Graduation Cards
Hello *Christmas* Movie Friends!
Another weekend is here again with a mix of NEW Christmas Movie Premieres!
I personally can't wait to get swept off my feet with Great American Family's enchanting premiere of A Paris Christmas Waltz! This is one of those special movies I know many of us viewers have been eagerly looking forward to, as we've been awaiting this film for some time; in fact, it was on January 10, 2020, when we first learned the directing and writing duo, Michael and Janeen Damian, would be creating this film! Wow! Right? So much anticipation has been building since that time; I will share more thoughts on this movie at the end of this post.
In addition to Great American Family, the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, and UPtv...
Lifetime joins in the Christmas movie fun beginning this weekend with three classic Christmas movies airing on Friday, November 17th, A Welcome Home Christmas (a nice movie tribute for our military), A Christmas Village Romance (a sweet Christmas rom-com), and Grounded for Christmas (FYI- this movie does have some short yoga/meditation scenes, but they aren't too in-depth, as I recall, and it's a cute movie overall).
Lifetime's FIRST Christmas movie premiere for 2023, Christmas Plus One, airs on Saturday night, following a day filled with Christmas movie classics! The channel will also have a new premiere on Sunday night. At this time, it appears Lifetime may only be airing Christmas movies on the weekends, Friday through Sunday (with the exception of Thursday on Thanksgiving Day). Perhaps more will be added to their weekday schedule in December. We'll see!
For those of you who may be wondering about other TV networks joining in with holiday programming, see my update on this in my remarks at the end of this post.
Check out details on the Nine NEW Christmas Movie Premieres below...
Thursday, November 16, 2023:
Synopsis: Charlie (Dalman) is an autistic boy determined to set a Guinness World Record by stacking 1400 Jenga blocks. His mother Marissa (DeLoach) and stepfather Eric (Bryant) encourage him to reach for his dream and they all celebrate when he gets the good news that he'll have his chance on Christmas Eve. In the spirit of the holiday, they organize a fundraiser giving the townspeople an opportunity to donate and decorate a Jenga block, with the proceeds going to benefit kids with autism. Charlie's journey to setting the Jenga world record gives them all the chance to learn more not just about themselves, but about what family really means.
Premieres Thursday, November 16, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries
Friday, November 17, 2023:
Synopsis: Recently divorced Melanie (Hobbs) and her son Jason visit a remote island for Christmas, only to find themselves running a real working lighthouse where she connects with the curt but cute owner (Huszar).
Premieres Friday, November 17, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, November 18, 2023:
Synopsis: Can theater director Lila (Reynolds) rise to the challenge of putting on the perfect Christmas ballet, while also discovering her office Secret Santa in the process?
Premieres Saturday, November 18, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Saturday, November 18, 2023:
Synopsis: When estranged siblings, Lindsay (Lacey Chabert) and Brad (Scott Wolf) Morgan travel to Scotland at Christmas to reunite with their mother Jo, a big family secret is revealed.
Premieres Saturday, November 18, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Saturday, November 18, 2023:
Synopsis: When sisters Cara (Emily Alatalo) and Amy (Vanessa Smythe) make a pact to find their soulmates by next Christmas, they’re not expecting anything to come from it. However, one year later, Amy’s winter wedding is approaching, and Cara finally finds her own perfect man, Chase (Andrew Bushell), who agrees to attend as her plus one. But after immediately losing his number, all hope is lost. Will she find him in time to make her Christmas wish come true? Or does love have other plans for Cara when magazine writer Michael (Corey Sevier) signs on to help her in her quest?
Premieres Saturday, November 18, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime
Sunday, November 19, 2023:
Synopsis: It’s days until Christmas, and the Jameson Family are all off chasing their dreams. Tori and June are in Nashville recording their first album while Bones is home on the farm getting everything ready for the whole family to be together at Christmas. But when the sisters get a chance to be on a live Christmas Eve show, one that will supercharge their budding career, they are faced with a difficult decision; they could do the show and get a much-needed boost in the industry, but it means not spending a very special Christmas with their family. Added complications arise when Tori’s heart doesn’t know if she should choose an old flame or an old friend, and June is struggling with a long-distance marriage. In the end it’s remembering that family, faith and love is the answer to any big decision.
Premieres Sunday, November 19, 2023
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Sunday, November 19, 2023:
Synopsis: A novice dancer (Jen Lilley) pairs with a professional (Matthew Morrison) to enter a renowned dance competition…in Paris! The next story in The Christmas Waltz universe, the highest-rated Christmas rom com of 2020, from Michael Damian and Janeen Damian.
Premieres Sunday, November 19, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Sunday, November 19, 2023:
Synopsis: After leaving London, Abby (Emily Tennant) connects with an anonymous caller while working at a cooking hotline. The caller is single dad 'John' (Niall Matter) who Abby unknowingly has become smitten with in real life.
Premieres Sunday, November 19, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, November 19, 2023:
Synopsis: During a business trip to Indiana, event planner Kayley (Kathryn Davis) and sports agent Brett (Olivier Renaud) find themselves unable to fly home for Christmas due to a terrible snowstorm. Determined to get back to New York by Christmas Eve, the two team up and try to make their own way home, but when the storm hits, they’re forced to seek refuge in the sleepy town of Redwood, Ohio; a place that ignites some much-needed Christmas magic in their hearts.
