Graduation Cards
Happy weekend, early, everyone! Since Hallmark Movies & Mysteries' all-new Christmas movies will premiere on Thursdays, you'll now find my weekly weekend movie posts/reminders on this day.
The Hallmark Channel will again have new Christmas movies airing Friday through Sunday.
And speaking of multiple movie premiere nights, Great American Family will begin airing their new Christmas movies on both Saturday and Sunday nights.
Plus, UPtv has the season 16 finale of Heartland, plus one more Fall in Love movie premiere Sunday night before they launch into their Christmas movie season next week!
See all of the details below...
Thursday, October 26, 2023:
Synopsis: A shopping channel host known as Ms. Christmas (Barbara Niven) receives a terminal diagnosis, which inspires a multi-city excursion set to spread Christmas cheer before her farewell broadcast.
Premieres Thursday, October 26, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Saturday, October 28, 2023:
Synopsis: A professor of military history (Jill Wagner) teams with an antique store owner (Paul Greene) to track down the original owner of a historic WWII uniform and the love letters left in its pockets.
Premieres Saturday, October 28, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Great American Media recently shared this fun behind-the-scenes video from Bringing Christmas Home...
Friday, October 27, 2023:
Synopsis: A fashion designer (Rebecca Dalton) gets accepted into a Christmas challenge to create a new holiday-themed collection and not only finds the inspiration for her next line but decides to redesign her approach to what's most important in life.
Premieres Friday, October 27, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
This new Christmas movie is all about fashion... so if you're curious about Rebecca Dalton's (and others!) fashions in the movie, then be sure to check out my Sister Nea's blog *It's a Wonderful Lifestyle*! She'll give you the scoop on the best styles featured in Christmas By Design!
Saturday, October 28, 2023:
Synopsis: Juniper (Jessy Schram) travels to Mystic, Connecticut during the holidays to work at the rehabilitation center and aquarium. She reconnects with Sawyer (Chandler Massey), the owner of the pizza shop.
Premieres Saturday, October 28, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, October 29, 2023:
Heartland
Season 16 finale on UPtv
"Learning to Fly" - Sunday, October 29th at 7 p.m. ET
Amy helps Georgie rediscover her passion for showjumping. Lou's surprised when Peter announces he's moving to Heartland. A Winter Fair allows Tim to help Jessica and his rodeo school.
"A Light in the Dark" - Sunday, October 29th at 8 p.m. ET
Jack faces the truth about his rift with Al Cotter. Lou and Peter take the next step in their relationship. Georgie makes a decision about her future, while Amy sees her own future in a new light.
Sunday, October 29, 2023:
Synopsis: Emma, an uptight lawyer, plans the perfect retreat in hopes of making partner. But as Emma and the retreat center's manager, Liam, get to know each other better, Emma starts to learn the value of cutting loose.
Premieres Sunday, October 29, 2023
at 9pm/8c. on UPtv
Sunday, October 29, 2023:
Synopsis: While on a charity press tour, a model (Ash Tsai) ends up stranded by the weather at the family home of the driver (Joey Heyworth) she hired to assist her for the week.
Premieres Sunday, October 29, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Sunday, October 29, 2023:
Synopsis: When a romantic painting of a Christmas market captures the imagination of copy editor Lea (Jaicy Elliot), she is sent to France with pragmatic reporter Mark (Brant Daugherty) to uncover the mystery behind the artist.
Premieres Sunday, October 29, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
There are certainly some interesting Christmas movie selections this weekend!
My Christmas Movie Pick is...
While I'm looking forward to several of the new premieres, my #1 must-see Christmas movie pick, with it's strong military theme and intriguing mystery from the past, is Jill Wagner and Paul Greene's movie, Bringing Christmas Home. I was immediately taken by the poster design Great American Media released for this film as soon as I received it; their graphic design department did a phenomenal job with this one, as they represented both Christmas and patriotism with honor and class. Since both Jill Wagner and Paul Greene have such an incredible passion for giving back to our military, I'm anticipating this movie to be an instant classic!
I would love to hear your thoughts on the new movies 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!
Praying for Peace on Earth,
Net
*While I was finishing this post last night (Wednesday), I heard about the terrible tragedy in Maine. My heart and prayers are going out to the people there. Be safe, everyone. May God be with you...
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord,
“He is my refuge and my fortress;
My God, in Him I will trust.”
