Graduation Cards
It's a weekend filled with NEW Christmas movie premieres on Hallmark, but what I am most excited about it is the launch of Great American Christmas on GAC Family! The first All NEW Christmas movie for the network, Much Ado About Christmas, will premiere Saturday night, October 30th. The writers of this movie are Janeen and Michael Damian, who also wrote and directed: A Princess for Christmas, A Royal Christmas, Crown for Christmas, Christmas Waltz, and others. They are well-known for their wonderful, intricately detailed films, so I'm very much looking forward to seeing their incredible work here.
I also want to share some sad news. Both Michael Damian and actor Cameron Mathison just recently shared that their mothers have passed away. Let's be sure to keep both of these gentlemen and their families in our prayers. My heart goes out to all of them.
It's hard to believe it's the last weekend of October now, although, it's truly feeling like Fall for us in the Midwest with a nip in the air and the leaves turning those lovely rustic tones. I hope your weather is pleasant where you live. When it's chilly outside- it's the ideal time to stay inside and watch a Christmas movie or two. Here are the new ones premiering this weekend...
Friday, OCTOBER 29, 2021:
Harmony (Murray) is tricked into auditioning for the Holiday Chorus—directed by an ex-boyfriend (James). By Christmas Eve, they could be harmonizing in the key of love.
Christmas in Harmony premieres
Friday, OCTOBER 29, 2021
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, OCTOBER 30, 2021:
In "Much Ado About Christmas," Haley is beloved in her community of Winterstone for acts of kindness ranging from managing The Hope Chest to directing the children's choir. Haley is also the daughter of one of Winterstone's wealthiest residents Leona Lloyd. Despite Haley's down-to-earth demeanor, she is financially set as Leona's only heir – information she fails to share with new love interest Claud, an artsy, hopeless romantic. Haley introduces herself to Claud as "Haley Logan," raised by a single, struggling mom, a small fib that becomes a complication when Claud and his team present an ad pitch to Leona that includes a photo of Claud's new girlfriend…Haley! Secrets are revealed and relationships ruffled, but Christmas is coming and miracles do happen.
Much Ado About Christmas premieres
Saturday, OCTOBER 30, 2021
at 8pm/7c. on GAC Family
and GAC Living
Saturday, OCTOBER 30, 2021:
A “Christmas Around the World” party helps two people find love at home.
Coyote Creek Christmas premieres
Saturday, OCTOBER 30, 2021
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, OCTOBER 30, 2021:
Nicole (DeVitto) learns to deal with grief with the help of her grandfather (Duffy) and a carpenter (Bruce) she hires to renovate the home that was once meant for her and her fiancé.
The Christmas Promise premieres
Saturday, OCTOBER 30, 2021
at 10pm/9c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Sunday, OCTOBER 31, 2021:
*This is the only non-holiday movie premiere.
Wedding photographer Lindsey gets her big opportunity when a New York mogul’s son, Josh, asks her to shoot his sister’s wedding. Sparks fly as Josh and Lindsey prepare for ceremony, and the pair begin to fall for each other. But as the big day arrives and the project finishes, do they go back their old, separate lives or will they follow their hearts?
A Picture Perfect Wedding premieres
Sunday, OCTOBER 31, 2021
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Sunday, OCTOBER 31, 2021:
When Liz (Sackhoff) returns home to take care of her estranged father she is determined to give her daughter a perfect Christmas and reconnects with her best friend.
Christmas Sail premieres
Sunday, OCTOBER 31, 2021
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Once again, it looks like there are plenty of Christmas movie options this weekend. I know I am going to be watching "Much Ado About Christmas" for sure. I'm so excited to see this new beginning for GAC Family! Be sure to share which ones you're looking forward to this weekend in comments below.
*Please know- I have NOT pre-screened these NEW Christmas movies listed above. If you happen to watch one of the new Christmas movies this week and want to share whether or not it is a family friendly movie, please stop back by and leave a comment. I know everyone here would be grateful to know any information you are willing to share. You can see the 2021 Christmas movie review page - here.
You can also check out the Christmas TV Movie Schedule - *here*, which includes NEW Christmas Movie Premieres and Christmas classics.
I pray you all have a joyous, wonderful weekend!
God Bless Us, Everyone! Net
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
"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
I am definitely watching Much Ado about Christmas, and I am recording Christmas Promise and might watch it after Much Ado. It looks really good. I am recording Christmas Sail as well. Not really interested in Coyote Creek but may watch it eventually. I am over someone planning a christmas party.