Premieres Sunday, November 19, 2023
at 8pm/7c. on Lifetime
Christmas Programming across Various TV Networks:
For those of you who may be wondering about other networks joining in with holiday programming...
🌟BYU will start playing some of their classic Christmas movies beginning Thanksgiving week, including one of my favorites, Christmas Jars!
🌟As for ION, the network has had several new Christmas movie premieres in past years, typically beginning Thanksgiving weekend, but as I write this, the channel is still showing no signs of airing any NEW holiday movie premieres this year. ION will have a marathon of their classic Christmas movies the day after Thanksgiving.
🌟TBS and TNT are also airing Christmas classics once again this year; included this weekend are: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (caution PG-13), The Polar Express, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), The Year Without a Santa Claus, and more!
🌟INSP will air some of their Christmas movies intermittently throughout the holiday season, including: Christmas in the Rockies on December 2nd and Christmas in the Smokies on December 3rd. You can also find INSP Films, such as Christmas on the Coast and Christmas in the Smokies, airing on The Cowboy Way Channel and Great American Family.
🌟AMC will air Christmas with the Kranks on Sunday, November 26th, and will follow on Monday, November 27th, with lots of wonderful, cherished Christmas classics, including Rudolph's Shiny New Year, The Story of the First Christmas Snow, 'Twas the Night Before Christmas (cartoon), Frosty's Winter Wonderland, Miracle on 34th Street, and White Christmas! These classics will also air throughout December!
🌟TCM will also be airing Christmas movie classics throughout the month of December, including these films: Tenth Avenue Angel, Love Finds Andy Hardy, It Happened on Fifth Avenue, Meet Me in St. Louis, Christmas in Connecticut, Holiday Affair, A Christmas Carol and more!
🌟ABC is airing The Great Christmas Light Fight and CMA Country Christmas specials again this year, along with classics, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, and more!
🌟CBS will have Christmas cartoon classics: Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman, Frosty Returns, Reindeer In Here, and more, plus their original Christmas movies from 2022 are encoring again this year.
🌟NBC will air Christmas in Rockefeller Center, Christmas at Graceland, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Christmas at the Opry, Dolly Parton's A Coat of Many Colors, Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas, Dolly Parton's Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love, and the beloved classic movie starring Jimmy Stewart, It's a Wonderful Life, which airs on Christmas Eve and more!
Weekend Christmas movie picks...
Whether you love old or new Christmas movies, there are always plenty to choose from.
As for the NEW Christmas movies this weekend, as I mentioned above, I'm especially looking forward to seeing A Paris Christmas Waltz, starring Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison! I just know it's going to be extra special and magical, an instant-classic that will dance it's way right into our hearts! Knowing this film is a creation by real-life couple, Michael and Janeen Damian, already means it is top-notch quality, and I'm thrilled Great American Family is working with such wonderful, talented people. The Damians' previous works include fan-favorites: A Princess for Christmas, A Royal Christmas, Crown For Christmas, Christmas Waltz, A Hot Cocoa Christmas, etc... And I have a feeling A Paris Christmas Waltz will soon be a favorite, as well!
From Paris to Scotland, I think it's going to be wonderful to see Lacey Chabert and Scott Wolf acting as brother and sister again, in Hallmark Channel's A Merry Scottish Christmas. I watched Party of Five off and on back in the day (mostly during the earlier seasons); it was quite the dramatic series, at times, and I recall my family and I thinking that little girl (Lacey) is such a good little actress. Who would have ever thought we would still be watching her all these years later. This will surely be a sweet reunion to see Lacey and Scott on screen together again!
Please share your Christmas movie picks for the weekend in the comments below.
Once again, I'm so thankful to Jane, Jim, and Jennifer R., for your encouraging words to give the streaming service FrndlyTV a try. It has made watching and recording Christmas movies so much easier and more enjoyable. I only wish I had done it sooner! If anyone else is interested in looking into FrndlyTV, you can read my post, which gives greater details on my experience with the streaming service, here: https://itsawonderfulmovie.blogspot.com/2023/01/how-streaming-service-frndly-tv-has.html
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:
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip—
he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
will neither slumber nor sleep.
~Psalm 121:1-4
Hi Net! Thank you for all of the into on the other channels, I have set Christmas Jars to record as I have never watched it.
ReplyDeleteAnd so many good movies this weekend! My top picks will be Holiday Hotline, A Merry Scottish Christmas and Navigating Christmas. But I’ll most likely record and give the others a try because last week I watched one that I didn’t think I would like at all and I loved it! We are finally getting some rain here in CA, which may put a damper on our plans to go to this outdoor event with horse carriage rides tonight but that’s okay, it will be there every weekend until Christmas. Have a blessed weekend everyone!
~Paula
Paula, I sure hope you enjoy Christmas Jars! I want to forewarn that the beginning is rather sad, but after those first few minutes, trust me, it gets sooo much better. It's such a deep, heartwarming story. I won't spoil the plot by saying anything else.
DeleteHope you're able to go on your carriage ride... that sounds lovely! :)
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Blessings, Net
Love this list but makes me still miss seeing Charlie Brown's Christmas in the line up!
DeleteLizzy R - me too! Christmas cartoons are just not the same without Charlie Brown on TV, with Linus talking about the true meaning of Christmas. I feel the same way.
Deletea lot of fantastic movies coming up between now and through Thanksgiving weekend!
