Let it Snow!!! My Top 12 Snow Related Movies...

Winter Storm Uri arrived!

It SNOWED and it SNOWED all afternoon yesterday and into the early morning hours here in the Midwest. We received somewhere between 9 to 11 inches of snow, at least, and the snow drifts are even higher! Walking out to our barn was quite the feat during the storm - and once we turned around to head back to the house our previous tracks were completely gone. Unfortunately, it wasn't the pretty snowfall we typically see in the movies. No. No. No. It was a blistering, blizzard-like, fine blowing snow, with 20-30 miles of wind swirling it all around. It was definitely a day to stay inside and stay warm.

So... How is your weather? From watching the news and Weather Channel, I'm seeing reports of cold weather and power outages in Texas (where I have many family members), intense thunderstorms, sadly, went through North Carolina, and lots of severe weather, including snow and ice, across the United States. Wherever you are, I pray you are safe and warm, and being careful until conditions improve.

As I'm snowed in today and only essential travel is recommended, I thought I would create a list of 12 of my favorite snow related movies. It seems there are several circumstances in Christmas movies where people are often snowed-in and can't get out or home for the holidays. I thought I would mention my favorites here, along with a few from Winterfest, and please share yours in comments below! (It was hard for me to limit my list just to 12!)


TOP 12 SNOW-RELATED TV MOVIES:


12. One Winter Winter Weekend / One Winter Proposal



It's a fun skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobile riding weekend with Cara, Ben, Megan, and Sean - when the four are double-booked in the same lodge.

A third movie in this series is coming this spring with "One Perfect Wedding."

One Winter Winter Weekend / One Winter Proposal are available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.


11. Northpole

The snow in this movie is absolutely incredible! You can tell it is the real deal. The drifts and snow piles on the side of the road are incredibly high. Even though it's not actually the North Pole, it sure looks like it! It's also extra sweet to watch as Elf Clementine (Bailee Madison) tries to help Kevin (Max Charles) restore everyone's Christmas spirit!

Northpole is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.


10. Debbie Macomber's Dashing Through The Snow



Ashley (Meghan Ory) is on her way home for Christmas and Dash (Andrew Walker) is on a secret mission. When these two share a ride together - it's quite the adventure!

Debbie Macomber's Dashing Through The Snow is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.


9. Winter's Dream



Former professional skier Kat (Kristy Swanson) works with a young skiier and not only falls in love with coaching, but perhaps, the girl's father (Dean Cain), too! This movie is family friendly and fun. I love the scene near the end when the skiiers come down the hill at night holding lights - it is absolutely beautiful!

Winter's Dream is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.


8. Winter in Vail



This chilly Winterfest movie is one that will truly warm your heart. Family friendly and delightful, you'll simply fall in love with Chelsea (played by Lacey Chabert) and Owen (played by Tyler Hynes) as they bring life to the town of Vail, Colorado with a new festival, which brings the community together and new visitors! Along the way, Chelsea must decide which path she most wants to take and which decision leads her ultimately home.

Winter in Vail is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.


7. Snow Bride

Snow Bride is such a delightful rom-com with many twists and secrets! It's interesting to see what happens next when tabloid writer Greta Kaine is rescued in a snow storm by Ben Tannenhill (the son of a former, prominent Senator) and both try to hide their true identities!

Snow Bride is available to watch through streaming - Click Here.


6. Amazing Winter Romance



If you're looking for a Winterfest movie with real snow and a great wintery, chilly feel, with lots of fun action-packed activities and excitement, then this film is it! Perfect for all ages, "Amazing Winter Romance" includes sledding, a huge snow maze that is truly incredible and beautiful on screen, snowmobiling, snow plowing, and horse-back riding! Plus, there's an adorable little girl, a very cute dog, and a sweet romance! This movie is truly jam-packed with just about everything fun during the winter, minus the cold! My family thoroughly enjoyed every minute, mainly due to the joyful Jessy Schram ("Road to Christmas") and the delightful Marshall Williams ("When Hope Calls"), who are truly the perfect, ideal boy and girl next door. I found this movie to be "snow" much fun to watch and very sweet!

Amazing Winter Romance is available on DVD - Click Here.



5. When Calls the Heart: The Greatest Christmas Blessing



When Elizabeth, Abigail, and Rosemary go on a trip out of Hope Valley at Christmas, Elizabeth unexpectedly goes into labor as the three run into a blizzard of snow. Their car runs off the road - and somehow they are able to walk through the snow storm to an abandoned cabin, where Elizabeth gives birth to her baby boy, Jack. It's a beautiful scene as - Lee, Carson, and Bill (a sweet representation of the three wise men) set out to find them in the storm.

