Hello, Movie Friends!
The NEW Christmas movies airing this weekend are coming even sooner, with a premiere on Hallmark Mystery Thursday night, then three premieres on the Hallmark Channel Friday through Sunday, and an elegant, royal premiere Saturday night on Great American Family.
Thursday, October 24th, also marks 2 months 'til Christmas Eve, and Friday, October 25th, marks 2 months 'til Christmas Day! We will undoubtedly have plenty of Christmas movies airing on TV to watch - to honor these days!
Below are all the details for the new Christmas movies, plus a new (non-holiday) rom-com on UPtv.
Thursday, October 24, 2024:
Storyline: Lauren (Alison Sweeney) and Kevin (Niall Matter) were once deeply in love but nearly a year after their separation, they now focus on co-parenting their young son Charlie (Ezra Wilson). Despite the split, Kevin is determined to make their family whole again. Before Lauren’s mother (Laura Soltis) visits during the holidays, Lauren asks Kevin to pretend they’re still happily married and living under one roof. The act quickly feels more real, stirring up old memories and feelings. As Lauren sees the man she once fell in love with in a new light, perhaps the magic of Christmas will rekindle their romance and spark renewed hope for their future.
Premieres Thursday, October 24, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Mystery
Friday, October 25, 2024:
Storyline: When an antique nutcracker set to be auctioned at the Warby family Christmas charity goes missing, a demanding event planner (Ashley Newbrough) and the heir to the Warby dynasty (Christopher Russell) try to track it down.
Premieres Friday, October 25, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
🌟 Operation Nutcracker was incredible! Hope Hallmark decides to air it later this year. -Maria
🌟 Review: Operation Nutcracker -
Family-friendly? Yes -
Recommend? Yes -
Not a great movie, but the pluses far outweigh the negative. First, I enjoyed going along on the adventure of Ashley and Christopher trying to find the missing nutcracker. I had no idea where this adventure was taking me, and that made it so enjoyable. What really won me over was the ending - I am not going to spoil it, but let me say it was very heartwarming! And Christopher must have gotten the message - his performance was very low-key and spot-on, and the smiling was limited! (In fact, this may be my favorite performance of his!) The major downside for me was - what is becoming too common - the constant near-misses in finding the nutcracker. Tiresome! Anyway, it is a fun ride, so I recommend it, at least for a watch or two. ~Mark 25
🌟 Operation Nutcracker—I wasn't really sure what to expect from this movie, but immediately, I was drawn in by the plight of finding the priceless Nutcracker, which was the main auction piece for the Christmas charity function benefiting the local Children's hospital. The Nutcracker goes missing at the airport when two passengers mistakenly swap their luggage.
Ashley Newbrough portrays Lottie Morgan, an event planner who is planning the Warby Charity Auction given by Evelyne Warby. Christopher Russell portrays Evelyne's son, Tristan Warby, who is in charge of transporting the Nutcracker. When the Nutcracker goes missing, Tristan convinces Lottie to help him search for it! It's hilarious to watch these two scheme and work together; I could definitely feel a connection between them.
My only qualm was - several times we heard comments about believing in or trusting in the universe. Otherwise, this was a lighthearted, delightful Christmas movie ideal for all ages. Even younger viewers might enjoy the mystery of looking for the Nutcracker. ~Net
Saturday, October 26, 2024:
Storyline: Olivia, a commoner, travels with Prince Alexander to his family’s magical palace, Torovia so their families can spend a first Christmas together. The couple’s plans for a enchanted Christmas are threatened by comedic mishaps caused by cultural differences between the families.
Premieres Saturday, October 26, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on Great American Family
Saturday, October 26, 2024:
Storyline: Whitney (Rachel Skarsten), a cautious librarian raised by home security experts, finds herself in a real-life adventure when a blind date mix-up leads her into an undercover FBI operation. Forced to pose as the girlfriend of Special Agent Josh (Corey Sevier), she helps him track down an art thief targeting the Saint Nicholas Ruby at a Christmas Eve charity ball. As the stakes rise, Whitney must embrace her inner action hero to save the day - and her family - just in time for Christmas.
