Hello Friends! Happy weekend, once again!
There's a variety of NEW Christmas movies coming our way on this Veteran's Day weekend. In addition to the new movies, I've also included some classic patriotic movies (below) that will air Friday through Sunday. I'm so grateful for those who have served our country and given us the freedoms we enjoy today. I pray we can hold onto them, by the grace of God.
In the line-up of NEW Christmas movies this weekend, we have a new Christmas Mystery, some Christmas Rom-Coms, a Musical Christmas movie, two Christmas adventures, one in the sky and one overseas, and an Inspirational story that will surely warm our hearts.
See all of the details below...
Thursday, November 9, 2023:
Synopsis: New to town, Heidi Wicks (Cerra) and her kids discover a Christmas mystery in their historic home. Local handyman and historian David (Webster) helps along the way, finding his own surprising connection.
Premieres Thursday, November 9, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Friday, November 10, 2023:
Synopsis: Lori Jo's (Busby) love for Christmas takes her on a road trip to Yuletide Springs with her roommate Tori (Barrell), where Christmas is celebrated year-round, to participate in a longstanding town tradition to honor her late grandmother. Along the way, the friends meet Carl (Sevier) and Jason (Wells), and the foursome make stops during their journey to enjoy more small-town Christmas attractions. But when a series of events puts a damper on their plans, a little Christmas magic may put this trip back on the right path.
Premieres Friday, November 10, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, November 11, 2023:
A father (Lissing) bonds with his daughter and stumbles upon an unexpected romance (Murray) while tracking down the original owner of a Christmas time capsule.
Premieres Saturday, November 11, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
On-The-Set Video:
Saturday, November 11, 2023:
Synopsis: When a snowstorm diverts Kate's (Skarsten) first private flight en route to Switzerland to Christmas Island, she must team up with an air traffic controller (Walker) to secure her dream job as the family's pilot.
Premieres Saturday, November 11, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, November 12, 2023:
Synopsis: When Tiffany’s best friend James arrives at her house looking for the family heirloom engagement ring he left in her care, she quickly realizes that he wants to use it to propose to another woman. Now Tiffany has three days, a road trip and some Christmas magic to make James realize that the woman he really wants has been in front of him the whole time.
Premieres Sunday, November 12, 2023
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Sunday, November 12, 2023:
Synopsis: A TV chef (Loughlin) is divinely inspired to take over her late aunt’s charity with help from a new friend (Hutch) and handsome business associate next door (Tupper).
Sunday, November 12, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
On-The-Set Video:
Sunday, November 12, 2023:
Synopsis: Heidi Heidelberg (Mason) receives the dream opportunity to sell her beautiful, handmade glass ornaments at the prestigious Heidelberg Christmas Market in Germany. While there, she meets Lukas (Brossier), a local artisan who helps her reconnect with her lost heritage.
Premieres Sunday, November 12, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Programming Notes-
Movies that honor our Miltary on this Veteran's Day Weekend:
Friday, November 10, 2023:
Bringing Christmas Home ... Great American Family ... 10 AM
Saturday, November 11, 2023:
Home for Christmas Day ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 2 AM
Journey Back to Christmas ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 6 AM
The Christmas Note ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 8 AM
Holiday for Heroes ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 10 AM
The Christmas Card ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 12 PM
Time for You to Come Home for Christmas ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 2 PM
The Lost Valentine ... Hallmark Drama ... 3 PM
My Christmas Guide ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 4 PM
A Homecoming for the Holidays ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 6 PM
A Veteran's Christmas ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 8 PM
*Question - I haven't seen My Christmas Guide yet, so maybe someone who has can share whether or not this movie has a military theme. Since it was listed amongst the other movies, I went ahead and included it.
*There's also a marathon of war-themed military movies on Saturday, November 11th, on TCM, Turner Classic Movies.
Sunday, November 12, 2023:
Christmas Homecoming ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 4 AM
Christmas Bedtime Stories ... Hallmark Movies & Mysteries ... 6 AM
Christmas Time Capsule ... UPtv ... 7 PM *NEW PREMIERE
Bringing Christmas Home ... Great American Family ... 10 PM
Christmas Time Capsule ... UPtv ... 11 PM *MOVIE ENCORE
New Christmas Movie at the Theater…
The new musical nativity movie Journey to Bethlehem is now premiering in various theaters across the country. It's the true story of Christmas, the birth of Jesus, with traditional Christmas Carols sung by the cast, and I'm hearing there is some pop music and humor, as well.
Joel Smallbone, from the Christian musical group For King and Country, portrays Antipater (son of Herod), rapper and singer Lecrae portrays the angel Gabriel, and well-known actor Antonio Banderas plays King Herod.
I’m already hearing some mixed reviews on this movie, but if any of you have the opportunity to see it, I would love to know your thoughts on it.
Journey to Bethlehem Movie trailer:
Wow! What an interesting selection of Christmas movies we have on TV this weekend! I think most of them look intriguing, some more than others, but all seem to have potential.