ReplyDeleteI’m gonna watch “A World Record Christmas” is based on true story of 12 years old Auldin Maxwell is on the autism spectrum who stacks 1,400 Jenga blocks for Guinness World Record
ReplyDeleteCharlie is an autistic boy determined to set a Guinness World Record by stacking 1400 Jenga blocks.
Charlie Parson is based on Auldin Maxwell
Aw man, this is definitely going to be 1 very busy weekend for me! 😅 There's so much good stuff here!
ReplyDeleteHMM's new movie looks like a big winner 🤞 I'm actually thinking of letting my guard down with the 1st 2 new Hallmark movies and watch them spoiler free. Just hope it doesn't blow up in my face.
Very much looking forward to UP TV and Lifetime's offerings!
Can't believe it's been 3 years now since Paris Christmas Waltz was announced! I'm so happy it moved to this network, the previews and all the BTS stuff I've see of it look fantastic!
-Maria
Maria, I know! I was surprised when I looked it up that it had been that long since A Paris Christmas Waltz was announced. Also, I agree, the behind the scenes promos are all so fun!!! Really excited to see this one!!! Can you tell??? (haha!!!) :)
DeleteHappy Thanksgiving!!! Net
I’m gonna watch Santa, Maybe is about Christmas ballet - I wonder about Nutcracker is 1892 two-act classical ballet (Christmas ballet) by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, set on Christmas Eve at the foot of a Christmas tree in a child's imagination. The plot is an adaptation of E. T. A. Hoffmann's 1816 short story The Nutcracker & the Mouse King.🤔
ReplyDeleteNutcracker Suite: Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Putting on my dancing shoes- Will definitely be watching “A Paris Christmas Waltz.
ReplyDelete“Holiday Hotline” may be interesting. Will give it a try.
We will be unpacking the Christmas decoration for tree trimming and hanging up the Holly for next week.
Best to all
- Gabe’s Mom
Gabe's Mom, I love that... I'll put on my dancing shoes with you! That's so cute!
DeleteHappy Christmas decorating, too! Our indoor decorations are done now, but we still have some to finish outside. Our nativity will go up this weekend!
Blessings to you & yours! Net
Hi Net,
ReplyDeleteI’m looking forward to the same two movies that you are. You know I love anything Scottish, plus who wouldn’t want to be waltzing in Paris(?!), not to mention, the two leading ladies are absolute favorites with me! Third movie choice this weekend would be Holiday Hotline just because of Niall.
And speaking of favorites…😊… As you know, I agree with you and I highly recommend FrndlyTv to anyone looking for a really great cable alternative for movies and tv shows with lots of good channels (and with unlimited dvr space on some of the plans!). I have the premium annual plan but it’s nice that they offer folks the option to just go month-by-month. I imagine someone could do a 7-day free trial for Thanksgiving week and then sign up the next week and pay just $10 for a month of the Classic plan (with unlimited dvr) and they could dvr all the new December Christmas movies plus all the reruns of the November movies, plus any old classics that are running; but of course, they’d have to watch all those movies by the end of December unless they wanted to pay another $10 just to finish watching in January (which could be a cozy way to spend winter). Either way, $10-20 is a lot less than my Verizon cable tv!!!
And Net, THANK YOU for all you do!! You are the sweetest thing, ever!!! I am especially appreciating you right now when I want to set my Verizon & Frndly dvr’s and all I need to do is come here and easily see the listings for all the new movies along with which channels they’re on. The Christmas movies are coming fast and furious – hang in there! – hope you don’t get too overwhelmed with all this.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family!!
~~Jane
Jane, You're the best! I also have the premium annual plan for FrndlyTV, just like you, but that's a great suggestion for those looking into it.
DeleteI'm so glad my Christmas Schedule is such a help for you as you set your recordings each week. You're so right - the movies are coming oh so fast, one after the other. I'm holding in there, but it's quite the whirlwind!
Happy Christmas Movie Watching this weekend! :)
Blessings and Happy Thanksgiving, my friend, Net
I’m gonna watch “A Paris Christmas Waltz” about Emma Harris is a novice dancer will be paired with a professional dancer named Leo Monroe as he asked her to be his partner for dance competition in Paris. They head to Paris together.
ReplyDeleteI wonder there’s professional dancers make cameos
Pasha Kovalev
Graziano di Prima
When I saw Jen Lilley’s IG story?
Derek Hough
Pasha Pashkov
I saw BTS of A Paris Christmas Waltz on Pasha Kovalev IG
I will be watching both the GAF ones and the Scottish Christmas one. May watch the Hotline one later next month.
ReplyDeleteMisty
Friendly reminder: Time for Her to Come Home for Christmas begins streaming tomorrow on Hallmark Movies Now, if anyone wants to watch it early and review, I'd highly advise it. -Maria
ReplyDeleteMaria, Great suggestion! That would be wonderful if we had an early review.
DeleteBlessings, Net
I'm looking forward to Jen Lilley's and Lacey Chabert's the most(but this is the first dress I don't like of Lacey's, would have liked to see her in a more elegant tailored kilt with a ruffled blouse. It's just more realistic.
ReplyDeleteHello, not sure about the realism part because kilt is worn by men.
DeleteA World Record Christmas is by far and away, the best HMM Christmas movie I have seen this year!!!! This needs to be on DVD next year!! -Maria
ReplyDeleteI watched Merry Scottish Christmas promo trailers
ReplyDeleteLindsay & Brad Morgan are estranged siblings travel to Scotland to reunite heir Mother Josephine when they discover family secret revealed that their Mother is a heiress, a Daughter of Duke & Duchess who named their Daughter after Great Great Great Grandma Josephine.
