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It's 🎄CHRISTMAS 24/7🎄 now
on THREE CHANNELS!
*Countdown to Christmas* and the *Miracles of Christmas* have arrived!
In addition to *Great American Christmas* on Great American Family, the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have joined the round-the-clock coverage of Christmas movies, which will air throughout the 2023 Christmas season!
See details below on the 4 All-New Christmas Movies premiering this weekend; plus, UPtv has the premiere of a movie that will have a Christmas sequel!
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Friday, October 20, 2023:
Hallmark Channel's first Countdown to Christmas 2023 Premiere...
Storyline: A journeyman hockey player (Kevin McGarry) falls for a real estate agent (Kim Matula) in a career crisis when he's traded to her hometown and moves into the cottage in her hockey-loving family's backyard.
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Saturday, October 21, 2023:
Great American Family invites everyone to their new premiere...
Storyline: An unexpected text message sent to the wrong number (Merritt Patterson) sets into motion a Christmas tradition with a new family (Trevor Donovan) over three separate years.
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Saturday, October 21, 2023:
Can Christmas be saved in Hallmark Channel's...
Storyline: Addy (Lyndsy Fonseca) wishes for a year without Christmas and she wakes up in a world of black and white. She must work together with the town mechanic (Michael Rady) to restore Christmas.
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Sunday, October 22, 2023:
UPtv has the premiere of...
Storyline: The daughters of country music and rock & roll royalty find themselves at a crossroads, torn between following their dreams of performing or helping their father run their up-and-coming horse breeding business. Between old flames, new love, best friends and family – they’ll all need the strength of each other…
*Note: The sequel film, Country Hearts Christmas, will premiere on Sunday, November 19, 2023. See details *here*.
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Sunday, October 22, 2023:
The Hallmark Channel ends their weekend of Christmas movie premieres with...
Kat (Jessica Parker Kennedy) is an esteemed astrophysicist, who is scheduled for her first trip into space next year until an accident grounds her. While on leave, coming to terms with the reality that her dream of being an astronaut is over, she volunteers at the local planetarium. There, she is paired up with by-the-book David (Ryan Paevey) to work on an exhibit opening right before Christmas. Will the stars align to bring these two together at the holidays?
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In addition to *Great American Christmas* on Great American Family, the Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries have joined the round-the-clock coverage of Christmas movies, which will air throughout the 2023 Christmas season!
See details below on the 4 All-New Christmas Movies premiering this weekend; plus, UPtv has the premiere of a movie that will have a Christmas sequel!
Friday, October 20, 2023:
Hallmark Channel's first Countdown to Christmas 2023 Premiere...
Storyline: A journeyman hockey player (Kevin McGarry) falls for a real estate agent (Kim Matula) in a career crisis when he's traded to her hometown and moves into the cottage in her hockey-loving family's backyard.
Premieres Friday, October 20, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, October 21, 2023:
Great American Family invites everyone to their new premiere...
Storyline: An unexpected text message sent to the wrong number (Merritt Patterson) sets into motion a Christmas tradition with a new family (Trevor Donovan) over three separate years.
Premieres Saturday, October 21, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Saturday, October 21, 2023:
Can Christmas be saved in Hallmark Channel's...
Storyline: Addy (Lyndsy Fonseca) wishes for a year without Christmas and she wakes up in a world of black and white. She must work together with the town mechanic (Michael Rady) to restore Christmas.
Premieres Saturday, October 21, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, October 22, 2023:
UPtv has the premiere of...
Storyline: The daughters of country music and rock & roll royalty find themselves at a crossroads, torn between following their dreams of performing or helping their father run their up-and-coming horse breeding business. Between old flames, new love, best friends and family – they’ll all need the strength of each other…
Premieres Sunday, October 22, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on UPtv
*Note: The sequel film, Country Hearts Christmas, will premiere on Sunday, November 19, 2023. See details *here*.
Sunday, October 22, 2023:
The Hallmark Channel ends their weekend of Christmas movie premieres with...
