Make Plans With New TV Movies & Series Episodes This Weekend - See Here:

Are YOU ready for the weekend? Let's start it early with a Friday night movie premiere!

This weekend's entertainment offerings have mystery, history, adventure, family, romance, and more!

Check out what's new below...



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Friday, April 26, 2024:

Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans

Storyline: Goldy Berry's Medieval feast at Hyde Castle gets interrupted by a murder. She teams up with Detective Shultz to solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again.

Curious Caterer: Foiled Plans

Premieres Friday, April 26, 2024

at 9pm/8c on Hallmark Mystery

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Saturday, April 27, 2024:

Branching Out

Storyline: To help build a family tree, single mom Amelia tracks down her daughter's IVF donor. It becomes a journey of trust, love, and discovering the meaning of family.

Branching Out

Premieres Saturday, April 27, 2024

at 8pm/7c on the Hallmark Channel

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Sunday, April 28, 2024:

Into the Wild Frontier

Episode 6, “John Coffee Hays: A Texas Legend” via INSP:

A Tennessee native, John Coffee Hays heads to the frontier of Texas in the 1830s and signs on as an early member of the Texas Rangers. In 1844, Hays becomes a legend when he leads a small band of rangers in a desperate fight with the Comanche.

Into the Wild Frontier

Premieres Sunday, April 28, 2024

at 6pm/5c on INSP

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Sunday, April 28, 2024:

Blue Ridge: The Series

Episode 4 - Appalachian Waltz:
A rare day-off for Justin is ruined when a hard-living country band's tour bus breaks down. Justin must manage both the romantic interest of their beautiful violinist and the havoc that their bully of a bodyguard is wreaking all over town.

Blue Ridge: The Series

Premieres Sunday, April 28, 2024

at 8pm/7c on the Cowboy Way Channel

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Sunday, April 28, 2024:

When Calls the Heart

images credit: Hallmark Media/edit: itsawonderfulmovie.com

Storyline: It’s Easter in Hope Valley. Elizabeth organizes an egg hunt with help from Nathan. A visitor from Lucas’s past gets the town talking. Angela and Cooper seek to mend a relationship.

When Calls the Heart

Premieres Sunday, April 28, 2024

at 9pm/8c on the Hallmark Channel

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Programming Notes:
(highlighting some of this weekend's classic movie stand-outs...)

image: Hallmark Media

Friday -

Fa La La Fridays on the Hallmark Channel:

It's Christmas, Eve - 7pm/6c.
Three Wise Men & a Baby - 11pm/10c.

*Click here for details on the new Christmas movie sequel: Three Wiser Men & a Boy.

image: Hallmark Media

Saturday -

Aurora Teagarden Marathon
starring Candace Cameron Bure
on Hallmark Mystery, 11am-11pm

image: Great American Media

Although Great American Family is not currently airing their original movies on their channel, you can still see their films - Saturday and Sunday nights on the new Merit Street channel. 

Saturday-
Romance at the Vineyard - 6pm/5c
A Harvest Homecoming - 8pm/7c

Sunday-
10 Steps to Love - 6pm/5c
A Prince in Paradise - 8pm/7c

*By the way, the Saturday night movies are my personal movie picks from this bunch. However, airing Sunday night is A Prince in Paradise, which will have its own sequel this Christmas on Great American Family. Click here for details on the new Christmas movie sequel: A Prince In Paradise 2: A Royal Proposal.


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I hope you all have wonderful plans for this last weekend in April. If so, you'll probably want to set your DVR for some (if not all) of the programs above.

It's the last *Spring into Love* movie this weekend for the Hallmark Channel. Next up in May - they will have their *Countdown to Summer* original movies. Stay tuned for that!

If you want an even more Spring feel, then you'll want to tune in for an Easter celebration this Sunday night on When Calls the Heart! The press images released by Hallmark show the children coloring eggs, which is so sweet to see, but I'm also hoping Pastor Joseph imparts some spiritual teachings around the true meaning of Easter/Resurrection Sunday.

In addition to When Calls the Heart on Sunday night, it's also the fourth episode of Blue Ridge: The Series. For those of you who recently asked about closed captioning, if you watch through the Cowboy Way Channel, it does not function; however, subtitles will work for Blue Ridge: The Series through Plex or XumoPlay. And both streaming options are free! I hope this helps many of you enjoy the show even more.

The new premiere from the Curious Caterer mystery wheel, starring Nikki DeLoach and Andrew Walker, certainly looks intriguing. I especially like their period costumes in this, and at least Hallmark has kept this series going - so far. Hopefully, "Foiled Plans" is just as delicious as the previous Curious Caterer mysteries.

