Its a Wonderful Movie - Your Guide to Family and Christmas Movies on TV: June 2022

Get ready to *Fall Into Love" this August on the Hallmark Channel with new rom-coms starring Alexa PenaVega, Carlos PenaVega, Ben Hollingsworth, Rachel Boston, and more!

Plus, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries announces their August movie premieres with Lacey Chabert, Emmanuelle Vaugier, Kavan Smith, and more! See details below...

Hallmark Channel
Fall Into Love 2022 Movies:

Love in the Limelight

Premieres: Saturday, August 6, 2022 8/7c

Starring: Alexa PenaVega, Carlos PenaVega and Ivonne Coll

Storyline: After years of being pen pals with Nick (Carlos PenaVega), Summer’s (Alexa PenaVega) teen crush and former lead singer of the popular boy band The Mendez Boyz, the two finally meet in person when he comes to town for a comeback concert. Their friendship has set the stage for romance and Summer’s Abuelita (Coll) – a hip grandma with a growing TikTok following – encourages her to follow her heart.

Movie Reviews:

♪🎤 "Love in the Limelight was so amazing! After everything that has happened this year, I didn't think I'd ever really love a new Hallmark movie again. Until now. :) Though, I do feel it's important to point out that, there's a 2 or 3 second brief glimpse of that horrendous rainbow flag early on in the movie. Usually the moment I see something like that, I turn the whole thing off in disgust, but this one time, I decided to just keep on watching, and I'm glad I did." -Maria

♪🎤 "I just finished watching Love in the Limelight, and I loved it! I think the Pana Vegas have such great chemistry. While I didn't notice the rainbow flag someone else pointed out, there was a "did I just hear that right?" moment at the beginning. When Summer and Nick first meet in person, they are talking about their bad luck in relationships and Summer says her high school prom date "now lives in California with his husband." However, it felt more like a joke from 20 years ago, when that's all gay men were in movies - a joke. Everything else was family friendly. I actually almost cried twice. Once when Summer's dad shares about her being bullied as a child to Nick to explain why she is so private. Then I cried again when Alexa Pana Vega had a gut wrenching scene towards the end. Her tears were so real - it was a moving performance. Overall, it was fun and cute while also giving touching moments of family, trust, and healing." ~melnewlife

♪🎤 "I enjoyed Love in the Limelight and Romance n Style. Both were family friendly except Alexa's character at the beginning of the movie mentions one of her dates who went on to date a guy. "They" just have to get a mention of same-sex couples in there. Other than that both movies were family friendly I'm happy to say. Still, Love in the Limelight was the Pena-Vegas' best movie yet. Romance in Style dealt with body shaming and insecurities well. I was so happy to see this subject in a movie." ~Namegirl

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Romance in Style

Premieres: Saturday, August 13, 2022 8/7c

Starring: Jaicy Elliot, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Candice Huffine

Storyline: Ella’s (Elliot) unique designs inspire publishing mogul Derek (Hollingsworth) to include plus-sized fashion in his magazine. It’s not long before Derek realizes that Ella’s influence reaches far beyond the catwalk.

Movie Reviews:

👗"Happy to report that Romance in style is family friendly!!" ~Anonymous

👗"I enjoyed Love in the Limelight and Romance n Style. Both were family friendly except Alexa's character at the beginning of the movie mentions one of her dates who went on to date a guy. "They" just have to get a mention of same-sex couples in there. Other than that both movies were family friendly I'm happy to say. Still, Love in the Limelight was the Pena-Vegas' best movie yet. Romance in Style dealt with body shaming and insecurities well. I was so happy to see this subject in a movie." ~Namegirl

👗"Romance in Style is family friendly. It’s modern day Cinderella about Ella Richards is confident and passionate aspiring plus-size fashion designer & a handsome and disarming Derek, the “Prince of Publishing,” is set to take over the high-profile fashion magazine business where she freelances. When he enlists her to show him the ropes, she schools him on the areas of fashion that are overlooked, and, of course, they fall in love? Claudia is Stepmother & Liza is Stepsister are the Devils who wore Prada. Ella is pint sized Cinderella to her Prince Charming Derek. Ella’s friend named Katie is Ella’s handy Fairy Godmother. When Derek takes over his Father’s company; magazine business, his name is Roger? Katie is with Oscar are both doing articles about Ella Richards is smart, funny, to name few. Candice has picture taken alone & with Ella for fashion magazine." ~Anonymous