Lindsay & her older Brother Brad dance together
A World Record Christmas is family friendly and a great movie that addresses a very sensitive subject. The whole cast did a very good job in their roles! I have a grandson and great nephew that is autistic, so this story was very special to me. I have to say Hallmark did a great job on this movie!
ReplyDeleteCan i ask? Is autism portraited realistically in this movie? I know that movies pretty often show just Aspergers because it looks fascinating to audience.
DeleteHMM has the most heart-felt movies! I watched A World Record Christmas because I love Lucas Bryant. When that young man's tears fell because his dad was not there, tears fell from my eyes too. If you love kids, this movie will tug at your heartstrings. Great acting by everyone in this movie. I will definitely watch again.
ReplyDeletekitkat, thank you for this heartfelt review. So good to hear how much this movie touched you.
DeleteBlessings to you & yours as you prepare for Thanksgiving! Net
Thanks Net! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.
DeleteAt this time of year, I feel like a whack-a-mole. Run here, do this; run there and do that. This time of year is so joyous! Love my family and friends! Happy Thanksgiving to all! God bless!
A World Record Christmas is family & friendly. It’s based an inspired true story of courage 12 years old Auldin Maxwell. The movie is so emotional & heartfelt. Charlie Parsons is based on Auldin Maxwell, he’s an autism is determined to break a Guinness World Record by stacking 1,400 Jenga blocks. In the spirit of the holidays, his Mother named Marissa & Stepfather named Eric Parsons organize a fundraiser to give the townspeople an opportunity to decorate & donate a block. Charlie’s best friend named Amy, she’s a caring friend of Charlie. 15 years old Auldin Maxwell with an autism spectrum makes a cameo when he walks toward Charlie & Amy. Aias Dalman is an autistic actor in real life as Charlie Parsons. Charlie’s biological Father named Peter isn’t around much in Charlie’s life because he’s busy working & he works at Shaw Law Firm. Charlie’s gift his best friend; Amy with a pendant with birthstone for Christmas. Charlie could have his own personal record by stacking 1,401 Jenga Blocks. Eric & Marissa rekindle their relationship. Charlie offers his Stepfather; Eric a reserved a seat 💺 for being his real Dad. Eric & Charlie hug. Charlie’s biological Father; Peter is there. Eric & Marissa are so proud of Charlie. Marissa takes a picture of Charlie & Amy, Jenga Champion of the universe. Amy & Charlie get along. Amy wears reindeer sweater looks exactly that Chris wore it with help with her Twin Sister; Kate Lockhart to choice snowman or reindeer sweaters from Switched for Christmas
ReplyDeleteRide Cancelled at Hallmark Channel After one season
ReplyDeleteThe Ride is over for Hallmark Channel, which has cancelled the rodeo family drama after just one season
Interesting news.
DeleteI'm just glad we will have more When Calls the Heart and by the way, they just completed Season 11 this week! Such great news for the cast and crew! :)
Woohoo! That's wonderful news! I've been watching the writer interviews on YouTube (the Official Hearties Admins) and really enjoying them! Especially the last episode with Paul Redford. He said he grew up around Alberta, Canada. Just like Janette Oke. He had so much information on the Mounties. I encourage you to watch it. He is new to WCTH, but he really understands Janette Oke. I wonder if he was there in the beginning, maybe it would my more like the books.(my favorite.. Elizabeth and Wynn Delaney)
DeleteHallmark has cancelled Ride, its Yellowstone-like drama about a bucolic but cash-strapped ranch that’s operated by a widowed parent who loses a beloved family member.
ReplyDeleteThe drama starred Nancy Travis as matriarch Isabel Murray and Beau Mirchoff (Good Trouble), Jake Foy (Designated Survivor) and Marcus Rosner (Arrow) as her sons Cash, Tuff and Austin. Tiera Skovbye plays Austin’s wife, Missy. The first season launched in March 2023
Good
DeleteA World Record Christmas was such a sweet movie! Tears throughout the movie. Nikki Deloach and Lucas Bryant were both perfect and so natural as his parents. The boy who played Charlie, I don’t know if he was really autistic but he was so great in his role as well. The end was so cute seeing them have another baby. The only thing I was a little letdown by was the whole story with his biological dad. It was heartbreaking to see him wish and hope for him to show up but then when he did at the end, I don’t know if that was good or not. I mean, no one saw him so he just smiled and left as if he was content to leave seeing Charlie happy and well with his mom and stepdad. But what was the story of why he was never present in his life? He looked confused when he met with the mom at the restaurant and she stormed out….I think it was probably for the best that charlie didn’t see him at the end so that he wouldn’t be let down if he disappeared again. Family friendly and such a touching story about teaching kids to believe in themselves.
ReplyDelete~Paula
Review: A World Record Christmas -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Oh Yes! -
I'll be honest, after reading the plot description a while ago, I didn't think I would like this movie. Turns out, I was right - I LOVE this movie! The romance part - about the mother of an autistic 12-year-old boy and her new husband who try to deepen their relationship - is a minor subplot to the real storyline about this boy and his relationship to his mother, father, stepdad and girl friend (two words) as he challenges himself to break a Jenga world record. This movie captivated me from start to finish, and near the end when disaster strikes (not wanting to give too much away here), I felt soooo bad for him! The acting throughout is top-notch, especially by the young man who has autism in real life. And this movie supports my long-held belief that Nikki DeLoach is one of the best Hallmark actresses around! A must-see!