ReplyDeleteChristmas in Harmony looks really good too, at least from the previews and there is singing.
Sabrina
Sabrina - Great picks! I am hoping to watch "The Christmas Promise," too, after "Much Ado about Christmas." If I don't have time to watch, I'm definitely recording it. I think the poster is good, but I was surprised they didn't feature the house - which the story seems to be a lot about.
DeleteHappy watching! :)
"Coyote Creek Christmas" exposes so many of Hallmark's weaknesses.
DeleteFor example, how is it that Asian and Caucasian parents have a Latina daughter? Adopted? Never addressed. Never resolved.
Could this explain this year's exodus of some of the network's major, and most popular stars.
Hilarie Burton expressed these "short comings" years ago when she declined to sign on for more than her initial 3 Hallmark movies sighting (years before the network clumsily tried to change) the lack of diversity in its programming.
I just have to point out that Janel Parrish is half Caucasian and half Chinese not Latina, Her father is of European descent and her mother is Han Chinese.
DeleteThat is something Hallmark got correct.
I’m gonna watch Christmas movies on Hallmark Channel
ReplyDeleteI have to skip Christmas movies on HMM while I’m recording but I’m gonna watch Christmas movies on GAC FAMILY
Sounds like you have all the channels covered - enjoy! :)
DeleteThanks, Net, for the updates. Some of the Hallmark movies are not
ReplyDeleteas family friendly as they used to be. I hope that GAC Family will
be better and not pander to the "woke" ideology.
God Bless,
Ken
Ken, That is so true! You know I feel the same way. So looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the family-friendly movies on GAC Family. Enjoy watching this weekend.
DeleteGod bless you, too! :)
Ditto.
DeleteI am excited to see Much Ado About Christmas and The Christmas Promise. A Picture Perfect Wedding also looks interesting.
ReplyDeleteNet,question about U.S.S. Christmas DVD......Is this going to be available only at Walmart? I checked on Amazon and it isn't listed.
kitkat, those are the movies I'm watching/recording, too! Plus, Christmas Sail! Hope these will be good ones.
DeleteAs for USS Christmas... oh my goodness, what a wonderful movie! I just finished watching it on HMM! I just love it. Hope Jen & Trevor work together again on GAC Family. So far, the DVD is only available at Walmart. Usually, they eventually show up at Amazon, too, but we'll have to see with this one.
I'm most looking forward to A Christmas Promise. Fingers crossed it is family-friendly. As excited as I am for GAC to start Christmas movies, I'm not a huge fan of either of the leads in this week's movie, so I might have to pass.
ReplyDeleteNet, sorry to ask so many questions. I have the pillow covers in my cart but they are Christmas ones. Will you get credit for these or are you going to switch your picture to Christmas? I will await your reply before buying.
ReplyDeleteHope your weekend is as beautiful as your heart Net! Thankful for you!
kitkat, You are so sweet! If you click on the link on my site then it will work; you can choose any design you want.
DeleteHowever, you may have to click on the link again today - and then simply go to your cart. That should do it! :)
Thank you so much for supporting my site with your purchase. I would love to know which Christmas pillows you chose! It's time to update my site with Christmas décor!
Thanks Net! I chose the Farmhouse set with the plaid truck. I followed your instructions. That set grabbed my attention before I saw it was called Farmhouse. Can't take the country out of me! It is time to decorate for Christmas. Most wonderful time of the year!
Deletekitkat, From one country girl to another... those are a lovely choice! I just love the way Christmas decorations lighten up the house! :)
DeleteWould Christmas in Harmony be a religious movie? If so I am looking forward seeing that movie.
ReplyDeletelooks like a great weekend for watching movies
ReplyDeleteI thought that Christmas in Harmony was great it made me feel great with all the music and Church choir. I felt inspirational.