👗"As already stated Romance in Style is family friendly and a very different and refreshing storyline. Was nice to see something a little different from the usual rom-com!" ~Joyce in Carolina

👗"Romance in Style is family friendly. Ella is a daring designer determined to showcase plus-sized models both in print & on the runway. When she meets Derek is a publishing mogul putting together the next issue of his fashion magazine, Ella leverages her knowledge and experience to break down his perceptions of beauty. He’s not only taken by her passion, but realizes that her influence has way more power than he thought. Ella is a plus-size fashion designer. Through her work at a high-end fashion magazine, she aspires to make stylish clothing for women who look like her. When Derek, also known as the Prince of Publishing, has to learn all he can about the magazine to take over from his father, he enlists Ella’s help. As the fashion designer teaches the publishing mogul about the ins and outs of the fashion industry and the things that are overlooked, the pair starts developing a relationship that goes beyond platonic. Ella’s unique designs inspire publishing mogul Derek to include plus-sized fashion in his magazine, and it’s not long before Derek realizes that Ella’s influence reaches far beyond the catwalk. Candice Huffine is a plus-size model has her picture taken & even with a pint sized fashion designer Ella for fashion magazine. They’re both pint sized in fashion world." ~Anonymous

👗"Romance in Style Ella Richards is an aspiring fashion designer who is passionate about making fashion accessible for women of all shapes and sizes. While she takes on extra work as a freelance seamstress for a high-profile fashion magazine, she meets dashingly handsome Derek who is stepping in to take the reins of the magazine from his father. Ella and the "Prince of Publishing" quickly form an alliance to shake things up at The Look. Together, they help the well-established brand expand their definition of fashion and for the first time, make women of all sizes feel welcome. And of course, the sparks fly between them. This is a rom-com, after all. Derek makes throughout the story with the help of Ella. "When he first meets Ella, what he sees in her is not just her outward positivity but also her determination and what is missing in the fashion industry which is representation of what is the 'every woman.' And we learn in the film that the most common size for an American woman is size 16 and yet we only see size 0, 2, and 4 in magazines so she's fighting for this representation to make its way into the fashion world and into this particular fashion magazine." He goes on to explain how Derek feels that Ella's plan is not only the morally correct way to go, but that there is also good business sense in the bold choice to include plus size women in the magazine. But he clearly learns more about life itself in the way Ella steps outside the box. "I think Derek inspired by that to kind of do the same. To step out from his father's shadow and do something that is different and support something that isn't just your typical business moves. So a lot of his choices in the movie are influenced actually through hers." ~Anonymous

👗"Romance in Style is an inspiring movie. The lead had spunk! It brought me joy to see how she overcame and stood her ground to become successful. Benjamin played his part magnificently! This movie was done in good taste. I have stayed away from Hallmark lately but I must give them credit with this movie. Would love to get the DVD." ~kitkat

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Dating the Delaneys

Premieres: Saturday, August 20, 2022 8/7c

Starring: Rachel Boston and Paul Campbell

Storyline: Maggie Delaney (Boston) is a divorced mother who ventures into the dating world with some help from Michael (Campbell) the single father of her son’s friend. At the same time, Maggie’s mother Barb (Karen Kruper) and her teen daughter Emma (Zoë Christie) begin romances of their own. As these three generations of women explore the highs and lows of modern dating, they learn that love and romance can be found at any age…and sometimes where you least expect it.

