With FOUR ALL-NEW premieres this Saturday and Sunday, this weekend is the first major drop of NEW movies across multiple networks in 2023, with two romantic comedies and two all-new mysteries!
See all the details below...
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Saturday, January 7, 2023:
Great American Winter kicks off with...
Storyline via Great American Family: Olivia, struggling with writer’s block after a break-up, takes a tropical holiday in hope of some inspiration and meets Prince Alexander, who needs some distance from his duty to marry royalty.
Trailer:
Premieres Saturday, January 7, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
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Saturday, January 7, 2023:
Lacey Chabert and Kevin McGarry return to the Wedding Veil series in...
Storyline via Hallmark: In the first movie of this sequel trilogy, Avery (Chabert) and her husband Peter (McGarry) are in the midst of renovating the old house they’ve purchased, which is proving to be a bigger undertaking than they anticipated. Avery has some exciting news to share with him, but is waiting for just the right moment. Meanwhile, Avery’s mother-in-law, Grace (Karen Kruper), reconnects with a former beau, and Peter has concerns. Between that, the pitfalls of remodeling and navigating the politics of having a new boss at the museum, Avery is lucky to have Emma (Reeser) and Tracy (Sweeney), who offer support from afar as well as in person when they decide a video chat won’t suffice. When newlywed Tracy returns the antique wedding veil to Emma, the friends may find that they haven’t seen the last of its magic.
Trailer:
Premieres Saturday, January 7, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
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Saturday, January 7, 2023:
Lifetime premieres an all-new mystery...
Reba McEntire’s The Hammer
Storyline via Lifetime: Kim Wheeler (Reba McEntire) is an outspoken, firecracker lawyer who is appointed Judge of the 5th District of Nevada and is one of the few traveling judges left in America. After the reigning judge passes away under suspicious circumstances, Kim finds herself covering a circuit that stretches between Las Vegas and Reno — a rugged, often desolate area where anything and everything can happen. With gavel in hand, she lays down the law with a no-nonsense brand of justice, that quickly earns her the nickname “The Hammer.” As the investigation of the former judge’s death heats up, Kim’s sister Kris (Melissa Peterman), who runs the local brothel, suddenly becomes the prime suspect, and Kim must work even harder to make certain the appropriate justice is served.
Trailer:
Reba McEntire’s The Hammer
Premieres Saturday, January 7, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime
*Encores at midnight.
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Sunday, January 8, 2023:
An All-New Hallmark Mystery Premieres this Sunday...
Storyline via Hallmark: Genealogist Sophie McClure (Parrish) is an expert at digging up the past and bringing families together. When her close friend Jonathan (Morgan David Jones) urgently needs to find a bone marrow donor, it brings his twin brother (and Sophie’s old flame) Jackson (Matter), back into her life. With Jackson’s help, Sophie must use her skills to track down the brothers’ long-lost birth father, a man they never even knew existed, in time to save Jonathan’s life. Ultimately, growing closer to Jackson on this search gives Sophie the push to finally explore the mystery of her own adoption.
Trailer:
Premieres Sunday, January 8, 2023
at 7pm/6c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
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My take on the New Movies...
It's nice to see Great American Family start out this weekend with their first movie premiere for the year, A Prince in Paradise! I know some of us aren't overly fond of the royal theme, but there have been some enjoyable ones throughout the years, such as A Princess for Christmas, Crown for Christmas, Royal Matchmaker, A Royal Christmas, Royally Wrapped for Christmas, etc. Hopefully, this movie will be just as good as those.
I'm rather curious about these upcoming Wedding Veil movies. I think it will be sweet to see Avery (Lacey Chabert) and Peter (Kevin McGarry) as they are expecting a baby. Should be interesting to see all of their stories continue, if they are family-friendly.
As for the new mysteries, please know I don't recommend murder mysteries for any young viewers. After Christmas, I don't often share Lifetime movies, but I thought this new mystery, The Hammer, starring Reba McIntire, looked rather intriguing. You'll want, however, to be sure to read the full synopsis Lifetime has given above. My eyebrows raised when I read some of it, but according to TV rating guidelines, it is rated TV-PG. So... hopefully, this mystery will be a little tamer than Lifetime's usual thriller/suspense offerings.