I am most excited to see both When Calls the Heart stars Lori Loughlin and Daniel Lissing, in their NEW Christmas movie premieres for Great American Family! Those two movies, Christmas Keepsake and A Christmas Blessing, are definitely going on my DVR, and I have a feeling both will be keepers!
Plus, I'm interested in the new mystery, Mystery on Mistletoe Lane, and Everything Christmas looks fun, too! So, we'll see!
Please share your Christmas movie picks for the 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 November and December.
You can find the NEW 2023 Christmas Movie Review post *here*.
God Bless Us, Everyone!
Praying for Peace,
Net
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
I was inspired by the movie A Christmas Blessing for my scripture choices this weekend.
"...It is more blessed to give
than to receive."
~Acts 20:35
“Whoever is kind to the poor
lends to the LORD,
and he will reward them
for what they have done.”
~Proverbs 19:17
Already have plans tonight to watch HMM's new movie. :)
ReplyDeleteAlso plan on checking out all 3 of Hallmark's new picks (though, the Sunday movie may take a while because of my busy recording schedule)
Both of GAF's new movies are also at the top of my list, along with Christmas Time Capsule.
-Maria
Hi Net!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the reminders on this weekend’s movies! So many good ones to choose from. My top picks will be Mystery on Mistletoe Lane, Christmas Keepsake, A Christmas Blessing, and Everything Christmas. I’ll be recording all and try to get through as many as I can so that I can review. My Bible study group at church is going to see Journey to Bethlehem this weekend so I may join them, haven’t decided yet…. If anyone watches it please post a review!
Have a blessed weekend everyone 😊 ~Paula
Military theme movies
ReplyDeleteWhere Are You, Christmas?, is a military theme that Hunter was a military veteran because his Grandfather & Nick Dean’s charity is Christmas Operation Smile about veteran families
My Christmas Guide doesn’t have Military theme
My Grownup Christmas List has military theme
USS Christmas has military theme
USS Christmas already aired this week; unfortunately, it's not airing during their military marathon. It's one of my favorites, though, along with A Veteran's Christmas!
DeleteMy Grown-Up Christmas List was airing today at 2pm ET/11am PT on Hallmark Channel
ReplyDeleteYes, that film honors our military, as well.
DeleteI also noticed Hallmark Channel's "Write Before Christmas" will air on this upcoming Monday night (the brother is in the military), and Lifetime's "A Welcome Home Christmas" will air on Friday, November 17th at 6pm/5c.!
Christmas Homecoming (2017)
ReplyDeleteNovember 12, 2023
4am ET/1am PT
HMM
A military widow & military soldier team up to save military museum
The Christmas Doctor isn’t on the list but on November 27, 2023
ReplyDelete2am ET/11am PT
HMM
Zoey was a military doctor for being traveling doctor to a small town clinic for the holidays
A certain doctor has a military Son who looking for Zoey that she hadn’t received a letter from him
Daniel Lissing’s family live in Australia 🇦🇺 because he’s so exciting to film his Christmas movie. “Christmas Keepsake” in Queensland, Australia. He reunited his family there
ReplyDeleteMystery on Mistletoe Lane is clean, and quite intriguing. Felt nice to watch a stand alone mystery on this network for the 1st time in a couple of years. -Maria
ReplyDeleteMystery on Mistletoe Lane is family friendly about Heidi Wicks, the new historical society director for cozy New England town New Hollow. She’s just relocated from North Carolina with her two kids named Annie & Garrett just in time to spruce up the historical center for the holidays. Her family also took up the historical society’s offer to move into a historical home, a home that the previous director steered clear of. Oh — and the previous director David Rawlings is still hanging around doing handyman work for the historical society called; “The New Hollow Historical Society & Museum”. That’s not an awkward working arrangement at all!
ReplyDeleteThen a pair of discoveries rock Heidi’s status quo & give her kids a surprise mystery to solve. First, Heidi learns that she’s actually moved into Mistletoe Manor, a house that once upon a time lit up New Hollow like it was Rockefeller Center. As for her kids, who are not too pleased about this December move, they discover that there are reindeer figurines hidden throughout the manor that are paired with tiny scrolls that contain clues to the other figurines. Suddenly moving to this tiny town doesn’t seem so dull, does it?
With her job potentially on the line thanks to a real scrooge of a deputy mayor, Heidi sets out to resurrect Mistletoe Manor to its early 20th century glamour while her kids try to uncover the the secrets contained in the manor’s walls — literally.
Lots of good options.
ReplyDeleteWe enjoyed Mystery on Mistletoe Lane. Family-friendly. The kids were cute and it was nice to see Victor Webster again. Seems like it's been a long time since the Wedding Veil movies. CJ
ReplyDeleteReview: Mystery on Mistletoe Lane -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Yes -
I wouldn't think it would be easy to come up with a plot that incorporates Christmas with a mystery and that is family-friendly (that is, it doesn't involve a murder). But this movie does the job very nicely. Granted, the kids (and later with the adults' help) seemed to solve each clue rather quickly, but it helped in moving the movie right along. It was also nice to see romance develop between the older couple as well as between the two leads, and how David's dad changed because of the end result. Very enjoyable from start to finish!