Please note: I have not pre-screened the new movies/episodes mentioned above. If you'd like to leave a review, please share in comments below.

I hope you all have a bright and beautiful Spring weekend!

Blessings! 

Net

SHINING HIS LIGHT:

"In his heart a man plans his course,

but the LORD determines his steps."

~Proverbs 16:9

‘UNSUNG HERO’ – Movie Review from It’s a Wonderful Movie – “I Can’t Stop Singing Its Praises!” 🎬 See Here:

I am ecstatic to share with you all today that I was blessed to be one of the media/entertainment outlets provided a screener for the new biopic faith-based film, ‘Unsung Hero,’ which is based on the lives of the Smallbone family.

If you’re unfamiliar with the Smallbones, they are a family with seven children, three of whom became well-known Christian singers- eldest daughter, Rebecca St. James, and sons Joel and Luke Smallbone, of the renowned Christian pop duo— for KING & COUNTRY.

This powerful film, which officially opens in theaters across the country on Friday, April 26, 2024, is one, I pray, that will truly move you and anyone who sees it— emotionally and spiritually.

‘Unsung Hero’ is an inspirational, family-friendly film that is appropriate for all ages; it is rated PG by the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America).

I hope you enjoy my movie review below…

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

“The Proof of Your Love” ♪

Since seeing ‘Unsung Hero,’ I can’t stop singing its praises!

The Smallbone family had it all while living in Australia, according to what the world deems as success— wealth, a large home, a swimming pool, and all the comforts a lavish lifestyle affords. But when the father, David, loses it all after making some bad investments as a promoter in the Christian music industry, he and his wife, Helen, feel God’s calling to leave Australia and move to America with their six children.

Just when they believe things will turn around, another deal goes bad for David after they move into their small rental home in Nashville, Tennessee. With money scarce, no furniture, and little food, the family has to rely heavily on their faith and each other to earn money by cleaning homes and doing lawn service. David often has to set aside his pride to provide for his family.

It’s beautiful to watch the parents and children come together and rely on The Lord to see them through this difficult season in their lives. Over and over, even when one door closes, they continue to see the proof of God’s love in their lives as another window opens.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

“Fix My Eyes” ♪

When the Smallbone family is down to almost their last penny, their mother insists that they need to pray for everything they need. So, with scrap paper, they made two lists (seen in the image above) on the wood-paneled wall in their rental home.

The first list was *Please*, and the second list was *Thank You*. Under *Please*, they would list their prayers, which were numerous, and as each one was answered, they would move those prayers under *Thank You*. It was especially beautiful to see the children's optimism in this spiritual activity, as it was their faith in motion. As each prayer was answered, the thank yous got longer, and the needs under the please list became shorter.

Even when there were many obstacles in their way that seemed insurmountable, the Smallbone family fixed their eyes on God, and He saw them through their hardships with big and small miracles.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

“JOY, Let it Move You…” ♪

While' Unsung Hero' contains many intense moments of struggles and adversity, it also features many scenes with lighthearted, joyful comedy.

And what a joy it was to see such an amazing cast! The production quality matched the remarkable talent chosen to portray these real-life individuals.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

Joel Smallbone –

Christian Singer Joel Smallbone’s portrayal of his father, David, in this film is phenomenal. You can truly feel the passion in his voice and the intensity in his reactions, especially when he is at his lowest. A few minutes into the movie, I completely forgot he was singer Joel Smallbone of for KING & COUNTRY, as he embodied the look and mannerisms of his father, burdened with the task of caring for a large family.

Although this is not Joel’s first acting role, his performance in this is so impressive, I wouldn’t be surprised if this catapults his acting career into making even more inspirational films like this.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

Daisy Betts –

Australian Actress Daisy Betts portrays the mother (mum), Helen Smallbone, who not only has the task of rearing 6 children, but as they move to America – she is expecting their 7th child. Daisy's acting in this film, alongside Joel, is spectacular; you truly feel her emotion as she’s doing her best to raise her children and make their new life in Tennessee, even when times are hard, an exciting adventure. As the mother, she is the glue that holds them all together, encouraging them in their walk with God and uplifting their spirits. I was completely moved by her incredible performance.