Another interesting fact about Reba's movie is that it was filmed on the Jamestown Movie Set in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, which is best known to Hallmark viewers as the When Calls the Heart set. I think it will be rather fun (and possibly a little distracting) to see Hope Valley as the backdrop for this modern-day mystery. Lifetime shared this behind-the-scenes image below. If you look closely, you can see the beautiful church/schoolhouse in the background.
The new Hallmark mystery, Family History Mysteries: Buried Past, also looks intriguing. I'm not sure about the pairing of Janel Parrish and Niall Matter (what would Aurora Teagarden think? haha!), but I do find family history and digging into genealogy to be quite fascinating. It's nice to see HMM start off the year with an actual mystery.
Be sure to share in comments below what you are looking forward to seeing this weekend.
Please Note: I haven't pre-screened the new movies. If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments. Thank you so much to those of you who participate in this.
Disclaimer: Please know when I share a movie, this is NOT an endorsement of any of the actors involved, personally or professionally, with their other TV/film projects.
Happy movie-watching!
Blessings to you all, Net
Blessings to you all, Net
🌟 SHINING HIS LIGHT in the New Year: 🌟
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ,
the new creation has come:
The old has gone, the new is here!"
~2 Corinthians 5:17
The Wedding Veil Trilogy DVD
(The Wedding Veil, Unveiled, Legacy)
My Chains Are Gone: Hymns & Gospel Favorites DVD
performed by country music star, Reba McEntire
The Aurora Teagarden Mysteries DVD
(18 Mystery Movie Collection)
Yes, surprisingly jthe Lifetime Mystery Moviel looks intriguing and I think Jannel Parrish and Niall Matter should combine well.
ReplyDeleteRhiannon Fish is popping up regularly now but I don't knoiw Mitchell Bourke at all (the name sounds as if he could be Australian).
I'm not generally a big fan of Royal Movies but there were a few cracking ones at Christmas and this is away from a Palace setting so here's hoping.
I wish Hallmark could just leave well alone.
I emjoyed the original Wedding Veil Trilogy but don't really see the need for sequels - Florence
I'll check out the new Wedding Veil movie, but the minute I see any gay people or hear of 1 being in it off screen, I'm out. I don't want to see this amazing trilogy be ruined by unwanted inappropriate politics.
ReplyDeleteI usually ditch Lifetime after Christmas because I really don't like their ridiculous 'damsel in distress' and their 'true horror story' movies, but this one looks pretty good.
That GAF movie looks really sweet.
Unless Hallmark gives a real wrap up to ALL of their older mystery movie series, I'm never watching another mystery series on HMM. Because ditching well love series just to make more stupider sounding ones that will more then likely do worse in the ratings then the other ones is really offensive. -Maria
I have to agree with Maria about the mysteries on HMM. I'm not going to say I will not watch this new one, but it's offensive that the fans have asked and asked to at least give closure on the series that had cliff hangers that HMM ask for or a mystery within the mystery that was never solved.....Mystery 101 and Martha's Vineyard are 2 examples. My hopes for that are fading as it does not appear that is going to happen!
DeleteThanks for sharing about Reba's new movie. I hadn't heard about it. I will probably record it and watch with caution. Besides that, I hope the new wedding veil trilogy is as fun to watch as the first three movies!
ReplyDeleteI hope Reba’s movie is family-friendly. It should be very funny! I don’t understand the need for more of the Wedding Veil, unless it’s to ruin it. Sequels usually do. I’m all for mysteries, only if they don’t start a mystery inside the mystery that will never get solved because they don’t continue the series. Like they have the past several they’ve made. Also, why did they choose Niall Matter? To make up for Candace leaving? I could do without him.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a lot to choose from.
ReplyDeleteI’ve said this before, but I’m going to wait until after all 3 of the new Veil movies air before I watch any of them because I don’t want to get into new storylines only to have them ruined by Hallmarks new agenda. I’m recording them just in case, but not getting my hopes up.
ReplyDeleteHi! It feels so great to be back! I've been spending time with my brother and his wife and 6mo. baby boy. I hope you all had a lovely New Year!!
ReplyDeleteThe Wedding Veil movie is the one I am most excited over! That picture with the buggy is sooooo precious! Now if only they would do the same for All of My Heart. I'm praying it'll be family-friendly.
Wow! The WCTH set! You're right Net! I can definitely see that being distracting. I would be hard to watch and not look for Rosemary. ;) I wonder if that is the reason WCTH was kinda delayed in their filming. I won't be watching it though, since it mentions brothels.