Hi Net,
ReplyDelete"My Christmas Guide" doesn't have a military theme but it sure is an exceptional movie. My husband and I finally carved out time to view it last night and I have to say it was worth the wait. Both Amber and Ben pulled at our heartstrings as did Ben's daughter Ava. Great movie that I highly recommend. Wonderful message about forgiveness and helping people even when they have been awful to you.
I caught some of Mystery of Mistletoe Lane on YouTube and it was ok. The storyline wasn't as as emotional as it was trying to be to me. The house was gorgeous, but it wasn't used to the greatest effect and there was no chemistry at all between anyone. She seemed more of an aunt than mother. It was obviously not cold when they filmed and to me took away from creating that Christmas feel. The ending seemed to rushed and there was no romance.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Misty- I got the same vibes from the movie. In fact, the children and the older (but wiser) characters connected with the children and moved the story along. Giving it a thumbs up because it is family friendly.
Delete-Gabe’s Mom
I meant to put 'too rushed'. Hit the publish button too soon.
DeleteMisty
I agree. Perhaps they should have just had Victor's Dad be there and just kept quiet to see what they could figure out?
DeleteMisty
I was listening to Christmas music on iHeart Radio station. Celine Dion's O Holy Night came on. They cut out the lyrics "Christ is the Lord. Forever we will praise Him." At first I thought it skipped, but then it happened again the next day. I am very hurt by this. I've always loved how at Christmas time the gospel would be spreading on the radio. Even by secular singers, and I've always prayed that non Christians who sing the words would think about what it means. The world(Satan) is trying so hard to remove Jesus. Now they are starting with Christmas hymns. We need to pray and always remember the reason why we celebrate Christmas and cherish Him!
ReplyDeleteAbigail, I just today had iHeart Christmas on the tv for a little bit. I love the cute Christmas pictures which are a nice change from the fireplace on CBN Christmas app and Hallmark Yule Log. Anyway, I was curious about the song you mentioned so I listened to my Celine Dion cd and on there she definitely sings those lyrics that were missing on the radio. So I wonder if she cut a different track version for radio stations or if the radio stations cut the lyrics?? Either way, it's just another sign of our culture turning it's back on God. Not good. ~~Jane
DeleteYeah, I wasn't sure if it was her or the radio. There was definitely a cut of, kind of a jolt. So that has me leaning towards the station.
DeleteBut I do LOVE those pictures!!! I think the hot chocolate mug on is my favorite, and maybe the red Christmas barn. We like to play the iHeart Radio Classics on our smart tv in the family room playing throughout the day.
I love Daniel Lissings, but seeing him makes me miss Jack Thornton. It's hard for me to watch him without Elizabeth.😂😂
ReplyDeleteLong Lost Christmas
ReplyDeleteI notice Hayley’s Uncle Gordon Renton was military veteran when I saw sticker on his pickup truck of his company decals by saying Proud to be a Veteran
Everything Christmas is clean, and quite the magical experience! -Maria
ReplyDeleteNot sure about any movie listed above. I like Corey, Andrew and Daniel but so far i was disappointed with movies i had been looking forward to (Under the Christmas Sky, Never Been Chris's,..). Christmas time capsule have nice poster, actors that could have nice chemistry but i am not fan of that plot. I will wait for reviews. Not sure if i understand A Christmas blessing. So Loughlin and Tupper are the main couple or there won't be any?
ReplyDeleteI really liked Mystery on Mistletoe Lane. It was very clean and family friendly, other than divorced parents. It was a new a different story line and good acting.
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Blessing
ReplyDeleteDoes this Bible verses mentioned in A Christmas Blessing
“Whoever is kind to the poor
lends to the LORD,
and he will reward them
for what they have done.”
~Proverbs 19:17
Proverbs 19:17 in Other Translations
17 Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed. 17 If you help the poor, you are lending to the LORD — and he will repay you! 17 Mercy to the needy is a loan to God, and God pays back those loans in full
When I saw Bible verse in A Christmas Blessing promo trailer?
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas
ReplyDeletePremieres: Thursday, November 30, 2023
Where: Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Plot: Carly drops everything to move to a small town where she'll lead the local church choir on Christmas. This is the only thing on her mind, so when she meets Matthew, a mysterious, but charming veteran home for the holidays, she gets thrown for a doozy
Matthew is a Military Veteran
A Christmas Blessing
ReplyDeleteJesse Hutch’s character; Otto Nessen writes Bible verse at Angel’s Fare
Acts 20-35
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Everything Christmas is family friendly about Christmas enthusiast Lori Jo & her roommate named Victoria “Tori” embark on 3 day on a road trip to Yuletide Springs, a town where Christmas is celebrated one-round. They run into handsome, like-minded strangers Carl & Jason. They go to participate in a longstanding town tradition to honor her late Grandmother has light up ornament from E.C.E.A.T.T (Everything Christmas Everywhere All The Time) store. Every time Lori Jo’s Grandma has a gift certificate to keep inside the envelope. The foursome make stops during their journey to enjoy more small-town Christmas attractions. But when a series of events puts a damper on their plans, a little Christmas magic may put this trip back on the right path
ReplyDeleteChristmas Island is family friendly about when a snowstorm diverts Kate Gabriel’s first private flight to Christmas Island, she must team up with an air traffic controller named Oliver McLead to secure her dream job as the Sharpe family’s pilot. Christmas Island is too expensive is part of Australia territory
ReplyDeleteChristmas Island is clean, enjoyable, and that's about all I have to say. -Maria
ReplyDeleteChristmas Keepsake is so sweet! -Maria
ReplyDeleteChristmas Keepsake is family friendly about following their relocate to new city on Ashbury Grove in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, A Father named Tom bonds his Daughter named Grace & stumbles upon an unexpected romance with a woman named Elizabeth who works at Luna’s Bakery & Cafe while down the original owner of Christmas time capsule when Grace find’s Christmas tin box buried in the show in the backyard. Tom & Grace meet Elizabeth’s Mom named Luna.