~Psalm 91:1-2
*images via: Great American Media / Hallmark Media / UPtv
Tonight's new HMM movie is definitely on my watch list! Just hope it's clean
ReplyDeleteBoth of GAF's picks are definitely my top picks for this weekend as well! TV Line even made Bringing Christmas Home their top pick as well! (too bad the comments section of that article is filled with vile hate though)
Christmas by Design looks interesting, just hope it's clean.
May take me a few days to watch Love at the Lodge with my busy Sunday night recordings.
-Maria
Wish Hallmark would rate their movies so we would know if they are clean before we record. I will wait on reviews before I watch anything Hallmark.
ReplyDeleteI am excited to see Jill and Paul Greene's movie, Bringing Christmas Home. At least, I can watch and enjoy on GAF.
They won’t rate them because they don’t see anything wrong with what they are doing.
DeleteNet, there was an incident at the synagogue near me. I have Jewish friends who were in the synagogue for a prayer service when a Palestinian protester walked inside, carrying a sign. He went right to the front of the synagogue. He was protesting against Israel and the Jews. The police led him out of the synagogue for disturbing the peace. I can't believe he went inside.
ReplyDeleteMy friends are worried about their families here and in Israel. Only God can help! I believe He will. There are millions lifting up prayers for Israel and the United States. There is a Peace that only God can give.
KitKat- I am so sorry to read you comment. My prayers go to your friends during this difficult time. God will be our guide.
Delete-Gabe’s Mom
Said a prayer for your friends. So sorry that happened to them.
DeleteThank you Gabe's Mom and Anonymous! All prayers are appreciated. My heart breaks for my Jewish friends. They came to America when persecuted Jews in Russia were being accepted here many years ago. They came legally; did all the right things. They said America does not look anything like it did then. So true!
Deletekitkat, So sorry to hear what your friends are going through. It's so sad and scary these days to watch the news, and yet, things are happening close to home, too. I'm earnestly praying with you and others here.
DeleteGod bless you, my friend. Hugs, Net
Thanks Net!
DeleteWe will be watching “Bringing Home Christmas “. It is a special storyline. Jill and Paul are terrific actors so the movie should be good.
ReplyDelete-Gabe’s Mom
I am looking forward to the GAF movies.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Looking forward to Christmas by Design.
ReplyDeleteMs. Christmas Comes To Town is family friendly and a great movie. Was a little slow at the start but boy did it take off! I believe this is best performance I have ever seen Barbara Niven do! Everyone was great, but she was outstanding. It a must watch! Warning...tear jerker!
ReplyDeleteMy top pick for this weekend will be “Bringing Christmas Home” but I’ll also be tuning into Hallmark for “Christmas by Design” and UpTv “Love at the Lodge” Hopefully I can watch 1 movie this weekend, we have a jam packed one but all will be recorded 👍🏼
ReplyDelete~Paula
Ms Christmas Comes to Town is clean and fantastic! -Maria
ReplyDelete"Ms. Christmas Comes to Town" -- family-friendly. The stellar cast made a beautiful story here! I'm not sure any other actors could have pulled it off with the right feel. It brought both smiles and misty eyes, and I enjoyed the watch.
ReplyDelete~Alicia
Paul Greene & Jess Brown portrayed as Brother & Sister named Russell “Rusty” & Julie “Jules” Carlisle in “Bringing Christmas Home”, whose owns an antique shop
ReplyDeleteI broke my own rule last night and watched Ms. Christmas Comes To Town on HMM. Family friendly! Brennan Elliott was good with Erica Durance. Barbara Niven was outstanding in her role. This movie surprised me. I skipped all the commercials so I would not see something offensive. So glad I watched this! First Hallmark movie in a while for me.
ReplyDeleteThank you Hallmark for eulogizing Ms. Christmas passing down commercializing Christmas to a protege. The story would have been fine if they'd left Christmas out of it entirely. Who had the bright idea of reversing the message of Brendan's movie Love You like Christmas?
ReplyDeleteMystic Christmas
ReplyDeleteWilliam R. Moses is in Mystic Christmas who portrayed as Sawyer & Candace’s Father, & in a use of history, Moses also played the role of Tim in the 1988 romantic comedy, Mystic Pizza.