I'll give the new mystery a try and will let you know if it's family-friendly. I know seeing Niall Matter will make me miss Aurora and that awesome cast!!
Hi Abigail, Soooo good to hear from you! I'm sure you had such a glorious time with your nephew...... and brother and sis-n-law, too! Those babies always get our attention first, don't they? Oh, what a sweet, precious time!
DeleteI just loved your comment about Rosemary! That made me chuckle. I'm sure I'll be thinking about that - whenever I watch this.
Blessings on your day! :)
OT: I watched this new Reel one movie today titled 'Love at the Ranch', stars Laura Mitchell and Jon Cor, it's clean and quite enjoyable. It'd be a good fit for UP TV or GAF. -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, That sounds fun! Please remind us of this - if one of those channels ends up obtaining it.
DeleteLove at Cedar Creek
DeleteOriginal title: Love at the Ranch
TV Movie
Starring Jon Cor & Laura Mitchell
Garage Sale Mysteries Marathon just before Family History Mysteries: Buried Past will start the mystery movie
ReplyDeleteThe Wedding Veil Expectations....
ReplyDeleteI loved this movie!!! I really enjoyed seeing the three ladies again. What a special friendship they have. And you can see how much they care and love each other. This film was thankfully family-friendly and was a treat! Loved Lacey and Kevin together! The whole movie was a delight!!
~Abigail
Very proud to say that TWV Expectations is CLEAN!!! It's clean, and insanely fluffy cute! Definitely going to buy this one! -Maria
ReplyDeleteA Prince in Paradise a nice and enjoyable movie. -Maria
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThe Wedding Veil Expectations is family friendly. Very sweet movie. I hope the rest of the movies will be family friendly as well!
Abigail, Maria, and Joyce, I'm so happy to hear from you all The Wedding Veil: Expectations is family friendly! That is such great news. 1 down, 2 to go!!! :)
DeleteA Prince In Paradise was more than I expected. I fell in love with the lead guy. He and Rhiannon Fish were perfect together. It was relaxing and enjoyable. This is a keeper for me!
ReplyDeletekitkat, Thank you for sharing this delightful review! :)
DeleteI ain't watching that new HMM mystery, but I'm hearing on Twitter that there's a gay best friend in the movie. Canceling other great mystery series for this kind of junk, completely inappropriate and offensive! -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria,
DeleteI just saw that movie. It mentions he had a relationship with someone named Alex. They don't mention the gender.
Maria, I appreciate this update - thank you! :)
DeleteWedding Veil Expectations was a great movie. All 3 of the leading ladies were very fun together. I loved how it kept the magic going. I wish there was more about her pregnancy in the movie. I kind of forget she was pregnant for a good amount of the movie.
ReplyDeleteBrenny, Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the movie, The Wedding Veil Expectations.
DeleteWill Autumn Reeser be a mother in The Wedding Veil Inspiration?
ReplyDeleteNet, thanks for the info on Romance In Style DVD being available on Amazon. I have been waiting for this. I was told there are no negative comments on this movie. Jaicy Elliott and Benjamin Hollingsworth are a perfect match! Watched again last and it still makes me smile.
ReplyDeletekitkat, I was happy to share this DVD news! I know many fell in love with this sweet movie. Jaicy was certainly excellent in it, Benjamin too! :)
DeleteDid anyone watch the Family History mystery yet?? Someone told me the preview seemed Satanic. Hoping that's not the case, but just in case, I'll wait until there's a review before watching.
ReplyDeleteFamily History Mysteries: Buried Past....
ReplyDeleteLiked it but not enough to watch it over and over.
A friend suggested that I give this film a try, so I did. On the cover, she has a symbol on her eye, so I can see why some might think witchcraft is involved. But thankfully there was none of the whatsoever! So rest assured!! It was also family-friendly.
I didn't like how the father walked out of them. (That can be a touchy feeling for me since my biological father did the same to my family for selfish reasons. I am grateful God blessed us with the godly man my mother married 15 years ago. He will always be my true father!)
It was ok. I did enjoy it and would like to see more. And I like Niall Matter. I kinda gave me the feel of a SSD(in a way). But lately Hallmark hasn't been finishing what they start. Don't know if I want to continue during a cliff hanger and then they drop it like Mystery 101.
~Abigail
Abigail, I'm hearing the brother has a male partner in this movie. Perhaps, you missed that part, and I just wanted you to know.