ReplyDeleteChristmas Keepsake is a.keper.for.me! The chemistry of the cast and all the Christmas feels. The mystery was easy to figure out, but was still cute.
ReplyDeleteMisty
WARNING: Cameo appearance by Jonathon Bennet and his (UGH), 'husband' has been confirmed for A Heidelberg Holiday. I highly recommend skipping this movie if you don't wish to see that kind of content. I know I definitely will! 🤮 -Maria
ReplyDeleteHi Maria,
DeleteThought I’d chime in, just in case anyone was interested. I watched Heidelberg Holiday and there was absolutely no "content" or visible homosexual agenda in it. I did not notice Jonathan Bennett or any homosexual displays of affection in any of the scenes; of course, they could have just had cameos as “tourists” walking in the background (and from what I’ve read online, they actually were just there, coincidentally, as tourists anyway). The movie was completely family friendly. Moreover, there were actually several times in the movie where they lighted an Advent wreath as a family and mentioned having done the same in church -- mind you, there was no recitation of Scripture but they still emphasized Advent which I appreciated since it is very much a Christian tradition.
I suppose, perhaps, that our movie-watching standards might be different. For me, I feel there’s no way I can judge the righteousness or “sinlessness” of every individual actor out there (impossible to do and wrong to do anyway), so, I’m willing to watch movies with various actors so long as there is no agenda within the movie itself that is blatantly trying to contradict God’s Word. If I know a particular actor or actress is homosexual or has taken part in raunchy movies, it might taint my viewing pleasure but it doesn’t always stop me from watching a good movie. For instance, I think you and I both liked GAF’s A Christmas.. Present with Candace Cameron Bure and GAF’s movies with Merritt Patterson, and you, in particular, loved GAF’s Our Christmas Wedding. Merritt, who portrays sweet innocent characters in Christmas movies, has also played explicit lesbian sex scenes. The actor that had the prominent role as Candace’s brother and talks much about faith in that movie has claimed in the past to be bisexual and has been on film with male lovers. The lead actress who, in Our Christmas Wedding, speaks of not living with her fiancé until marriage, just starred in a movie all about her lesbian affair. And yet, the movies we watched and individually loved on GAF were clean and wholesome and enjoyable. So, I guess what I’m saying is that, to me, if Jonathan Bennett was an extra in the background of a movie, it doesn’t affect my viewing pleasure. And quite honestly, I knew going into A Heidelberg Holiday that the lead male actor has been in a tv series about gay men in Amsterdam or somewhere but while watching him act out a wholesome character in “Heidelberg” I completely forgot about that and was able to enjoy the clean, family-friendly movie.
~~Jane
(p.s. -- I have no idea how you can watch so many movies! I’m retired and I can’t keep up with you. You go girl!! 😉🎄)
Jane, yeah. I guess I kind of overreacted a bit. I know some of the stars on GAF have done some gay roles in the past, I don't hold it against them. In fact, here's an interesting fact about myself: My all time favorite actress from my favorite CBS show that ended after 14 years back in May, is actually a lesbian IRL, and I love her too much to let it taint my feelings for her and the role I loved so dearly over the years. (also helps I try my best not to think about it 24/7.).
DeleteAnd I have a lot of time on my hands, so keeping up with movies isn't difficult, deciding which ones to watch and being motivated to do so can be a bit difficult from time to time!
Thanks for the kind words. I'll, eventually decide to watch the movie, maybe later this week.
