🌞Spring is Here this Sunday!!!🌞 New Premieres & Movie Marathons are in Bloom ALL Weekend Long! 💮 SEE HERE:

UPtv has the only NEW lighthearted, rom-com premiere airing this weekend. Since I pre-screened this movie, titled "The Wedding Fix," and I can tell you - it's a delightful, family friendly film, and I hope many of you will enjoy it, too! (See my full review below!)

Also airing Sunday night, is a new episode of "When Calls the Heart" on the Hallmark Channel. I think the lack of new movies, overall, is most likely due to all of the NCAA basketball games airing this weekend. (How is your bracket doing?) Sometimes, it's hard for the movie networks to compete with these big sporting events in viewership.

Check out details on the new movie and more airing this weekend below...

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Saturday, March 19, 2022:

Hallmark Channel's Rom-Com-A-Thon on Saturday...

Highlights include:

*YES, I DO

*FROM FRIEND TO FIANCÉ

*DESTINATION WEDDING

*THE WEDDING VEIL

*THE WEDDING VEIL UNVEILED

*THE WEDDING VEIL LEGACY

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Saturday, March 19, 2022:

Hallmark Movies & Mysteries Saturday Mystery Marathons...

*AURORA TEAGARDEN MYSTERIES

~ THE DISAPPEARING GAME

~ A GAME OF CAT AND MOUSE

~ AN INHERITANCE TO DIE FOR

*GOURMET DETECTIVE MYSTERIES

~ DEATH AL DENTE

~ EAT, DRINK AND BE BURIED

~ ROUX THE DAY: A GOURMET DETECTIVE MYSTERY

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Sunday, March 20, 2022:

The Wedding Fix

Story-line via UPtv: Reeling from a break-up, professional over-planner Gwen pitches in to help put the finishing touches on her best friend’s wedding. But when she’s teamed up with best man Josh, a free-spirited nature guide, she finds that pulling together this wedding might not be as easy as she thought.

The Wedding Fix

Premieres Sunday, March 20, 2022

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv

Movie Review:

💮 "The Wedding Fix is lighthearted, family friendly and refreshing, like sunshine on a cloudy day! I enjoyed the chemistry between the leads, Gwen (Andrea Brooks, “When Calls the Heart”) and Josh (Patch May, “Gingerbread Miracle”). As the maid of honor, Gwen (an over-planner), is tasked to work with Josh, the best man (surprise, he’s a free spirit!), to save her best friend’s wedding. Of course, opposites attract! The mix of their opposite personalities plays well on screen; there seems to be an instant spark between the two, even when she mistakes him in the beginning for someone else. Besides all the wedding planning, there’s star-gazing, fishing, and maybe, even some rock climbing, if Josh can talk Gwen into giving it a try! Overall, it’s a delightful, feel good movie. The wedding issue at the end was a bit anticlimactic, but thankfully, Gwen was there to fix it!!! My suggestion… fix yourself a comfy spot for The Wedding Fix, relax and enjoy this sweet UPtv romantic comedy!" ~Net

Also, be sure to check out my interview

with actress Andrea Brooks - *here*!

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Sunday, March 20, 2022:

When Calls the Heart

Season 9, Episode 3

Storyline: Elizabeth’s book is finally published and it’s the talk of the town. Lucas plans a surprise party to celebrate the event, but some bad book reviews have Elizabeth in a less social mood.

When Calls the Heart

airs Sunday, March 20, 2022

at 8pm/7c. on the Hallmark Channel

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Whatever your plans are for the weekend, I pray you all have a bright and sunny, peaceful, first weekend of Spring! Hope many of you will enjoy the new movie on UPtv!

Blessings to you all! Net

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SHINING HIS LIGHT:

“He changes times and seasons; 

He deposes kings and raises up others. 

He gives wisdom to the wise 

and knowledge to the discerning.”

~Daniel 2:21

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INTERVIEW: Actress ANDREA BROOKS on her NEW UPtv movie The Wedding Fix, Hallmark's When Calls the Heart, the TV Shows she loved growing up, plus the activity she learned for 2 movies! ♥️

Today, I am excited to share with you all my interview with actress, Andrea Brooks, who stars on the Hallmark drama, When Calls the Heart, and has been in a number TV movies, including: A Wish For Christmas, Destination Wedding, Jingle Around the Clock, Fishing for Love and more!

In our interview below we discuss Andrea's new UPtv movie, The Wedding Fix, where she plays the lead role of a television journalist who takes on the challenge of planning her best friend's wedding. I had the pleasure of pre-screening this movie; it is a delightful, lighthearted family friendly rom-com, with great chemistry between the leads and sweet best friend moments. I hope you enjoy my interview with Andrea below and the premiere of The Wedding Fix this Sunday night on UPtv!