Premieres Saturday, October 26, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, October 27, 2024:
Storyline: When Meg moves into her new apartment she just wants a quiet place to study for her upcoming CPA exam but instead finds a mystery. A love letter marked Return to Sender but with no way to track down the recipient or original sender. Determined to help reunite the lost lovers she teams up with apartment manager Oliver and a pair of podcasters to try and track them down. The mystery and her growing feelings for Oliver however interfere with her studies and cause her to question whether or not she wants to take the safe course she has charted or find a new path for her life.
Premieres Sunday, October 27, 2024
at 7pm/6c. on UPtv
Sunday, October 27, 2024:
Storyline: Over five years, Alice (Katie Findlay) and her old theater school rival, Max (Jordan Fisher), reunite each holiday season to work at a Chicago catering company's Christmas parties. While their undeniable chemistry grows, the timing is never right for romance - until the company's final season pushes them to confront their true feelings. As they say goodbye to the job that brought them together, they might finally find love in the most unexpected way.
Premieres Sunday, October 27, 2024
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
There are certainly many exciting and fascinating Christmas movie selections this weekend!
In case you missed it, I included movie reviews above from Maria, Mark 25, and myself, for Operation Nutcracker, which first premiered during Christmas in July on Hallmark's streaming service Hallmark+.
This weekend I'm personally looking forward to seeing the premieres of A Christmas Castle Proposal and The Christmas Charade. I'm not always the royal movie lover, but there are a few I still love like A Princess for Christmas and Crown for Christmas. So, I'm intrigued to see this new royal movie offering. Rhiannon Fish's royal ball gown is certainly stunning.
As for The Christmas Charade, I am rather surprised that this movie, which has a mystery theme, is not premiering on Hallmark Mystery. But I'm glad it will air on the Hallmark Channel where more people will be able to see it. Again, I'm thrilled to see Corey Sevier and Rachel Skarsten working together, as I was when they recently premiered a new (non-holiday) mystery movie, Jazz Ramsey: A K-9 Mystery. If you aren't aware, the two worked together as pre-teens and teenagers on the TV series, Little Men, which ran for two seasons from 1998 to 1999. So, it's fun to see them working together again, plus all of the promos for their new Christmas movie look so fun. I hope it's as good as it looks!
Please note: I haven't pre-screened the new movies listed above (except Operation Nutcracker). 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.
You can find the 2024 Christmas Movie Review post *here*.
Happy Christmas Movie-Watching!
Net
SHINING HIS LIGHT:
"But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant.
And whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
and he who humbles himself will be exalted."
~Matthew 23:11-12
Let Us Love Like Jesus...
Jesus, who is Lord and King of All, was born in humble beginnings in a straw-filled manger amongst barn animals. From there, He spent His time on earth looking for ways to serve, encourage, and give to others. God is calling us, through His example, to the same kind of servant leadership. May we find significant and little meaningful ways to serve and uplift others throughout this Christmas season!
-------------------------
*images via: Great American Media / Hallmark Media / UPtv
As angry as I am with Hallmark, I'll watch 2 or 3 of these new movies. (they better be good).
ReplyDeleteAnd of course, A Christmas Castle proposal is at the very top of my watch list!
-Maria
There is a article that VARIETY has today that talks about how Lisa Daly Hamilton Hallmark's VP for programming wants the older actresses replaced with younger ones. The aritcle names both Holly Robinson Peete who is 60 years old and Lacey Chabert who is 42 and how Lisa said they need to start looking for replacements. I have noticed that more and more movies are featuring younger actresses that i have never even heard of before. I have hardly watched Hallmark this year.
ReplyDelete10 years ago, this was THE cozy network that I wanted to have time for in the future for good movies! Now, it's basically unrecognizable. No Home and Family, new faces that can barely hold a candle to the mainstays, way too many movies on during the day that are often repeated, etc.
DeleteToo much has already been taken. Take away fan favorite actors that bring in the ratings may just be the final straw. -Maria
I am shocked that they are freely admiting that it's because of the age of those actresses.
DeleteNet, I love your scripture up there about serving others. It can be so hard sometimes so serve others, especially us as mothers to continue to give of ourselves daily to our husbands, children, family, friends etc but we must lean on God and the Holy Spirit to fill us up daily so that we can continue to give of ourselves and be that light. I know for me right now in this season of my life when my children are little, this is my ministry to serve my family and I am thankful and blessed to be able to do that; my mother was never able to.