-Maria
Hey Maria. Yes, the homosexual thing (and now the transgender mess) is so hard to navigate in society (and on tv!!), isn’t it?! God’s Word is clear on it being wrong but we’re also called to love and point others to Christ. I have "married", gay neighbors, friends, and former co-workers and sometimes its hard to know what to say and do in certain situations. I have one young woman acquaintance in my neighborhood who is a college student, she’s super sweet but she’s actively trying to become a guy (!!!); it’s hard because I don’t want to overstep and jeopardize any fragile neighborly relationship; it seems the only thing I can do is be kind and watch for the opportunities to share more deeply with her. And as far as actors on tv, I really need to stop digging deeper into their backgrounds – I wish I could wash some of those movie clips out of my mind!! And, once again, it’s a fine line… should I watch movies for actors who in their real life are actively promoting these agendas (such as J. Bennett)? Maybe not. Probably not? Who knows?? I think a lot of the other actors might not necessarily have an agenda but they’re just misguided by society or take roles to pay the bills or because they want to try roles that are different or more edgy. I have more of a problem with the ones that claim to be Christ-followers and then participate in movies or dialogue that supports sin or agendas that contradict God’s Word or portray It wrongly. But we’ve all fallen short… so, thankfully, there’s Grace. 😊
DeleteAs far as A Heidelberg Holiday goes, I think you should try and watch it, if you get the chance; it might not end up being a favorite for you, but I think you’d like it okay. Just don’t look too closely at the crowd in the background because you might spot two guys holding hands or something and that would definitely taint an otherwise good movie! 😮 🤣
There are way too many movies on streaming platforms this year. Or maybe I just never knew about them in the past. I have a question for you. Do you know of any way to skip the commercials on XumoPlay and other apps (I’m usually watching through a Roku stick on my tv).
Happy Christmas movie-watching to you!!!
~~Jane
Jane and Maria -
DeleteI haven't watched A Heidelberg Holiday, yet, but Hallmark posted the cameo moment on X (Twitter). I'll share the link below, and hopefully you'll be able to view it. If Hallmark hadn't said who they were, I personally would never have noticed, as both guys are wearing beanie hats and winter coats. They look like background actors simply walking by. That's it.
Here's the link:
https://twitter.com/hallmarkchannel/status/1723704834493219112
Also, Jane, I made the mistake of seeing something on social media that crushed me recently. I know most of the actors support liberal causes and such, but seeing one particular post from a certain actress I usually like in movies, really disappointed me. Ugh. I'm just hoping I can still watch her movie without being haunted by it.
By the way, I would also love to know if those commercials could be FF or skipped; they can get pretty annoying when streaming free.
Thank you both for your numerous, wonderful reviews!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Blessings, Net
Christmas Keepsake is such a great story, full of sweet and touching moments. I was so happy to see Daniel Lissing again. He is such a good actor. He and Jillian Murray were so genuine and sincere in their roles. And I like a girl playing a daughter. Father-daughter relationship was so mature and strong. I like the idea of a time capsule and how they brought the topic of family traditions. Living in the world like it is now, you realize that there's nothing more important than your family, friends, all the people you love. Spending time with them. celebrating Christmas together, having traditions you follow every year, that's what a real treasure. So grateful to GAF for showing the real values. I've enjoyed their Christmas movies so much so far.
ReplyDelete~Oksanka~
I don't know how, but I got to watch A Christmas Blessing on YouTube this afternoon before it comes on tonight. It is a wonderful movie. Almost perfect, but too little of Jesse's character. It needs a sequel. It seemed too short and had great side characters.
ReplyDeleteMisty
A Christmas Blessing was a great movie and family friendly. All of the actors did a great job, but Jesse Hutch was outstanding! Great job to all the actors!
ReplyDeleteMystery on Mistletoe Lane is family friendly. Was a little slow to me in the beginning but it's gets better as the movie goes along. Different storyline for sure and lots of twist and turns. Good acting and chemistry between the leads. It's a 2 time watch for me.
ReplyDeleteJoyce in Carolina, I agree with you. I loved this movie! Victor Webster is a favorite of mine.
DeleteJust watched Everything Christmas. One time watch for me but it was really cute. I like movies that mention Santa, reminds me of the old Hallmark ones. The best friend was cute in her role & honestly it was just nice to see Cindy Busby in a movie that wasn’t about mountains/being out in the wild. I feel like she had made 10 of those!
ReplyDelete~Paula
Mystery on Mistletoe Lane: I really enjoyed this movie on HMM. I haven't watched anything Hallmark in a while, but I gave this a shot since Victor Webster was in it. He is best when he's like that character, love him like that and the banter between the leads was fun to watch (their romance at the end was just a bonus in this movie)! This was a really cool mystery intertwined with the Christmas season. The supporting cast was great, especially the kids. The characters of Wallace and Linda were too cute (although I wasn't sure about Wallace at first). I liked that the kids took on the mystery and then eventually asked for help (loved the clues/reindeer). When Wallace comes clean about himself, it's such an endearing and somewhat heartbreaking story that put a few tears in my eyes. When we saw/heard the last clue/poem, well that was just a tearjerker moment. Overall, it was a really good movie that I'll definitely put on my favorites list.
ReplyDeleteChristmas Keepsake: This was a sweet and heartwarming story that showed the wonderful relationship of father and daughter within two families. I absolutely loved that Daniel Lissing got to play his authentic Australian self in this movie; that was great, and I could listen to him recite the phone book and be happy. Jillian was bubbly as usual, and Ellie Stewart was wonderful as Daniel's daughter. Although it was pretty obvious who the time capsule belonged to, the plot was thoughtfully done. Overall, a genuine and sweet family movie with a nice love story thrown in. I always enjoy seeing the traditions and events in communities that usually happen during the holidays.
