Hallmark Channel's New "4th of July" Movie premieres this Weekend!

 

"Banner 4th of July"

Premieres Saturday June 29th,

with repeat airings on Sunday, June 30th, too!

 

It's a Firecracker of a Special, which stars:

Brooke White, Christian Campbell, Michael Barbuto,
and Mercedes Ruehl.

 

Plot details:

 "As the Fourth of July approaches, it is up to Desiree and her siblings to put into action a plan that will save Pinewood Hills. In order for The Banners Project to help their beloved hometown recover from hard financial times, they must put their family feud aside and find harmony both on and offstage."

 

See the Family TV Schedule

for times airing.

Visit the "Banner 4th of July" Page

for more details and images!

Archive June 2013 TV Schedule

For your reference:

This is an ARCHIVE (below) of the Schedule from June 2013. For an updated schedule, please visit this link.


JUNE



June 1, 2013 Saturday

Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 9 PM *NEW PREMIERE
Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 11 PM *Encore


June 2, 2013 Sunday

Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 11 AM *Encore
Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 1 PM *Encore
Jimmy ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 7 PM
Jimmy ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 9 PM
Jimmy ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 11 PM
Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 9 PM *Encore
Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 11 PM *Encore


June 7, 2013 Friday

Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 3 PM *Encore
Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 9 PM *Encore
Jimmy ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 11 PM


June 8, 2013 Saturday

Strawberry Summer ... Hallmark Channel ... 9 PM *NEW PREMIERE



June 9, 2013 Sunday

Strawberry Summer ... Hallmark Channel ... 1 PM *Encore
Finding Normal ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 5 PM *Encore
The Bouquet ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 7 PM *NEW PREMIERE
Courage, New Hampshire (All 4 hours!) ... INSP ... 7 PM *Encore
Strawberry Summer ... Hallmark Channel ... 9 PM *Encore
The Bouquet ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 9 PM *Encore
The Bouquet ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 11 PM *Encore


June 14, 2013 Friday

Space Warriors ... Hallmark Channel ... 8 PM *Encore
The Bouquet ... UP (previously known as GMC) ... 11 PM *Encore


June 15, 2013 Saturday

In honor of Father's Day Weekend, I will list Father-themed movies, old and new!

Operation Cupcake ... Hallmark Channel ... 11 AM
Class ... Hallmark Channel ... 1 PM
Wedding Daze ... Hallmark Channel ... 5 PM
Be My Valentine ... Hallmark Channel ... 7 PM
Notes from Dad ... Hallmark Channel ... 9 PM *NEW PREMIERE
Notes from Dad ... Hallmark Channel ... 11 PM *Encore



June 16, 2013 Sunday

Happy Father's Day!

The Courtship of Eddie's Father ... TCM ... 8 AM
“Father Know Best” Fest ... Antenna TV ... 9 AM – 3 AM
Father of the Bride ... TCM ... 10 AM
Wedding Daze ... Hallmark Channel ... 11 AM
Getting Even with Dad ... UP ... 11 AM
Because of Winn-Dixie ... INSP ... 12 PM
Notes from Dad ... Hallmark Channel ... 1 PM *Encore
The Last Brickmaker in America ... INSP ... 2:30 PM
Be My Valentine ... Hallmark Channel ... 3 PM
“Dads of Me” Sunday Showcase ... Me-TV ... 3 PM – 7 PM
Because of Winn-Dixie ... INSP ... 4:30 PM
Dad's Home ... Hallmark Channel ... 5 PM
Courageous ... UP ... 7 PM
The Nanny Express ... Hallmark Channel ... 7 PM
A Father's Choice ... INSP ... 8 PM
The Game Plan ... Disney Channel ... 8 PM
To Kill a Mockingbird ... TCM ... 8 PM
Notes from Dad ... Hallmark Channel ... 9 PM *Encore
Courageous ... UP ... 10 PM
The Last Brickmaker in America ... INSP ... 10 PM
Life with Father ... TCM ... 10:15 PM
A Father's Choice ... INSP ... 12 AM