Releasing this film just before Mother’s Day, I must say, is brilliant, because this film highlights all the joys and hardships of motherhood, while championing her role as the loving nurturer and loyal advocate for her children and husband. It was wonderful to see how being a mother is celebrated in this movie. I was moved to tears countless times by Helen's immense compassion and love for her family, along with her resolute determination to follow God’s will.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

Candace Cameron Bure –

Actress Candace Cameron Bure portrays Kay Albright, a member of their church family who becomes a good friend, along with her husband, Jed, to the Smallbone family after their arrival in Tennessee.

Albright is the perfect last name for Mrs. Kay because she is definitely a bright spot in the lives of the Smallbone family.

It was fun to hear Candace use a southern accent and wear a curly, reddish-brown wig and 90's style of clothing to look more like her real-life counterpart, but more importantly, it was beautiful to see her character, Kay, literally being the hands and feet of Jesus, giving to the Smallbones in their time of need.

This was truly an ideal role for Candace, who enthusiastically shares her love for Jesus through her character and in real life!

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

Lucas Black –

As Jed Albright, Actor Lucas Black offers some comedic scenes to the film with his witty southern accent; however, more importantly, Jed offers the love of Christ, as he’s a cheerful giver to the Smallbone family, even if David’s pride often has a hard time receiving.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

And more recognizable talent…

*Actor Jonathan Jackson (Nashville, General Hospital) portrays Christian musician Eddie DeGarmo, who is there for the Smallbone family at a pivotal time.

*Country/Christian Singer, Hillary Scott (Lady A), hits the right note as the church’s worship singer, Luanne Meece.

*Veteran Actor Terry O’Quinn (Lost, Christmas Sail) plays the Smallbone family patriarch, Grandpa James. He has several memorable lines in the film, but one of my favorites is: "Look around you... your faith, your family, that's what makes you rich in life."

*Happy Days sitcom star, Don Most, plays music rep, Pierce.

*Actress Rachel Hendrix (October Baby, Christmas Wishes, and Mistletoe Kisses) portrays a young Amy Grant.

*Christian Singer and Actress Rebecca St. James portrays a flight attendant.

*Luke Smallbone (for KING & COUNTRY) dons a long, bushy wig to portray one of the band members in the Christian rock group, Stryper.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

Although I didn’t recognize all of the children in the film from previous works, their performances are all outstanding, and I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if many of them are breakout stars in the making.

*Kirrilee Berger (Country Comfort) portrays eldest daughter, Rebecca Smallbone.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

“Burn the Ships” ♪

Fun scene moment: Near the beginning of the film, the family is running through the airport after being held at border patrol, and I couldn’t help but get a flashback of the movie Home Alone in my mind as the family races to catch their next flight. Thankfully, no child is left behind!

This scene also symbolized to me - their unwavering determination to plod forward in their belief that God was leading them to America. In theory, they were like pirates burning their ship and not looking back.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

“The Little Drummer Boy” ♪

Christmas feels in ‘Unsung Hero’:

Just like the Little Drummer Boy plays his best for Jesus in the aforementioned song, which is a well-known trademark for the For King & Country duo, later in the film, the Smallbone’s faith is tested once again at Christmastime when the children, who are doing their best to please God, pray for the gifts they want Santa to bring them on Christmas morning, believing with all of their hearts that God must be close friends with Saint Nick.

Once again, it is precious to see a child's innocent faith, and the church family provides a miracle that will surely warm your heart.

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

“God Only Knows…” ♪

When a film is released into the world, one can never foresee the impact it will have, the ripple effect of lives touched— this year, next year, and years to follow.

I absolutely recommend for everyone to see this film – as God only knows the lives ‘Unsung Hero’ will ultimately reach and touch for His Glory!

Image – Unsung Hero | Copyright, Lionsgate (Loinsgate Entertainment Corp.)

“Amen…” ♪ (pronounced ah-men)

My prayer is that this film will inspire each person who sees it and touch many lives for the kingdom.

When we are uncertain, Lord, help us to look to you, instruct us, guide us in the way that we should go, and direct our paths. You are our provider and protector.

I pray this movie is an encouragement to believers and a light in the darkness to those who are seeking.

May our faith be refreshened and reawakened!

Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.




Trailer for ‘UNSUNG HERO’:

Be sure to look for 'Unsung Hero' at your local theater. 

Let it move you!

God's Blessings,

Net

itsawonderfulmovie.com

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; 

and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, 

and he shall direct thy paths."

~Proverbs 3:5-6

Unsung Hero: The Inspired By Soundtrack
Available at Amazon - Click Here for Details

Hallmark Channel Announces Christmas Sequel “Three Wiser Men and a Boy”

The Brenner brothers - Luke (Andrew Walker), Stephan (Paul Campbell), and Taylor (Tyler Hynes) are back for Countdown to Christmas 2024.