A Christmas Blessing (Blessings of Christmas): This was a fabulous movie that brought it all! First and foremost, Jesse Hutch as an angel, yes please! He was fantastic and I might add, handsome as ever! Lori and James were amazing together (again) and had such great chemistry. Kudos to them for absolutely nailing their characters (I also loved that she kissed him at the end). The supporting cast was the best you could ask for: Karen Holness, Jason Cermak, Laura Bertram, Tammy Gillis, Bronwen Smith, I mean...Nailed it! The location/scenery/what looked like real snow (actual wetness on the streets) was an added plus to make it authentic and the building shots were true to where a food bank/feeding station might be in a city. The movie was funny, heartfelt, and showed what can happen when a community pulls together to help those who need it. Showing love through volunteerism and giving was what this movie was about, and it came through in spades (the fact that Lori does this in real life is wonderful and made this an easy character for her to portray). Having Jesse write bible verses on the walls of the food bank was an added bonus and gave meaning to the movie, along with his prayer before dinner - wonderful! The music and decorations were great as well and the message of the movie gave us the true meaning of Christmas. This is a new favorite that I will watch over and over.
Really good movie weekend and I didn't even watch them all. ~ Debbie
The winner this weekend was Great American Family no one else was even close. Saturday night Christmas Keepsake was a family friendly and sweet movie. Having Daniel Lissing use his Australian accent was genius. A Christmas Blessing was the best movie on Sunday. With great a cast I love the casting of Jesse Hutch as Otto was the best casting. I would love to see a series with Jesse reprising his role of Otto.
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Blessing is so amazing!! 5 stars all around. -Maria
ReplyDeleteReview: Christmas Keepsake -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Yes -
First, I must admit, I am a sucker for Christmas movies that have a sweet, well-behaved child at the center of it, especially since there don't seem to be as many of these kind of movies as there once was. Here we have a 12-year-old, played wonderfully by Ellie Stewart, who is not afraid to show love to her father (Lissing) and bonds with the local baker (Murry).
But I also enjoyed this movie for its (for lack of a better word) gentleness. There are no big dramatic scenes, no bad people, no rushing around - just an easy-going, nice (and nicely-paced) movie. And I could sense the chemistry between the two leads (and if you watch the behind-the-scenes clip, you can see that the two leads have real affection for each other). Also, I like how, for a change, one of the leads (Murray) was hesitant to get into a relationship not because of a past relationship, but because the loss of her father tore her apart and she did not want to feel that sense of loss again. (In fact, there is no indication that she was ever in a relationship in her past. How unique is that?!) One minor qualm, though - they reference that the father and daughter prayed when they went to the nativity scene - it would have been nice if they had showed them there praying together.
While I can seen where some might find this movie too slow-paced, maybe even boring, that was not the case for me. It's a keeper!
Oh my goodness so many options for this weekend! There were so many good movies on this weekend. I wasn't able to see "Christmas Island" or " A Heidleberg Christmas" yet.
ReplyDeleteMystery on Mistletoe Lane is family friendly. I thought it was fun how the kids got all into figuring out their mystery and the 2 leads had really sweet chemistry. Had some fun family moments. It was fun to try and figure out the clues with the kids. Just a really well done movie. Its is definitely one I will watch again :)
Everything Christmas I thought was cute, and it is family friendly. I just love Corey Sevier is whatever he does. I loved how there were 2 different "meet cutes" for the 2 couples. I loved how it had a bit of mystery to it as well!
Christmas Keepsake I just absolutely loved! Jillian Murray and Daniel Lissing were adorable and loved their Chemistry. The storyline I really liked, and the actress who played his daughter was so cute, and loved how she played off of Daniel and Jillian. This is one I am definitely keeping! :)
A Christmas Blessing is another one that I absolutely loved. I love that Lori Laughlin is back and she did just such an incredible job. Jesse Hutch's character was also fun and Jesse did an amazing job as well! Loved that Service was the central theme of this movie, and how important it really is especially around this time of year! This one is a keeper as well :)
Christmas Time Capsule is family friendly about Tiffany put something in time capsule. James Carter is served in military & he goes home. He reunited with his best friend named Tiffany. James looks for his family Heirloom is his Grandmother’s engagement ring with his best friend named Tiffany, for safekeeping in time capsule. James plans to Christmas propose to his girlfriend named Ashley who is the Daughter of his mentor named Sergeant Dave. Tiffany has other ideas on who James should marry.
ReplyDeleteTiffany must work to convince her best friend James that she's the one for him before he proposes to someone else. Tiffany must work to convince her best friend James that she's the one for him before he proposes to someone else. Tiffany is finally read James’ letter she has been James’ best friend for lifetime. She feels the way for James & James does too. They always it’s always been you. James & Tiffany are in love with each other. James & Tiffany get together in the end.
I didn't like the movie. Ten years to read a note? Him really asking her to be h I s best man at yhe wedding!?I don't buy it.