June 19, 2013 Wednesday

Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 5 PM *Encore


June 20, 2013 Thursday

Norman Rockwell's Shuffleton Barbershop ... Hallmark Movie Channel ... 11 AM *Encore


June 23, 2013 Sunday

Meddling Mom ... Hallmark Channel ... 7 PM *Encore


June 28, 2013 Friday

Space Warriors ... Hallmark Channel ... 8 PM *Encore


June 29, 2013 Saturday

Strawberry Summer ... Hallmark Channel ... 5 PM *Encore
Banner 4th of July ... Hallmark Channel ... 9 PM *NEW PREMIERE
Banner 4th of July ... Hallmark Channel ... 11 PM *Encore


June 30, 2013 Sunday

The Waltons Wedding Specials Marathon ... UP ... 3 PM - 1 AM
Strawberry Summer ... Hallmark Channel ... 11 AM *Encore
Banner 4th of July ... Hallmark Channel ... 1 PM *Encore
Banner 4th of July ... Hallmark Channel ... 9 PM *Encore



This is an ARCHIVE of the Schedule from June 2013. For an updated schedule, please visit this link.

Hallmark Movie: The Color of Rain

MOVIE REVIEW


The Color of Rain


Network: Hallmark Movie Channel

Original Air Date: May 31, 2014


Network: Hallmark Channel

Original Air Date: August 23, 2014

*This Hallmark TV Movie is based on the New York Times bestseller, "The Color of Rain" by Michael and Gina Spehn.

CAST:

Lacey Chabert ... Gina Kell
Warren Christie ... Michael Spehn
Alex Zahara ... Pastor Karl
Lisa Durupt ... Colleen
Sean Michael Kyer ... Sam
Seth Isaac Johnson ... Drew
Alison Thornton ... Charlotte
Logan Williams ... Jack
Callum Airlie ... Danny

PLOT:

via Hallmark Press Release:

After cancer claims Matt Kell's life on Christmas Day 2005, his widow, Gina (Chabert) and two young boys are left to cope with the pain of his loss while their close church community gathers around them for support. Wanting to be close to her kids, Gina starts to volunteer at their elementary school and meets the Spehn children, Jack, Danny and Charlotte. In a gut-wrenching coincidence, just weeks after Matt's death, the Spehn's mom, Cathy, also suddenly succumbs to cancer, leaving her distraught husband, Michael (Christie), to care for their three kids on his own. Sensing the hopelessness in Michael she so recently saw in herself, Gina reaches out to Michael and his kids and the two families begin to forge an unlikely friendship and close bond.

Over the year that follows, their lives become intertwined as they learn to lean on each other - during the at-times insurmountable obstacles, tears and adversity - and begin to heal with laughter, compassion and faith. As Gina and Michael realize their newfound friendship is so much more, they struggle against some surprising resistance from their families and community to unite their two grieving families as one and eventually learn to open their hearts to love again.

Movie Review:


Like lightning striking twice, "The Color of Rain" is a powerful story of loss, life, and finding love again.


When Michael Spehn and Gina Kell lose their spouses weeks apart, it's as if a dark cloud has come over them, until they find the comfort they seek, in their children and in their new friendship. Although Michael and Gina don't know each other well, at first, they do know exactly how the other feels. As they share their grief, the children also enjoy being together, and it seems they easily become like family.

Gina helps Michael with common Motherly tasks: such as cooking and laundry, and Michael helps Gina's sons build bunk beds.

The future ahead appears to be bright and sunny as all seems to be going along fine for the Spehn and Kell family until friends and family start to question their friendship/relationship being too much too soon.

As Christmas approaches, they both feel pressured to cool their relationship, so they decide to spend the Holidays apart. The Spehn family goes away at Christmas, however they have a change of heart, and decide to return home, at the last minute, for the Christmas Pageant.

In the end, will Michael and Gina, both decide to follow their own hearts?