I loved "Ms Christmas Comes to Town" ! It is family friendly, and it was nice to hear "Merry Christmas" so much in this movie. It was very well acted and Barbara Niven was PERFECT for this role. There was plenty of Christmas in this and it was just really good! So many sweet moments, but heartbreaking as well. This is one i will definitely watch again.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see that reality is included in Christmas movies. I feel that a lot of viewers have had to deal with life and health issues during the holidays. Thought it was handled very well. Thought “Bringing Christmas Home” definitely the best so far from all offerings.
DeleteUSS Christmas is my favorite holiday movie and Jill Wagner and Paul Greene's movie plot seems very similar! Can't wait to see!
ReplyDeleteChristmas by Design is clean and quite enjoyable. -Maria
ReplyDeleteSaw a brand new trailer for aris Christmas Waltz while rewatching The Spruces and the Pines! -Maria
ReplyDeleteChristmas by Design was one that I was pleasantly surprised by. I thought it was going to the a “play in the background while I cook” but I couldn’t look away. Yes the storyline about returning home has been done…but everything was great, chemistry between the leads, the wardrobe, decor, cute diner, etc. Hallmark knows how to do what they do, can’t argue with that. It was a sweet story about them both helping each other to open their hearts again, and what he did with the dad’s truck at the end was so sweet. Also didn’t notice anything inappropriate so I believe it is family friendly.
ReplyDelete~Paula
Christmas by Design is family friendly about a fashion designer named Charlotte “Charlie” learns what’s most important in life when she joins a Christmas challenge to create a new holiday-theme collection. Charlie sews Pajamboree for Christmas Fashion Show. Charlie mentions Elfscapeda.
ReplyDeleteI watched A Christmas Hero, A Paris Christmas Waltz, & Bringing Christmas Home promo trailers while watching A Match Made for Christmas & Christmas in the Smokies last night
ReplyDeleteI saw “A Christmas Keepsake” that looks like time capsule tradition when Daniel Lissing’s Daughter finds tin box was buried under the snow that lead to Luna’s Bakery & Cafe & he & his onscreen Daughter meet Jillian Murray’s character whose works at Luna’s Bakery & Cafe while tracking down the original owner of a Christmas time capsule while watching “Twas the Text Before Christmas”
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I'm hearing that Mystic Christmas has a gay couple. Real shameful of Hallmark, especially after all these clean movies they've had so far. -Maria
ReplyDeleteBringing Christmas Home was awesome! A mystery, romance, tribute to our veterans! Great movie and acting!!
ReplyDeleteI don't have enough words to describe how much I loved Bringing Christmas Home, it was like when I was watching A Christmas Present for the 1st time!! You should all see this movie! -Maria
ReplyDeleteReview: Mystic Christmas -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? One guy develops a crush on another guy -
Recommended? No
I just couldn't get into this movie. I did not care for the plot, the people were talking fast and over each other, I did not sense any chemistry between the leads, and the whole movie just seemed disjointed. This was one of those rare movies where I couldn't wait for it to end.
Hi Mark 25,
DeleteI agree wholeheartedly with your review of "Mystic Christmas'. It was an absolutely terrible movie. I also couldn't wait for the movie to end. Bored me to tears.
"Mystic Christmas" -- not family-friendly; about halfway through the movie, viewers are introduced to the idea of one of the interns being gay. Ten minutes later, it's confirmed and we see he and the baker go off to dance together. Bummer, as I was enjoying the quick-talking banter and slightly goofy tone of this one. Oh well. Still a Merry Christmas, friends! :-)
ReplyDelete~Alicia
Mystic Christmas isn’t family friendly about Dr. Juniper Jones is a world traveling marine veterinarian who isn’t afraid of anything except getting stuck in one place.
ReplyDeleteWhen a favor for her college roommate named Candice Adams works at Mystic Aquarium & Rehabilitation Center to bring her to the seafaring town of Mystic, Connecticut during the holidays, Juniper is happy to visit a new place & take a temporary position at the Marine Mammal Rehabilitation Center & Mystic Aquarium. Here she works to help a harbor seal named Peppermint get released back into the wild. Candice has a Daughter named Louisa.