When Calls the Heart: The Greatest Christmas Blessing is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.

Season 8 of "When Calls the Heart" begins this Sunday, February 21st, on the Hallmark Channel!


4. Winter Love Story



Portraying writers in "Winter Love Story," both Jen Lilley and Kevin McGarry make taking a road trip look like great fun - even in the middle of winter! Along the way, they both make snow angels, which is cute, and they take walks in the snow with his dog. Then, of course, they have to get warm by the fire and read a good book!

Winter Love Story is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.


3. Snowed-Inn Christmas

I just adore this Lifetime Christmas movie with Betheny Joy Lenz & Andrew Walker! When Jenna and Kevin (writers who are competing for the same job) get snowed in together at a inn in Santa Claus, Indiana - it's a magical turn of events when these two rivals start to fall for one another, as they attempt to write their Christmas story and save the inn from closing.

Snowed-Inn Christmas is available on DVD - Click Here.


2. Winter Castle



With this Winterfest movie set in an actual Winter Ice Castle, (brrrr!!!) everything about this movie was magical, whimsical, enchanting, and cold! You almost expected to see Elsa, Anna, and Olaf there, as it very much looked like a scene right out of Disney’s princess animated fairytale, ‘Frozen.’ There's also an incredibly fun indoor slide, a sleigh ride and cross country skiing. You'll want to cozy up in your favorite blanket and enjoy this N-ICE Hallmark movie! It's perfect for family viewing!

Winter Castle is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.



1. Let it Snow

How could I not end the list with Candace Cameron Bure and Jesse Hutch in "Let it Snow," which includes sledding, skiing, a snowball fight, and ice fishing! Will Candace's character, Stephanie, and her father end up buying Snow Valley and change everything about it, or will they both come to love the charm of the place and keep it just the way it is? Even though it's the middle of winter, there's something so warm and inviting about this special lodge where visitors (like family) return year after year to share the holidays together. There's even a beautiful snowfall just before the credits roll.

Let it Snow is available on DVD and streaming - Click Here.

Take care, everyone, and be safe out there!

Please share your favorite Snow-Themed Movies 

in comments below!

Blessings to you all, Net

Which MOVIE did You Like BEST during WINTERFEST? #YourTake

"Love on the Slopes," "Frozen in Love,"

"One Winter Weekend," and "Winter's Dream"

Share the BEST of WINTERFEST!

To start of this year, the Hallmark Channel premiered FOUR NEW ORIGINAL MOVIES as part of *WINTERFEST*!

Please share "YOUR TAKE" on this recent block of Original TV movies in comments below by answering these Two Questions... (you can choose more than one!)

1. Which "WINTERFEST" movie did you like/love the most?

2. Which "WINTERFEST" movie poster (above) do you like best?

Looking forward to hearing all your responses in comments below! Blessings, Net

This Weekend: Dean Cain & Kristy Swanson star in Hallmark's Winterfest Movie "Winter's Dream" + Lori Loughlin previews "C♥untdown to Valentine's Day"!

Saturday is a "Super" Full Day of
cozy-up-by-the-fire "Winterfest" Movies,
including... Dean Cain & Kristy Swanson
in Hallmark's last all new 2018 "Winterfest" movie-

❄ Winter's Dream ❄

Credit: Copyright Crown Media United States

"Signed, Sealed, Delivered" fans - be sure to support & watch this movie! The Executive Producer is our beloved POstable Kristin Booth (Shane) and the screen writer is her husband, Tim Ware!

pictured: Dean Cain, Kristin Booth, and Tim Ware
Credit: Copyright 2017 Crown Media United States LLC/Photographer: Ryan Plummer

Storyline via Hallmark: Former professional skier Kat works as a ski aid and ski shop worker at Bliss Mountain, where she prepares for a Winterfest to drum up business for the quaint town. Widowed father Ty and his daughter Anna come from New York to train with ski champion (and Kat’s former teammate) Maddy, and quickly connect with Kat when Maddy’s coaching style proves to be too aggressive for Anna. A spark forms between Kat and Ty as... Click Here to Read More...

See the premiere of Winter's Dream

Saturday January 27, 2018

at 9pm/8c. on the Hallmark Channel

Encore Airing: Sunday January 28th 7pm/6c.