DeleteThanks Net! I was unsure, since they never said if the character "Alex" was male or female. Maybe they did and I missed it.
DeleteSPOILER ALERT:
ReplyDeleteThe Wedding Veil Expectations is family & friendly about Avery & Peter try keep their romance alive while renovating an old house & juggling work with Sam, but everything takes on a new perspective when she reveals a surprise is she bun in the oven. Avery’s Mother in Law named Grace Hastings sees someone she knew in fact that Clark was the guy she was almost married to just before she met Peter’s Father. Avery is expecting a baby boy named Daniel is named after Peter’s Dad. Tracy & Emma are Godmothers to Avery & Peter’s Son; Daniel. Clark & Grace are getting married. Peter tells Clark “Welcome to the Family”. Peter is holding his Son; Daniel in from of his Mother; Grace the bride.
SPOILER ALERT:
ReplyDeleteA Prince in Paradise is family friendly movie is the best. Olivia Perkins is struggling writer’s block after a breakup with Kyle when she takes a tropical Holliday to Haven Isles in hopes of some inspiration so, she goes with Katie & she meets Prince Alexander Barclay the 3rd of Torova, who needs distance from his upcoming duty to marry royalty. Prince Alexander receives an invitation from Dr. Lee for Fundraiser in Haven iIsles. Prince Alexander is with his bodyguard named Winston. Winston is with Katie. Olivia is with Prince Alexander. Queen Patricia is with Ridley. Kyle is with Tiffany or without her. Olivia has written another books called; “A Prince in Paradise”. Olivia video chat with Erica about Romance, Royalty, & Tropical Islands. Erica asks about Olivia & Prince Alexander or books so, Olivia replies both. Since Prince Alexander’s Mother named Queen Patricia sends Ridley to spy on Prince Alexander in Haven Isles when Winston & Prince Alexander arrive in paradise; “Haven Isles”, for Fundraisers.
Net, I am heartbroken. I just came across some info about The Chosen that is hard to believe. There are clips on YT of interviews with the developers of this series. All the info is bad. They support the LGBTQ movement among other things. What they said has me speechless.
ReplyDeletekitkat, Oh no, I hadn't heard this, but I appreciate you bringing this information to our attention.
DeleteCan you share the links with us?
Net, I wish I could. I watch some ministers on YT and it was a random thing that popped up. If I find it, I will be happy to tell you. It was clips from an interview about The Chosen. Sounds much like what I have heard Joel Osteen say.
DeleteThese men do not believe Jesus was the spotless Lamb. They said Jesus was a cool dude. Their perception of Jesus is not scriptural. The more I heard, the sadder I became. Part of me wishes I had not heard this and yet, I needed to know this.
I feel like I did when I learned what Amy Grant really believes. Are there so few faithful followers of Jesus Christ?
I fear there are very few true followers too, kitkat. I hate to hear this, but I’m honestly not too shocked. It seems no one is true anymore. It encourages me to see the ones on here, like yourself, who are!
Deletekitkat, what have I missed about Amy Grant? I thought she was/is a true follower of Jesus Christ. I was a big fan of hers back in the day. Please enlighten me.
Deletekitkat, I understand completely. I'll keep a look out, as well, for any more details. It seems the more I know about certain organizations or actors/actresses, the more disappointed I become these days.
DeleteI was also sad to hear that Amy Grant would be proudly hosting her niece's same-sex marriage at her home. That news was particular heartbreaking because I know she has a huge following and she'll surely be leading others astray.
I thought Franklin Graham's response was powerful:
Yes, we are to love God & love each other. But if we love God, we will seek to obey His Word. Jesus told us, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). God defines what is sin, not us; & His Word is clear that homosexuality is sin.
For me, loving others also means caring about their souls & where they will spend eternity. It means loving people enough to tell them the truth from the Word of God. The authority of God’s Word is something we can never compromise on.
I pray other Christians will remain strong and not compromise on the Word of God!
Like Mark, I had totally missed the most recent Amy Grant story. Franklin Graham's response was spot on. Love the Graham family!! Keep them in your prayers because you know they're a constant target.
Delete~~Jane
Thank you Net! Amy is shown wearing a gay rainbow ribbon around her neck. My heart weeps for her soul. She has been deceived by the devil.
DeleteMark 25, Net just explained the answer above. Amy supports the gay movement. God loves us all but hates sin.