Kat (Jessica Parker Kennedy) is an esteemed astrophysicist, who is scheduled for her first trip into space next year until an accident grounds her. While on leave, coming to terms with the reality that her dream of being an astronaut is over, she volunteers at the local planetarium. There, she is paired up with by-the-book David (Ryan Paevey) to work on an exhibit opening right before Christmas. Will the stars align to bring these two together at the holidays?
Premieres Sunday, October 22, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
I hope you all will enjoy many of the Christmas movies airing on TV this weekend, old and new! I'm hoping to watch one or two of the new movies over the weekend, but I'm definitely going to record all of them! Sometimes, I get wrapped up in watching the older Christmas movies, though, it's harder to find time to watch the new ones. I'm sure many of you can relate.
Speaking of great Christmas movie classics, Hallmark Drama is airing two wonderful ones on Saturday, Signed, Sealed, Delivered for Christmas and Trading Christmas! Both films follow a Signed, Sealed, Delivered movie marathon that begins at 1pm/12c. on Hallmark Drama.
It's going to feel a little strange not to have a new episode of When Calls the Heart this weekend, but at least we have the new Christmas movie with Kevin McGarry, Checkin' it Twice. From the various promos I've seen, this movie looks like it's going to be super funny, and I'm so looking forward to it, even though I must admit, I know only the basiics about hockey.
I'm also looking forward to Great American Family's premiere of 'Twas the Text Before Christmas. First of all, that title is so creative; I just love it! It may be the best NEW Christmas title this year. Plus, I think it will be great to see Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan in another Christmas movie together, since many viewers loved Jingle Bell Princess.
Be sure to share which movies you are looking forward to seeing this weekend in the comments below!
Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new movies listed above. If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments.
Visit the *Christmas TV Schedule* for the dates and times of NEW Christmas movies airing in October, November, and December.
You can find the NEW 2023 Christmas Movie Review post- *here*.
Happy Christmas Movie-Watching!
God Bless Us, Everyone!
Net
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
"Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
~Hebrews 13:2
*images via: Great American Media / Hallmark Media / UPtv
Definitely gonna watch Under the Christmas Sky. I like movies with Ryan. Checking it Twice seems interesting too.
ReplyDeleteOn paper this could turn out to be the best night for Christmas movies this season.
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking Under The Christmas Sky might be a bit dry considering the subject matter but hopefully it will be okay.
The other four look crackers.
Kim Matula was brilliant in Ghosts Of Christmas past and her co-star and the movie look to be good.
'Twas The Text before Christmas has an intiguing plot and Merritt Patterson and Trevor Donovan are a good pairing - just hope it lives up to the expectation.
Same for Lyndsy Fonseca and Michael Rady - Lyndsy is incredibly talented.
I hope the music in Country Hearts is pop-orientated Country - I generally enjoy Lanie McAuley's movies.
All looks set for good viewing, let's just hope it lives up to the expectation - Florence
Wow, it's been so busy at our house lately that the Christmas movie deluge has really snuck up on me this year! These all look so fun, though, I think I'll adjust quickly, hehe. Hoping to catch one this weekend and leave a review. Looking forward to hearing everyone's thoughts on all the movies this year!!!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, everyone!
~Alicia
Alicia, Wonderful to hear from you! I know just what you mean; it seems to have come so quickly. I'm still catching up, as well, but ready for this sleigh ride!
DeleteI've so enjoyed your previous reviews, and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on movies this year, as well!
Blessings & Merry Christmas to You, too!!! Net
Where are you Christmas looks interesting, just hope it's clean. It may take me a while to watch Under the Christmas Sky (if I decide to) because I have a lot recording on Sunday, and the next time it reruns is next Friday.
ReplyDeleteI adored Jingle Bell Princess too, so I'm very much looking forward to Twas the Text!
Country Hearts looks amazing, though, it might take me a day or 2 to see it.
Enjoy the start of Countdown to Christmas! -Maria
Most of the movies look good to me this weekend minus the Ryan Paevey one. I saw a preview of it and nearly fell asleep watching it. Looks so boring and maybe it's me, but I'm not feeling the two of them together.
ReplyDeleteCheckin it Twice and Twas the Text before Christmas look good, maybe Where are You, Christmas, if the whole black & white thing isn't too drawn out.