**********************

INTERVIEW

Actress

Andrea Brooks

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Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Welcome, Andrea, to ‘It’s a Wonderful Movie,’ where we chat about family friendly movies on TV! Please tell us about your character, Gwen, in “The Wedding Fix.” Is she anything like you?

Andrea Brooks: Thanks so much for the chat! My character in "The Wedding Fix" can best be described as a no-nonsense, Type-A, hyper-planner. I do think I share some similarities with Gwen, but I'm definitely a bit more capable of going with the flow than she is (I think that comes with the territory when you act for a living). It's apparent within the first few scenes of the movie that Gwen's ability to focus and follow a strict set of rules is both her strength and her flaw. She's a hardworking television journalist with a big heart, and she's always happy to lend a helping hand, but she very much likes things to be done on her own terms. It's about time she meets someone who can shake things up and teach her the value in improvising and living in the moment.

image: “The Wedding Fix” UPtv

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Do you have a favorite scene or memorable filming moment in “The Wedding Fix?”

Andrea Brooks: This was an exceptionally delightful shoot! I adored working with our director, Nicholas Humphries, and Patch May was such a fun co-star with infectious charisma! Most of my memories involve us cracking up in between takes along with the rest of the cast and crew. That said, one of my favourite moments during the shoot took place during a cute star gazing scene. The camera setup was quite elaborate, and it was freezing cold shooting out on the dewy grass in the middle of the night, but the scene felt so effortless and natural. I think it's my favourite moment in the entire movie.

image: “The Wedding Fix” screen grab from UPtv

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Your character, Gwen, goes rock-climbing for the first time. Have you ever done any sort of outdoor adventures like this?

Andrea Brooks: I have only ever rock climbed at indoor climbing gyms, so rigging up to climb a real mountain was a new experience for me (as it was for Gwen)! We were lucky in that there were a lot of climbing experts on our crew. They were wonderfully helpful when it came to giving us pointers in this scene.

image: “The Wedding Fix” UPtv

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Congratulations on “The Wedding Fix” being your second lead role in an UPtv movie this year. The first movie, of course, was “Fishing for Love.” In that movie your character learns to fish. Did you have any previous experience fishing in real-life?

Andrea Brooks: Thank you so much!! I have such fantastic memories from both of those shoots and I'm so excited that people can finally see the movies on UPtv. I had no experience with fishing prior to shooting "Fishing for Love" (unless, of course, you count my brother and I putting poptarts on hooks and attempting to catch carp in Lake Las Vegas when we were kids). Shooting at the docks in Brentwood Bay was fabulous because we were able to meet and chat with so many individuals from the local fishing community. Spencer Lord and I were able to get out on the water, ask fishing questions, and learn to tie knots before we even went to camera. I loved it! Also! Fun fact... Keep your eyes out for a fishing scene in "The Wedding Fix." It was thrilling to be able to put this newly acquired skill to use in yet another movie!

image: “Fishing for Love” UPtv

image: “The Wedding Fix” UPtv

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Was it a challenge to film these movies during the pandemic?

Andrea Brooks: Filming during a pandemic is no easy task. You're always worried that at any moment, a producer could come running in with bad news about an outbreak. Luckily, we were in the clear for both "Fishing for Love" and "The Wedding Fix." Generally, I have found that people in the film industry take the ever-evolving covid protocols quite seriously as nobody wants to cause a shut down. I find that we definitely shoot outdoors quite a bit more. We also test and maintain distance when not filming. I've worked with so many exceptional artists over the past couple of years, and I'm so scared I won't recognize them if I ever see them walking down the street without a mask on.

image: “When Calls the Heart” Hallmark Crown Media

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Many viewers also recognize you as Dr. Faith Carter on the television series, “When Calls the Heart.” Please share what it is like to work on this family series, especially as your character moves on with her medical career in Hope Valley without her love, Dr. Carson Shepherd.

Andrea Brooks: When Calls the Heart is such a wonderful gift. I adore our cast and crew so much and I still pinch myself when driving in to work every day. I'm so proud of Faith's career achievements, and I've loved bearing witness to her evolution as both a medical professional and as a human being over these past eight years. Becoming a doctor in the early 20th century was unheard of, and it's quite a thrill being able to tell that story, especially now that she's standing on her own two feet after Carson left for Baltimore. Faith's got a lot on her mind this season, and she's finally going to have to come to terms with her feelings and her heart (something she hasn't been very good at doing in the past).

image: “When Calls the Heart” Hallmark Crown Media

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: What does it mean to you, personally – to create movies and TV shows that families can watch together?