Also, Saturday night:


You will fall in L♥VE with...

Hallmark's "Countdown to Valentine's Day"
Preview Show hosted by Lori Loughlin

image: Hallmark Crown Media, Actress Lori Loughlin

Details via Hallmark: "Against a romantic backdrop of flickering candles and crimson roses, lovely Lori treats viewers to a sneak peek at the network’s programming event “Countdown to Valentine’s Day.” Click here for more details!

Lori Loughlin hosts the

"Countdown To Valentine's Day" Preview Show

Saturday, January 27th at 11pm/10c.

on the Hallmark Channel

immediately following the premiere of Winter's Dream!

Fashion Find:

(I mentioned this in a previous post - here.) For those of you who love Lori Loughlin's beautiful red lace dress above, you can find it at Neiman Marcus! It's the Alexis - Randie High-Neck 3/4-Sleeve Lace Midi Dress!

The dress was also made in a cute fit flare version - see here!

I pray you all have a warm,
content, peaceful weekend!

Much *Love* is sent your way!

Blessings on your day, Net

Hallmark Channel Announces 2018 Winterfest Movies!

Hallmark breaks the ice, when Christmas ends, with Winterfest movies that still give us that hint of cold weather, snowfalls, and days of warming by the fire. It's almost the feeling of Christmas. Almost. That's why Hallmark Winterfest movies are so good. They ease us into a new year - with all new movies to enjoy! So, take a look at what the Hallmark Channel has in store for 2018... (so far!)

On the Set of "Heart of a Mountain"
Pictured: Kristy Swanson, Lizzie Boys, and Dean Cain
image via: Kristin Booth instagram

2018 Hallmark Channel Winterfest Movies:

LOVE ON THE SLOPES
Premieres Saturday, January 6th at 9/8c
Starring Katrina Bowden and Thomas Beaudoin
NYC-based copy editor, Alex, is sent to Ridgeline Resort, an extreme sports outpost, to write a story for a travel writing competition. At first, she fails at everything – much to the chagrin of Cole, an extreme sports enthusiast who thinks this city girl should head back to New York. But when Alex offers to assist Cole with his local arts festival, he reluctantly obliges to be her guide as she faces her fears doing one extreme sport after the next.


FROZEN IN LOVE
Premieres Saturday, January 13th at 9/8c
Starring Rachael Leigh Cooke and Niall Matter
When struggling bookstore owner Mary and the bad boy of professional hockey, Adam, are teamed together to help facilitate an image makeover for the other, they soon realize that opposites attract and they find themselves unexpectedly frozen in love.


ONE WINTER WEEKEND
Previous title: SNOWBOUND
Premieres Saturday, January 20th at 9/8c
Starring Taylor Cole
Cara, a women’s magazine writer who gets burned by her boyfriend on New Years’ Eve, decides to go on a dating detox. Challenged by her employer to write about it, she hopes a spontaneous ski getaway with her best friend will spark inspiration. Complicating matters, they discover they’ve double booked their chalet with two eligible men, including Ben, an entrepreneur. When the share-mates get snowed in, Cara and Ben are thrown together.


WINTER'S DREAM
Previous title: HEART OF THE MOUNTAIN
Premieres Saturday, January 27th at 9/8c
Starring Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson
Story by: Tim Ware & Kristin Booth (of Signed, Sealed, Delivered) Written by: Tim Ware
A former ski champion reenters the competitive world when a 16-year old downhill racer asks for help, leading her to reawaken an old passion and find a new love.


*Movie Titles and Plot descriptions above via the Hallmark Channel.

'Angels in the Snow' an UP Christmas Movie starring Kristy Swanson and Chris Potter

MOVIE REVIEW

Movie: Angels in the Snow

Network: UP

Original Air Date: November 22, 2015

*This film is based on best-selling author Rexanne Becnel’s acclaimed novel Christmas Journey

*Movie Stars Kristy Swanson of The Christmas Wish, The Bouquet, and What If and Chris Potter from the UP television series Heartland.

images via Marvista

 

CAST:

Kristy Swanson ... Judith Montgomery
Chris Potter ... Charles Montgomery
Nick Purcha ... Alexander Montgomery
Lizzie Boys ... Jennifer Montgomery
Jaeda Lily Miller ... Emily Montgomery
Colin Lawrence ... Joe Tucker
Catherine Lough Haggquist ... Amy Tucker
Kolton Stewart ... Robbie Tucker
Alexandra Siouras ... Lucie Tucker