DeleteMisty
Misty, 10 years ago, Tiffany put something in time capsule including James’ Grandma ‘s engagement ring & James’ letter for decade. Tiffany & James are lifelong best friends. 10 years later, Tiffany is finally read James’ letter & James says to Tiffany 10 seconds to read it, not 10 years. There’s no wedding James & Ashley. Ashley knows about Tiffany & James share the past. Ashley asked Tiffany: Are you in love with James but Tiffany doesn’t say. It’s been 20 years, Tiffany & James feel the same way. James put his Grandma’s engagement ring on Tiffany’s finger. James & Tiffany are together in the end when Tiffany looks at picnic basket & blanket on the bench when James finds Tiffany.
DeleteJonathan Bennett makes a cameo & his real life Husband in “A Heidelberg Holiday” with his real life husband in the background of a scene. Apparently they were vacationing in town
ReplyDeleteA CHRISTMAS BLESSING tells a delightful, winsome story about the meaning of Christmas. It has a strong Christian worldview that stresses prayer, salvation and the joy of giving, including making a reference to Acts. 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The exact lyrics of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” about the salvation Jesus brings are heard at least twice. Also, Otto uses Chapter Three of Ecclesiastes to help Adam tell his feelings to Mandy.
ReplyDeleteA CHRISTMAS BLESSING is a heartwarming movie for the whole family.
A Christmas Blessing is about Bible Verses
ReplyDeleteA CHRISTMAS BLESSING tells a delightful, winsome story about the meaning of Christmas. It has a strong Christian worldview that stresses prayer, salvation and the joy of giving, including making a reference to Acts. 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” The exact lyrics of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman” about the salvation Jesus brings are heard at least twice. Also, Otto uses Chapter Three of Ecclesiastes to help Adam tell his feelings to Mandy.
A CHRISTMAS BLESSING is a heartwarming movie for the whole family.
Ecclesiastes Chapter 3
God's ultimate authority in heaven and on earth
The message in this passage of poetry centers on God's ultimate authority in heaven and on earth. Humans have mastered many things in this world, but some elements of our existence are beyond our control. We cannot conquer time. God is the one who appoints each moment
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
James Keller
Behold I am the light which ye shall hold up” (see Matt. 5:16; 3 Ne. 18:16, 24). A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.
Acts 20-35
It is more blessed to give than to receive.
I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
A Heidelberg Holiday really surprised me. I almost wanted to stop watching within the first 20 minutes just because it wasn’t “Christmas enough” for me, as I really love the decor and over the top from most Hallmark Christmas movies. But I am glad I stuck with it because the movie was such a nice one! I love how the romance developed between Heidi and Lukas, they had great chemistry and were so natural together. They first kissed midway into the movie and we got to see them really connect, not just within the last 5 minutes of the movie like a lot of times. Of course the scenery and architecture was beautiful but the family really stole the show, especially the 2 little boys they were so cute. Not the norm for what I would be drawn to from Hallmark but I really enjoyed this one and I would watch it again!
ReplyDelete~Paula
I watched it on YouTube and it was a very well done movie! The chemistry was off the charts. Good story line.
DeleteMisty
Don’t know if I could say anymore. One of the best so far.
DeleteCameos on Christmas movies 2023
ReplyDeleteNaill Matter as DJ Jockey in The Santa Summit
Jonathan Bennett & his real life Husband in The Heidelberg Holiday
Will Kemp
Eric Mabius
Benjamin Ayres
Rachel Boston
Wes Brown
Kim Sustad as TV Reporter on Checkin’ It Twice
Chris McNally
Christmas Keepsake - truly sorry to say this, but it was really boring. Not very well thought out plot because not just it was slow paced (it's not always a bad thing) but also not much happened here. I am sure that this movie will still get a lot of positive reviews thanks to Daniel. I liked him in this movie and also the actress that played his daughter but did not like the main actress. I know that a lots of Hallmark and GAF actors had a cosmetic procedures and i usually do not mind it but i think that here it made it less believable for me, a small town baker with a botox in her face. Also, do not understand why her mother somewhere in the first half of the movie mentioned "Destiny" i think that "God's plan" would be more "channel appropriate".
ReplyDeleteEverything Christmas - liked it more than i expected. Cindy and Corey had a cute chemistry (they were like two adorable puppies) and the movie was truly enjoyable and magical.
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Blessing - the best movie of GAF so far (and i don't mean just this year). This definitely deserve a sequel or even a mini series. It kinda reminded me of tv show "Touched by an Angel".
ReplyDeleteI watched “A World Record Christmas” on YouTube. Charlie is an autistic boy, his Mom named Marissa, his Stepfather named Eric, his biological Father named Peter, his best friend named Amy is with her Mom named Jane.