Movie Reviews:

💕"Pleasantly surprised that Dating the Delaneys is family friendly. Enjoyed the movie." ~Anonymous

💕"Dating the Delaney's was so good. It was funny great story line and best of all no wokeness!!! It was ok like old Hallmark. Actually family friendly." ~Anonymous

💕"Dating with the Delaney's is such a cute movie. Rachel Boston was so delightful, energetic, and down-to-earth. The movie is family-friendly, but please know, Rachel's character, Maggie, is sadly divorced. Her ex-husband is typically too busy for their children throughout the movie. It was fun to see the connection between Maggie and her friend, Michael. I thought their punns & corny jokes were adorable." ~Net

💕"Dating the Delaneys is family friendly. Maggie Delaney is a divorced Mother who, after learning her ex-husband is getting remarried, ventures into the dating world with the encouragement of her mother named Barb & teen daughter Emma. Helping her along the way is Michael Taylor is a single Father of her son’s friend, who offers to help by going on a “practice date.” Michael also volunteers his public relations expertise so Maggie can prepare for her upcoming television interview on a local program spotlighting her bakery, Sweet Sensations. Maggie’s dating adventures bring mixed results, and as she & Michael spend more time together, it’s clear their friendship could turn into something more. Meanwhile, Barb & Emma begin romances of their own. As these three generations of women explore the highs & lows of modern dating, they learn that love & romance can be found at any age & sometimes where you least expect it. Emma & John are cutest couple. Entire family & friends watch Maggie’s cooking show on TV. Maggie Apple Spiced Cake & Apple Crumbled Cake, more." ~Anonymous

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Game, Set, Love

Premieres: Saturday, August 27, 2022 8/7c

Starring: Davida Williams, Richard Harmon and Tracy Austin

Storyline: Former pro tennis player Taylor (Williams) reluctantly agrees to coach her former doubles partner Ashley (Jennifer Khoe) and her new partner Will (Harmon), who needs to repair his reputation and career. Although Taylor and Will clash at first, she’s surprised to discover a different side to him. Even more surprising is when Taylor finds herself entering the tournament with Will after Ashley is sidelined by an injury. As they get ready to compete, the pair learns they just may be a perfect match.

Movie Reviews:

🎾 "Game, Set, Love was family friendly. Did I love it though? Meh, not really. The male lead annoyed me. I did like Taylor, the lead female character, and her relationships with her dad and her best friend. I also was rooting for them to win the tennis tournament. I just really wasn't invested in the romance." ~melnewlife

🎾 "Game, Set, Love is family friendly. A professional tennis player’s former doubles partner named Ashley asks Taylor to coach her & her new doubles partner William Campbell. A former Tennis Player Pro named Taylor Morrison agrees to coach her friend named Ashley Wong & William Campbell for a mixed doubles tournament. Taylor & Will spend more time together while they get ready to compete, the pair learns they just may be a perfect match in more ways than one. Taylor replaces Ashley for a mixed doubles tournament with William Campbell. Taylor’s Father named David Morrison tells his Daughter; Taylor to trust her instincts. Taylor invited William’s parents there for their Son; William but his family issues & they’re there to support their Som with Taylor.. Taylor & William just won a mixed doubles tournament. William tells Taylor that she changed him. Taylor coaches juniors tennis players. Unless William Campbell teaches Adjun how to tennis 🎾." ~Anonymous