 

image via Twitter

PLOT:

via UP Press Release:

In Angels in the Snow, the affluent, yet troubled Montgomery family hits the road for a special Christmas in the mountains. Workaholic real estate developer Charles (Chris Potter) hopes to mend fences with his wife Judith (Kristy Swanson), a former NY fashion editor, and reconnect with his cell-phone-dependent, squabbling children – Alexander (15, Nick Purcha), Jennifer (14, Lizzie Boys) and Emily (10, Jaeda Lily Miller) – by surprising them all with a getaway to unveil the ultra-modern, luxurious, fully-stocked cabin in the woods that he has designed and built. Sadly, his good intentions are quickly dashed when a powerful blizzard descends and traps the Montgomerys in their new “dream home.” With Judith and Charles arguing, little Emily makes a wish that her parents will stay together. Hours later, as fierce winds batter the cabin, a knock on the door jolts the family awake.

To their surprise, another family – the Tuckers – are shivering on their doorstep. While unhurt, they are half-frozen, exhausted and in need of shelter from the storm. Their van slid off the snow-covered road. High school history teacher Joe Tucker (Colin Lawrence), his wife/nurse Amy (Catherine Lough Haggquist), and their two kids Robbie (16, Kolton Stewart) and Lucie (15, Alexandra Siouras) are grateful to be welcomed in. As the families wait out the storm, it soon becomes evident that the Tuckers offer an example of love, togetherness and caring that is seemingly gone from the Montgomerys’ lives. But perhaps the Tuckers’ example – and friendship – can reignite the Montgomery family’s spirit this season.

*image credits - below

 

Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...


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Kristy Swanson image via: Photo by Frederick M. Brown - © Getty Images
Chris Potter image via: Heartland, http://www.cbc.ca/heartland/cast/chris-potter

An Interview with Jake Helgren, the Writer of 2 Christmas Movies!

"It's a Wonderful Movie" is delighted to bring to you today, an exclusive interview with Writer, Producer, and Director Jake Helgren, who has two movies premiering on our TV's this Christmas Season. The first movie is “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas” which premiered November 28, 2014 on UP, and will have additional airings throughout the holidays. The second film “A Belle for Christmas” will premiere on Starz near Christmas. See details below on both movies in my interview with Jake Helgren and future Christmas Movie Projects, as well!

--------------------------------------

INTERVIEW

Jake Helgren

Writer/Producer/Director

--------------------------------------

1. Thank you, Jake, for joining me for this interview today. First of all, how amazing is it for you, to have not one, but two Christmas Movies, Premiering this Christmas Season on TV?

I'm very excited about the movies I have airing on TV this Christmas! My family and I have loved watching Christmas movies since I was a kid growing up in Texas -- the Home Alone movies, Prancer, and Love Actually amongst my favorite feature films; and A Mom For Christmas, Holiday Switch, and Finding Mrs. Claus among my favorite made-for-TV films. I love that these networks still continue to provide quality holiday films each and every year to our homes, and I am so honored a couple of mine were finally produced and chosen to air on TV. This year both films happen to feature dogs at Christmastime, and I have two dogs of my own, so I am really looking forward to going home for the holidays and watching these films with my family, who are all equally excited to see them (but not too happy right now since I'm making them wait 'til I get there to watch them, haha).

 “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas”

 

2. Can you share a little about the story of your movie, “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas”?

Sure. 12 Dog Days Till Christmas was originally a story conceptualized by my producing partner and another talented screenwriter, Bret Kofford. They had a great idea about this kid Jack, an angry foster kid who gets into trouble before the holidays, who is forced to volunteer at a closing dog shelter with a trio of plucky girls, where all the remaining, unwanted dogs there--who have about as many problems as Jack does--will be sent to a kill shelter on Christmas Eve if the kids don't find homes for them first. Bret and I co-wrote the script together, and then I co-produced the film with my producing partner in South Carolina. We got a great deal of feedback on the script from our distributors at Marvista-- who have a great track record with these kinds of films--and from the UPtv network, in order to make a great film, and we really hope it is well-received by audiences on TV.

 “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas”
 

3. Please share who is in the cast in “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas”, airing on UPtv.

We have a great cast in the film, including Vincent Giovagnoli ("3 Times A Charm"), who plays troubled Jack, Reginald Veljohnson of "Family Matters" who stars as Jack's probation officer, newcomer Grainne McDermott, who stars as a girl Jack loves to hate; and Lexi Giovagnoli ("1 Chance 2 Dance"), who plays the spirited girl who runs the shelter. The film also features Petunia, a sweet dog our trainer really found at a kill shelter and rescued (and who was eventually named Petunia after her character in the film), and my dog Piper is also featured as one of the pups (she's the hairless Chinese Crested Sadie :).