Hallmark announced a sequel film to Three Wise Men and a Baby will air during their annual Christmas movie event.

The new film is currently titled: Three Wiser Men and a Boy and picks up five years later in the lives of the Brenner family

Synopsis via Hallmark: "In a crazy turn of events, possibly brought on accidentally by the brothers themselves, the director of Luke’s son Thomas’ (Miles Marthaller) school holiday musical steps down. Luke is desperate to make his son’s stage dreams come true, so he enlists the help of his brothers Taylor and Stephan. Meanwhile, the trio navigates meeting their mom Barbara’s (Margaret Colin) new boyfriend and the brothers grapple with their own feelings about this relationship. In true Brenner brother fashion, they are all in for a Christmas they will never forget."

Three Wiser Men and a Boy was written by: Paul Campbell, Kimberley Sustad and Russell Hainline.

Please share your thoughts in comments below.

Have a Merry Day!

Net

Series & Streaming News + Happy (early) 8 Months 'til Christmas!

Today's post is a round-up of What's New on TV this week and in Streaming, and you're invited to Countdown to Christmas with us as we *Mark the 25th Day* of the Month -Tomorrow!

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Catch the third episode of Elkhorn - on Thursday night at 9pm/8c on INSP.

Episode 3 ∙ Rustlers

Details via INSP: Theodore Roosevelt's early efforts to become a cattleman are jeopardized when a neighboring rancher accuses his men of rustling cattle. To save Elkhorn's reputation, Roosevelt and his men must capture the real thief and return the stolen livestock.

Previous episodes of Elkhorn can be seen on INSP's YouTube page - Season 1 and Season 2.

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Heartland returns with Season 17 in the U.S. on the streaming service, UP Faith & Family and the season premiere episode is also the 250th Episode of Heartland!

Details via UP Faith & Family: The commercial-free subscription streaming service UP Faith & Family, the leader in uplifting entertainment, will be the first place in the U.S. to premiere Heartland season 17 and the only place fans can stream until early next year. Beginning April 25, the service will add new episodes weekly with a three-week break after episode five. During the hiatus, UP Faith & Family will debut all-new exclusive content for fans.

Season 17. Episode 1-
Available April 25th on UP Faith & Family

EPISODE 1701: “The Path Less Traveled” 250th Episode:

Synopsis: Amy is surprised when a very pregnant Mallory shows up at the ranch with a wild horse. Jack and Tim face new competition, and Lou grapples with a familiar opponent in her campaign to be re-elected.


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Hallmark Movies Now (Hallmark's streaming service) has a new promo out for May, which gives clips of an all-new mystery titled, Tipline Mysteries: Dial 1 for Murder. The new mystery will premiere on the streamer- Thursday, May 16th, and will star Chris McNally (When Calls the Heart) and Holland Roden (Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas).

More details to come!

Here's the new Hallmark Movies Now video promo:




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Happy (early) 8 Months 'til Christmas!

Tomorrow is April 25th, and if you've been a follower here at It's a Wonderful Movie for a while, then you know on each 25th day of the month we highlight the day as we Countdown to Christmas! 

In honor of the 25th, we try to watch something Christmassy on this day - a movie, cartoon, etc... If you'd like to participate, simply share what Christmas movie/show you plan to watch to *Mark the 25th* in comments below.

My schedule is a little busy this week, so I'm going to try to catch some of Call Me Mrs. Miracle, in honor of the fact that Eric Johnson will be Candace Cameron Bure's co-star in her upcoming Great American Family Christmas movie, A Christmas Less Traveled. I just adore that Hallmark movie classic!

Also, the Hallmark Channel has some fun Christmas movies airing Friday night - here are two I recommend-

It's Christmas, Eve - 7pm/6c
Three Wise Men & a Baby - 11pm/10c


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Have a Wonderful Day, Everyone!

Stay tuned for my weekend movie post on Friday and something special tomorrow!

Blessings to you all,

Net

Danica McKellar and Oliver Rice To Star In Great American Family's 'A Royal Christmas Ball' - DETAILS HERE:

Prepare to get swept off your feet this upcoming Christmas season in Great American Family's new holiday premiere, A Royal Christmas Ball. The film stars Danica McKellar, who is well-known for the sitcom Wonder Years and her movies Crown for Christmas, A Royal Date for Christmas, Swing Into Romance, and more.

Joining Danica in the film and on the dance floor is Oliver Rice, who you'll surely recognize from Chesapeake Shores, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries: Heist and Seek, and more recently in One Bad Apple: A Hannah Swensen Mystery, to name a few.