I will continue to pray for those who are so deceived. Too many are walking away from Jesus.
“Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men.” Psalm 12:1
DeleteHow true this verse is and how sad!
Family History Mysteries: Buried Past
ReplyDeletePremieres Sunday, January 8, 2023
at 9pm/7c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Net, Did you remember last year sneak peek of Family History Mysteries: Buried Past saying 7pm ET/4pm PT on January 8, 2023? Not 9pm ET/6pm
Garage Series Mysteries series was just before Family History Mysteries at 7pm ET/4pm PT & Bella Vista was on at 9pm ET/6pm PT
Yes, you are right. It did premiere at 7pm/6c.
DeleteFamily History Mysterys was a really fun one, I loved the story and Janel and Niall were great
ReplyDeleteHas anyone read the Wedding Veil books? Are they family friendly?
ReplyDeleteMany years ago I read a Lori Wilde book and it was definitely not clean (yuck). From what I can gather from Goodreads and other book sites and friends, the Lori Wilde book that the Wedding Veil trilogy was very, very, very loosely based upon has detailed sex scenes and foul language. So, definitely not family friendly.
Delete~~Jane
Jane, Thank you for sharing that important info with us! That is disappointing to hear. I've often wished books would have ratings like movies, but nowadays, anything goes, so whatever ratings system the world would use would probably still not work for us. As we know, even G-rated Disney movies aren't completely innocent any more. So sad this world we live in.
DeleteFamily History Mysteries: Buried Past....
ReplyDeleteSpoiler Alert..................
So I saw on here that the new Mystery Family History Mysteries: Buried Past was family friendly but the brother who is suffering with cancer does say he is gay about halfway through the movie.
I did finish the movie and I don't plan on watching anymore of this series. The father disappeared and was thought to be dead and it wasn't until the need of a donor for bone marrow that the Mom even mentions that one of their friends mentioned seeing him in Boston. Then the Stepdad admits that the Dad did show up at the house years ago but afraid of losing his new family he sent him away. The father never tried to connect to his sons after being sent on his way even after they were adults. Everyone was just fine with everything that happened because of course the Dad is a match and is willing to donate bone marrow.
Like so of the other mystery series this movie ends on a cliffhanger with the girl opening up a package left by her dead Mom about her bio parents because she is adopted. I don't even know what was in the package because I started to fast-forward the movie due to it dragging on.
Like I said parts of it really dragged on and it gave me vibes of trying to be similar to SSD with the connecting people using the past.
I am hoping that they are not trying to replace SSD with this new series. I don't like these characters nearly as much as the SSD cast.
Also if this becomes a series then what does that mean for the Aurora Teagarden series and Niall Matter's character Nick? I know that Candance is now with Great American Family but I also know she was an executive producer on the Aurora Teagarden movies. Does she have the rights to the property? I know there was an article about hoping to bring it over to GAF. I will try to link the story below.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/life/entertainment/a41392048/hallmark-gac-candace-cameron-bure-aurora-teagarden-mysteries/
If they do continue Aurora Teagarden on GAF I hope they replace Nick with a better actor. I never liked Niall Matter, especially after this new series being unwatchable.
DeleteCandace Cameron Bure Finally Reveals If There Will Be More 'Aurora Teagarden Mysteries'
ReplyDeleteThe former Hallmark actress wants to possibly bring it to GAC.
Candace Cameron Bure is excited about her future at GAC Family but she hasn’t taken her eye off of one particular Hallmark project that brought her joy over the years — Aurora Teagarden Mysteries.
In April, the Full House actress made headlines when she announced her departure from the TV network. Throughout her 14 years with the channel, she earned the title of "Queen of Christmas" and starred in a whopping 30 movies, including 18 films for the Aurora Teagarden franchise. After following in the footsteps of Danica McKellar, Jessica Lowndes, Trevor Donovan and Jen Lilley, who also made the move to GAC, Deadline reported that there were “no new Aurora Teagarden Mysteries movies in the works.” Shortly after, Variety confirmed this news via multiple sources who said there were no plans to continue the series.
At the time, Hallmark fans flooded Candace’s Instagram with upset comments about this change in programming. “WHAT ABOUT AURORA TEAGARDEN???????????? I CAN'T I JUST CAN'T is it gone now????” one person wrote. But by the sounds of it, Candace is up for reviving the flicks for GAC Family.