I can also relate Net to getting "wrapped up" in the older movies. THose are the ones I look forward to seeing the most when this whole 24/7 Christmas starts up. Also, thanks for the SSD:for Christmas reminder. I almost forgot abt Hallmark Drama doing Christmas this weekend.
Where Are You, Christmas is somewhat looks similar to Pleasantville
ReplyDeleteHunter & David are in black in white turned into color
Jennifer & Addy are in black & white
Black & White world changed into color world
These all really look good, but I think Checkin' it Twice and Twas the Text Before Christmas are the better choices for me.
ReplyDeleteI know this doesn't belong in this thread but I wanted to comment on WCTH. I think we have gone soap opera! I don't understand why two people that love each other can't grow together. Kinda puts a slam on lasting relationships and marriage. The writers can make anything happen, but they chose to end it and make Elizabeth look fickle in my opinion!
I feel the exact same way you feel, Joyce. -Maria
DeleteI agree, Joyce. They had a perfect opportunity to show a couple overcome obstacles and stay committed and true to each other and they went the route of the female protagonist going back on her word. So heartwarming.
DeleteRebecca
I don't think I'll be watching Ryan's movie. It was his movie along with Ashley Williams who had, I believe one of the first really put out there gay couple. I know Hallmark was already doing it, but that one seemed right up in your face.
ReplyDeleteLove Trevor Donovan!!!
ReplyDelete‘‘Twas the text before Christmas is my choice. Love both Trevor and and Merritt were perfect together in Jingle Bell Princess.
ReplyDeleteI love Christmas and Holiday movie season!
ReplyDeleteThese all look great Net! I have to stay on top of my movies this season otherwise my DVR will be full in no time 😳 our weather says it’s finally going to cool down here in CA by next week to high 70s so it’s finally starting to feel like fall. I won’t be able to watch all of the movies this weekend because we’ll be busy with soccer games & other stuff but looking forward to hearing everyone’s reviews!
ReplyDelete~Paula
Sorry, I know this if off topic. But I was watching this interview with Brian Bird, and the question to him was Abigail Stanton coming back in Season 11. He wasn't making any promises, but made it sound like he believes it's very possible. I linked down below. Let me know what you think. Did I get that right? If so fantastic! Come on Garage Sale Mysteries!! Oh...the ratings would be so high!
ReplyDeletehttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=j5IKI2MemFg
Abigail, I saw that, too! Brian is known to tease fans, though, so I'm trying not to get my hopes up too high; however, I know Lori is extremely close friends with the WCTH cast, so if she returns, I'm sure that would be one of the main reasons why - and for the fans, too, of course. She's always been so appreciative of the Hearties - and used to interact quite frequently with them on social media before the scandal happened. In fact, at that time, she followed me on Twitter, too, and was always thoughtful to reply or RT my tweets about When Calls the Heart, Garage Sale Mysteries, etc...
DeleteI, for one, would love to see Lori Loughlin on WCTH again, but there may be some legal issues with Great American Family. I'm not recalling if her contract with them is exclusive or not.
I think you're right, Abigail; if Lori does return, then ratings would surely go up very high!
I would love to see Lori back in anything!!
DeleteI doubt she is returning to WCTH since she is a convicted felon. And Canada has laws about convicted felons entering their country which bans them. It is nothing but Brian Bird teasing the fans.
DeleteI don’t trust Brian Bird with a 10 foot pole. And, as much as I loved Lori as Abigail, I hope she doesn’t go back to Hallmark. I hope she stays with GAF and their family friendly movies.
DeleteThanks Net, I wasn't sure what to think after seeing that.
DeleteOops, I forgot to put down my name..I'll do a do over.😂😂
DeleteThanks Net, I wasn't sure what to think after seeing that.
Anonymous, if Lori starts doing a mystery series on gaf, of course I would love to see her there! But if Hallmark takes her back, I can't help but be excited! I'm a Lori fan, not a Hallmark fan.