In between her work, Juniper explores Mystic & finds herself smitten with the town, its people, and much to her dismay, the owner of the pizza shop called; “Mango’s Wood-Fried Pizza Co.”, Sawyer, whom she had spent a romantic night with years prior. After an awkward reunion, Juniper & Sawyer agree to move forward & forget about their past but their spark is ignited once again. Ken owned “Anchor Mystic Cafe & Sweets”, he’s Theresa’s Father. Juniper catches up with Peter, Eric, & Theresa at Milne Ocean Science & Conservation Center. Juniper takes Peppermint the harbor seal 🦭 to Greenwich Veterinary Clinic with Theresa. There’s 2 seals at Mystic Aquarium.
There’s a ticking clock on their romance since Juniper is only in Mystic temporarily & Sawyer insists he’s too entrenched in his hometown to leave (even at the expense of some of his own dreams).
While Juniper has no plans to stay, the interns Juniper oversees & Sawyer himself entrench Juniper in the community, and she finds herself catching the holiday spirit. Juniper realizes that what she initially thought she wanted out of life may have changed. Peter works at Mystic Seaport Museum that has Press Station for flyers. Juniper gets call from her parents; her Mom is on the cruise 🚢 & her Dad goes hiking 🥾 with other people.
Juniper inspires Sawyer to go after the life he’s always dreamed of, while Sawyer (and the rest of Mystic) will show Juniper what it feels like to really belong to a community. Juniper & Sawyer want to stay in Mystic, Connecticut.Nick & Eric’s engagement party. Next December, Sawyer is back to his hometown in Mystic. Theresa is at Galapagos FaceTime with her Father, Ken. A young woman wants her Boss; Sawyer back at Pizza Shop.
Bringing Christmas Home…I really loved this movie! I loved the story line, the military theme, the mystery, and the actors. Of course, you can never go wrong with Jill Wagner!! The sister was pretty funny also. I liked how it was realistic from the retired soldier’s viewpoint. How she was still dealing with stuff and probably always will. The movie was very well written and the mystery and code was fun! Probably the best one so far this year!! Family Friendly and definitely a keeper!!! -Anonymous1
ReplyDeleteI’m disappointed in GAC having some commercials that are terrible and not family friendly. I know they can’t control all the commercials but they do control most and there seems to be more and more bad ones. I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, that was how Hallmark started. Hope GAfamily is always family-friendly. It's been a comfort to know there's a safe channel. Praying for it to continue. And for more faith inspired films as well.
DeleteAbigail, I agree! It would be nice to see more channels like Great American Family, offering inspirational programming. I've noticed UPtv is incorporating more and more faith into their movies recently. I'm hoping that will continue.
DeleteI hope GAF stays family-friendly too! It has been nice being able to watch something without worrying about it.
DeleteI usually don’t watch Up but will have to give it a look! Thanks for the recommendation.
Bringing Christmas Home is what I want from a Christmas romance movie..Be about Christmas, chemistry between the leads, a good story and likeable characters. The mystery was a bonus!
ReplyDeleteMisty
Mystic Christmas was a no-go for me….I don’t know I just noticed I kept getting up to do stuff in between and not caring if I missed something so I deleted it about 30 minutes in….maybe it wasn’t Christmas enough for me??
ReplyDelete~Paula
We loved “Bringing Christmas Home” on
ReplyDeleteGAC Family with Paul Greene and Jill Wagner. It is a heartwarming movie with a historical/military/veteran theme. There are multiple loves stories in this movie, and the underlining mystery of the identity of the World War 2 couple keeps the story engaging as the search for clues and answers progresses. All of the characters are likable, and there is a faith element about how the pieces of the story together. I wholeheartedly recommend this movie! - Laurie
Bringing Christmas Home: I'm all in my feels on this one and was emotional a few times throughout the movie. I'm a Veteran and I have a great uncle who was killed in WWII and buried in France so this one hit at my heartstrings.
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful story on so many levels and really had that mystery feel to it. Jill and Paul are two of my favorite actors in these movies and I simply love the characters they portrayed. Jill made the perfect choice for a retired military officer. She truly understands the military life and lives it in reality. I really enjoyed Simon Arblaster and Jess Brown's characters as well. They all fit well together and gave solid performances. I enjoyed the banter the writers gave them.
The mention of foster care and adoption for Russell and Jules was endearing, and the storyline of Caroline's PTSD/mental health was an integral part of the story that definitely highlights what military members go through during/after war. This is a reality for a lot of Veterans on a daily basis and I appreciate this movie giving it some depth to those who may not understand. Also, Alton having his former commander's back and continuing his friendship with her was wonderful. Those are the strong bonds of the military!