Along the way, Gina had been looking for a sign and Michael reminds her of the double rainbow they saw together - the promise of a colorful life ahead.

"The Color of Rain" is a beautiful story of finding hope through the storms of life.



See or Skip:

See. It's a lovely movie.


(Please note: This story does involve the death of a spouse and parent, so it may not be suitable for young viewers.)

Warren Christie and Lacey Chabert

--

*The small images of Warren Christie and Lacey Chabert (above) are via their Hallmark Channel Movies: The Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Elevator Girl.

*"The Color of Rain" is a LaCanada/Lighthouse Pictures Production.

Hallmark Movie: The Watsons Go To Birmingham

MOVIE REVIEW


The Watsons Go To Birmingham

Network: Hallmark Channel

Original Air Date: September 20, 2013

*Movie is based on the book, "The Watsons go to Birmingham" by Christopher Paul Curtis. A special new release of this book, features the cast on the cover, and pictures from the movie. (Book Cover pictured below.)

CAST:

Anika Noni Rose ... Wilona Watson
David Alan Grier ... Mr. Robert
Skai Jackson ... Joetta Watson
LaTanya Richardson ... Grandma Sands
Wood Harris ... Daniel Watson
Bryce Jenkins ... Kenny Watson
Harrison Knight ... Byron Watson

PLOT:

via Hallmark Press Release:

Set in the Summer of 1963, Flint, Michigan is home to the Watsons, a close knit "All American Family" made up of Daniel and Wilona Watson (Harris and Rose) and their three kids, 15 year-old juvenile delinquent Byron (Knight), nerdy 11 year-old Kenny (Jenkins) and eight year-old adorable sister Joetta (Jackson). When Byron's antics go over the top, his parents realize enough is enough and they decide the family needs a dose of Grandma Sands (Richardson) no nonsense approach in Birmingham, Alabama.

So the Watsons load up the 1948 Plymouth Brown Bomber outfitted with a true tone Ultra-Glide turntable and head South with plenty of comedy en route. When they finally make it to Birmingham, they meet Grandma Sands and her friend, Mr. Robert (Grier), who show them around town, and the Watsons discover that life is very different there than in Flint - and not necessarily for the better. During that historic summer, the Watsons find themselves caught up in something far bigger than Byron's antics. Something that will change their lives and country forever.

Click here for "The Watsons go to Birmingham" book

Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...

--
*images via: Essence

The book "How Murray Saved Christmas" becomes Christmas Cartoon!

MOVIE REVIEW


How Murray Saved Christmas


Network: NBC

Original Air Date: December 5, 2014

*The hour-long cartoon animation
is based on Mike Reiss' best-selling children's book
of the same name, "How Murray Saved Christmas".

*This book has many wonderful reviews. To read them, click here.

"How Murray Saved Christmas" book becomes Cartoon!

CAST:

Jason Alexander ... Doc Holiday
Sean Hayes ... Edison Elf
Dennis Haysbert ... The Narrator
John Ratzenberger ... Officer Bender
Kevin Michael Richardson ... Santa Claus
Jerry Stiller ... Murray Weiner


PLOT:

via NBC press release:

The story centers on cranky deli owner Murray Kleiner, who is forced to fill in for Santa one Christmas and does a weirdly wonderful job.


Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...


*produced by Universal Television
--

New! "Toy Story of Terror" Cartoon coming to ABC

MOVIE REVIEW

Toy Story of Terror

fom Disney • Pixar

Network: ABC

Original Air Date: October 16, 2013

*This is a 30 minute cartoon.

Disney • Pixar Still of "Toy Story of Terror"

CAST:

Tim Allen ... Buzz Lightyear
Tom Hanks ... Woody
Joan Cusack ... Jessie
Carl Weathers ... Combat Carl / Combat Carl Jr.
Timothy Dalton ... Mr. Pricklepants
Don Rickles ... Mr. Potato Head
Wallace Shawn ... Rex
Kristen Schaal ... Trixie


PLOT:

via ABC press release:

From Disney•Pixar comes a spooky new tale featuring all of the favorite characters from the "Toy Story" films. What starts out as a fun road trip for the "Toy Story" gang takes an unexpected turn for the worse when the trip detours to a roadside motel. After one of the toys goes missing, the others find themselves caught up in a mysterious sequence of events that must be solved before they all suffer the same fate in this "Toy Story of Terror."



Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...

--

Ideas for the First Day or any Day of Summer!

Ready or Not, Here it Comes!!!
Summer is here (as of Friday, June 21st) and it's a wonderful time to soak up every precious moment!

Here are some fun Summer Ideas:

*Have a Picnic (Pack something simple and be sure not to invite the ants or bees!)

*Bike Ride (wear helmets / safety gear and choose a safe location, it's also great fun and exercise!)

*Camping (be sure to bring proper equipment and snacks!)

*Enjoy Outdoor Activities as a Family (such as: Corn Hole, Horse Shoes, Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Baseball, Tennis, Swimming, etc...)

*Gather around a Fire-pit or Bon-fire (be sure to keep children a safe distance from fire, sparks, and matches, bring a songbook or simply have sharing or story time)

*Plant a Garden or some flowers in your yard

*Have Family Movie Night (of course, I had to include this! Maybe choose a Camp or Summer-themed Film to get you in the spirit!)

*Take a Simple Drive around your hometown (point out and visit special places!)

*Plan a Road Trip

*Get tickets to The Symphony or an Outdoor Concert

*Visit a Museum

*Visit your Local Fair / Festival / Amusement Park

*Go to the Beach

*Go Sailing (be sure to wear a Life-Jacket)

*Visit the Zoo

*Plan a Scavenger Hunt

*Visit the Road not Taken

*Go Hiking / Walk Trails (choose safe locations, go in groups, and bring water!)

*Plan a Slumber Party for Girls or a Campout for Boys!

*Check out your local Farmers Market (fresh food is always the best food!)

*Shop at an Outdoor Mall

*Check out local Garage Sales and Flea Markets (anothers mans trash is another mans treasure!)

*Relax at the end of the day with a good book

*Have Devotional or Scripture Reading Time

*Start a Puzzle, Chess Game, Board Game, or other Activity for Rainy Days

*Bake or Make something special for family members

*Visit Family or Friends you haven't seen in a while

*Have a BBQ with the neighbors

*Make Popcicles, Lemonade, or your own Ice Cream

*And, after you do all that, you'll need to... Plan a Vacation!


Please be careful and safe in whatever activities and plans you make for your Summer Vacation. These are just some ideas. Please use your own judgement in choosing what suits you best, or your family.

If you like any of these ideas, have any other ideas, or would like to share something special that you do - please share in comments below!

Have a Wonderful Summer, Everyone!

(*Images via: Magnamail Blogspot- Picnic Tips, UVM Career Services Blog, Red Bee Media, 3wordsfor365, She Knows Celebrations)

New Updates (you may or may not have noticed!)

Sometimes, new information and pictures are added to older postings and I just wanted you to be aware of these new and latest additions.

First of all, the Banner has been updated above with new movie images on the right.

(click image to enlarge)

The new images are from the Movies: God's Country (coming to the Up network), Banner 4th of July (Hallmark Channel), and I've included the upcoming Summer Movie Musical for the Disney Channel, Teen Beach Movie. It reminds me of a modern day, "G" version of Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello's "Beach Blanket Bingo" type movies. Featured on the left, remains the Hallmark Channel's  upcoming July Original Movies: Second Chances and Cedar Cove, which will also be the Hallmark Channel's first scripted drama series.


New Movie Reviews:


Finding Normal- Dr. Lisa Leland (portrayed by Candace Cameron Bure) wasn't really seeking a different life, but when she finds herself on the wrong side of the law in a small town called Normal, everything for her changes! (click here to read more of my review)


Notes from Dad- A real, authentic movie that honors fatherhood. This wasn't your typical sugar-coated happy-all-the-time little movie. These characters had depth - issues, problems, wounds.