The first special, A Charlie Brown Christmas, was released in 1965 and has since expanded to Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter and even smaller holidays like Arbor Day. Charlie Brown makes sure everyone is represented in his group of pals, especially in the modern releases. No matter how many times one watches a Peanuts special, the magic still remains among this goofy gang of animated comic strip buddies. But those who've watched the specials on broadcast television since childhood might've noticed that they've mysteriously disappeared from syndication. That's because to celebrate the holiday season, one streaming service has all the Peanuts humor to bring out everyone's inner child in just under 30 minutes
ReplyDeleteFor October, viewers can stream It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown on Apple TV+. Subscribers can watch the 1966 special at any time, in or out of the holiday season. The specials were previously available to watch on broadcast television on CBS and ABC for years, but given streaming has dominated the entertainment industry for the past several years, a change was required to keep newer generations in love with the Peanuts friends.
Apple TV+ struck a programming deal with Peanuts Worldwide and Lee Mendelson Productions in 2020 to exclusively stream the holiday specials, new specials and a new animated series. Thus, if It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown isn't enough to fuel criticism for consumerism and analyze the psychologically complex relationships between the friends, there are plenty of older and newer Peanuts programming to click "Play" on. Perhaps the adventures of Charlie Brown and Snoopy are a brief, but tranquil moment to turn the brain off and escape into a childlike mindset with no adult worries
Apple TV+ is offering It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown for free for non-subscribers on the weekend of October 21-22. So while non-subscribers can't actually watch the special on Halloween, there is a chance to get in the spooky spirit just a week ahead. Additionally, those who have recently bought new Apple products have three free months of Apple TV+. With the new iPhone 15 recently on the market, there are likely many people who will be taking Apple up on that offer.
Checkin’ It Twice is family friendly about Real estate executive Ashley & minor league hockey pro Scott bump into each other at the Idaho Falls airport gift shop moments after they have broken up with their significant others. Unbeknownst to them, they accidentally pocket each other’s credit cards when making their purchases at the gift shop. Ashley is home to visit family after needing a break from her high-pressure real estate job in New York City, & Scott is newly arrived to play for the popular local Division III hockey team while keeping his dream alive of making it to the big leagues. They meet again when Ashley learns Scott will be staying in her family’s guest house. Sparks fly when they begin to spend time together & partake in Ashley’s family’s holiday traditions & the local town festivities. When Scott’s dream comes true & is called up to a Division II team, & Ashley has a shot at a high-profile real estate deal back in New York City, it seems they will part ways forever, but could their new dreams be with each other instead?
ReplyDeleteIt’s hard to choose between Christmas and the Signed Sealed Delivered marathon today. I’ve tried to go back and forth but that doesn’t work.
ReplyDeleteIt was fun to see promos for Candace's Christmas movie, My Christmas Hero and Great American Family's Thanksgiving Weekend today! Their Christmas programming looks great! :)
ReplyDeleteAh, I saw 1 of them tonight, it was so nice! -Maria
DeleteWhere are you Christmas is clean, and definitely just a 1 time watch for me. Too much of a mixed bag. -Maria
ReplyDeleteTwas the Text Before Christmas
ReplyDeleteIs family friendly about Addie & Nana develops a close friendship after an accidental text message to Addie instead her Granddaughter named Paige. Addie goes to visit Nana, where she meets Nana’s only Son; James. James & Addie start to view each other differently after years of spending holidays together. Nana’s Daughter named Molly & Son in Law named Will. James has a cute dog.
Twas the Text before Christmas was so amazing!! Highly recommend.
ReplyDeleteAnd it was so nice to see mini promo blurbs for a few of the upcoming movies a couple of weeks from now. :) -Maria
Where Are You, Christmas?, is family friendly about Addison “Addy” Deans wishes for year without Christmas on
ReplyDeleteSanta App & she wakes up in black-and-white world. She must with together with town mechanic named Hunter Blakeman to restore the holiday to all its glory where the holiday doesn’t exist. “No one remembers Christmas,” while running around a black-and-white world in search of someone who can recall the magical time of year. “You don’t understand what we’re going to lose if Christmas joy doesn’t happen!” If townspeople in black & white would help to remember that they turned back into color. Nick Dean’s charity called; “Operation Christmas Smile”, for veterans’ families when Nick Dean restores his color from black & white. Black & White world turned into color world. Addy’s color is back from black n white
Checkin it twice is a nice, uncomplicated movie. Prior WCTH i had never understood the hype around Kevin but he really is a handsome and charming man. Definitely will watch more movies with him. 'Twas the text before Christmas has a likeable cast but i don't like the plot and i am glad that basically every character except the main three pointed out that it was crazy to accept that invitation. Merritt's and Trevor's chemistry was the only reason why i watched it till the end. Looking forward to Under the Christmas Sky, hope i won't be disappointed.