Since her movie Taking the Reins, I'm not a big Nikki fan, personally, but her acting is good and the movies she chooses are more unique choices than others. A World Record Christmas is a deeply moving film. Fam-friendly.
DeleteNavigating Christmas is clean, wholesome fun (and lots of it!). -Maria
ReplyDeleteNavigating Christmas was really good and thankfully I didn't pick up on anything "agenda-like".
ReplyDeleteA World Record Christmas was a very sweet movie! I enjoyed it. A nice change from Hallmark's chick flicks. Of course I want to see the romance most of the time, but every now and then it's enjoyable to see a family film. It was nice to see them as a happy married couple. And family-friendly.
ReplyDeleteA World Record Christmas - very ambitious to create a film centered around an autistic character, given how deeply personal the subject is to so many people. I am autistic, and at first I did not intend to see the movie, because due to mental health issues I’ve developed in adulthood, I’ve sometimes had panic attacks when encountering negative depictions of autistics. But I decided to take a chance and I’m glad I did, because I did not experience panic, and I found the family relationship moments very moving and beautiful. Autism is such a tricky subject because there are such highs and lows to being autistic and I think it’s important to show both. It brings such great challenges, but it is not a disease or a tragedy, and finding a balanced way to depict it is about as tricky as balancing all those Jenga blocks. But while I might quibble with some of the details, I thought it had a really good overall tone, which is not an easy feat. And the relationships in their little family are truly beautiful, from the sweet romance between a husband and wife who don’t handle everything perfectly but are consistently deeply committed and loving toward each other; to the mother-son relationship in which the mom always tries to discern and address his needs, even when he has a hard time articulating them; to the relationship between the boy and his kind, caring, accepting, devoted stepdad (which I may have shed tears over at one point). Overall a sweet enjoyable movie - and the stepdad is definitely my favorite Lucas Bryant role to date! :)
ReplyDeleteRC, Thank you for sharing your personal story with us and your thoughts on the premiere of A World Record Christmas. That was incredibly courageous of you to watch this film knowing the sensitive nature of the storyline and how it may affect you; I'm pleased to know how it impacted you in a positive, emotional way. That is wonderful, and I'm sure your review will be helpful for others who have autism, or parents of autism children, who are deciding whether or not to watch. Stay strong! God bless you! Net
DeleteThank you for the kind words, Net! :)
DeleteI am the one who let people know that there are primarily old UP and Lifetime movies being shown on IMPACT Network. It looks like if you don’t have it, you may be able to watch it directly from the network’s website. Once I watched one of the movies I recorded, I realized that this is part of the network’s “Movie Merrython”. I can not verify that all of these movies are family-friendly. See this page: https://watchimpact.com/holiday-schedule-impact/ Happy Viewing Everyone!
ReplyDeleteSanta Maybe is a new favorite for me! I wish they got to meet each others family. Loved how it included Thanksgiving. Loved the chemistry of the cast and leads. Loved the Secret Santa theme. Only person that didn't work was the ballerina. But her part was so short, I could ignore it. Plus, they filmed in winter!
ReplyDeleteMisty
I know it is not one of their Christmas specials and that this is VERY LATE, but METV is airing “A Boy Named Charlie Brown” TOMORROW Sunday, 11/19/23 at 6 PM EST and 5 PM CST.
ReplyDeleteA Merry Scottish Christmas is FANTASTIC!! -Maria
ReplyDeleteSanta, Maybe is an okay movie. -Maria
ReplyDeleteChristmas Plus One was soooo nice!! -Maria
ReplyDeleteSanta Maybe was another great movie from Great American Family. The plot great bullying as a child, forgiving the bully to learning how trust once again. The cast was so good never have seen Audrey and Samuel in anything before.
ReplyDeleteSanta, maybe - not bad. It definitely isn't the best movie of GAF but it's cute, one time watch.
ReplyDeleteA Merry Scottish Christmas - despite the fact that i am not fan of Royal themed movies i enjoyed this one.
Review: A Merry Scottish Christmas -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? You bet!
This was a treat from start to finish! Another recent movie where the romance angle takes a back seat to the relationships among family members. Here, the focus is primarily on repairing the relationship between brother and sister (Lacey and Scott) but also between these two and their mother and, to a lesser extent, between Scott and his wife. Lacey and Scott have a natural rapport together, perhaps because of their history. Top notch acting all around, and how about that surprise cameo...and Lacey's references to it?!! And the romance, while not the main focus, was still handled in a very believable manner. A charming and fun movie, not to be missed!
Review: Navigating Christmas -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Leaning toward no -
This isn't really a bad movie, there is just nothing about it that makes me recommend it. I think the meanness of the mother and son turned me off at the start, and although they come around, it set a bad tone for me. And while I enjoyed Huszar in some past movies, here I just couldn't get into his character. And one more thing...I'm getting tired of lighthouses! So, a meh movie for me.
Some recent GAF/Hallmark news you will all probably be excited over:
ReplyDeleteMy Christmas Hero and A Christmas for the Ages will get to air on Canada's CTV Life network next month.
The Penavegas announced recently that they are expecting their 4th child!
-Maria
Thanks for sharing.
DeleteMisty
Michael and Janeen did it again. The best movie of the weekend is A Paris Christmas Waltz. Jon and Matthew were perfect together and their dancing was the best. The story, the scenery and dancing I am so glad I dvr it. I will be watching this one again and again.