Inspired by the life of his father, and the hero he was during the Vietnam war, Clay Allen felt compelled to do something with his life that could make a difference; thus, he became a teacher, a music teacher. (click here to read more of my review)


New Movie Images:

New Movie Press Promotional Pictures have been added to the site for:

Teen Beach Movie - starring Disney Channel stars Ross Lynch and Maia Mitchell.

Click here to see more "Teen Beach Movie" Pictures

and

Banner 4th of July starring American Idol Alum, Brooke White.

Click here to see more "Banner 4th of July" Pictures

I hope you enjoy these updates and have a Wonderful Day!

"Old Henry" series stars America's Favorite TV Father

One of America's All-time Favorite TV Fathers... Legendary Actor Ralph Waite, who portrayed the role of the father John Walton in the Television Series, The Waltons, will now star in this short series, titled "Old Henry", on INSP.

Here are the Press Details I received directly from INSP:

Old Henry, a six-part scripted series, is part of INSP’s “Moments” campaign starring
Ralph Waite (The Waltons) and Rachel Hendrix (October Baby)

Indian Land, SC – A six-part short-form series, Old Henry, created by family entertainment network INSP, will premiere on INSP on Monday, June 17th and Tuesday, June 18th. The announcement was issued today by David Cerullo, Chairman and CEO of The Inspiration Networks.

“As an extended storyline in INSP’s Moments initiative, Old Henry is groundbreaking,” said Cerullo. “To our knowledge, no network has ever created a multi-part, 2-3 minute (per episode) series that airs in back-to-back prime time blocks over a two night period. Not only is the delivery method revolutionary; the subject matter is relevant and poignant.”

Old Henry spotlights the pervasive devaluation and dismissal of the elderly within society and focuses on Henry, a man in his 80s dealing with these challenges. When Jessica (October Baby’s Rachel Hendrix), a friendly stranger, shows him the respect and honor absent from the world around him, Henry begins to rediscover the true value inherent within himself and, in turn, becomes an inspiring example to Jessica.

The production features famed actor, Ralph Waite, in the role of Henry.

“It particularly is appropriate that Ralph is featured as Henry,” Cerullo said. “He gained fame for portraying John Walton on the hit TV series, ‘The Waltons’ (which airs daily on INSP). Waite has earned the trust and respect of American audiences; traits needed to effectively communicate such an important and timely message.”

“The reason I wanted to play Henry was because of the script,” explained Waite. “It was warm and beautiful and told a story that needs to be told. It’s not easy to find a script that brings everything together in a way that respectfully deals with hard issues while at the same time entertaining an audience. This script does that. It only took me a few moments to decide that I wanted to be involved.”

Old Henry is part of INSP’s Moments intiative. “This short-form content has been hugely successful and had an enormous impact,” Cerullo said. “These ‘programs’ air several times a day throughout the INSP schedule and are designed to provide an inspiring and enlightening ‘Moment’ that encourages individuals to do the right thing. Similar to PSAs, this unique art form is richer and more detailed. And audiences love them.”

According to Cerullo, the Moments’ spot with the most impact to date has been Thank You For Your Service. “This has a strong message of support for veterans. The video has been honored and showcased by many veterans groups. It has resonated with those (past and present) who have served in the military, as well as the general public. I believe that Old Henry will resonate with American audiences in a similar way. Old Henry speaks to a different issue, but is sure to tug just as hard on the heart strings of all who see it.”

Old Henry will debut in six, two-to-three minute “episodes,” during breaks in the following prime time programs:


June 17th - Monday

Little House 8:19pm EDT - Old Henry Episode 1

The Waltons 9:16pm EDT - Old Henry Episode 2

Matlock 10:16pm EDT - Old Henry Episode 3


June 18th – Tuesday

Little House 8:18pm EDT - Old Henry Episode 4

The Waltons 9:15pm EDT - Old Henry Episode 5

Matlock 10:23pm EDT - Old Henry Episode 6


Missed episodes will be released online immediately following their television debut. The entire series will be available at www.moments.org after the airing of Episode 6 on June 18th. Following the series debut, Old Henry will be rotated throughout the INSP schedule, joining the Moments library.