🎾 "Game, Set, Love Review In the movie, “Taylor (Davida Williams) is a former professional tennis player who retired from the sport following the passing of her mother so she could be there for her father, David (Roger Cross) and has been enjoying teaching tennis to kids at the local club. Her former doubles partner Ashley (Jennifer Khoe) asks her to coach her and her new doubles partner Will (Richard Harmon), a player whose reputation and career are in need of repair thanks to his hotheaded antics on the court. Taylor reluctantly agrees and though she and Will clash at first, she’s surprised to discover a different side to him. Even more surprising is when Taylor finds herself entering the doubles tournament with Will after Ashley is sidelined by an injury. As Taylor and Will spend more time together while they get ready to compete, the pair learns they just may be a perfect match in more ways than one.” The movie had potential and that’s hard for me to say with how much I disliked it. It’s been awhile since I have had to commend Hallmark for trying, but wonder if they realized that they were way out of their league for this one. It’s all about the way this movie was shot. The settings, the low budget (and trust, you can tell it was low budget), and the horrendous wardrobe, are what added up for it to be a bad movie. Now, yes, I had feelings about the movie before I even watched it. Richard Harmon is a good actor, but him on the Hallmark Channel doesn’t fit. He’s not the “good guy” in a role and even though this role was billed as the “bad boy” of tennis, there was nothing bad about his character. Okay, so he yelled at the umpire (or whatever they call it in tennis) and told him that he wouldn’t be on his Christmas card list, it made me laugh more than anything. Will wasn’t a bad guy. Will was a misunderstood guy with some serious family issues. He wasn’t speaking with his parents and had come to terms with it. His “anger” was part of his persona. He wasn’t willing to let people close and felt as though he had to be angry because that’s what people expected of him. Taylor is a woman lost in grief, but doesn’t realize it. She’s fully of excuses as to why she can’t follow her dreams, but who is going to debate with her that he father needs her. No one. Well, except Will, who doesn’t seem to mind calling anyone out for anything. Though the two actors have no chemistry on the screen, but they don’t deliver the worst performances. Harmon as Will was unbelievable, but maybe that’s because it’s really the first time that he’s taken on a role like this. Davida Williams does a great job as Taylor, and honestly she’s the highlight of the movie. But Will and Taylor together feels against Taylor’s character. Especially when she’s just going back into professional tennis and they are just starting out as partners. She doesn’t seem like the person that would fall for a bunch of lines that a charming man has to deliver. The costuming felt as though I was watching my grandparents play tennis and honestly, took me away from the characters because I couldn’t get over how frumpy and old they looked, when they were meant to be young people on the tour. The tennis matches – let us just say that it felt like they decorated a high school gym and put people in the stands. The setting and the shots took me completely out of the movie and I felt like I couldn’t see anything that was happening, because I wondered how this passed the producers. You can say that everything counts when making a movie, because it does. And unfortunately the settings, the shots, and the costuming took me so far out of Game, Set, Love that the only thing I could enjoy was it ending." ~Anonymous

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Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
August Movie Premieres:

Big Sky River

Starring: Emmanuelle Vaugier and Kavan Smith

Premieres: Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022 9/8c

Storyline: Based on the book by Linda Lael Miller. Looking to take a break from New York City and place some real distance between herself and her ex-husband, Tara Kendall (Vaugier) books a summer rental in Parable, Montana. The small, rural town endeared itself to Tara as a young girl and she credits her time in Parable for her love of horses and horseback riding. Sheriff Boone Taylor (Smith) has finally found his footing after losing the love of his life. Boone is kind to his new neighbor, but he can’t deny that there’s something very special about Tara and he’d like her to stay for more than just one summer. When Tara’s stepdaughter reaches out for help, the painful realities of real-life step on any dreams of life in the country. That is, unless Tara can take care of those she loves and herself, all at once.

Movie Reviews:

🍁 "Big Sky River is family friendly & it’s based on the book by Linda Lael Miller as the same name. (Review may contain some Spoilers) Erin & her Stepmother named Tara Kendall are at Manhattan Equestrian Center as they bond a lot of time. Tara Kendall is determined to start over in Parable. Reinventing herself and living a girlhood dream is worth the hard work. Tara meets Boone Taylor is a local Sheriff & a cowboy . Boone’s wife has died, and he’s raising his two sons named Griffin & Fletcher while also working as a sheriff in the small town of Parable, Montana. Tara decides to take a break from New York City and books a summer rental in Parable, where she used to spend time as a girl. Tara’s new neighbor in Parable is Boone, and the two sons develop a connection. But when Tara’s stepdaughter named Erin reaches out, the painful realities of everyday life threaten to intrude on her dreams of life in the country. Erin wants Tara as her Mom but it’s not same without her Stepmother Tara & Dad named James. Erin flew to Montana to be with her Stepmother Tara Kendall in Montana. She likes it there & lives there to be with Tara but she didn’t want to back home in NY to be with Dad & Bride to Be Mom; Bethany. Dawson & Erin went to the movie & some ice cream so, Erin calls Tara to pick her up. Erin talks with Tara that if her Dad & Bethany will send her boarding school but she wanna stay with Tara in Montana. Tara, Boone, Griffin, & Fletcher seek out for Erin at Whisper Creek when Erin was rowing 🚣‍♂️ the boat 🛶 . Erin is safe from drowning. Tara & Erin are both staying in Montana with next door neighbor named Boone & his Sons; Griffin & Fletcher. When Boone owns his horses named Bert & Erine are named after Sesame Street Muppets. Joanna Harrison meets up with Tara who rents a house. She has a Son named Dawson. She has chickens: Roosters & Hens." ~Anonymous