“A Belle for Christmas”

4. How would you describe the plot of your Christmas Movie, “A Belle for Christmas”?

"A Belle For Christmas" is also a great holiday movie for the whole family, but this is one kids will also want to watch over and over again. It's a holiday adventure film, and I've always described it as sort of a cross between "The Goonies" and "101 Dalmatians." Here's the basic plot line for the film: When a sweet young boy and his precocious kid sister discover their newly adopted puppy Belle has been nabbed by the beautiful gold digger dating their widowed dad on Christmas Eve, the kids recruit their neighborhood friends and set out on an adventurous rescue mission to save her. So there are plenty of holiday thrills for the kids, but also romance thrown in for the adults.

“A Belle for Christmas”

5. I am so excited to hear that actor Dean Cain, who I’ve liked since “Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman”, and who has been in a wide variety of wonderful family Christmas Movies, will star in your movie “A Belle for Christmas”. Please share what it was like to work with him and the rest of the cast.

We had a really great cast in this one, too! In addition to Dean Cain, who obviously has an insane track record with these kinds of holiday films, it also stars Kristy Swanson (Operation Cupcake) and Haylie Duff (Christmas Belle), who have starred in a ton of these TV movies as well. And of course, the kid stars, including Jet Jurgensmeyer (Little Rascals Saves the Day), are great and definitely hold their own alongside their more experienced adult co-stars. And last but not least there is of course the beautiful white Shepherd puppy star herself who plays Belle, who I originally based on my other dog Riley. When I first wrote the script, I always thought Dean Cain would be perfect to play the father, so you can imagine how excited I was to hear he was onboard the project! And although I've always been a huge fan of Kristy Swanson, I had no idea how hilarious she could be playing a villainess you can't help but love. That aside, I am so sad to say I was actually overseas when this film was being shot, so I didn't have the luxury of meeting any of this awesome cast or crew yet. But if the film does well, we hope to do a sequel, and I will definitely plan to get to the set this time and meet the entire Belle family, because the producers are really sweet, wonderful people and I can't believe I still haven't had a chance to meet them yet!

 

6. What was the filming process like, for both movies, working with dogs?

I can only speak for "12 Dog Days Till Christmas", of course, but in that one we were working with twelve starring dogs (plus a number of extra dogs who are featured in other scenes), so needless to say things got a little crazy sometimes! Fortunately we had some great trainers onset, and our Humane Society representative was such a sweetheart, that it made our lives as filmmakers much easier. Just like with having kids onset, though, you always have to put the dogs' needs first, but fortunately our entire cast and crew is full of dog lovers (and at this point, they've gotten used to dogs being onset since my Chinese Crested is usually always with me on whichever set I'm on!).

7. What do you hope viewers will take away from watching your Christmas movies, “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas” and “A Belle for Christmas”? Are they both available on DVD?

At the end of the day, we want to make our viewers smile and feel as good about the traditions of the holidays as we do. It makes me feel so amazing inside to see how proud my family and all my friends are by the work we are doing and the kinds of positive messages we are trying to send out in these films, and I can only hope that our viewers will feel the same warmth and comfort from watching these kinds of films as we get from making them.

I am not sure when "12 Dog Days Till Christmas" will be released on DVD, but will try to let you know when I find out. Same goes for "A Belle For Christmas" -- while I am still unsure when it will air on STARZ (hopefully we will know soon!), I can tell you it is now available on Amazon.com, VoD, and Targets and WalMarts everywhere!

As for future projects, we are actually shooting another film this holiday season in Austin featuring a new set of dogs and starring Lexi Giovagnoli (of 12 Dog Days Till Christmas) currently called "A Dogwalker's Christmas Tale", and we couldn't be more excited about it! It's from a script I wrote, and will be directed by Letia Clouston. It will have more stars in it, too, which we will cast soon, and though we still aren't sure whether it will end up airing on TV or not, we can certainly hope it will! I also have two more holiday films in development called "A Kid For Christmas" and "Merry Exes", so hopefully those will get made soon and end up on television at some point, too.