Orin and Alice's love story was a simple reminder of how things were during WWII for a lot of men and women in service to their nations all those years ago. Photos and letters were all they had to keep them going to make it through such difficult times.
The plot of the movie was like a few others, but it was done well. Were there some mistakes as far as the military stuff was portrayed, yes but there usually is in these movies. The decorations were still a little out there but not terrible. Overall, it was an outstanding movie!
Journey to Christmas -
Nice enough but didn't really draw me in and have me glued to the tv. I always like being introduced to new actors I haven't seen before, but it was the usual Christmas movie trope, and nothing really stood out about it overall. I did enjoy the family dynamics and that reminded me of my own family and how we interact with each other. The big plus for me in this one was that there was real snow when making snowmen. I'm not a fan of the fake snow/snowmen! It's the little things I guess for me. :-)
~ Debbie
Thank you for your service, Debbie! I hope you always feel appreciated! -Anonymous1
DeleteSCHEDULE NOTE: I haven’t watched any of these, but I think I would consider watching the first two of the three Christmas movies being shown on BOUNCE Network on Wednesday, 11/01/23. I believe “A Town Without Christmas” which is one of the movies being shown may be a Hallmark movie.
ReplyDeleteJourney to Christmas was soooo nice! -Maria
ReplyDeleteThe ratings were not good for Ms Christmas Comes to Town I would call them terrble. The move was not in the top 25, or the top 50 or even the top 100 cable programming for Thursday. It was number 106. That is very bad .
ReplyDeleteHave they not learned from their Friday night experience?
DeleteWhat did they expect from airing on a Thursday night - maybe nearer Christmas but in October?
Not really surprising.m- Florence
Great American Family is hitting it out of the park with their Christmas movies this year. Both Bringing Christmas Home and Journey to Christmas were so good. Bringing. Christmas Home was the best movie of the night.
ReplyDeleteBringing Christmas Home is a 10 for me! I loved everything about this movie. Paul Greene and Jill Wagner are two of my favorites. A keeper for sure!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely loved Bringing Christmas Home with Jill Wagner and Paul Green. Loved the Military theme, and you could tell that Jill in particular loved this role. Such a great storyline and Jill and Paul were just amazing in this! It is family friendly and definitely bring the Kleenexes!
ReplyDeleteReview: Christmas By Design -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Recommended? No -
This was another movie this season where I had trouble getting into the storyline - too cookie-cutter. But my main problem was with some of the acting. While I thought Rebecca Dalton was great as Charlotte (and yes, gorgeous too!), I found Jonathan Keltz' acting to be, well, wooden - I didn't think he showed any charisma at all. And then those girls who were fawning over him - waaaay too over the top. So this one is a pass for me.
Journey To Christmas is family friendly. I enjoyed the 2 leads, I haven't seen them in a movie before but I felt like they had good chemistry together. I love when we see family's celebrate Christmas together and his family was really cute and sweet.
ReplyDeleteThank You ALL for these wonderful reviews! So grateful for all of you who take the time to share.
ReplyDeleteI will be updating the Movie Review page by tomorrow afternoon - so please look for those updates then.
Also, if anyone else would like to share a review, please feel free to do so! :)
The more the merrier!!! :)
Blessings, Net
You're welcome! -Maria
DeleteThe *Movie Review Post* has been updated!
Deletehttps://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2023/10/2023-christmas-movie-reviews-from-its.html
I always seem to forget how many older movies are part of the blue free Hallmark TV app (on Roku too). This is especially true in terms of Christmas movies. All you need is to already have access to Hallmark (via cable or a streaming service). Check it out! You will be glad you did!!!
ReplyDeleteJourney to Christmas is family friendly about while on a charity press tour, a model ends up stranded by the weather at the family home of the chauffeur, she hired to assist her for the week.
ReplyDeleteI watched Journey To Christmas and really enjoyed it! The mean manager did such a great job! He intimidated me! LOL Looked like real snow in most of the scenes, but the driving part.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Mistletoe Connection. Just ran across this on PIXL network. It shows date of 2023 but had not remembered seeing mention of this. Was a pleasant surprise. Family Friendly and an enjoyable watch. Have enjoyed Jessica Sipos from Chesapeake Shores. Definitely worth a watch.
ReplyDeleteJoCo, Thank you so much for mentioning this! I went back and retrieved this movie through Frndly.