ReplyDeleteA Merry Scottish Christmas...
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this one. Lacey is one of my favorites! It was family-friendly, a tad cheesy, but cute, warm, and charming! I could have done without the whiskey. I am very Scottish, but I don't drink. And I loved the accents, bagpipes and the highland fling dancers. It's been so long since I had my kilt on and do the Sword Dance. ;)
I thought Max was very sweet and was enjoying the character (still do), but then Will Kemp made an appearance!!! I would have loved to see him as the love interest, but I guess they thought he would take attention away from the brother. Am I the only one...When Lacey says,"Have we met before? " Was it because she acted with him in many films. An inside joke. If so, that was fun.
Sorry, I forgot to put down my name. That was me with the Scottish Movie Review, directly above.
DeleteThe bar was called Salingers. If I remember that was the last name of the characters that Lacey and Scott played in Party of Five. Then Lacey also references that she only knows how to waltz and to tango--referencing the Christmas Waltz and the Dancing Detectives--the movies she has done with Will Kemp.
DeleteAbigail, Thank you for letting me know. I'll be sure to add your name to it when I add your review to the main Movie Review post.
DeleteHave a Blessed Thanksgiving with your family! :)
Things are getting busy with the upcoming holidays, and I was only able to watch one movie this weekend but will try to watch those with good reviews as soon as I can (thanks for the reviews everyone).
ReplyDeleteA Paris Christmas Waltz: Fabulous! This movie was a wonderful story about self-confidence, love, finding a hidden talent, giving of yourself for the better good, and paying tribute to a mentor. Jen and Matthew were amazing - their dancing was lovely and so emotional in the final dance performance (and wonderful music). All of the dancing was great! The scenery/location shots were absolutely stunning and who doesn't love a romance in Paris. The supporting cast was brilliant! Jade Ewen and Stephanie Siadatan (beautiful ladies) were perfect in their parts as was Paul Freeman. I imagine this story is true to real life in the dance world given how competitive it is. Kudos to Janeen and Michael Damien! ~ Debbie
A Merry Scottish Christmas and A Paris Christmas Waltz. I guess I’m over saturated. Where is the Christmas. The waltz compitition could have been anytime. More of a Paris Travel ad. Liked characters but not much else. Same with the Scottish Christmas. A lot of traditions but most included drinking. Not really what Christmas means to me. Probably not many that will agree with me, but just my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteA Merry Scottish Christmas….the best thing about it was the scenery. Honestly it didn’t keep my attention and I kept leaving to do other things.
ReplyDelete~Paula
A Paris Christmas Waltz - sadly, not my cup of tea. I didn't the best friend of Jen's character. I do not like the movies where the best friend is so nosy. Also i expected it to be little more realistic but it's fairytale-like. I am sure it will get a lots of positive reviews and many viewers will like it.
ReplyDeleteHoliday Hotline is family friendly about Abby moved out of London and has been working for a cooking hotline at a hotline for at-home chefs with Christmas cooking questions. And when she connects a frequent anonymous caller named Jack, a single Father becomes her in-person love interest, the virtual job makes its way into her personal life who is unknowingly smitten in real life. Jack has a Daughter named Jessica
ReplyDeleteWow, oh WOW!! 😍 A Paris Christmas Waltz is definitely, by far, THE BEST GAF MOVIE I HAVE EVER SEEN!!!! This is like how I felt after watching A Christmas Present last year, only better!!! I don't even have enough words to describe how incredible this movie is!!! 💗💗🎉 -Maria
ReplyDeleteI was tad let down by A Merry Scottish Christmas. The storyline for the brother fell flat. The character playing his wife was just a waste to me. So much storyline and not enough time? I wouldn't mind seeing it again, but IDK if I will? Family friendly, but missing something.
ReplyDeleteMisty
The Damiens created another great story. That meet cute was gold! The dance from the competition was spectacular (choreography by DWTS Pasha). The chemistry off the charts & the romantic end! I did think the dance in the streets was a tad off with the lip synking, but overall a must watch
ReplyDeleteMisty
Sorry, I meant Damians and Pasha is from So You Think You Can Dance.
DeleteMisty
GAF did it again! A Paris Christmas Waltz is amazing! That last dance blew me away. Wow! Jen and Matthew are perfect together. I did not expect to enjoy this movie so much. If that last dance was Jen, then this lady has some serious dancing skills. Loved the clothes she wore in this movie. A 10 for me!
ReplyDeleteEverything Christmas – This movie is definitely cute and interesting! I kept getting a Matchmaker Santa vibe with it. In both movies, there is a curious Santa who makes magical things happen. That was such a fun part of the story that made these four adults believe in the wonder of Santa Claus. I loved that! Even adults still like to believe, too, at times. The building romances were also fun; Cindy Busby and Corey Sevier were especially sweet as two over-the-top Christmas lovers. Even though the movie is silly, at times, I was okay with that, but what really bugged me was the ornament.