Speaking with Variety, the Fuller House star revealed that just because she’s no longer with Hallmark and her former network has no plans for Aurora Teagarden Mysteries, it doesn’t mean that it’s not on the table.
“It’s open. It’s definitely something we would like to revisit for Great American Family,” Candace told the outlet. “It’s about putting puzzle pieces together, but it’s very possible.”
Whether it’s a real possibility for Candace to move the popular franchise from Hallmark over to GAC Family is unknown at this point. Based on author Charlaine Harris’s best-selling crime novels, Aurora Teagarden Mysteries centers around a librarian named Aurora “Roe” Teagarden who solves mysteries with the Real Murders Club, a group of true-crime enthusiasts.
Before she left Hallmark, Candace celebrated her latest movie for the franchise titled Haunted By Murder, which aired this past February. “Just wrapped another Aurora Teagarden Mystery. #18 !!!! I can’t believe we started these movies 7 years ago 🤯,” she captioned an Instagram photo of herself with her former cast members in December 2021. “I love bringing you family friendly entertainment and can’t wait for you to see this new one!”
The actress echoed a similar message when she confirmed her exit. “I’m very excited to develop heartwarming family and faith-filled programming and make the kind of stories my family and I love to watch,” she said in a statement.
So, it could happen …
ReplyDeleteHis Previous Mystery Series Was ‘Aurora Teagarden Mysteries’
Naill Matter is no stranger to Hallmark mysteries. He previously had a leading role opposite Candace Cameron Bure in the “Aurora Teagarden Mystery” series. Although the series was popular, it was discontinued after Bure left Hallmark for an executive role at Great American Family.
Although Hallmark did not officially make an announcement about canceling the series, it was quickly apparent that it wouldn’t return.
After Bure left, Variety reported that “multiple sources” told them that there were no new plans for any additional “Aurora Teagarden” films. And an unnamed representative of Crown Media told Us Weekly at the time that while existing “Aurora Teagarden” movies would still air, they had “no plans for new ones.”
In September, both Bure & Bill Abbott, CEO of Great American Family, told Variety that they would love to move “Aurora Teagarden” over to GAF.
Bure said: “It’s about putting puzzle pieces together, but it’s very possible.”
Meanwhile, Charlaine Harris, the author of the Aurora Teagarden mystery books upon which the series is based, has said on Facebook that she’s not currently writing any new books in the series
Family History Mysteries was not family friendly. There is one part where the brother with lukemia mentions a breakup with Alex. Later we find out Alex is a male. Saw no need for that to be injected to the movie except to promote an agenda. The movie would have been fun otherwise. Why does Hallmark keep shooting themselves in the foot? Not to mention their wallet.
ReplyDeleteAny news on if The Hammer was family-friendly? I’ve been eagerly awaiting.
ReplyDeleteI shared a review for "Reba McEntire's the Hammer" below. Hope this helps you decide whether or not you will watch it.
DeleteThank you. Probably a pass for me.
DeleteRandom Reviews...
ReplyDeleteA Prince in Paradise – The story was simple and sweet, a bit cheesy at times, but mostly family-friendly minus some of the wardrobe. The swimsuits worn on the beach were too revealing for my taste, along with Rhiannon’s dress choice for the charity function. Overall, in my opinion, this film is not a stand-out for the royal-themed movies; the romance portion was way too instant. Not a keeper for me, personally, and unfortunately, I cannot recommend it for family viewing based on the clothing choices. ~Net
Reba McEntire's the Hammer – Okay... this movie was certainly interesting, but NOT, I repeat, NOT family-friendly. First, of all, there is mention of a brothel, but no one is ever shown doing anything related to that. (Thank goodness!) A man is found deceased in bed (within the first minute of the movie) and is shown partially shirtless. There is some language throughout the movie, along with drinking and these adult topics are discussed: mental and physical abuse, drug use, extra-marital affairs, etc. The movie is fast-paced and Reba’s character, Judge Kim Wheeler, is sassy and feisty, but I could also see areas of humbleness and vulnerability, especially regarding Kim’s family relationships. Her father has dementia, and he often takes his anger out on Kim. She references the Bible in the movie and we see Kim praying at various times. It was fun to see some recognizable faces from Hallmark movies, including: Matty Finochio (Window Wonderland, Autumn Dreams), Jill Morrison (Signed, Sealed, Delivered, Where Your Heart Belongs), Garfield Wilson (In Merry Measure), and Melissa Peterman from Haul Out the Holly, but she’s mostly well-known from the Reba sitcom series. It was easy to see how well Melissa and Reba get along on screen. Overall, this movie was full of surprises and witty dialogue. The mystery portion of the movie is certainly intriguing and captivating and had me guessing until the end. ~Net
