Hello, my dear friends...
Before I share this weekend's usual movie post, I want to say that my heart and prayers go out to those affected by the devastating fires in California.
Cameron Mathison (Home Sweet Christmas, Hannah Swensen Mysteries) has shared that he and his family have lost their beloved home in Altadena, and my heart breaks for them, but Praise God, he and his family are all safe. It's hard to even imagine what they and so many others are going through right now. I was encouraged to see the outpouring of love and heartfelt comments to Cameron Mathison on social media from other actors from Great American Family and Hallmark, including Jill Wagner, Brennan Elliott, Candace Cameron Bure, Danica McKellar, Laura Osnes, Autumn Reeser, Antonio Cupo, Alison Sweeney, Barbara Niven, Gabe Hogan, Andrew Walker, Lacey Chabert, Jen Lilley and MANY others.
The news tries to create a tense divide between the networks, but behind-the-scenes, there is no drama. The actors who star in these movies are all friends in real-life, and they wish and pray the absolute best for one another and their families. The true friendship they shared was a true blessing to see at the height of this awful tragedy.
I posted Cameron Mathison's IG video showing the charred remains of his home and his emotional interview with Entertainment Tonight at the end of this post. It is tough and heartbreaking to watch.
My prayers are with all of you who have homes, family and friends, businesses, schools, etc... in this area. May God be with you and protect you all. Please be safe.
Movie News:
It's hard to transition into talking about movies after this, but I hope, maybe, some who are anxious over what is happening with the fires can relax and escape into a lighthearted movie, at least for a little while. Perhaps, that little bit of normalcy and familiarity can bring them some peace.
I'm posting this weekend's movie news a little earlier - since Hallmark Mystery has a Thursday movie premiere this week, and UPtv has some news, too.
The Hallmark Channel has the next Winter Escape premiere, and Great American Family has the cable premiere of a sweet romantic comedy.
Plus, I have news on three popular TV series, and INSP and Western Bound honor Law Enforcement on Law Enforcement Day, which is on Thursday, January 9th!
See details below...
Thursday, January 9, 2025:
Storyline: Jane seeks justice for a teenager who’s wrongfully imprisoned for murder. She and Detective John work together to prove the teen’s innocence and help reunite him with his mother.
Premieres Thursday, January 9, 2025
at 8pm/7c. on Hallmark Mystery
Note: This movie previously premiered on Hallmark+
Movie Reviews:
🔴🔎 Review: The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription -
Family-friendly? Yes -
Recommend? Nope -
I did not watch the Jane Mystery from last year, so maybe there was something in that movie that would have made me appreciate this one a bit more. Or maybe not. Anyway, I am starting from scratch with this series. And it is a big No for me. Because...
* The mystery is boring, and it is not too difficult to solve. Also, the culprit is shown about 2/3 into the movie.
* The acting is bad. Jodie Sweetin may be okay in some romcoms, but in a more serious role like this, she is in over her head. She overacts and simply cannot be taken seriously. Stephen Huszar, on the other hand, was too low key and seemed like he was never into his role. And there is absolutely no chemistry between these two.
* The script has too many cringe-worthy subplots and one-liners which make Jodie's character come across at times as silly or careless or unknowledgeable or rude.
* And what is with the songs? Jodie must have in her contract that she is to sing a few songs in these movies, because, while yes she is a very good singer, they are uncalled for and stop the flow of the movie.
Here's an example that includes some of the problems I have mentioned: Jodie and Stephen enter a nightclub where they are to be inconspicuous. The owner tells Jodie the singer can't perform and can she step in(?!), and the next thing you know she is belting out this song on stage like she has been singing it her whole life!
Okay, I guess you can tell that I didn't care for this movie at all. I will not be bothering with the other two movies in this series, so. sorry, I won't be doing any other Jane Mystery movie reviews. -Mark25
🔴🔎 The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription - This is the second film in The Jane Mysteries, and I’m still not feeling that certain spark between Jodie Sweetin and Stephen Huszar’s characters.