ReplyDeleteHallmark’s “Checkin’ It Twice” is a family-friendly rom-com about a NYC real estate agent (Kim Matula) and a minor-league hockey player (Kevin McGarry). The chemistry between the two leads is fantastic, and the ice hockey theme works in nicely with the Christmas-time story.
ReplyDeleteI saw A Paris Christmas Waltz promo trailer while watching The Great Christmas Switch that I’m recording.
ReplyDeleteMatthew Morrison’s character invites Jen Lilley’s character to Paris
Loved Twas the Text before Christmas. Trevor and Merritt are so perfect as costars. But Nana was my favorite being played by Jayne Eastwood who is also Mrs White in My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2 and 3. Great American Family Christmas movies are so great.
ReplyDeleteReview: Where Are You, Christmas? -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Maybe, but definitely worth a one-time view -
This movie probably has the most way-out storyline of any Christmas movie this season! After Lyndsey's character wishes that there was no Christmas, everyone and everything turns to black-and-white, and only by rediscovering the joy of Christmas, usually by a memory of long-ago, does a person get back to color. I know...crazy! But because the plot is so original, I found myself really enjoying this movie, and will most likely watch it again.
That, and because of Lyndsey's performance. I don't think anybody can portray surprise or astonishment as well as she can - her reactions always put a smile on my face. She did it in Last Stop, Christmas, and she does it here as well. She is such a joy to watch!
So, is this a great film? No, not at all. If you look closely there are a lot of holes, and it seemed the people and setting were returning to color awfully quickly. But because it is so original, and because of Lyndsey's performance, I recommend giving it at least a one-time view...and maybe more.
Review: Checkin' It Twice -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? At most a one-time view -
This movie just kind of plodded along for me, with the cookie-cutter storyline of someone from a big city returning back home for Christmas...gee, what will happen? Not a bad movie, just nothing to really recommend it.
I am not the biggest Trevor Donovan fan. I thought the movie was overall good. I liked it more than his Autumn movie. I think the weakest part was his family (other than Nana). Nana was sweet. I wish they didn't go with them dating other people. Loved the house he bought the house & dog he looked after.
ReplyDeleteMisty
I wanted to add that the atmosphere of Christmastime was on point. It looked like they filmed this in winter! Romance was there too.
DeleteMisty
Looking forward to the reviews to the Hallmark ones. But, so many don't sound holiday type to me.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Under the Christmas Sky is family friendly about Kat Butler is an esteemed astrophysicist, who is scheduled for her first trip into space next year until an accident grounds her. She works at National Space Program. While on leave, coming to terms with the reality that her dream of being an astronaut is over, she volunteers at the local planetarium as NSP Expert at The Apollo Planetarium where her younger Brother named Andy Butler works as Christmas Ornament Decorating party & Celeste works at Sun Ray Cafe. The Apollo Planetariums very first Santa Tracker Christmas Eve Party employees & volunteers at Planetarium Theater to find Santa. Celeste gets Andy a book of Design for Neophytes.
ReplyDeleteKat is paired up with by-the-book David Robinson to work on an exhibit called; “Dwarf Stars Exhibit opening right before Christmas. Will the stars align to bring these two together at the holidays? Kat meets David’s Daughter named Lila & she gets her Planetarium Project as Christmas gift. Kat meets Jenna’s friend named Roy Ketz who works at Space Center in Chicago to add team section for Porter Probe on cutting edge. Kat doesn’t take a job at Space Center in Chicago. She has a reason to stay & works at NSP & be with David.