A Holiday Spectacular – This movie was such a delightful surprise! I thought the focus would just be about the Rockettes, and while it was definitely a part of the story, the dancing wasn’t shown as much as I had anticipated. I loved! – loved! – loved! the vintage clothing and retro hair styles. Plus, the old-fashioned cars were really cool, and the sets all included furniture and props from that era, too! The one thing I didn’t like, was that Maggie was lying to her parents about her whereabouts and why she was really in New York. Besides that, I really enjoyed the story, the friendships of the dancers, and the romance part was sweet too. This was a definite keeper! ~Net
B&B Merry – I really enjoyed this lighthearted movie! Jen Lilley and Jesse Hutch were both wonderful in their roles – I could feel a spark building between their characters. Jen portrayed Tracey Wise, a travel writer, and Jesse Hutch portrayed Graham, who owns a B&B with his mother. I loved seeing the contrast between the small town Bed & Breakfast vs. the luxury hotel with all the amenities, except the homey feeling. This sweet, family-friendly movie was a keeper for me and my family! ~Net
Christmas Bedtime Stories – I was glad this movie had a military theme and it is definitely unique, but not a keeper for me. I liked the close relationship of the mother and young daughter and how the mother would read to her each night. The loss of a parent is discussed throughout the movie, so this is not a movie I would recommend for young viewers. I don’t want to give anything away for anyone who hasn’t watched yet, but the movie wraps up fairly quickly at the end and leaves you with more questions than answers. In the military there are proper chain of events to occur and protocol to follow; it seems like they forego those events and rush the end in order to give us a happy ending. It’s an okay movie to watch once, but not one I would watch again. ~Net
"Reba McEntire's The Hammer" - It's definitely more raw and edgy than Hallmark makes their mysteries. Reba made me smile; I liked her as a spunky, caring judge and think the Nevada district is blessed to have her character show up. Viewer beware: it's a movie depicting rough lives and rough circumstances with no sugar-coating, and there is definite assorted adult content in the storyline, but it is handled in a way that made it watchable for me. I feel many directors would have taken the opportunity to film graphic, lewd flashback scenes for a storyline such as this, but there's none of that. A movie portraying hard stuff like this one can be about redemption and the righting of wrongs, or it can be about glorification of debauchery. I view this as one of the former and enjoyed the quality acting and mystery!
ReplyDelete~Alicia
Alicia, I enjoyed reading your review for "Reba McEntire's The Hammer." I think we had similar takes on it. While the movie is not for young viewers, all of the adult topics were handled in a mature way. I, too, liked that several characters found redemption in the end. I have a feeling they are going to make more of these! :)
DeleteI found your excellent review, Net--I have such a hard time reviewing without spoilers but you did it perfectly! Oh fun, getting more of Judge Kim Wheeler and her spiffy camper truck would be good news in my book. :-)
DeleteNet, I agree about the clothing in Prince In Paradise, but to be honest, many of the movies have the same revealing clothing, especially on women. I am old fashioned when it comes to dressing. Too much skin is exposed on the top and the bottom. It appears they ran out of cloth before the garments were completed. Plus, skirts that fit too close to the body really bother me. See, I am old fashioned!
ReplyDeletekitkat, It is sad that many women aren't more modest in their clothing choices. (My momma always says these types of women are actually insecure if they have to show themselves like that.) I guess this surprised me even more because it was on GAF.
DeleteLove your comment on the running out of fabric... that cracked me up! :)
I was raised the same way kitcat and Net. It can be hard to enjoy when the characters display themselves that way. Even Cameron Bure does the same. I didn't like her "Aurora" wedding dress.
DeleteMy brothers used to watch the mysteries with me and my sisters but had to kinda stop on some of them because the outfits were to revealing sadly.
It's sad that our world has fallen to this. If only parents did their job!
I wish you could have met my great-grandmother. She died right before I was born. I'm told she was a very godly woman, she didn't even like to see her granddaughters show their ankles. Or play Go Fish. -haha;)
DeleteBuried past, brother comments that he is gay. Not family friendly
ReplyDelete