DeleteUPtv is also premiering "Mistletoe Connection" on their channel this year - on November 26th! So good to hear it is family-friendly and you enjoyed it.
I also recall that Pixl played the movie "Mixed Baggage" on their channel before UPtv played it. That is very interesting. Guess we'll have to keep a look out for more movies like that!
Again, thank you sooo much for sharing with us! :)
Blessings, Net
Was just surprised to see a 2023 dated movie on PIXL since most of there movies are older. A plus was no commercials. Hope others can enjoy this.
DeleteGood morning to everyone!
ReplyDeleteSo far, the three movies I watched were a mixed bag. On a positive note: "Bringing Christmas Home" was spectacular! Seriously lovely and heartfelt movie. There were no missteps at all. Everyone involved brought their A-game. It was a fantastic movie. LOVED IT!
I have always been drawn to anything with a military theme. One of the series, that touched me the most and I still think about is "A Small Light". The acting and production was incredible and the storyline rocked me to the core. The mini-series is the story of the young woman who worked for Otto Frank who was instrumental in helping hide the Frank family during WW2. The storyline seriously shattered me into a million pieces but I would watch it again because Miep Gies story deserves to be heard. Sorry about getting off track but I hope others get an opportunity to watch it.
Anyway, back to Christmas movies. "Ms. Christmas Comes to Town" was also very good. I am sorry to hear the ratings were terrible because it was worth watching. :-) Now, for the negative reviews, as others have said, "Mystic Christmas" was not family-friendly. Extremely disappointed. :-( I stopped watching when I saw where things were headed and deleted the movie. The main leads had zero chemistry and I was bored anyway. I also did not enjoy "Christmas by Design". I turned it off and deleted it from my DVR after fifteen minutes.
I am definitely looking forward to watching the movies that aired on Sunday.
Joan
Joan, thank you for mentioning the series "A Small Light." I've never heard of it, but it sounds very touching. Those sorts of stories are always so heroic and heart-wrenching. We must remember our history, especially in the times we live in today. I feel like so much of it is being repeated now.
DeleteThank you, also, for sharing these reviews. I was on the fence about watching "Ms. Christmas Comes to Town," but I'll record it and give it a watch one day. I think it's one you have to be ready for...
God bless, Net
Hi Net,
DeleteYou are welcome about "A Small Light". It is not an easy watch but every emotion I went through was worth it. I agree with you about remembering our history especially today. I don't understand how people can be so awful to others.
And, you are welcome on sharing my reviews. Yes, "Ms. Christmas Comes to Town" is definitely one you have to be prepared to watch. But, even though there were sad parts, there was also joy, a meet-cute, great acting and reconnections. Barbara was sublime. I forget sometimes how great she is. She was perfect in her role. But, Brennan, Erica and Mark were also fantastic.
Blessings to you as well,
Joan
The ratings for Ms. Christmas Comes to Town were far better than anything GAF has released. I’m not sure where you say that the ratings were bad. 1 million viewers on a Thursday before Halloween on hallmarks sister channel is pretty good in my opinion. GAF could only hope for that viewership. Unfortunately they always land below the top 150 programs for the day
DeleteJoyeux Noel
ReplyDeleteJoyeux Noël means Merry Christmas in French.
Marche de Noel means Christmas market
Movie Review...
ReplyDeleteChristmas by Design – I quite enjoyed this family friendly Christmas movie. Mind you, the lead girl, Charlotte (AKA Charlie, to her friends), was a little arrogant and stuck-up, at times, but she got better as the movie went along. Spencer is the local mechanic, whose owns the shop where Charlotte brings her car – when she literally runs it into his truck and damages hers. I loved that Spencer’s classic truck didn’t receive any damage, while her modern day car literally fell to pieces!
One of the best scenes is when Charlotte shares a sweet childhood Christmas memory about her father. It made this big-city girl feel more down-to-earth and vulnerable.
Christmas by Design is a lighthearted, simple, feel-good film, although there is a bit of family conflict that isn’t exactly sugar-coated. Overall, it’s a nice story about love and forgiveness. ~Net
Hallmark’s “Mystic Christmas” is neither family friendly nor entertaining. The story has little to do with Christmas, and a subplot revolves around the budding romance between two homosexual men. This ranks as one of the worst Hallmark Christmas movies I’ve ever watched – pathetic.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed "Journey to Christmas". It was nice, family-friendly and the family was just adorable. :-) Also, Net, it sounds like I should have given "Christmas by Design" more time since you really enjoyed it. I value your opinion, so much, so I will set it to record again and watch it with a different lens. I like Rebecca a lot but for some reason, I couldn't get into the movie but I only gave it fifteen minutes. Thanks for your honest review. Have a wonderful day!