ReplyDeleteChris, thank you for sharing this review for Christmas in Harmony- I added it to the main review page! Glad you enjoyed it! :)
Deletehttps://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2021/10/which-2021-christmas-movies-made-its.html
I’m watching Christmas movie: Christmas Angel (2009) on GAC Family
ReplyDeleteStarring Bruce Davison & KC Clyde
I turned off Coyote Creek Christmas about 10 minutes in, because the main character and her sister run into another girl on the sidewalk, the sister acts very awkward, and, after parting ways, there's talk about how they should be together, as the sister says she has no time for dating. Clear enough for me to decide I have better things to do with my evening! Hoping "The Christmas Promise" will be good. :-)
ReplyDelete~Alicia
You.have to switch to GAC Family for Christmas movie: Much Ado About Christmas & after it’s done so, you can watch The Christmas Promise
DeleteIf you have GAC Family channel or not
Thanks for sharing. I dvr’ed it, but won’t bother watching now. Makes me sad, as I usually like Ryan Paevey movies.
DeleteAlicia, Thank you for posting that news on Coyote Creek Christmas. I posted it right away to the main movie review page for others to see.
DeleteI'm so grateful you took the time to share with us. Bless you! :)
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2021/10/which-2021-christmas-movies-made-its.html
Just finished Much Ado About Christmas and really enjoyed it. It was very well acted and the storyline believable. I was wary of the storyline, but it was done so much better than I anticipated. Loved the attention to detail of the Christmas spirit and loved the romance between Hailey and Claud.
ReplyDeleteI missed most of Christmas In Harmony, but I saw one part that showed one of the characters being very open about their faith, which you never see much on any Christmas tv movie, let alone Hallmark. So that looked to be family friendly too!
Misty
Misty, So good to hear you enjoyed Much Ado About Christmas; I also found it to be delightful. I completely agree - the detail was incredible. :)
DeleteI am so sad to say that Coyote Christmas is NOT a family friendly movie. Very early on they made it clear that a main character was interested in a person of the same sex and then the rest of the movie continued to develop and encourage the relationship until they end up together at the end. Otherwise, I enjoyed the movie. I usually love every movie that Ryan Paevey has been in, but I won't be keeping this one around.
ReplyDeleteSo grateful you shared this news with us, especially so quickly after the movie premiere. I usually love Ryan Paevey movies, too, especially at Christmas; however, this is the third movie with a same sex storyline included. The other two are: Matching Hearts and Don't Go Breaking My Heart.
DeleteAgain, so appreciate you sharing!
Hi Net! Friday night I watched Christmas In Harmony and I really enjoyed it, it is my favorite new one so far. I really liked Ashleigh Murray and Luke James together, and Loretta Devine was super great as well! I loved how the movie was set at church, and God is mentioned in a positive way several times throughout the movie. It was REALLY nice to watch a Christmas movie that was a little more Christ centered than the rest.
ReplyDeleteThere were of course a few little things that I didn't care for(no need to go into detail, just my personal opinions lol) but it was family friendly!! I don't remember anything on it that would make it not friendly. AND, it was the first one this year that felt like Christmas to me. I probably won't watch this one EVERY year, but I would definitely watch it again!
-A Fellow Brother in Christ-
Brother in Christ, I always appreciate your in-depth, wonderful reviews! I missed Christmas in Harmony the first time around, but after hearing how much you & Sabrina enjoyed it, I'm going to be sure to catch an encore airing. Thank you!
DeleteAs some have reported Coyote Creek Christmas is not family friendly. I was really bummed out, was really anticipating this one! The first clue was a little confusing, so I continued to watch. But it becomes very clear what's going on. I did finish the movie but will not watch again. This would be a great movie if not for the gay couple. The leads were great, the story line not original at all though. I think the pattern for HM now is not to advertise the same sex couples hoping you will see enough that you will want to see the end, which is exactly what happened to me! It seems they are putting same sex couples in almost every movie now.
ReplyDeleteJoyce, I was disappointed to hear this news, too. You're so right - it does seem to be happening more and more now. I'm so grateful you shared this review with us.
DeleteIt has been posted to the main movie review page here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2021/10/which-2021-christmas-movies-made-its.html
Bless you, my friend! :)
Both Much Ado About Christmas and The Christmas Promise were wonderful! It is hard to believe we had two great movies on in the same night. These will stay on my DVR indefinitely. I will say, for me, The Christmas Promise is the better of the two. Though it is Hallmark, it is family friendly. Loved the JOY sign!
ReplyDeleteIn my previous comment, perhaps I did not word it correctly. I loved those two movies equally well. If I were forced to choose, it would be The Christmas Promise first and Much Ado About Christmas second. Can't wait to watch them both again.