ReplyDeleteThis weekend looks great and I’ll be recording all of these new movies. I am especially excited for the ones that have some mystery intertwined, looks like there are 3 of them. Happy watching everyone!
~Paula
Paula, So beautifully said! I, too, believe it's important to serve and be there for our family.
DeleteEnjoy all of the Christmas movies this weekend, my friend! :)
Also I’m supposed to be watching my newly recorded movies and here I am watching “A season for miracles” in between chores 😂🤦🏻♀️ It’s sad though!
ReplyDelete~Paula
Lots of new options to choose from! I saw one website say their pick of the weekend premieres is The Christmas Charade and it does look cute. :)
ReplyDeleteRissi, It's so VERY good to hear from you!!!
Delete"The Christmas Charade" is one of my top picks for the weekend, too! I'm hoping it's as cute as the promos look. Corey Sevier is one of my all-time favorites!
Happy Christmas movie watching to you! Thank you so much for visiting and commenting!!! :)
What movies are you looking forward seeing this weekend
ReplyDeleteHey Chris, I shared mine above... "A Christmas Castle Proposal" and "The Christmas Charade"!
DeleteDo you have special movie picks, too?
Hi Net. Thanks for your post. Can't wait to watch.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering, do you have any insight into the lawsuit against Hallmark? Do you think there is truth to it?
Thanks.
Anonymous, I know we've all been reading the articles about this lawsuit, and I'm sure to some degree there must be some validity to the casting situation, although none of us know what was really said in private.
DeleteMost of the major well-known stars at Hallmark are Lacey's age (42) or older, like Kristoffer Polaha, Andrew Walker, Nikki DeLoach, Bethany Joy Lenz, Alison Sweeney, etc... And Erin Krakow, who is the star of When Calls the Heart, just turned 40 and Kevin McGarry will be 40 next year.
Hallmark stated that Lacey and Holly will always have a home at Hallmark, but I believe their roles may obviously change through the years. That is realistic; however, I think people will still want to see these actors in lead roles, and I believe there's a way to do it that is age appropriate, like how Lori Loughlin was happily married in Garage Sale Mystery, but was still the star of the show.
Penny Perry has a long resume of films she has casted for Hallmark that you can see on IMDB, here: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0675251/
As I skip down through the list, I see movies I've liked and not liked... so it's a mix.
I think if Hallmark doesn't continue to work with the well known actors who built their channel, then they may have trouble pulling in viewers in the future.
I thought many of the comments under the Variety article were interesting. I'll share some with you...
-----------------------------------------
Comments via Variety:
* Hallmark loses anymore good actors I’m outta here I’ll be following them to gac - Lynne
* I suppose Ms. Hamilton Daly has a plan to retire at 42, yes? Live by the sword, die by the sword. - Gwen
* Well, the Hallmark channel just lost me as a viewer. - Cheryl
* I love Lacey. 42 is not old. Not to mention that Lacey does not look her age. She still looks like she’s under 30. I think she is fantastic and she will be missed. She is part of what made Hallmark a wonderful channel.
They’re losing a lot of good talent. Much of their new talent leaves a lot to be desired. If this person is the reason for all the great stars leaving, I think she is the one that needs to be replaced. - Sandy
* I’ve been wondering what’s happening with Hallmark. It used to be my go to faithfully. I could always count on them to put a smile on my face. But I have to say, that’s no longer the case. Talent has gone down the tube’s. I wait for the seasoned actors. I understand room needs to be made for the new and upcoming, but please be pickier when it comes to talent. It’s not just ” can you read a script.” Delivery is everything. And a lot if it is not great. And besides, older people still account for a large portion of your audience. I suppose we just get kicked to the curb? - Carol
* Time to remove Hamilton Daly. Some of these younger actors just aren’t ready for prime time. Explains a lot about quality of newer movies compared to older ones. - Diane
* They need to replace this lady! Hallmark is not what it used to be. I watched Hallmark to see these two stars. They are what made Hallmark. Lacy Chabert is one of my favorites. Thank God the other favorites have moved to another channel that fit more with my values. - Cynthia
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So, as you can see - commenters are very passionate about their support for Lacey and other, well known Hallmark actors. This may be interesting to see how this lawsuit pans out.