🍁 "I just watched Big Sky River and really enjoyed it. Kavan Smith is such a great actor! It had a bit of different twist with the relationship between Emmanuelle Vaugier's character and her step-daughter, better than the typical storyline of a Hallmark movie. I also thought the actors playing the children did a great job. Definitely family-friendly." ~Jennifer R.

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The Journey Ahead

Starring: Holly Robinson Peete and Kaylee Bryant

Premieres: Sunday, August 14, 2022 9/8c

Storyline: A famous Hollywood actress (Robinson Peete) and a young wilderness expert (Bryant) drive together from Los Angeles to New York. Along the way, both women learn they can’t run from their past to create the future they want.

Movie Reviews:

🚗 "We watched the new Holly Robinson Peete movie and was very disappointed. NOT family friendly. Turned it off within ten minutes when they brought up the fact that two of the young women were lesbians." ~Anonymous

🚗 "Ok... I didn't watch The Journey Ahead, but I read some comments abt the movie online. The info Net shared is right. The younger woman I think her name is Sarah does reveal she is gay and at the end after time has passed she is shown with another woman, like they are a couple now. That's all I know, but thought I would share." ~Anonymous

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Groundswell

Starring: Lacey Chabert, Ektor Rivera and Katie Lee Biegel

Premieres: Sunday, August 21, 2022 9/8c

Storyline: Based on the book by Katie Lee Biegel. On the heels of a personal and professional setback, Emma (Chabert), a chef from Atlanta, travels to Hawaii where she meets Ben (Rivera) a handsome, reclusive surf instructor whose lessons help her to regain her footing.

Movie Reviews:

🌊"Groundswell has a gay brother." –Maria

🌊"Groundswell - Franky mentioned Emma about Sebastian, a pilot is the love of his life. Franky & Sebastian have scene with Emma. They are there at Big Wave Cook off. Sebastian puts his arm around Franky’s shoulder." ~Anonymous

🌊"Groundswell is not family friendly. It’s based on the book Katie Lee Biegel. Emma’s Boyfriend named Garrett Weston took credits of Emma’s entry in cooking at his Restaurant. There’s food critic named Sheridan & others. Emma ahead to Hawaii to be with her Aunt June. June hands her drink: hibiscus iced teas. June introduces Ben & Franky to her Niece; Emma. Franky owns restaurant called; “Mercedes Cantina”, is to his older Brother; Ben whose owns store. Franky mentions Sebastian, a pilot to Emma. Franky’s partner named Maria breaks her arm so, Emma takes her place. At Big Wave Cook-Off, the female host introduces contestants to an American cookbook author, television food critic, & novelist Katie Lee, Lee Anne Wong from Top Chef, & Garrett Weston. Emma seems surprised to see her ex-boyfriend; Garrett. Franky & Emma as Team South by Southeast. Ben teaches Emma how to surf since Emma sees Uncle Kai’s surfboard & he taught his Niece; Emma how to surf at young age. Ben Diaz lost his Wife; Estella. Ben goes surfing on his orb when Franky, June, & Emma watching him surfing with his beautiful technique. Emma goes to surfing without Ben’s help & she learns how to surf on surfboard. Team South by Southeast wins Big Wave Cook Off when Franky, Emma, & Katie Lee are having Dinner at 6pm at Franky’s owned restaurant; Mercedes Cantina. One year later, Unless there’s food critic named Sheridan is at Mercedes South by Southeast owned by Emma. He referred to Sister Restaurants; Mercedes Cantina & Mercedes South by Southeast. Sheridan comes to Hawaii with his Wife & their Son. Sheridan’s Son taught how to surf by Surf Instructor. Ben & Emma go surfing with surf wetsuits." ~Anonymous