ReplyDeletekitkat, Thank you for sharing two great reviews! So happy to hear this news! :)
DeleteSo I was trying to decide which movie I should watch after church today, The Christmas Promise or Coyote Creek Christmas. I didn't see any reviews on here at the time, thankfully I chose the right one and watched The Christmas Promise, because now I'm seeing reviews on here for Coyote Creek, so sad, but thank you to the people who told us, always appreciated!
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas Promise was very sweet, I always enjoy Torrey DiVitto and she was good with Dylan Bruce. I really liked the story, it was definitely more dramatic. It was family-friendly to the best of my knowledge. Without giving any spoilers away, I will say I think it could've been better, i feel like parts of the story weren't quite complete, I might be the only one that thinks this lol especially the storyline of Nicole's dad, it never felt resolved, like I said, it might just be me lol but it was friendly and Christmas-y, my favorite parts was the big Christmas tree in the field and the beautiful house!
-A Fellow Brother In Christ-
Brother in Christ, Thank you for sharing! So good to hear how much you enjoyed The Christmas Promise.
DeleteI've always been one to read comments on HM FB page & other social after a movie airs. So, I was interested to see what kind of comments Coyote Creek Christmas garnered. The reviews for this movie were more negative than positive. I turned it on but sadly, turned it off less than 20 minutes in despite being a huge Ryan Paevey fan. That is how long it took for the movie to lose its family-friendly, feel-good elements. Last year when HM began to introduce more controversial elements to their storylines in the mix of their holiday movie programming, it was done subtlety. However, they have taken an in your face approach in an effort to prove they are trying to be relevant among the ranks of television programming. I watch holiday movies to escape from the reality of life, not to sit for 2 hours and watch art imitating life. What once was a standout channel, now makes them just like everyone else. This is no disservice to the actors who work hard to bring viewers good acting and stories to watch. However, when viewers are also making negative comments about the actors, this certainly speaks volumes. We have to remember that be it a good or badly scripted movie, this is work for actors. Overall, viewers are losing patience with HM's new direction. The good thing is viewers have options and can decide to watch or not. Many are choosing the latter. So far, not incredibly impressed with HM's offerings this year. Hopefully it improves as the season unfolds.
ReplyDeleteI watched the premier holiday movie on GAC, "Much Ado About Christmas". I was more than pleasantly surprised. The movie was well-written, produced and directed. Casting was excellent. Storyline was heartfelt and nostalgic. This movie had all the elements of Christmas and then some. It was the first holiday movie I have ever seen where the snow looked real and there was so much attention given to detail that truly helped to capture the essence of the holidays. This movie is a classic and one I will watch again & again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this wonderful review! I thought "Much Ado About Christmas" was beautiful, too, a wonderful beginning for GAC Family!
DeleteI forgot my niece and nephew were coming over Saturday night with my sister, so I didnt get to watch Much Ado or all of Christmas Promise. I saw a minute or 2 and Torrey DeVitto is so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI did watch Christmas in Harmony Friday night, and it was one of the best movies I have watched on Hallmark in a long time (besides any SSD). I really enjoyed Ashleigh Murray and Luke James. It was the most real and down to earth movie Hallmark has made in a long time. Some of the singing scenes with the choir sounded like they were almost green screened for singing, whatever the term is for that. That was really the only part that made me remember this was a Hallmark movie, as in it is shot in 2 weeks and they usually have major plot and story issues cause of it.
The storyline was very believable, the family closeness was so wonderful too. It was a family of blood, friends, the church, all together and it had a lot of feel good feels. I love the song Harmony sung in the end, and this movie was really good. It felt so authentic, real and that came across as a very good movie to me.
I recorded Christmas Sail and was going to watch it with my husband last night but will watch probably Thursday night. He likes the main actress she was in Battlestar Galactica. and of course John Locke from Lost is in it and Harry from AOMH.
Very much looking forward to Next Stop, Christmas next week. Saw the preview 100 times this weekend and can't wait to watch that.
Sorry i wrote the previous comment about Christmas in Harmony and forgot to sign my name
ReplyDeleteSabrina
Sabrina, Thank you so much for the review for Christmas Harmony! So glad to hear how much you enjoyed it. I added it to the main reviews.