ReplyDeleteJoan
Joan, You are the sweetest!
DeleteIn the beginning, this movie seems to be all about fluff stuff and fashion, but it was really sweet to see a deeper side to the story when these two characters overcome loss and accept love back in their lives again.
I hope you enjoy it, too! :)
Blessings, Net
:-) I meant every word! I setup the movie to record this weekend. I plan on watching it on Sunday.
DeleteReview: Bringing Christmas Home -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Oh yes! -
This is the first movie I've seen this season that is a big and definite yes for being a keeper! I loved this storyline, and Jill and Paul were simply perfect. You felt like they weren't just acting - they took their roles to heart! A wonderful movie that really put me in the Christmas spirit!
Hi Mark25,
DeleteI always enjoy your comments and how you state whether the movie is family friendly and a keeper. I agree with you, wholeheartedly, on if "Bringing Home Christmas" is an "Oh yes" keeper. It most certainly is! One of the best Christmas movies this year as well as in the past. I loved everything about it. :-) Also, you and I align with our reviews almost all of the time.
Joan
Aww, thank you Joan! I know that sometimes I am in the minority (and maybe even the only one) when it comes to my opinion, especially a negative one. But if we aren't honest with our feelings, then we truly aren't helping each other, right? That said, I too have noticed that many times we are on the same page with our reviews. In any event, I love reading your detailed comments!
DeleteYou are welcome Mark. And thank you for your compliment. I value your opinion. :-)
Delete"Bringing Christmas Home" is a truly special movie! So much heart! So much depth! Jill Wagner was just phenomenal, she conveyed all the emotions of a person struggling after all the war horrors. Paul Green's acting was just great too. They were so good together. You really believe in their characters' growing affection and deep feelings to each other. I liked Simon Arblaster (Alton) and Jess Brown (Jules) too. The story itself was just so captivating and exciting. It is the third GAC's Christmas movie this year and I like that they don't put all these "candy canes, Christmas cookies, etc" stuff but instead focus on truly meaningful things.
ReplyDeleteI also appreciate that they showed real struggles of people coming from a battlefiled. Like Caroline (Jill Wagner) said: "You can come back here and you don't know what your purpose is. You don't even know how to be normal anymore". But I liked what Russel (Paul Green) said when talking about the crack in Santa Clause toy: "It's a crack that proves just how strong something can really be".
You know, I always liked to watch military movies, but this time it was just different for me. I was so emotional 'cause it has been almost two years since the war in my country started, so much pain and it really hurts. But I'm very happy I watched it.
~Oksanka~
Hi Oksanka,
DeleteWell said! :-)
I tried Joyful Noel and didn't finish it. No chemistry and the leading male character was so annoying to me. He's good looking, but that's it. Points for it being about Christmas and the French girl. The lead actress was good to.me. Didn't care about the mystery that was similar to Bringing Christmas Home, but didn't have the same impact.
ReplyDeleteMisty
I was pleasantly surprised with Hallmark’s “Joyeux Noel”, which is family-friendly and beautifully filmed in Rouen, Seine-Maritime, France. The romance between the two leads (Jaicy Elliot and Brant Daugherty) blossoms as they attempt to solve the mystery behind a newly displayed painting and a music box for a Christmas cover story. A dash of French humor was skillfully provided by Ciara Prioux, who plays Sophie, the hotelier’s tween-age daughter and prankster. Time to brush up on your French, sit back, and enjoy.
ReplyDeleteGAF’s “Journey to Christmas” is family-friendly and features newcomer Ash Tsai, who plays a supermodel (Cali Caldwell) being driven cross-country the week before Christmas. Though Cali’s a famous personality, she’s humble and excited to make as many stops along the way to visit charitable organizations. Romance blossoms with her chauffeur (played by Joey Heyworth) after snowstorms force them to make an emergency stop at his parent’s home. This sweet and family-oriented story is a keeper, and I certainly hope GAF plans on casting Ms. Tsai in more of their future films. She's a doll!
ReplyDelete