I tried Where Are You Christmas and just didn't like it at all. Didn't care if the color came back or not. Skipped most of it. Gave it credit for being about Christmas & special effects. Missing the romance & chemistry.
ReplyDeleteMisty
So far, I watched "Checking it Twice" and "Twas the Text Before Christmas". I enjoyed "Twas the Text Before Christmas
ReplyDeletemuch more than the other movie. I thought Kevin and Kim had nice chemistry but overall the movie felt slow. It is a one-time watch for sure. Kim, though, is one of my favorite actresses. In fact, I am going to re-watch "Ghost of Christmas Always" again this week. Hands down, that movie is one of my favorites that has aired on Hallmark. The ending seriously reduced me to a blubbering mess but in a good way! :-)
My husband and I really liked Merritt and Trevor together in "Twas the Text Before Christmas". Their movie was sweet and uplifting. I liked all of the relationships. In today's world, I don't think I would have responded to a text from a stranger, nor would I have shared a photo of myself (even if I looked like Merritt) LOL! But, the storyline was great. It will be a movie that I will definitely watch again.
I plan on watching the other two Christmas movies sometime this week.
‘Twas the Text Before Christmas... I am not a fan of Merritt Patterson but this movie had Jayne Eastwood, who I’ve always liked, so I gave it a watch. First of all, what person would connect with a stranger who called the wrong number? That was just weird. Only Jayne Eastwood could’ve pulled this one off and she did! She was so funny and kind. It was a pretty good movie. Family friendly. (Although I didn’t like how James asked if she had a significant other at the beginning. That rubbed me the wrong way. Why not just say boyfriend?) The movie seemed a bit spacey as they had to put three years into one movie length. It was sort like a recap of what happened instead of an actual movie. I still liked and enjoyed it. I thought the ending was pretty rough. They could’ve done so much more with it had the couple gotten together sooner. I also didn’t like how it was Addie who made the first move instead of James. All in all, a strange plot and story but still enjoyable because of the lighthearted Nana!
ReplyDeleteHallmark’s “Where Are You, Christmas?” is family friendly but totally missed an opportunity to promote the “true spirit of Christmas” from a Christian perspective. The story presents a fantasy where the lead woman wishes Christmas didn’t exist, and through a creepy Santa app on her phone, her wish is granted. The use of selective-color editing (non-believers are depicted in black & white) wears thin however, especially as she attempts to revive the secular version of “Christmas spirit” among the residents in her small town. This film is a one-trick-pony for me – very disappointing.
ReplyDeleteI watched Checkin It Twice....and I really liked it! It had plenty of Family Christmas activities and Kevin and Kim had really good chemistry together. I would say that this movie is Family Friendly!
ReplyDeleteI also watched Twas The Text Before Christmas...and I really liked this movie! I thought Merritt and Trevor were once again adorable together and they have just really good chemistry together. I loved the actress who played "Nana" and her and Merritt were adorable together as well-I loved their scenes together! This definitly family friendly.
I was able to watch Where Are You Christmas? as well and I liked this one! I liked that this wasn't a typical story line, and Lyndsey Fonsica is just so good in this! I really enjoy her as an actress. Her and Michael I thought had really good chemistry! And Yes this one is family friendly!
The only movie I watched this weekend was Twas the Text Before Christmas. I'm giving the majority of my viewing to GAF but will watch movies from other channels that seem to have good/clean reviews (I'll either record them or watch within the next two months).
ReplyDeleteAs for the movie, Merritt and Trevor were great together as usual in my opinion and having Jayne Eastwood as Nana was perfect. I enjoyed seeing Rob Stewart as well. The movie overall was good with a sweet storyline and I'm sure to watch it again. I didn't like the ending as much since they moved away but understood it was to be with her family. Wished they had both remained in the small town, started their own practices and lived in his house. The set decorations were still overdone but at least they didn't look so overwhelming.
The movie kind of reminded me of a time back in 1988 (I was 18) when my family invited four Soldiers from the local Army base to enjoy Thanksgiving Day with us. They were complete strangers to us, but we had the BEST time, and they truly were appreciative of us opening our home to them. I know that's not quite the same, but it just reminded me of the joy we had that day. ~ Debbie
Debbie, Oh, what a special Thanksgiving memory. I'm sure what your family did that day stayed with those four soldiers for many years. How beautiful of your family to open up your home like that.