DeleteHope you enjoy your next Christmas movie night! :)
I watched Christmas Sail last night and have no regrets! I enjoyed every bit of it, my favorite one from this year so far! I loved the story, the characters, it was so Christmas-y! It is a new favorite for me!! It was definitely family-friendly!! I plan on watching this one at least one more time before the year is over, I really really enjoyed it. All of the acting was good. I would love to see Katee Sackhoff in more Christmas movies! There is so much I could say about it but i don't want to spoil for anyone so I'll stop here! :) Christmas Sail for me is an instant classic!
ReplyDelete-A Fellow Brother In Christ-
P.S. Thank you again to the people who reviewed Coyote Creek Christmas, sadly one more I'll scratch off my list, but I truly appreciate knowing before turning it on so I can avoid altogether, thank you!
Brother in Christ, Wonderful to hear this news for Christmas Sail! It is sitting on my DVR waiting for me to watch. Thank you for sharing.
DeleteI love how fast all these reviews are coming in! We appreciate you so much, Net, and I hope that you feel the strength of our community. I was too tired to finish The Christmas Promise but am loving it so far. I was already planning to try Christmas Harmony and Christmas Sail, but seeing these reviews, I'm even more excited! GAC is sounding so good, too, that I may have to treat myself to a Christmas-time Frndly subscription in order to watch. I hope the GAC website gets developed quickly so that I can see the upcoming air times for each movie title. Merry Christmas, everybody! :-)
ReplyDelete~Alicia
Alicia, What a sweet message! I'm so grateful for everyone's reviews, too, and I am glad to share those with everyone here.
DeleteBy the way, I have the premiere dates for all of GAC Family's Christmas movies here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2021/10/GAC-Family-2021-Great-American-Christmas-2021-movies-Jen%20Lilley-Chad-Michael-Murray-Jill-Wagner-Cindy-Busby-Trevor-Donovan.html
Hope that helps! :)
Merry Christmas to you, too!!!
Hey Net! I did a review on The Christmas Promise right after I did the one on Coyote Creek Christmas. I don't see it, maybe it didn't go through?? Should I do it again?
ReplyDeleteJoyce, Oh no! I'm not seeing it! I'll give a look through the spam and see if I can locate it there.
DeleteReview: Much Ado About Christmas
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly: Yes
Keeper? Yes
GAC is off to a great start! I really enjoyed Much Ado About Christmas, and kept thinking "what a sweet and innocent movie" while watching it. Torrance Coombs' character came across as rather shy and introverted, and that is something you rarely see in one of these movies. Susie Abromeit also came across as very likeable, and the chemistry between the two characters was right on! A keeper!
Mark 25, Another excellent review! I just love the way you perfectly described Torrance Coombs in this role. This was my fave movie I've seen him in, thus far.
DeleteAnd, yes, Susie was sooo likeable - she doesn't seem at all like the girl in Snow Bride, does she? She's such a fantastic actress. So glad she's signed on to make more with GAC!
Your review has been posted to the Movie Review page here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2021/10/which-2021-christmas-movies-made-its.html
Net, not sure where to post this but I know you will place it where it belongs. I am not eloquent in speech but I will give it my best. I watched Christmas In The Wilds and enjoyed it. Everything about this movie was good except for a couple of things. Getting stuck in snow in a vehicle with snow tires or chains made no sense to me. Also, how could the guy not see through the manipulation of his co-worker? Both of the main actors are great together. Loved seeing all the same actors continue from Romance In The Wilds. The scenery is breath-taking! Real snow everywhere! Can not say enough about how Christmasy this is. Music is beautiful. Happy I have the DVD. Hope I did not say too much to ruin it for others.You will not be disappointed.
ReplyDeletekitkat, So appreciate you sharing this review for Christmas in the Wilds with us. I created a new section on the movie review page at the bottom for Christmas movies on DVD or Streaming. So anyone can share a new movie there, too, if they like.
DeleteLove hearing there is real snow in this movie - that really adds to the authentic feel. So nice to hear you enjoyed this sequel.
Thank you for sharing! Bless you! :)
Your review has been posted to the Movie Review page here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2021/10/which-2021-christmas-movies-made-its.html
I loved the Christmas Promise. It's a tear jerker for sure but had so many life lessons in the story of dealing with grief and healing. All the actors did a great job in their roles It's a keeper!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, Thank you for posting this review again. So wonderful to hear how much you enjoyed this movie. I was hoping this would be a good one!
DeleteYour review has been posted to the Movie Review page here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2021/10/which-2021-christmas-movies-made-its.html