Get the full scoop on this all-new Christmas movie production coming this holiday season to Great American Family in the press release below...


PRESS RELEASE:

GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

ANNOUNCES DANICA MCKELLAR

SET TO STAR IN

A ROYAL CHRISTMAS BALL (wt),

CO-STARRING OLIVER RICE,

PART OF 

GREAT AMERICAN CHRISTMAS 2024

NEW YORK, NY – April 23, 2024 – Great American Family, one of the nation’s leading producers of original holiday content, announced Danica McKellar (A Royal Date for Christmas, Swing Into Romance) and Oliver Rice (“Firefly Lane,” Magic In Mistletoe) are set to star in, A Royal Christmas Ball (wt), which begins production this week. A Royal Christmas Ball, with waltzes choreographed by “Dancing With the Stars” professional dancer Gleb Savchencko, premieres this November as part of Great American Christmas 2024.

In A Royal Christmas Ball, Chelsea Jones (McKellar) is a dance instructor and studio owner in Chicago who inspires kids to find themselves through dance. Just before Christmas, Chelsea discovers a photo she’s never seen before. Chelsea thinks the young woman is her birth mother who passed away when she was only five years old. The woman is in a wedding dress tugging on the hand of a man wearing a wedding ring, but that is all that can be seen of the man Chelsea believes may be her father. The photo’s handwritten inscription reads, “Our place, Havenshire, December 23, 1984.” With only the internet, a plane ticket, and lifelong determination to go on, Chelsea now has four days in Havenshire to solve the mystery of her birth family. Along the way, she’ll have to sneak into a castle, teach a stubborn Prince how to dance, and be in just the right place on Christmas Eve when the bells toll.

“Royal movies are among our viewers’ favorites,” said Bill Abbott, President & CEO, Great American Media. “Finding love when and where you least expect it is the heart of royal fanfiction and Danica and Oliver do a brilliant job of making heartfelt wishes come true,” Abbott concluded.

“Oliver Rice exudes a dashing Cary Elwes-vibe,” said star, Danica McKellar. “Oliver grew up in London and graduated from Oxford School of Drama and brings genuine nobility to the role of Prince Phillip. I cannot wait for fans to see him in the film,” McKellar concluded.

A Royal Christmas Ball (wt) is executive produced by Brad Krevoy, Amy Krell, Vince Balzano, Danica McKellar, Jimmy Townsend, Susie Belzberg Krevoy, and Don McBrearty. Producer is David Anselmo. Supervising producers are Kelly Martin, Michael Shepard, Michael Beard, and James Mou. A Royal Christmas Ball is written by Marcy Holland. Story by Danica McKellar and Marcy Holland.

ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN FAMILY

Great American Family is America’s premiere destination for quality family-friendly programming, including original holiday movies, rom-coms and fan-favorite series that celebrate faith, family and country. Great American Family is home to year-round seasonal celebrations including Great American Christmas, the network’s signature franchise featuring holiday themed movies and specials. Founded in 2021, Great American Family is part of the Great American Media portfolio of brands.

Follow Great American Family on

Twitter: @GAfamilyTV Facebook: @GAfamilytv Instagram: @greatamericanfamily

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My Quick Take:

Well, first of all, congratulations to Danica McKellar for seeing this film idea of hers finally coming into fruition. I know it has been many years in-the-making, and I'm most happy for her.

I did have a hunch that professional dancer Gleb Savchencko (who was Danica's dance partner on “Dancing With the Stars”) might be involved with this production, since I was expecting Danica's movie to revolve around dancing. And I must say Gleb's performance in Swing into Romance with Danica was excellent. In fact, I believe he's just as good as an actor, as he is on the dance floor. However, it doesn't sound as if he'll be in front of the camera at all for this movie, which is unfortunate if that ends up being the case.

Actor Oliver Rice has the honor of playing opposite of Danica in A Royal Christmas Ball, and I must admit, I'm still getting used to the idea. Honestly, he wasn't on my bingo card to play Danica's opposite this year. I was thinking of perhaps Matthew Morrison, Drew Seeley, or Joey Lawrence, based on the fact that dancing will be majorly involved, and I know all three are phenomenal dancers. However, I can definitely imagine Oliver playing the role of the stubborn prince while using his English accent.

So, I look forward to hopefully seeing some sneak-peeks of Danica and Oliver acting/dancing together, as they will be filming their Christmas movie for Great American Family soon!

Please be sure to share your thoughts in comments below.

Have a Merry Day!

Net