ReplyDeleteThis movie is really emotional. Charlie’s best friend Amy doesn’t know that she hurt Charlie’s feelings - by he’s saying heartbeat. Charlie’s best friend Amy thinks he’s weird because of complicated & he ran upstairs in his room until his Stepfather Eric talks to him. Amy talks with Marissa that she doesn’t mean to because of his emotional. She talks to Charlie for seconds until Charlie’s parents done at Brookview Library . Amy tells Charlie, it’s not complicated & she gives him a hug. Amy & Charlie get along so well. Eric & Marissa rekindled their relationship. Charlie’s biological Father Matt is there watching Charlie to break the record 1,401 Jenga Blocks
The real Auldin Maxwell makes a cameo in A World Record Christmas
ReplyDeleteReview: Everything Christmas -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Yes -
This is simply one fun movie! Cindy plays an absolute lover of Christmas, to the extreme! (And yet, aren't some of us bordering on her love of the season?!) On the road to a destination with her friend to celebrate her late grandmother, she keeps encountering Santa (or is it Santa?) and ends up in the most Christmassy of towns. This movie kept my interest completely throughout, as I kept wondering how it was all going to play out. The focus is definitely on Cindy - everyone else is basically a supporting player, including Corey - and she plays her quirky role so well! I loved the plot with the ornament, and you feel for her at the end when...well, I don't want to spoil it. Yes, some of the things that happen are unbelievable, but throw believability out the window and just go along for ride. I'm glad I did!
"A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle"
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Blessing is such an inspirational and phenomenal movie! Enjoyed every moment of it. It was such a pleasure to see Lori Loughlin again, she's such a great actress. Jesse Hutch was just amazing in the role of Otto. James Tupper was also so great. They had such a chemistry with Lori Loughlin. It's a different Christmas movie, with true values. So much wisdom. I like they included the Bible Scriptures, the prayer. Thinking about people in need, giving them your time, your care, making a Christmas dinner for them - what a great way to celebrate Christmas.
~Oksanka~
A Christmas Blessing
ReplyDeleteWhat is the prayer for Hebrews 13 2?
Father, please help me, and please help my congregation, be more open and welcoming to people who are new and who are visiting. Please use us to share your grace and provide them a Christian home. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Live everyone here, I loved “A Christmas Blessing” The storyline, the decor, the supporting staff were all amazing. Lori and James had great chemistry from their winter movie so it was nice to see them together again. Jesse was so perfect in his role as Otto, I could just sense he was an angel from the beginning but I was thrown off when James could see him, I thought maybe only Lori could see him. My favorite part was the faith intertwined within the movie, such beautiful messages. This would be amazing for GAF decided to make sequel, additional movies with Otto continuing to help people, kind of like “Christmas in Angel Falls” with Rachel Boston and then they made another one with Jen Lilly. We can hope!
ReplyDelete~Paula
Review: A Heidelberg Holiday -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Maybe a one-time watch
I agree with Paula above - it is so nice to have a movie where the leads kiss in the middle of the movie, and you get to see the romance develop from there.
But that said, this movie came across mostly like a travelogue for Heidelberg, making a point to show all of the wonderful sites of the city. There were also some major holes in the storyline that can't be ignored: 1) For someone who was anxious to get her booth to sell her ornaments, she sure spends A LOT of time away from it, taking in the sites of the city. (Obviously so the movie could show off those sites!) While she is told not to do a "hard sell", that doesn't mean no sell. I would hate to be customer who had questions and no one is there to answer them for almost a whole day! 2) She had, what, 15 or 20 large boxes packed with ornaments, so that means hundreds of ornaments that she had orders for. There is no way they had that many good-size mosaics to replace the ornaments. 3) And not everybody would be happy with the replacement as the movie indicates. A lot of customers would still want the ornament!
So, it is worth a watch because of the romance, but because of the holes, it is not a keeper for me.
Whew! I need more time to get through the movie options. All were family-friendly. The ones that stand out to me were Mystery on Mistletoe Lane, Everything Christmas, Christmas Island, Christmas Keepsake, and A Christmas Blessing. I liked the multi-generational aspect of Mystery on Mistletoe Lane. Everything Christmas was a light-hearted movie. Christmas Island was a great reminder for me to slow down and be present to my children and rethink why I am doing what I do. I like the unfolding of the stories that GAF movies seem to have. Christmas Keepsake addressed how the fear of losing someone you love can keep you from forming relationships which was was very relatable to me. A Christmas Blessing surprised me with the role that Jesse Hutch played. I really liked the entire cast and would watch a sequel. - Maire
ReplyDeleteHallmark’s “A Heidelberg Holiday” is a family-friendly story that showcases German Advent and Christmas traditions amidst the beautiful scenery of Heidelberg. Ginna Claire Mason plays the leading role, and her performance is just as inspiring as in her 2022 hit movie, “A Holiday Spectacular”. There’s plenty of German dialogue thrown in to totally immerse the viewer in the story and the sweet romance between the leads. This film gets five stars for me – wunderbar!
ReplyDeleteReview: Christmas Island -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Only if you have trouble sleeping -
I could not get into this movie at all! The plot was boring, and the acting left a lot to be desired. Simply, Rachel Skarsten was not the person for the role of Kate. Andrew's performance pales in comparison to his role last year in Three Wise Men and a Baby, where he obviously was having a lot of fun. Not the case here - at times it seemed like he was just going through the motions. Sorry, but there is nothing for me to recommend this one.
Christmas Island with Rachel Skarsten and Andrew Walker easily the most watched Christmas movie to date this year with 2.62 overnight viewers
ReplyDeleteChristmas Plus One was clean and very enjoyable.
ReplyDelete