🌊 "So, I love Lacey Chabert and decided to watch Groundswell. I decided to ignore the rumor I'd heard that there "might" be a vague reference to a gay character somewhere in this movie. I figured it was a "Lacey" movie so therefore it had to be mostly squeaky clean and family friendly and maybe, at most, there might be two guys standing together in the background somewhere. Well, oops!, I was wrong. So, Surfer Boy (Lacey's love interest) has a brother who is a chef and is a main part of the movie as he and Lacey take part in a cooking competition. He and Lacey are in the kitchen cooking and having fun and talking about stuff and they talk about how her aunt & uncle were such incredible role models for couples and marriage. She says something like "Who of us could live up to such a perfect relationship?". He says something like, "I used to think the same thing but then on a flight to Hawaii I met Sebastian (the airline pilot), and he showed me that true love is still alive and we all deserve it." She says, "Aww, I can't wait to meet him." At that point I decided to quit. But then I fast-forwarded through most of the rest of the movie to a scene at a party where Sebastian made his first appearance, all cozy with his arm around the chef guy's waist. Lacey says to the two of them, "You know your husband's amazing, don't you?" And he says, "Oh, yes, I do. That's why I put a ring on it!" And there you have it. A movie that could have been fun and relaxing and family-friendly with all the beautiful scenery and, yet, Hallmark ruined another one. I'm also quite disappointed with Lacey; she's a big enough star that she could have said "no" to being an active part of that dialogue and character arc, or she could have turned down the movie. It's not like Hallmark snuck in one itty-bitty scene after the filming was completed; it was an integral part of the script that Lacey took part in. And the kicker is, the "husband" character didn't even need to be a part of the movie, the story would've been great without any mention of him. Guess I probably should have taped the Paul Campbell movie instead!! Who'd have known Lacey's movie would be worse than Paul's??!!?!" ~~Jane

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Unthinkably Good Things

Starring: Karen Pittman, Erica Ash, Joyful Drake, Jermaine Love and Lance Gross

Premieres: Sunday, August 28, 2022 9/8c

Storyline: At a crossroads in her career and love life, Allison (Pittman) is in need of the love and support of her two friends Melina (Drake) and Reesa (Ash). When they visit her in Tuscany, the reunion causes each woman to reexamine the state of her own life and relationships. While they have different personalities and perspectives, they know each other’s truths and help to make life-changing decisions.

Movie Review:

🍁 "Mahogany: Unthinkably Good Things is family friendly. Teresa & Melina travel to Tuscany to see the best friend; Allison whose haven’t seen for a long time. Allison met Nico at cheese booth Melina has cooking class either partner; Lucas Williams & he has a Daughter named Noelle is a makeup artist & his Wife passed away. Reese takes her friends’ advices with her Husband; Andre. Teresa bought a apartment & she’s expected to have a baby with her Husband. There’s beautiful scenery of Italy. People gone truffle hunt. People in wine room owned by Nico’s Brother named Mario & his Wife Emilia know Vineyard. Melina hands Unthinkably Good Things by Dr. Allison Cooper. Allison posted her poems & her best friends; Reesa & Melina says Fall in Love With Fresh Start. Melina tells Allison to be an author of poetry book. Reesa surprised to see her Husband; Andre there waiting for his Wife. Allison & Nico, Reesa & Andre. & Melina & Lucas staying in Tuscany by drinking wines. Melina had her own restaurant in USA I. Her hometown." ~Anonymous

🍁 "Absolutely Loved this Movie! Recorded it and watched it twice!" ~Anonymous

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What do you think of these new movie premieres? I'm excited to see Alexa and Carlos PenaVega in a new movie together. I wish it was another Picture Perfect Mysteries, but I'll take what I can get. According to ET, their movie is the real-life story of Willie Aames (Harvest Moon, Charles in Charge, Bibleman) and his wife, Winnie Hung. I think this sounds very interesting.

More details and images to come. Stay tuned!

Blessings, Net

Thursday, June 30, 2022

🌟 Happy 4th of July Holiday Weekend! 🌟 See Patriotic TV Specials, Christmas Movie Marathons and More... 👉👉

🍁Fall Into Love🍁 with Hallmark's August 2022 Movie Premieres...