Andrea Brooks: It means so much to me, especially now being a parent myself. I was so inspired by family friendly shows like "Little House on the Prairie," "Full House" and "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" when I was growing up, and it makes me happy to think that I get to be a part of telling those kinds of stories for a new generation. I do believe that television has tremendous power to bring families and loved ones together while teaching valuable lessons and inspiring us to be the best versions of ourselves. It can also offer comfort, connection and community. I absolutely love being a part of it all!

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Oh, I love the shows you mentioned! I, too, grew up with those same exact programs in my home. My family especially loved "Little House!" It is awesome to think a whole new generation is growing up now with "When Calls the Heart!"

image: “The Wedding Fix” UPtv

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Do you have any future projects you can share with us?

Andrea Brooks: The ninth season of When Calls the Heart is currently on air and we're crossing our fingers for a season 10! I have another movie forthcoming that stars myself and Marcus Rosner (I'll be sure to keep everyone updated about a release date).

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: That's so fun that you were able to work with Marcus Rosner again! You two made such a cute bride and groom in "A Harvest Wedding." I look forward to hearing more about your new movie (working title: "Sit, Stay, Love"); the story sounds like a cute one - based around pet adoption.

image: "A Harvest Wedding" - Hallmark Crown Media
image: on the set of "Sit, Stay, Love" - Instagram

Net, It’s a Wonderful Movie: Anything else you'd like to share?

Andrea Brooks: I've also been writing a lot and have started pitching some of my own family friendly projects. In the meantime, be sure to check out reruns of "Fishing for Love," as well as "The Wedding Fix" on UPtv on March 20th!

image: “The Wedding Fix” UPtv

image: “The Wedding Fix” UPtv

Thank you so much, Andrea, for taking the time to share your filming experience with us! It is always interesting to learn extra behind-the-scenes details, and it was fun to hear your enjoyment in the creation of this new rom-com! The outdoor setting is certainly beautiful throughout the film; it is truly a breath of fresh air! And the love story that develops gradually throughout the movie is such a sweet one! Thank you for this lovely, family-friendly movie!

I also want to say a special thank you to all my followers here for reading this interview. I've included a trailer for “The Wedding Fix” below. I hope you will enjoy the premiere of this lighthearted movie this weekend. Like sunshine peeking through the clouds, “The Wedding Fix” will leave you with a smile on your face and brighten your day!

Be sure to catch the premiere of

“The Wedding Fix”

Sunday, March 20, 2022

at 7pm/6c. on UPtv!

UPtv MARCH 2022 TV Movie Premieres 💮 SEE HERE:

UPtv will be airing NEW romantic comedy premieres in March, all with a wedding theme. Look for these movie titles: A Bridesmaid in Love, A Honeymoon to Remember and The Wedding Fix.

See details on the new March movie premieres below...

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A Bridesmaid in Love

Original Air Date: March 6, 2022

Starring: Tori Anderson and Sean Poague

Story-line via UPtv: Recently single professional bridesmaid and writer Cate James is excited to help her best friend Maxine with her wedding day and is happily surprised to bump into Maxine’s handsome brother Matt, who’s in town for his sister’s wedding. Just as the perfect pair get close, old flames come back into the picture confusing Cate even more – will Cate follow her heart?

Movie Review:

💮 "A Bridesmaid in Love is very sweet!" -Maria

💮 "A Bridesmaid in Love was such a good movie! I love the stories when friends from high school never admit they like the other, but then realize it years later. It was sweet to see Cate and Matt have this attraction, but neither knew how to take the next step. It did give me a little vibe of 27 Dresses, but this was way more wholesome and family-friendly. This movie is a keeper for me! ~Net

💮 "A Bridesmaid In Love This is a case of a movie being so much better the second time around. I thoroughly enjoyed Tori Anderson in You May Kiss The Bridesmaid and in some ways this was quite a similar plot on a "wedding planner" theme, so maybe originally we just watched it too soon after the first movie. On seeing it again at the weekend I have to admit I thought it was pretty good. Catey who had just broken up with her boyfriend got roped in with Matt - a childhood friend she'd had a crush on, to help organise his sister's wedding. There were all the usual plot devices including Cate's boyfriend repenting the break-up and making a play to win her back with a proposal which Matt witnesses but misses the ending and thinks he's lost his second chance. I thought Tori Anderson and Sean Pogue went well together and it was nice to see the pair gradually realise that the attrraction had been there all along from their childhood days. We'll watch this again at some stage." - Florence's rating 7.