Either way, we really appreciate being featured on your wonderful site this Christmas, and hope to keep bringing fun, family-friendly holiday films to TV for many years to come. Thanks for the interview, and Merry Christmas to you and all your site readers and a Happy New Year! :)

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I wish to extend a very special "thank you" to Jake Helgren for taking his time to share with us today his behind-the-scenes take on his current Christmas Movies “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas” and “A Belle for Christmas”, as well as the unexpected, yet very exciting "sneak peak" into future Christmas Movie Projects! All of us Christmas Movie fans love that... so, thank you so very much for the insider details!!!

We will definitely be looking to watch both of these family friendly films throughout the Holiday Season on UP and Starz... and we'll certainly look forward to future Christmas Movies!

*See future air times for “The 12 Dog Days Till Christmas” in the Christmas TV Schedule.

*You can find the movie, “A Belle for Christmas” on DVD, at Amazon.

I hope you all enjoy this interview with Writer, Producer, and Director Jake Helgren... and his Christmas Movies!!!

Dean Cain stars in "A Belle for Christmas"

MOVIE REVIEW


A Belle for Christmas


Network: Starz


Original Air Date: TBD

 

 

CAST:

Dean Cain ... Glenn Barrows
Kristy Swanson ... Daniela "Dani" Downy
Jet Jurgensmeyer ... Elliot Barrows
Haylie Duff ... Kate Rivers
Meyrick Murphy ... Phoebe Barrows
Avary J. Anderson ... Riley Kane
Connor Berry ... Malcolm Clinton
Babs Simmons ... Kimmy
Jonathan Guraedy ... Ralph
Christina Mandrell ... Christy Kane
Helen Cornelius ... Marnie
A Lee Stone ... Aretha
Irlene Mandrell ... Mrs. DuPont
Jamie Dudney ... Janey Barrows
Trinity Adkins ... Penny "Whiner" Reiner
Scott Jurgensmeyer ... Skip Jeffries the Plumber)

PLOT:

Synopsis via DVD Cover:
Dean Cain (Lois & Clark and The Dog Who Saved Christmas) stars as Glenn Barrows, a recent widower doing his best to raise his young kids Elliot (Jet Jurgensmeyer) and Phoebe (Meyrick Murphy) who really miss their mom. When the Barrows adopt an adorable puppy named Belle during the holiday season, it seems that their healing may have begun. But will Glen's dog-hating, gold-digging new girlfriend (Kristy Swanson of A Christmas Wish) spoil their newfound happiness, or can Elliott and Phoebe pull off a daring Christmas Eve rescue of their beloved new pet? Haylie Duff (Hats Off to Christmas) co-stars in this heartwarming comedy about family, friendship, and a four-legged holiday miracle.

Movie Review:

Coming...


See or Skip:

Coming...


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"Merry Ex-mas" - an ION Original Christmas Movie

MOVIE REVIEW

Merry Ex-mas

Network: ION

Original Air Date: December 7, 2014

CAST:

Dean Cain
Kristy Swanson
Lochlyn Munro
Shannon Kummer
Sharon Thomas Cain
Jodi Lyn O’Keefe
Ernie Hudson
Rebecca Grant

PLOT:

When misleading photos are published of security company chief Jessie Rogers purportedly caught in a love nest with his rock star client, his humiliated wife, Noëlle, throws him out of the house and swiftly files for divorce. Unable to convince her of his innocence, Jessie fights in vain to win Noëlle back. A year later at the family ski cabin, a Christmastime blizzard snowbounds Jessie, his daughter, ex-mother-in-law, Noëlle and her wealthy suitor, Flynn, who is plotting a surprise wedding.


Movie Review:

This movie first aired last year (2014) on ION and I must warn that it is definitely NOT Family Friendly. I like both Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson as actors but this movie was awful. It was not only morally offensive, but an insult to our intelligence, as well.

First off, I hated the title. Removing the name of Christ and replacing it with EX was the first turn off for me. Secondary to that was the fact that this couple, Jessie Rogers and his wife Noelle, portrayed by Dean Cain and Kristy Swanson have decided to separate, due to the fact that the wife believes her husband is having an affair with another woman, who was constantly running around in the movie, very suggestively dressed.

In the meantime, Noelle has quickly moved on from leaving her husband, to seeing a rich man, who appears to be faking an Irish accent. No kidding. It's that crazy. Throw in a scene where everyone is be chased by bees, and you have even more insanity. To be honest, I ended up fast-forwarding through much of the craziness, just to see how it would end. In spite of the Christmas theme and well known actors, trust me, there is no redeeming quality in this movie whatsoever.


See or Skip:

I must strongly suggest skipping this one.