My blood was boiling when I first read the lawsuit. Like how much more can this network even DO to further destroy itself after everything it has either radically changed or gotten rid of entirely?!
DeleteAs nice as some of the new faces are, they can't hold a candle to the real fan favorites, especially not in the ratings.
Get rid of the main stays, there goes a big chunk of the movie ratings! -Maria
This Time Each Year is clean. Great job by the director! -Maria
ReplyDeleteDon’t know if you know this, but the director is Crystal Lowe (Rita from Signed, Sealed, Delivered). Fun to have her make a cameo too. 😊
DeleteMaria, So appreciate you sharing this news! :)
DeleteNo wonder why I liked it. 😊
Deleteso many good movies to watch
ReplyDeleteFrom an article E News
ReplyDeleteHallmark Wanted to Replace “Old” Talent Like Lacey Chabert & Holly Robinson Peete, Lawsuit Claims
In a new lawsuit filed against Hallmark Media, a former casting director accused it of wanting to terminate talent like Lacey Chabert & Holly Robinson Peete for “getting too old.”
Watch: Lacey Chabert Reveals Secret To Perfect Christmas Movie
Hallmark Media is facing legal trouble.
A former casting director for the company filed a lawsuit against the organization and Executive VP of Programming Lisa Hamilton Daly Oct. 9, accusing them of age discrimination, wrongful termination and intentional infliction of emotional distress, among other complaints, according to documents obtained by E! News.
Penny Perry, 79, who alleged she was abruptly terminated in April after nine years due to her age, accused Hamilton Daly of not wanting to cast actresses they considered "old people" in Hallmark roles, including the network alum Holly Robinson Peete & Lacey Chabert.
"Ms. Hamilton Daly constantly made reference to age & cited age as a negative attribute which did not fit with her image of Hallmark," she said in the lawsuit. "Ms. Hamilton Daly also told Ms. Perry that they needed to 'replace' the 'old talent.'"
Regarding Peete, 60, who has appeared in Hallmark films like Holiday Heritage & Our Christmas Journey, Perry said that Hamilton Daly told her, "No one wants her because she's too expensive & getting too old. She can't play leading roles anymore."
News has reached out to reps for Peete & Chabert and has not yet heard back. Hamilton Daly declined E! News' request for comment.
Hallmark, however, vehemently denied the allegations.
"Lacey & Holly have a home at Hallmark," the company said in a statement to E! News. "We do not generally comment on pending litigation. And while we deny these outrageous allegations, we are not going to discuss an employment relationship in the media."
The suit was filed by Penny Perry, a 79-year-old casting director who was fired in April after nine years with the company. According to the filing, Hamilton Daly allegedly told Perry that she was “too long in the tooth” and that the network needed to “bring in someone who knows more young talent.” When Hamilton Daly was brought on in 2021, she allegedly decided that Perry was “too old to work in her position and maneuvered to push her out of the company,” the suit continues. The casting director claims that her tasks were outsourced to outside consultants, and a younger man was hired to take over her job after she was fired.
ReplyDeleteOf course, Hallmark denied all of these allegations in a statement to Variety. “Lacey and Holly have a home at Hallmark,” the network said. “We do not generally comment on pending litigation. And while we deny these outrageous allegations, we are not going to discuss an employment relationship in the media.”
An ex-Hallmark Channel honcho gifted the network a fa-la-la-la-lawsuit after the studio left her feeling not so merry.
ReplyDeleteA top executive from the cheerful channel is accused of trying to replace holiday stars like Holly Robinson Peete, 60, and Lacey Chabert, 42, because they didn’t want to cast “old people” as leads to appear in programs on the channel anymore, according to a new age discrimination lawsuit.
I don't know, there is not much that looks good this weekend to me. I know I think it was Mark was asking that we watch and not judge ahead of time, but for me, since there are so many movies and movies I didn't even see from last year if it doesn't catch my eye from previews, I doubt I will watch. Plus there is football Sunday and my 2 fantasy teams.
ReplyDeleteThe only one that does look good is sadly Operation Nutcracker. I never saw the Christmas proposal prequel mostly cause I do not watch the royal movies. They are so overdone. The 1st 10 or so I could stomach, but its old to me.