INSP is available in more than 75 million households across the U.S. via cable systems, telcos and on Dish Network channel 269 and DirecTV channel 364. Viewers can check their local program guides for channel line-up information or visit www.insp.com.

See this Video Clip of Ralph Waite talking about "Old Henry":



    Thank you, Melissa, at INSP for sharing this news with me! I hope many of you will enjoy this series!

Father's Day Weekend Movie Specials!

The Hallmark Channel will premiere "Notes from Dad" on Saturday night, and will have encore airings on Sunday, Father's Day! They will also air other father-themed movies, including: "Dad's Home", "Wedding Daze", and more...

TCM will play various Classic Father Movies, including: "The Courtship of Eddie's Father", "Father of the Bride", "To Kill a Mockingbird", and my favorite, William Powell and Irene Dunne in "Life with Father".



Life with Father



INSP is playing Special Movies that honor fathers: "Because of Winn-Dixie", "A Father's Choice", and more...

The Disney Channel has The Rock, Dwayne Johnson, learning how to be a father in "The Game Plan".




Courageous

 UP will air a double-feauture of the movie, "Courageous". A movie centered around various stages of fatherhood and learning "honor begins at home".

The digital station Me-TV will feature in it's Sunday Showcase: The "Dads of Me"... These are Retro TV Sitcoms and Dramas, such as: Make Room for Daddy, Bonanza, etc... that honor fatherhood, starting at 3 PM - 7 PM (est).

Antenna TV, also a digital station, will have a "Father Knows Best" Fest! From 9 AM on Fathers Day until 3 AM (est), in the early morning. You can see episode after episode of the Anderson Family, as they turn to Father.


*Please see the Family TV Schedule for complete listings of air times for these movies and more!

Happy Fathers Day Weekend!

Movie Marathon to Remember the lovely Esther Williams

TCM will give a Special Movie Tribute,

June 13th and 14th, 

for Actress Esther Williams,

who passed away on June 6, at the age of 91.

TCM will play a 24 hour marathon of 13 films to honor her Acting Career, in which she starred opposite of the likes of Van Johnson, Fernando Lamas, Red Skelton, William Powell, Gene Kelly, and more. Esther's first film was "Andy Hardy's Double Life" in 1942, playing Mickey Rooney's love interest. He was also her first on-screen kiss.


Esther Williams, in first Movie, with Mickey Rooney



Esther Williams, dancing with Van Johnson




Esther Williams, with husband, Fernando Lamas


Esther Williams was known as the bathing beauty in many of her films... swimming her way across the big screen of MGM Musicals into stardom! She had hoped to be in the 1940 Olympic games, but World War II prevented it from happening. She was instead discovered pool side by MGM talent scouts, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Tribute begins Thursday, June 13 at 8pm ET on TCM, Turner Classic Movies.

The 13-film lineup includes the following films:

8:00 PM - Bathing Beauty

10:00 PM - Neptune's Daughter

11:45 PM - Million Dollar Mermaid

1:45 AM - Dangerous When Wet

3:30 AM - Andy Hardy's Double Life

5:15 AM - Thrill of a Romance

7:15 AM - Easy to Wed

9:15 AM - The Hoodlum Saint

11:00 AM - Fiesta

1:00 PM - This Time For Keeps

3:00 PM - On an Island with You

5:00 PM - Pagan Love Song

6:30 PM - Texas Carnival


My favorite of these films would be: Andy Hardy's Double Life, Easy to Wed, and Thrill of a Romance... all three are delightful romantic comedies.

I hope you will enjoy this farewell tribute to Esther Williams, a Hollywood Legend.

Prayers for her dear family and friends...