DeleteThank you also for your nice review! :)
I watched Country Hearts on Uptv and enjoyed it. The movie is about a family of musicians who also own a horse breeding farm. Pro wrestler Chris Jericho did a great job of playing the father of a sister duo that must decide to either pursue a music career in Nashville or stay and help with the horse farm. The movie has some good music and a nice Faith element as well. The sequel Country Hearts Christmas premieres next month but I recommend watching this movie first.
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure how I feel about the way “Where Are You Christmas?” incorporated the “Pleasantville” technique. I found it a little visually distracting. But maybe that’s just me?
ReplyDeleteThere’s definitely solid acting, though. I think Hallmark Christmas movies tend to sort their male lead characters into one of three categories: “goofy guy”, or “earnest guy” or “sarcastic guy.” Michael Rady does “earnest guy” really well. His character is a veteran (for those who like Christmas movies with military tie-ins) and I feel like he and the actor portraying the dad (Jim O’Heir) are the two standouts in this one. Very sincere performances.
The storyline has some sweet themes, mostly about community service, family, and staying connected with loved ones. It was family friendly but in a mainly broad-appeal “holiday” way (so mentions of Santa, cookies, trees, etc., but not really religious things).
Where Are You, Christmas? & Pleasantville
DeleteDavid/Hunter - Black n White to Color
Jennifer/Addy - Black n White
Black n White World turned into Color World
Pleasantville is a black-and-white 1950s sitcom about the idyllic Parker family
David & Jennifer are transported into the black-and-white world of Pleasantville, finding themselves in the Parkers' living room
Fire does not exist & firefighters merely rescue cats from trees, and the citizens of Pleasantville are unaware that anything exists outside of their town, as all roads circle back into town with no escape.
Pleasantville change from black-and-white to color, including flowers and the faces of people who experience new bursts of emotion, and foreign concepts such as books, fire, & rain begin to appear.
Where Are You, Christmas?
Christmas doesn’t exist & including trees
Addy realizes townspeople in black & white lost their Christmas joy by attempting to remember Christmas but no one remember Christmas - she helps people to remember Christmas when they heard chimes including Hunter’s military ring from his Grandpa, Dana’s Christmas pageant sweaters with her Mom, Addy’s Mom realizes Christmas ornaments, Connor’s engagement ring to Sienna to propose to his girlfriend at Christmas Pageant, & Sienna says Yes, to Connor to marry him (they’ve been flashbacks for Christmas)
Hunter & Addy put Christmas tree as they heard swelling Christmas music that his house is back in color from Black & White. Hunter’s lectures about Nick Dean’s charity called; “Operation Christmas Smile”, as Nick stands up when he heard Swelling Christmas Music & his color has been restored from black & white at Christmas Pageant
Addy has an another Christmas wish when she talks with Hunter until when her color is back from Black & White. Santa Claus App: Merry Christmas Addy
Black & White world turned back into color world
Bringing Christmas Home
ReplyDeleteIs that Maggie Lawson with eyeglasses or different actress; Jess Brown with Paul Greene in promo trailer of Bringing Christmas Home. Military uniforms with a letter with a photo in the pocket
The actress with Paul Greene at the beginning of the promo is (as you said) actress Jess Brown. You might recall her from the Hallmark movies, "A Beautiful Place to Die: A Martha's Vineyard Mysteries," "Rocky Mountain Christmas," or "Heart of the Matter."
Delete‘Twas the Text Before Christmas is such an uplifting and enjoyable movie. I liked all the characters, especially Nana, she was so charming and kind-hearted. I love Merritt Patterson, she shines in every movie, and this one is not exception. Trevor Donovan was great too. I like them together. Their acting was so sincere and true. I like how I felt while watching this movie: forgetting about all the bad things going on around the world right now, and soaking in the atmosphere of kindness, love, friendship, hospitality and many other good things. This movie has really warmed my heart. And one more thing I was so impressed with, it's how James (Trevor Donovan) describes how he will know that he is in love: "I feel like when I finally find the woman whose happiness is more important than my own, that's when I know I'm in love". Definitely worth-watching, and many-many times.