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"GET WRAPPED UP IN THE HOLIDAYS!" with ION's 5 NEW CHRISTMAS MOVIES!

It's an explosion of Christmas Movie News!

 

ION has announced their 5 new premieres coming this Christmas Season!

Please see all the details, in the official ION Press Release below...

 

---------------------PRESS RELEASE via ION---------------------

ION TELEVISION INVITES VIEWERS TO "GET WRAPPED UP IN THE HOLIDAYS!" WITH FIVE ALL-NEW ORIGINAL HOLIDAY MOVIES

“A Christmas Mystery,” “Merry Ex-Mas,” “A Christmas Kiss II,” “A Perfect Christmas List” and “Back to Christmas” Set to Premiere in 2014

WEST PALM BEACH, September 22, 2014 – ION Television wants viewers to “Get Wrapped Up in the Holidays,” today announcing the addition of five all-new original movies to its 2014 holiday lineup. The new titles, including “Merry Ex-Mas,” “A Christmas Mystery,” “A Christmas Kiss II,” “A Perfect Christmas List” and “Back to Christmas” begin airing Sunday, November 30, and will run alongside 18 returning favorites from ION’s robust holiday catalog in December.

With the addition of five new titles, ION looks to build on a successful 2013 holiday season that saw its movies reach 30 million total viewers, up 8% year over year. ION’s holiday movies averaged 866,000 total viewers, up 5% from 2012, with the December 15 airing of “All I Want for Christmas” delivering 1.9 million total viewers, making it ION’s highest-rated holiday movie ever.

“ION Television has built a reputation as a prime holiday movie destination, and this year’s films will only enhance that sentiment for viewers,” said Brandon Burgess, Chairman and CEO of ION Media Networks. “We have created a solid foundation with our holiday movie franchise over the past four years, and we’re excited to expand on our original programming commitment to fans.

This year’s slate of new holiday movies will continue to feature some of Hollywood’s most well-known actors and fan favorites, including: Dean Cain (“Lois & Clark”), Kristy Swanson (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Ernie Hudson (“Ghostbusters”), Esmé Bianco (“Game of Thrones”), John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”), Elisabeth Röhm (“Law & Order”), Elisabeth Harnois (CSI) and Kelly Overton (True Blood).

ION TELEVISION ORIGINAL HOLIDAY MOVIE PREMIERES

A CHRISTMAS MYSTERY – Premieres Sunday, November 30, at 9/8c

Cast: Esmé Bianco, Ryan Bittle, John Ratzenberger, John Colton, Anne Leighton, Kristen Miller, Ben Trotter
Production Company: Hybrid

While searching through her late mother’s attic, Rebecca uncovers sealed cards from a mysterious suitor that had been addressed to her widowed Mom over the past 12 Christmases. As she begins to wonder the identity of man, Rebecca hires a handsome, yet mysterious, detective, Andrew, to help solve the mystery behind the letters. While working to unravel the family mystery, Rebecca and Andrew begin to fall for one another, but soon learn there’s more to the case than either expected.

MERRY EX-MAS – Premieres Sunday, December 7, at 9/8c

Cast: Dean Cain, Kristy Swanson, Lochlyn Munro, Shannon Kummer, Sharon Thomas Cain, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe, Ernie Hudson, Rebecca Grant
Production Company: Odyssey Media/Network Pictures

When misleading photos are published of security company chief Jessie Rogers purportedly caught in a love nest with his rock star client, his humiliated wife, Noëlle, throws him out of the house and swiftly files for divorce. Unable to convince her of his innocence, Jessie fights in vain to win Noëlle back. A year later at the family ski cabin, a Christmastime blizzard snowbounds Jessie, his daughter, ex-mother-in-law, Noëlle and her wealthy suitor, Flynn, who is plotting a surprise wedding.

A CHRISTMAS KISS II – Premieres Saturday, December 13, at 9/8c

Cast: Elisabeth Harnois, Adam Mayfield, Elisabeth Röhm, Lola Glaudini, Jonathan Bennett, Celesta Hodge, Ray Laska
Production Company: MarVista

At a Christmastime event, Jenna shares an impromptu, unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe with the dashing Cooper Montgomery, a billionaire playboy who recently returned to the city. Although she doesn’t know him, Cooper learns that Jenna works for Cooper’s sister at the designer fashion house founded by their dad. Fearful of getting hurt in another relationship, Jenna vows to resist Cooper’s charms and feigns a romance with her heartbroken next door neighbor. As the two begin spending more time together, Jenna realizes that Cooper’s affection is real, but still worries that he won’t be able to shed his former ways.