The 5 year Christmas Party, to me, there is no chemistry at all between the 2 actors in the preview. I can't see me spending time watching. The charade movie, I guess I am just not into the silly comedian role they seem to give Rachel Skarsten lately.
I have been recording movies I didnt see last year or year before. Trying those. I was enjoying Unlocking Christmas and have to finish. Hallmark Family is playing lots of good older movies too.
I am contemplating putting up my tree this weekend. Last Christmas was technically our 1st christmas in our new house that we waited 2 years for it to be done. But we moved in end of November and it was a mess til into January. I did put up tree, though it was in December but I didn't get to get excited and plan it all out. I already moved my comfy chair and have the place picked out. I love to have the tree as part of the living room. I feel it feels cozy that way. Not in the middle, just on one corner or side. I love it to feel cozy sitting by the tree as it is rarely cold in Florida so I have to make the abeyance be cozy and warm like it is cold :) I can't wait to put it up :)
Sabrina
Sabrina
Sabrina, I hope this year you have a truly enjoyable Christmas in your new house! And I'm like you - I love lounging by the lit tree especially with a good book!
DeleteI see that The Time Each Year is family friendly. I’ve been so swamped in my card business, my brain is tired. A Christmas movie sounds good right now.
ReplyDeleteXumo Play's Holiday Hub begins on November 8th. -Maria
ReplyDeleteNet, I just thought of something: Could the reason why some stars on Great American Family are noticeably absent this year be due to a lack of funds?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know whether or not GAC Family will be releasing any more movies on DVD? I've wanted to buy Catering Christmas for so long.
ReplyDeleteI just messaged GAF this question on Instagram. I'll let you know if I receive a response.
DeleteMake sure GAFAM movies release on DVDs & Blue-ray with Closed Caption
DeleteThis Time Each Year was so sweet and family friendly. Alison and Niall were great together. I’m not one for characters lying, but they did own up to it and apologize. I always enjoy seeing a married couple get back together anyway. I loved how Kevin was 100% committed to strengthening their marriage. He knew he made some big mistakes, but he was taking action in trying to make it right. This was a very heartfelt film. Get those tissues ready!!
ReplyDeleteP. S. I loved Alison’s hair in this movie. She looked great.
Abigail, So good to hear you loved it, too! I thought Alison's hair looked so pretty. I especially liked how it was partially swept back in the dancing scene. :)
DeleteAbigail, I was going to write a positive review for this movie, but you beat me to it and said everything I was going to say! Yes, it's another "lying" movie this year (what's going on??), but I liked how this movie was different from most others: a couple is separated because of his past drinking problem, but he is determined to do what it takes to get back together. A little slow moving at times, but still it's a winner!
Delete🚨 Classic Christmas Movie Alert 🚨
ReplyDeleteIn addition to classic Christmas movies airing on Great American Family, the Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mystery, and Hallmark Family this weekend, UPtv is also joining in and will air some of their classic Christmas movies on Saturday and Sunday!
I thought some of you might want to tune in! :)
I watched This Time Each Year and enjoyed it! It is family friendly and it was fun to see a cameo from someone from Signed Sealed Delivered! My favorite show! Allie B
ReplyDeleteOperation Christmas is a tiresome movie. I was so anxious through this that I wanted to delete it right away. Besides all the near misses of finding Dave, I think what truly annoyed me was that Dave gave the nutcracker to his daughter, something he knew was not his to give. I enjoyed the leads but other than that, this movie is in the delete bin.
ReplyDeleteReel One just bought the distribution rights to several Hallmark movies from the past couple years. (if anyone is checking their main page and seeing the posters and wondering why they are there). -Maria
ReplyDeleteThis Time Each Year was excellent, and a I feel it’s a must watch! It was family friendly, but due to the storyline, I feel kids would not enjoy it as much. The redemptive arc was very moving, especially for anyone who has had to go through difficult times in life & marriage. I feel like this will be one of my favorites this year, but we will see!
ReplyDeleteThe Christmas Charade is clean and excellent! Excellent directing job by Corey! -Maria
ReplyDeleteA Christmas Castle Proposal is a superb sequel, and I have a feeling I won't be the only 1 asking for a 3rd movie. (wink wink). -Maria
ReplyDelete