Graduation Cards
New movies premiere this weekend on Great American Family, the Hallmark Channel and UPtv. See details below...
Saturday, August 13, 2022:
Storyline: Ellie (Melanie Stone) tends to injured tennis star Jordan (Casey Elliott) as he heals from a shoulder injury. He's selfish and miserable but with Ellie's help, both start to hope for a brighter future together.
Premieres Saturday, August 13, 2022
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
*Reminder: Great American Family is now airing movies all weekend long - Saturday and Sunday. See the complete schedule - here.
Saturday, August 13, 2022:
Storyline: Ella’s (Jaicy Elliot) unique designs inspire publishing mogul Derek (Benjamin 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.
Saturday, August 13, 2022
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, August 14, 2022:
Storyline via UPtv: When economics teacher and new-in-town Liz challenges her high school students to create business plans, she has no idea that the class winners will actually start their own matchmaking service! Asked to set up her own profile to help them kickstart their careers, as well as team up with handsome tennis coach Ted to organize the school carnival, Liz must navigate the dynamics of this new school, as well as the algorithms of her own heart.
Premieres Sunday, August 14, 2022
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Sunday, August 14, 2022:
The last and final season of the series begins this Sunday night.
Season 6, Episode 1 - The Best is Yet to Come:
Storyline: The O'Brien family comes together in the aftermath of Connor's heart attack; Jess and David deal with media fallout after Dennis Peck goes on the run; everyone finally discovers who Abby called.
airs Sunday nights
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
My thoughts on the movies premiering this weekend...
Please note: I am aware that "The Journey Ahead" will also premiere this weekend on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, but I've decided not to promote this movie. From what I'm hearing, the younger woman in the story may be struggling with revealing her sexual identity. Even though I won't be watching this movie, as a Christian, I believe it's important to show the love of Christ to everyone and pray for others.
As for "Romance in Style," which is premiering on the Hallmark Channel, I know there are some mixed feelings on this movie premiere since it focuses on body image. Frankly, I don't think this should be an issue, whatsoever; and I hope it is handled in a mature, respectful way. We'll see.
On a brighter, positive movie note... I can tell you that "Love, Game, Match," which is premiering on UPtv Sunday night, is a delightful, family-friendly movie. Both Maria (a loyal reviewer here) and I got the chance to see this movie early and you can read our reviews here:
"Love, Game, Match" movie reviews:
🎾 "Found an early download of Love, Game, Match, and I can confirm it's clean and enjoyable! I hope you all like it when it airs." –Maria
🎾 “I screened “Love, Game, Match” through UPtv, and it is very sweet and family-friendly. I enjoyed the low-key chemistry between the leads, Ted and Liz, who are both teachers working at the same school and get tasked with working on the school’s annual Carnival Day together. Liz is an Economics teacher and Ted teaches Physical Education. Two of Liz’s students are working on a matchmaking business for class, and they talk her into trying it. It’s great fun to watch Liz go on several bad dates, while enjoying working with Ted on their carnival project. If you are expecting to see a lot of tennis in this movie, based on the title, then you will be disappointed. There’s some talk about tennis, and we see a few short scenes of practice on the court, but nothing substantial. I did enjoy the additional storyline of Ted’s parents celebrating their 40th wedding anniversary and the surprise gift for his father. Overall, there is some stiff acting, here and there, so this wasn’t a grand-slam win for me, but “Love, Game, Match” was still an enjoyable, light-hearted watch. One caution: adults do sip wine at a wine testing and party, but that’s it. Also, I thought the title, “Love, Game, Match,” was very clever– since it relates to both tennis and matchmaking.” ~Net
And last, but not least, for the movies... I'm very excited that Great American Family launches their first Saturday night movie premiere this weekend with "Retreat to Paradise." I've enjoyed seeing the lead actress, Melanie Stone, in previous movies, such as: "Love, Lost and Found" and "Miracle Maker: A Christmas Tale", so I'm hoping this one will be good, too. I read some reviews at Amazon for Retreat to Paradise, and it looks like everyone agrees that the movie is clean family entertainment, so that is great news. We also received an Anonymous review (see here) that the movie is family-friendly.
Whatever you watch or do, I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Note: I have not pre-screened the new TV movies listed above. If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments.
Happy movie watching, everyone!
Blessings to you all, Net
☀ SHINING HIS LIGHT: ☀
"For ALL have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."
~Romans 3:23
"But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners,
Christ died for us."
Romans 5:8
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
~1 John 1:9
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.
ReplyDeleteWonderful to hear your detailed review!
DeleteI shared your review for "Romance in Style" here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2022/06/fall-into-love-with-hallmarks-august.html
I enjoyed Retreat to Paradise and Love, Game, Match. Both are family-friendly.
ReplyDeleteAllie B., So glad you enjoyed both movies! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!
DeleteI shared your review for "Retreat to Paradise" here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2022/07/gac-family-august-2022-tv-movie-retreat-to-paradise.html
and your review for "Love, Game, Match" here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2022/06/uptv-august-2022-tv-movie-premieres-see.html
Out of curiosity, did anyone watch Chesapeake Shores or The Journey Ahead?