The relationship I appreciate the most is the one between Jane (Jodie Sweetin) and the woman who plays her aunt. Since her aunt has been going through a hard time since her husband’s passing, it’s nice to see Jane being there for her and continuing to search for clues to his cold cases.
Which gets me to my next point… this is a murder mystery; therefore, the movie is best suited for pre-teen age and up. Otherwise, it is a family-friendly movie.
The mystery itself is fairly intriguing with a number of suspects.
If any of you are fans of the Christmas movie, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year (you know, the one with Uncle Ralph), then you might recognize one of the suspects as the guy Jen is supposed to marry, Richard (the guy with the shiny shoes). His hair is a little longer in this mystery, so he looks a little different, but yeah, it’s him. I did a quick check of his IMDB, and it looks like this is his first movie with Hallmark since TMWTOT. Interesting, huh?
Anyway, if you really enjoy mysteries, then you might want to check this one out. ~Net
Thursday, January 9, 2025:
Hudson & Rex
Season 2 Premiere
Season 2 - Episode 1:
A Man of Consequence
Charlie and Rex have a run-in with a wanted criminal when his past catches up with him.
Hudson & Rex
Airs Thursdays at 8 pm ET. on UPtv
*Note: I have seen this episode. This is a mystery series with some violence, so it is best suited for a mature audience.
Friday, January 10, 2025:
Christmas Movie Reminder
Christmas classics return on Friday nights! We get THREE Christmas movies on Great American Family!!!
Friday, January 10, 2025:
Great American Family:
A Kindhearted Christmas - 6pm/5c.
Once Upon a Christmas Wish - 8pm/7c.
A Dash of Christmas - 10pm/9c.
Hallmark Channel:
My Norwegian Holiday - 5pm/4c.
Holiday Crashers - 7pm/6c.
Hallmark Family:
Heaven Down Here - 6pm/5c.
Miracle in Bethlehem, PA - 8pm/7c.
Friday, January 10th through Sunday, January 12, 2025:
in Honor of National Law Enforcement Day
INSP:
Friday, 1/10 – Sunday, 1/12: Behind the Badge: Salute to Law Enforcement
FRIDAY, 1/10
9p Jesse Stone: Death in Paradise
11p Blue Ridge
SATURDAY, 1/11
2p Cahill, United States Marshal
4p Jesse Stone: Night Passage
9p Hang 'Em High
SUNDAY, 1/12
2p Seven Ways from Sundown
4p Jesse Stone: Stone Cold
9p Texas Rangers
WESTERN BOUND:
Saturday, January 11 & Sunday, January 12: And Justice for All: Salute to Law Enforcement
SATURDAY, 1/11
Noon 12p County Line
8p Yuma
SUNDAY, 1/12
Noon 12p Blue Ridge
6p The Warrant
8p The Warrant: Breaker’s Law
NOTE: Most of these shows/movies have crime and violence that is best suited for a mature audience. The theme is typically centered around good triumphing over evil.
Saturday, January 11, 2025:
Storyline: Wedding photographer Jessie Brooke's happy life in her small town is changed when a famous Hollywood actor attends her sister's wedding.
Premieres Saturday, January 11, 2025
at pm/7c. on Great American Family
Note: This movie previously aired on various streaming sources; this is the first airing on cable TV.
Movie Reviews:
📷 A Snapshot of Forever - I have seen this movie via streaming, and I recall it being a nice, lighthearted movie, cute, and family-friendly. ~Net
📷 A Snapshot of Forever (youtube) I watched this recently and I believe it was family friendly and a sweet story ~Anonymous
Saturday, January 11, 2025:
Storyline: Emma needs to get to Antarctica to reach her father and travels to South America but can't get on a boat for the last leg. She sneaks onto a cruise ship and meets engineer Andy.
Premieres Saturday, January 11, 2025
at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel
Sunday, January 12, 2025:
Heartland
Season 17 begins
Season 17, Episode 1: The Path Less Traveled Amy is surprised when a very pregnant Mallory shows up at the ranch with a wild horse; Jack and Tim face new competition, and Lou grapples with a familiar opponent in her campaign to be reelected.