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A Honeymoon to Remember

Original Air Date: March 13, 2022

Starring: Rebecca Dalton, Edward Ruttle, Brendan Taylor, Ryan Cowier

Story-line via UPtv: When a devastated Ava’s fiancé leaves her at the altar, she’s determined to enjoy her honeymoon without him. Time away in a beautiful setting helps her figure out what she truly wants from a partner, but when her fiancé shows up unannounced, she’s more confused than ever… Can Ava forgive the man who broke her heart?

Movie Review:

💮 "Finally got around to A Honeymoon to Remember, it's pretty good!" -Maria
💮 "A Honeymoon to Remember is family-friendly, an okay watch. The lead girl and bride-to-be, Ava, is a bit stuck on herself, a complete control freak. She has her whole life practically mapped out, which makes the groom-to-be freak out and call off the wedding. Overall, family-friendly, but some people do wear swim apparel around the pool. ~Net

💮 "A Honeymoon To Remember With reviews you get those who have a down on the lead actors and and those who support them, friends etc. These usually cancel out so I was intrigued on seeing the reviews for this movie on IMDb when the vast majority totally panned it. Well, I make my own mind up but in this case I can report this movie isn't so bad it's good, it's quite simply awful. Ava (Rebecca Dalton) gets dumped by her fiance at the altar and decides to go on the honeymoon booking with her sister It turns out she is a total control freak, everything planned to the last minute, the future laid out in detail including what children she will have and their names (yes really!) She's childish, self-obsessed and manipulative although I would concede that she is not actually malicious nor abusive. Seriously, she needs professional help. While on this "honeymoon" she meets one of the resort workers but then her ex-fiancé, Brett (Edward Ruttle) has a change of heart and comes racing after her to try and put things right - the mind boggles. So we have the rivalry between the two suitors, hard to understand because both should be running as hard as they could in the opposite direction. Ava never changes her character at all, she makes Brett grovel and apologise, never a hint that there is any blame attached to her at all and no whiff of an apology. At the start the sister did roll her eyes but then she totally backed Ava. I don't understand how the producers ever thought there was merit to this movie - the leads were obviously playing a part for I have seen Rebecca Dalton and Edward Ruttle in other roles and they're fine actors. This was a train-wreck but there was one little ray of sunshine. The widowed sister Bonnie met up with a widower John - he was just an overweight, ordinary guy but their low-key, normal romance did bring a little relief into the overall proceedings. I'm actually rating it a 3 - a couple of points for Bonnie and John. A Honeymoon To Remember? - this is one movie you will totally want to forget" - Florence

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The Wedding Fix

Original Air Date: March 20, 2022

Starring: Andrea Brooks, Beverley Elliott, Patch May

Story-line via UPtv: Reeling from a break-up, professional over-planner Gwen pitches in to help put the finishing touches on her best friend’s wedding. But when she’s teamed up with best man Josh, a free-spirited nature guide, she finds that pulling together this wedding might not be as easy as she thought.

Movie Review:

🌞 "The Wedding Fix is lighthearted, family friendly and refreshing, like sunshine on a cloudy day! I enjoyed the chemistry between the leads, Gwen (Andrea Brooks, “When Calls the Heart”) and Josh (Patch May, “Gingerbread Miracle”). As the maid of honor, Gwen (an over-planner), is tasked to work with Josh, the best man (surprise, he’s a free spirit!), to save her best friend’s wedding. Of course, opposites attract! The mix of their opposite personalities plays well on screen; there seems to be an instant spark between the two, even when she mistakes him in the beginning for someone else. Besides all the wedding planning, there’s star-gazing, fishing, and maybe, even some rock climbing, if Josh can talk Gwen into giving it a try! Overall, it’s a delightful, feel good movie. The wedding issue at the end was a bit anticlimactic, but thankfully, Gwen was there to fix it!!! My suggestion… fix yourself a comfy spot for The Wedding Fix, relax and enjoy this sweet UPtv romantic comedy!" ~Net

🌞 "Net, your review on The Wedding Fix was spot on. I really enjoyed this movie. Andrea Brooks is the perfect choice to play the lead. Andrea seems to be more relaxed, plus the flow was so natural. An enjoyable couple of hours for me!" ~kitkat

🌞 "The Wedding Fix was very lovely! 100% recommend." -Maria

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UPtv is airing an encore movie presentation of the movie, Overcomer, on this Sunday night...