ReplyDeleteI watched Chesapeake Shores. It was good. There will be lots to wrap up to end this last season. A different actress is playing Margaret, which I though was weird since it hasn’t been brought up anywhere that I’ve seen. Like they were trying to sneak it by. ~ Jennifer R
DeleteOk... 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.
DeleteThank you for giving us this update on The Journey Ahead and confirming this storyline. This is one I'm glad I skipped, and I'm grateful I was able to share these details before watching.
DeleteI posted your comment on the post for The Journey Ahead here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2022/06/fall-into-love-with-hallmarks-august.html
Jennifer R, Great to hear you enjoyed the first episode of Chesapeake Shores Season 6! Only 9 more to go. Hopefully, it will end well.
DeleteI was also surprised to see a different actress in the press shots playing Margaret. I wonder why the original actress, Raylene Harewood, didn't return? I also never heard anyone else mention this.
The original actress that played Margaret had a scheduling conflict (she was cast in a play clear across the country) and they just couldn't make it work, so they recast Margaret.
DeleteWe 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.
ReplyDeleteThank you for letting us know about The Journey Ahead. I'm glad you didn't have to invest too much time in the movie before you knew. I appreciate you sharing with us and confirming this storyline was included in this film.
DeleteI posted your review for The Journey Ahead here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2022/06/fall-into-love-with-hallmarks-august.html
Putting Up to the Test is family friendly. When economics teacher named Elizabeth “Liz” Harris moved back to her hometown to be closer to her retired mother & takes a position at Faraday High. She wants to encourage two students named Dylan & Ariella who just launched a dating app: Meet Your Match. Liz agrees to sign up and gets matched on a series of incompatible dates. When Liz volunteers to organize Carnival Day with a tennis coach Theodore “Ted” Packerson? Dylan & Ariella notice their teachers; Coach Packerson & Ms. Harris get along when they’re flirty, putting weird hats, & laughing. Ted matches with Liz on dating site or app. Liz ignored Ted. Dylan & Ariella encourage their Teachers; Coach Packerson & Ms. Harris to photo booth. Unless Ted & Liz have photo taken in a photo booth at Carnival Day. Love, Game, Match was an originally titled Putting Up to the Test.
ReplyDeleteIt's called Love, Game, Match. It eas previously called Putting Up To The Test
DeleteGrace, I just wanted to let you know I received your random question. Could you email me at itsawonderfulchristmas {at} yahoo.com or click on CONTACT above? I would like to answer your question privately, if that's okay.
ReplyDeleteRomance in Style
ReplyDeleteElla 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."
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!
ReplyDeleteI see that The Journey Ahead is not family friendly, but not surprised. Had to be in something this weekend. Glad I skipped that one!
Thank you so much, Joyce, for sharing your thoughts on "Romance in Style." I recorded it last night after hearing how much you and others enjoyed it.
DeleteI shared your review here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2022/06/fall-into-love-with-hallmarks-august.html
Chesapeake Shores was lovely. Hope this clean streak continues. -Maria
ReplyDeleteNet, my favorite thing about your site is the scripture verses you share. We all need encouragement from the word of God. Thank you!
ReplyDeletekitkat, Thank you for saying that! I always appreciate your thoughtful words of encouragement... that means so much to me!
DeleteIt is my complete and pure joy to share God's word with you and everyone who visits here. :)
"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path"
- Psalm 119:105.
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.
ReplyDeleteElla 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.
Retreat to Paradise is a beautiful movie! -Maria
ReplyDeleteI agree Maria! Really enjoyed this movie.
DeleteMaria & kitkat, Thank you both for sharing this! Glad you both enjoyed the movie; I thought it ended up being sweet, too!
DeleteCandice Huffine makes a cameo in Romance in Style as Candice iis an American plus-size model represented by IMG Models. Candice has her picture taken & with Ella Richards for fashion magazine.
ReplyDeleteCandice Huffine is an authentic talent with natural beauty and style. Huffine began her career as a model at the early age of 15. She has since become an unwavering leader in the fashion industry as both an outspoken advocate for the body-positivity and size diversity movements, and model with an undeniably accomplished book of work.
Lacey Chabert & Jonathan Bennett will have Christmas movie together or something
ReplyDeleteJonathan mentioned he & Lacey will do movie together that mix with Sleepless in Seattle & Mean Girls
I'm beginning to wonder if Hallmark even cares about rating anymore?
ReplyDeleteAs I expected The Journey Ahead came in with a paltry overnight figure of 0.72m - the second lowest of the year - Florence
Florence, That is very interesting. Thank you for sharing those ratings numbers. I'm glad to hear it was low. Hopefully, that will send a message to them. But I agree with you, it probably won't matter.
DeleteRomance 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.
ReplyDeletekitkat, I so appreciate you giving us your take on this movie. It especially means a lot after you shared your personal story with your sister. It's good to hear the way the story was presented pleased you and inspired you.
DeleteI shared your review here:
https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2022/06/fall-into-love-with-hallmarks-august.html