Heartland
Airs Sundays at 7 pm ET. on UPtv
Sunday, January 12, 2025:
Storyline: When the comic book craze sweeps Hope Valley, Elizabeth teaches her students through nature. Rosemary launches a radio show, and Lucas meets a new political player.
Airs Sunday, January 12, 2025
at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel
Hopefully, you all will enjoy one of the movies or TV shows this weekend.
It's heartwarming to see the Christmas movies back on Friday nights. I'm always in the mood for a Christmas movie all year round, so I'm delighted to have these return. GAF will have three this weekend and the next! (Christmas Schedule)
I have seen A Snapshot of Forever, and I can tell you it is a delightfully sweet rom-com, and you can see mine and Mark's review above for The Jane Mysteries: A Deadly Prescription.
I've also seen the 1st episode of Hudson & Rex, season 2; it is another fascinating mystery for the series with lots of interesting plot twists. (Please note: due to violence, it is best suited for a mature audience)
As for the rest of the movies and shows, I haven't pre-screened them. I would love to hear your thoughts on them after they air.
I haven't seen Heartland in a long while, but I'm thrilled to see that Mallory is returning for this special episode.
I want to commend INSP and Western Bound for honoring our law enforcement. As we've seen with the fires in California, it is the law enforcement, firefighters, and EMT who go into danger when the citizens leave for safety. I am grateful for all they do to keep us safe. God bless and protect them all.
Have a Blessed,
Peaceful Weekend, Everyone,
Net
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Sharing His Love:
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
~Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
images: Hallmark Media / Great American Media
Cameron Mathison's home after the fires:
(click image below to watch video)
Cameron Mathison's heartbreaking interview with ET:
Mandy Moore, John Goodman & 12 Celebrities lost their homes during firestorm in Southern California
ReplyDeleteThat is so sad to hear. My prayers go out to them, as well.
DeleteThe fires have been so devastating. Prayers for all.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your prayers.
DeleteJust hurts so much to hear of what's happening in California. :(
ReplyDeleteHopefully things get better this weekend.
Movie wise, I'll watch Snapshot of Forever and Polar Opposites
-Maria
Maria, I know what you mean; it is painful to watch the news coverage. From what I hear, what we see on TV/social media doesn't begin to describe how it feels/looks in person. So heartbreaking.
DeleteOn a brighter note, I hope you enjoy both movies airing this weekend.
Hey Net, Hallmark Family also have Christmas movies on Friday nights. Its at 6 and 8 pm. Most of them are movies from Mystery channel.
ReplyDeleteThe fires are so heartbreaking. I was watching at all unfold Tuesday night. Praying for everyone.
Sabrina
Sabrina, Thank you sooo much for alerting us to the Christmas movies airing on Hallmark Family, too! That is wonderful news, plus I see some favorites coming up!!!
DeleteI only wish they would do their Christmas movies another night besides Friday. Thankfully, I can still record them all through Frndly TV.
I updated the Christmas movies above + the Christmas Schedule!
So appreciate you sharing, Sabrina!!! :) :)
I love Cameron and all his movies, this is so heartbreaking to see him lose his home that he raised his children in, I cannot even imagine, and all the other people that have lost their homes as well. We have had so many bad fires here in CA over the past few years, thankfully none have ever reached us. Praying for him and everyone going through this.
ReplyDelete~Paula
Paula, So glad to hear you and your family are safe. I sure hope the smoke doesn't drift in your direction. We've had the smoke drift down to us from Canada when they've had their summer wildfires, and we can definitely feel something is different in the air.
DeleteTake care, honey. Praying with you for your state.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I remember when my house burnt to the ground. I was crying for days. (We were safe byw)
ReplyDeleteI’ll be praying for him and his family and his for the people who lost their homes.
Abigail, Bless your heart. Only someone who has been through this, like you and your family, could truly understand how they feel right now. Praise God, you and your family were also safe.
Delete