Overcomer

Original Air Date on UPtv: October 15, 2021

Special Encore Air Date on UPtv: March 27, 2022

Starring: Alex Kendrick, Priscilla C. Shirer, Cameron Arnett, Shari Rigby

Story-line via UPtv: A high-school basketball coach volunteers to coach a troubled teen in long-distance running.

Movie Reviews:

🌞 "Even though I don’t get UP Network, I am happy to see another Kendrick Christian movie airing on TV. The storyline, and more importantly, the message of “Overcomer” are absolutely wonderful." ~Anonymous

🌞 "Overcomer was in theaters. It’s a really good movie. Have Kleenex handy. Family friendly." ~Mary

🌞 "I have a copy of the DVD "Overcomer"This is a very uplifting sports story about Faith. How the troubled teen overcomes adversity. Family Friendly." ~Jersey Joe

🌞 "Overcomer is a FANTASTIC movie! I would highly recommend it to everyone. (Having said that, it is a Christian movie so that might bother some people...but probably not many that come to your website.)" ~Karen

🌞 "Another vote for Overcomer!" ~Meara

🌞 "I too loved the movie Overcomer but would just add that it does have some weightier themes with the father (drug use and abandoning his child). Still an excellent movie but I would not say "family friendly" for younger audiences." ~Anonymous

🌞 "I totally concur regarding the weightier themes and what was noted about the “family friendly” status. I wrote one of the comments but forgot to mention that important item so thank you." ~Anonymous

🌞 "I loved Overcomer. Great movie how God turned a man's life completely around. Went and saw the new version of Courageous. It was everything I hoped the first one would be. Highly recommend it." ~Anonymous

🌞 "Wow! I love this movie! Overcomer is fantastic! I didn't think a movie about cross country would appeal to me, but it was way more than that. Overcomer is a wonderful instrument in telling each of us who we are - we are a child of God, loved, and chosen! There were wonderful heartfelt moments in the movie that moved me to tears and great comedy, too! I love the coach's tight-knit family. Overcomer is a winner for me, a wonderful, inspirational film!" ~Net

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My Take on the New Movies...

As I was looking through all the intriguing new movies coming to UPtv in March above, each one was giving me vibes from previous films I've seen. See if you get the same feeling...

First, "A Bridesmaid in Love," starring Tori Anderson (who many of us love in Hallmark's "Return to Christmas Creek"), is giving me the feel of Katherine Heigl in "27 Dresses," especially with all the pictures in colorful bridesmaid dresses above. (Please note: "27 Dresses" is PG-13 due to language and adult dialogue/situations.)

The plot details UP gives us for "A Bridesmaid in Love" says that Tori's character is a professional bridesmaid, who is helping to plan her best friend's wedding; in "27 Dresses" Katherine's character is also a professional bridesmaid/maid of honor, who is helping to plan her sister's big day. Hopefully, "Bridesmaid in Love" will be a fun, family-friendly version!

The second movie, "A Honeymoon to Remember," makes me think of two previous movies I've seen, where a jilted bride enjoys her honeymoon without the groom. It reminded me first of an old Van Johnson and Esther Williams classic movie, "Thrill of a Romance," that I've watched on TCM. In this movie, the bride (Esther Williams) is abandoned before her honeymoon and she meets the handsome, Van Johnson.

Another movie that has a similar storyline is the Lifetime movie, "Honeymoon with Mom," starring Virginia Williams and Shelley Long. It is a rather cute film, and mostly family-friendly, but probably best for ages 13+ ...due to some minor adult dialogue/situations. Virginia's character is left at the altar and she reluctantly decides to enjoy her expensive beach honeymoon with her mom (Shelley Long), who brings lots of delightful comedy to the movie. Hopefully, this UPtv movie, "A Honeymoon to Remember," will be just as cute!




In the third movie, "The Wedding Fix," starring Andrea Brooks ("When Calls the Heart"), professional over-planner Gwen is tasked with her best friend’s wedding, along with the free-spirited best man, Josh. This made me think instantly of 3 Hallmark movies where the more serious, ultra-organized leading woman is paired with a laid-back leading man to help plan a wedding: "Perfect Match" (Danica McKellar and Paul Greene), "My Favorite Wedding" (Maggie Lawson and again, Paul Greene), and "Destination Wedding" (Alexa PenaVega and Jeremy Guilbaut). Interestingly enough, Andrea Brooks portrays the role of the bride in "Destination Wedding." Does this story or any of the others, make you think of other movies?

Please note: If you'd like to post a review on whether a film is family-friendly, please share in comments.

Which one of these new movies looks interesting to you? Be sure to share your pick (or picks) in comments below...

Happy movie watching! Net