like them because you usually can't tell the outcome after the first five or six minutes. In addition, you can usually rely on the good Hallmark actors to do a great job. This was not the case with this movie.
Unfortunately, this movie had a bunch of problems, prominent among which were lying and deception, in addition to the chemistry between the lead actors was in the negative numbers.
Using dyslexia as an excuse for lying, was not a good idea in my humble opinion, nor was the acceptance of a designer without checking credentials.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
My Favorite Movie of All Time!
Watched in 1980 and many, many times in the 42 years since. Had everything - comedy, action, music, and unbelievable car chases. And the story line was fantastic. Never gets old. Leads were wonderful - and hysterically funny! From John Belushi and Dan Akroyd (the Blues Brothers) to Kathleen Freeman (Catholic Nun) and father figure Cab Calloway, plus music stars like James Brown, Murphy Dunne, guitarist Steve Cropper, guitarist Donald 'Duck' Dunn, drummer Willy Hall, and sax player Tom Malone. And even Ray Charles! The musicians were world class - all of them.
I challenge you to find a 1980 movie with such a cast, not even counting the "bad guys"/police.
Favorite scenes abound, and the cast was simply top notch. And the musicians were world class - all of them.
My favorite movie of all time - and I am old!
My Grown-Up Christmas List (2022)
Should Have Had Army Consultant!
Ok, except for haircuts, uniforms and flying fiancés into remote dangerous areas. Not Army-realistic😩 not believable if you ever served! Leads attraction seemed real!
Rip in Time (2022)
Well Done! Very different Hallmark love story!
My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed this rather unique Hallmark movie! Not standard Hallmark, except for the drama towards the end and of course the end. We liked both leads and the story line!
CODA (2021)
Wow Wow Wow! Exactly the Best!
My wife and I have been on this planet for a very long time, and we finally found the most heartwarming family movie in CODA. Had everything- acting, music, sets, comedy, romance, just perfect. Had no idea about the power of ASL and great credit to Ruby for becoming proficient with it. Funny in spots; tears in other scenes. We both loved this movie!
Fit for a Prince (2021)
Blue Spot on right side of lead actress's forehead at the beginning scenes
Did anybody else see this or was it just us?
Not really plausible in 2022, maybe somewhat believable years ago.
Otherwise, typical royal/commoner Hallmark fare😃
Destination Wedding (2017)
Confused?
Did both couples get married at the end? I am confused 😃 The Best Man and Maid of Honor got married but I didn't see the planned wedding take place...
Candles on Bay Street (2006)
Sad, Predictable, but Well Done!
Yes, it was sad. Yes, it was predictable. But I thought it was well done, given the time period it was made (2006) and the scenery, acting, and storyline. Thanks Hallmark!
North to Home (2022)
Touching Story of Post Tragedy Siblings
This was a very touching (and realistic) story of the aftermath of a 25 year old tragedy and what happened to the siblings involved. Thoroughly enjoyable and "believable". Sad, joyful, well worth your time.
Jingle Bell Princess (2021)
Ok, Another Lost Princess/Prince in Smalltown, USA
We get it, and have seen a few of these fairy tales. However, this was a very enjoyable version of a common RomCom theme. The Princess was great in keeping her secret, and the single parent family that took her in, along with the entire town, gave viewers many warm and fuzzy moments. Sit back with some popcorn and a glass of wine and enjoy!
The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005)
One of Hallmark's Best
What an absolute great movie! Such a moving story and really great acting. Thoroughly enjoyable plot and fantastic finish. Thanks Hallmark.
Jojo Rabbit (2019)
Effective and efficient- well done.
One of the best- delicately handling a dark period in human history with touching, humorous and sincere characters and excellent story line. Definitely not your average production- causes you to have multiple simultaneous emotions! Well done!
Cold Pursuit (2019)
Fargo Like
If you loved the movie or TV series Fargo, you will absolutely enjoy this great movie!