ReplyDelete~Oksanka~
Oksanka, Very well said!! Totally agree with everything you mentioned. ~~Jane
DeleteTwas the Text Before Christmas was enjoyable the first time, but after watching it again, I loved this movie! Trevor and Merritt are so comfortable together. It felt like they had been friends forever.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone else notice the names used in this movie? Addie's brother was Andrew, her two boyfriends were Mark & Luc, and then there was James, her new beau.
Review: 'Twas the Text Before Christmas -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Yes -
I agree with others' comments. Yes, it was not the smartest move by Addie to accept an invitation from a total stranger, and even her friends mentioned this to her. But if anyone could convince her, it would be Nana, so wonderfully played by Jayne Eastwood. The chemistry between Merritt and Trevor was spot-on - you can tell these two enjoy each other's company. And the plot was unique but sensible - I enjoyed watching the relationship develop over the three Christmases. Not quite as good as Jingle Bell Princess in my opinion, but still very entertaining.
Hello everyone!
ReplyDelete"Under the Christmas Sky" did not draw me in. After ten minutes I stopped watching and deleted the movie from my DVR. The lead actress was lovely and I normally like anything Ryan is in, but unfortunately this movie left me cold. For the most part, I enjoyed "Where are you Christmas" but I did not think Michael and Lyndsy had any chemistry. I did enjoy seeing Julie Warner again and I thought Lyndsy did a good job in her role. But, it was a one-time watch for me. However, on a positive note: my feelings about the movie "Country Hearts" were different. The movie started off a bit slow for me and I thought they were a few too many storylines. But, after a little bit I decided the movie was worth my time and finished watching it. The songs were wonderful. Lanie has lovely voice. It brought me joy hearing all of the references to faith and God and believing in a higher power. The importance of family was great to witness. All in all, I loved this movie and I am looking forward to watching the Christmas movie in November. :-)
Joan
I was not familiar with the Country Hearts cast on UPTV when I watched this movie. I enjoyed it more than I thought. There was a lot of faith references which I found refreshing. I agree with Katie's recommendation to watch this movie before watching the Christmas movie in November. I could see this becoming a TV series.
ReplyDeleteI've watched the Hallmark movies this week. Checkin it Twice, Where are You, Christmas? and Under the Christmas Sky were all family friendly. I like the colorization and B/W technique in Where are You, Christmas? and would rewatch it again. - Maire
First weekend of Hallmark’s #CountdownToChristmas continues to pull solid ratings.
ReplyDeleteSaturday movie notched 1.8M viewers/.28 W25-54, ranking only behind MLB playoffs and college football on cable.
Sunday notched 1.5M and was the most-watched program on cable + beat ABC/Fox
Florence
Where are You Christmas... I really enjoyed this movie! I know and wish they would’ve done more with the true meaning of Christmas, but if you dig deeper you could see how they really did. In my mind, if someone does not have Christmas, does not have Jesus in their heart then their world is colorless and joyless. When people accept Him is when their world lights up.
ReplyDeleteI loved the actors in the movie, especially Lyndsay and Julie Warner. The mom was so funny and enjoyable. Her expressions made it for me. Our First Christmas is one of my favorites and is a yearly must watch for me! So having Julie Warner made me like the movie even more! It was also a bit of a mystery as it kept you guessing how Lyndsay was going to get back to color and find her Christmas spirit. It was funny, family friendly, and definitely a recommended watch! -Anonymous1
Plus it made me so happy when they started playing the song, “Where Are You Christmas?” !!! So many times these movies have a Christmas song title yet they don’t play it in the movie. Made the movie complete!-Anonymous1
DeleteTwas the Text Before Christmas was a great movie. Would love to see a sequel to this one. :) Of course it is family friendly!!
ReplyDeleteWatched my first movie Checkin It Twice and I have to say I just love Kim Matula. I really forward to seeing her in more.
ReplyDelete