ReplyDelete*SPOILER ALERT* (I was personally crushed when Cindy’s special ornament she made with her grandmother broke, and for me, nothing could EVER replace a sentimental ornament, not even an exact replica.) *END OF SPOILER*
Minus that, this movie is enjoyable, family-friendly, lighthearted, and amusing. It’s quite the trip! ~Net
Flipping for Christmas – This is a fairly sweet and simple Christmas rom-com. I agree with Mark and Jane; it drove me crazy when they started flirting and chasing each other around in this beautiful old home with paint, potentially making a mess when they were supposed to be making improvements. I did like, however, how Marcus’ character had a woodworking shop and made (or repaired) things for the people in the community. That was a nice touch to the story. This movie isn’t a keeper for me, but perhaps, it’s something I would watch when it airs on TV again. ~Net
ReplyDeleteMystery on Mistletoe Lane – This is a fun, family-friendly, mystery-themed Christmas movie from Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. I enjoyed watching the children get wrapped up in trying to solve this mystery from the past and how each clue led to another puzzle. The only thing I thought was unrealistic was that there should’ve been a lot more dust/webs with each clue and puzzle since they had been there for nearly 70 years! Other than that, it was a cute story all ages can enjoy together. ~Net
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Blessing – Wow! This movie is sooo beautiful! It truly brought tears to my eyes several times, as I was deeply moved and inspired by the Biblical message of giving to others and how even a small act of kindness blesses the giver more than receiving. The character of Otto (played by Jesse Hutch) was fascinating, insightful, and fun throughout the movie; as others have mentioned, I agree, it would be wonderful if they continued his role through a series of films, like the Mrs. Miracle movies. Lori Loughlin and James Tupper were fantastic paired together; once again, they have a tremendous, natural connection on screen. Altogether, it was such a special ensemble cast of volunteers and charitable donors coming together to feed those in need. My heart swelled with emotion as Otto gave the prayer before the meal. This heartwarming, inspirational movie is another high-quality film from Great American Family; I pray A Christmas Blessing uplifts your spirit, as it did mine. ~Net
ReplyDeleteA Paris Christmas Waltz – This all-new Christmas movie from Great American Family has that enchanting, charming feel of an old Hollywood golden era film. In fact, I kept seeing parallels between this movie and "Easter Parade," starring Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, including Judy being a somewhat novice dancer like Jen Lilley’s character, Emma, and the antagonist of the film being Fred Astaire’s ex-dance partner/ex-girlfriend, just like Matthew Morrison’s.
ReplyDeleteThe chemistry between Emma (Jen Lilley) and Leo (Matthew Morrison) was absolutely electrifying; you could sense all of their emotions, the highs and lows.
And the dancing throughout "A Paris Christmas Waltz" was beyond spectacular! I think my favorite scene was when they danced on the sidewalk and sang, too! It was very much like a scene right out of "Singin’ in the Rain" or "My Fair Lady."
I was taken by every little detail: the Parisian holiday-inspired wardrobes, the amazing architecture, the incredible Christmas music, traditional and new, and the beautiful Christmas décor, including a lovely nativity outside of a church. I appreciated how Emma and Leo stopped on their walk to admire the display and the touches of faith throughout the movie, including Emma’s response, “Sometimes God’s plans for us are different than we expect.”
Every scene was like an artist’s masterpiece! Michael and Janeen Damian have created movie-magic once again!
"A Paris Christmas Waltz" completely swept me off my feet! ~Net
A Paris Christmas Waltz...
ReplyDeleteGreat movie. Family friendly. Jen Lilley was her same happy bubbly self. I thought the two of them were wonderful together. I was touched when she gave up her job for a friend who has a family to support, and I appreciated the mentions of God(and Jesus).
I did think the last dance was seductive. Especially for a hymn like O Holy Night. It's a song about our Savior. I eventually had to fast forward it until the dance was over. It just didn't feel right.
Still, over all. Really enjoyable movie. Wonderful chemistry cast, beautiful scenery and was fun seeing Debbie from Home And Family with an accent!! But it made me hungry for some apples and cheese! Minus the wine. ;)
Planes Trains and Christmas Trees was very nice! -Maria
ReplyDeleteNavigating Christmas is family friendly about Melanie is recently divorced from her Husband is portrayed by Lochlyn Munro & her son Jason visit a remote island for Christmas called; “St. Nicholas Island Lighthouse”, only to find themselves running a real working lighthouse with a local cafe where she connects with the curt but cute owner named Peter. Melanie & Jason meet Earl, Mayor Katy Cameron, & Sarah. Peter teaches Jason how to use Morse Code by using spotlight by using Morse Code book.Townspeople play games. Peter gets Melanie a gifted lighthouse globe
ReplyDeleteHello everyone.
ReplyDeleteI am still trying to get through the slew of Christmas movies, on my DVR, but it has been a lot of fun! I have only seen a handful of the latest slate of movies but of the ones I have watched so far, "A Paris Christmas Waltz" is the clear winner. WOW! Just WOW! I went to Paris, in high school, so it was cool getting to see some of the places I visited all those years ago. The movie had everything...
Undeniable chemistry
Amazing dancing and choreography
Heartfelt performances
Great storyline
Stunning architecture
Beautiful clothing
Throwback feel to yesteryear
Adorable meet-cute
I am a huge fan of older musical's and I was transported back to Gene Kelly dancing in the rain. And Gene Kelly in Paris.
I had no idea Jen or Matthew could dance that well. I was NOT expecting their last dance to move me as much as it did. My husband and I were reduced to a puddle of tears. It was breathtaking, heartfelt and perfect in every way possible. I LOVED Matthew and Jen together. They were onscreen magic. I will buy that movie for sure because I want to watch it again and again.