A PERFECT CHRISTMAS LIST – Premieres Sunday, December 14, at 9/8c

Cast: Ellen Hollman, Marion Ross, Aaron Hill, Beth Broderick, Richard Karn
Production Company: Hybrid

Just two weeks before Christmas, Sara Smith gets a call from home about her grandmother Evie, who has been sent to the hospital. Having always been close, the health scare is enough to get Sara to do the unthinkable... come home for Christmas. While Sara plans to get a hotel room for her stay, her mother won’t allow it. Sara eventually relents, but it’s clear that time has not repaired their relationship, and her mother returns to her overbearing ways. With her handsome doctor’s approval, the convalescing Evie conjures up a curious challenge. As a “last wish,” she tasks her daughter and granddaughter with list of festive accomplishments to do together before Christmas, hoping that the adventure of the experience will repair their relationship. Along the way, Sara discovers an unlisted Christmas adventure with Evie’s physician.


BACK TO CHRISTMAS – Premieres Saturday, December 20, at 9/8c

Cast: Kelly Overton, Michael Muhney, Jonathan Patrick Moore, Jennifer Elise Cox, Moses Jacob Storm, Gloria Loring, Mark Hutter
Production Company: MarVista

Saddened about spending another Christmas alone, Ali meets Ginny, a quirky and spunky woman, at a diner on Christmas Eve. Ali tells Ginny that she was to be married on New Year's Eve last year, but over the course of the holidays she and her fiancé unexpectedly split. When Ali explains that she would do everything differently if she could go back in time, Ginny tells her that "sometimes people do get second chances." The following morning, Ali wakes up to find herself transported back to that Christmas before her planned wedding. While she sets out to avoid the mistakes of her past, she learns that changing the course of history is no easy task.

Source: Nielsen Live+SD Data

About ION Television
A leading U.S. general entertainment network, ION Television combines high-quality programming and dependable distribution with an attitude of innovation and growth. Its "Positively Entertaining" network brand positioning features a formula of proven series, an expansive catalog of blockbuster movies and a commitment to introduce new original programming. ION Television has grown its Adults 25-54 audience by 160% since its 2007 launch and has consistently remained among the top 15 entertainment networks. For more information, visit www.iontelevision.com.

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Wow! 5 more NEW Christmas Movie Premieres coming to our TVs this Christmas Season! I told you it was going to be an amazing year for Christmas Movies! I hope you are getting your DVRs and recorders ready now!!!

I will have even more details on these movies in coming days, including movie images and more! Please stay tuned!

Family Movies are Springing UP again!

We have been showered in "April" with so many new premiere family movies on TV, and May is on the way, blossoming with a whole new bloom of movies ahead!

On this weekend, the very last one of April, you will get a chance to see, some of the ones, you "May" have missed!

The Hallmark Channel
will premiere their newest Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie

"In My Dreams"

(first aired Easter Sunday on ABC)

 

 

See it Saturday, April 26, 2014 on the Hallmark Channel at 5PM/4c.

Encores also on Saturday at 7/6c, and 9/8c.

The Hallmark Channel will also show a repeat airing of

"A Lesson in Romance"

See it Saturday afternoon, April 26, on the Hallmark Channel at 1PM/12c.


An encore of the first Episode of  "Signed Sealed Delivered"
will air April 26, Saturday Night at 11PM/10c.



Then... an All New Episode of
"Signed Sealed Delivered"
will be dispatched on Sunday Night at 8PM/7c.

Episode 2 : "To Whom It May Concern" : The postal detectives are inspired
by their supervisor to take a risk to save the life of an army veteran.


 The Network UP
will also give you the chance to catch "UP"
on some new movies you "May" have missed in April.

On Saturday, April 26th, UP will show encore airings of:

Troop 491: The Adventures of the Muddy Lions at 3 PM/2c.

My Last Day Without You at 5 PM/4c.
Repeats again at 7 PM/6c

Apple Mortgage Cake at 9 PM/8c.
Repeats again at 11 PM/10c





Then on Sunday, April 27 2014,
UP will repeat Heart of the Country at 7 PM/6c.
Repeats again at 11 PM/10c.




I hope and pray... you all will have a Wonderful Weekend!

Enjoy these Lovely Spring days!
With rain, warmth, and sunshine- everything is fresh and new!

"May you bloom, where you are planted!"