Anyway, I also watched "A Merry Scottish Christmas" which was cute and had a fantastic cameo that I wasn't expecting but LOVED it. :-) I enjoyed Scott and Lacey together. Plus, the scenery was nice. I finally had a chance to watch the 'Christmas Blessing' and that movie is also one of my favorites from this season. Lori and James and Jesse all had really strong performances. There were funny scenes and moving scenes and it made me feel good inside. :-)
The only other two movies, I plan on watching are 'A World Record Christmas' and "Holiday Hotline'.
I just watched Holiday Hotline and it was sweet. The daughter was super cute and I loved how the father was trying his best to make thanksgiving dinner special for her. There was one line where the girl asked her “do you need to buy a gift for a boyfriend, girlfriend, friend?” But nothing more, nothing to ruin the film. One time watch for me, but still cute.
ReplyDelete~Paula
A Paris Christmas Waltz was just fabulous! One of the best this year! Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison were sooo good together, their chemistry was just amazing. I liked the French charm of this movie, all the dancing scenes, all "getting to know each other" moments, I liked how Jen Lilley's character experienced all the new things with such a pure joy. I'm not so sure I watched any movies with Matthew Morrison, but I liked his acting so much. It is such a high quility movie, a movie to remember and watch again and again. This year GAF Christmas movies are just one of the bests!
ReplyDelete~Oksanka~
Review: Holiday Hotline -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Slightly leaning toward yes -
I have gone back and forth in deciding how to evaluate this movie. It has some really good stuff...which unfortunately is offset by some not-so-good stuff! First, the bad - the storyline is very contrived, where we once again have the two leads "accidentally" running into each other a lot. We have the dad, who (we assume) is British since it is mentioned more than once that the mom is American, but who speaks with an American accent. But the worst for me is the leader of the hotline...sooooo flamboyant and annoying...I cringed every time he came on. But then there is the good. I love Emily Tennant in this film. She is so good, and she reminds me a bit of Lyndsy Fonseca with her facial expressions when she is shocked or astonished, so charming! I also liked the actress who played the daughter - I thought she was very good. And finally, I thought it was very clever how the did the "split screen", actually having the two leads in the same room. Clever! So, at least for now, I am going to rate one a keeper, since I think the pros outway the cons. I would definitely give it at least a one-time watch.
Mark, I forgot to mention that in my review. Yes, the supervisor of the hotline was borderline creepy! I don’t know something about his eyes and how he kept popping up. He also looked very similar to another actor who sometimes plays strange characters, Steve Buscemi, so I just kept seeing him 🤦🏻♀️😂
Delete~Paula
Review: Holiday Hotline, part 2
ReplyDeleteOoops...I forgot a couple of things in my review - sorry! Good: I was laughing out loud at a lot of the scenes where the callers were asking their questions on the hotline. And here is where you see the priceless facial expressions of Emily. So, so funny!
Bad: Too many cringeworthy turkey jokes. But here too, the good outweighs the bad!
Review: Santa, Maybe -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper - No -
Another movie that is not bad, it just didn't grab my interest at all. Even the synopsis of this movie above makes the movie sound boring...the theater director has to put on a perfect Christmas ballet while discovering her Secret Santa. Not exactly an exciting plot! I enjoyed Aubrey Reynolds much more in last year's Love's Portrait. Here's hoping her next one is better.
I watched A Christmas Vintage on streaming service Tubi or Prime
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Vintage is family friendly about Samantha Hermannhof goes home to help her love struck Sister, Emily, during the holidays. She discovers that Emily & Tony can not be together unless Samantha attracts & dates the unpleasant Parker Williams, an owner of a competing winery. Tony and Emily are in love, but they've had to keep their relationship a secret because they are heirs to rival wineries. If Tony's half-brother/co-owner Parker discovers Tony's relationship, he has grounds to take over Tony's share of the winery due to a contract they have promising that neither of them will "jeopardize the company." Emily begs her older sister Samantha, a flight attendant visiting from out of town, to woo Parker in the hopes that he will be convinced that falling in love with a rival isn't the end of the world. Meanwhile, Samantha grapples with her own relationship with her dad and the family business, while rekindling her love for making wine just in time for the annual Christmas Blend competition. As Parker gets to know Samantha & her keen taste for wine, he begins to develop true feelings & lose some of his more unpleasant up-tight qualities. But will the reveal of Samantha's true identity ruin their budding relationship? Or can he see past the deception in the name of true love? Based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.
Review: A Paris Christmas Waltz -
ReplyDeleteFamily-friendly? Yes -
Keeper? Yes -
Joan mentioned all of the many positives I found in this movie, so I won't bother to repeat them. But I will emphasize - the dancing in this movie is off the charts! Jen was unbelievable!! If that was truly her in all of those scenes in the final dance - wow!!
And yet...there were a couple of things that bothered me, that cause me to not love this movie as much as some others do. First, while I love Jen both on and off the screen, she has a tendency to talk too fast. A lot of times I missed what she was saying and had to rewatch scenes. I wish some director would help her with this. And second, in the scene where they sang and danced, the lip-synching was off or non-existent, and this hurt an otherwise beautiful dancing moment. Still, for all of the positives, it is definitely a keeper for me.
Mark - I'm so glad you mentioned that! Even though I adore that singing on the sidewalk scene, I also felt the singing was off with their lip-synching. I thought, maybe, it was just me. I mean, it's sweet and all, but I just wish it looked more like they were actually singing naturally in the moment.
DeleteThank YOU for another great review! :)
Blessings, Net
Thanks for being a reliable and trustworthy source of information.
ReplyDelete