david-thor Reviews

A Royal Christmas Holiday (2023 TV Movie)

Best Christmas movie I've seen in 2023

[25 December 2023]

Fred Olen Ray, who knows a successful Christmas formula and sticks with it, wrote and produced his best, of the ones I've seen. With low budget movies, the casting, setting and writing are especially important, and the two leads (who also worked together in 2022 for "Prince and Pauper Christmas") have wonderful chemistry. It was nice to see my hometown East Aurora on display again, and it was a treat to see Dennis DiPaolo play the role of the server Dennis in his family's own restaurant in Buffalo, but at about the halfway mark, I forgot about the local aspects of the movie and began to root for the two leads to fall in love (which was virtually assured), and it was the way in which the relationship developed that made it so easy to watch without taking a break. I also noticed that Don The Shopkeeper (filmed at Vidler's 5 & 10 in East Aurora) has been in previous Ray movies. I hope that the movie company decides to come back to East Aurora for another movie - Christmas or any time. A very pleasant movie to watch and I hope its short run on the Great American Family network continues on a more accessible platform, such as Netflix or Amazon Prime.

Green Acres: The Ex-Secretary (1971) Season 6, Episode 26

Not as bad as the previous non-Green Acres in Hawaii

[26 April 2023]

The worst Green Acres episode, by far, was 'Hawaiian Honeymoon' aired the previous week, and like this episode, it was meant to be a pilot, Richard L. Bare had wisely not directed them, Jay Sommers got roped into writing them, and there was no supporting cast in either. Clearly, the production team knew they had been axed. I've thought about this episode for a long time as to how bad it really was, but it did co-star Elaine Joyce, who went on to have a great Broadway career and was sparkling in this episode, along with other veteran supporting actors. If this was a pilot, there just wasn't enough there to develop a series from it; at least Star Trek's inserted pilot, 'Assignment:Earth' had strong ties to the existing Star Trek original series.

Green Acres: Hawaiian Honeymoon (1971) Season 6, Episode 25

Two stars, one for Eddie and one for Eva

[25 April 2023]

A terrible episode; the supporting cast was gone and Richard L. Bare, one of the best directors in television history, wisely had no part in this. Jay Sommers must have already known about the "rural purge" that CBS was about to execute. Not funny, entirely forgettable, and perhaps there were some sort of contractual issues that forced this, and the next, episode to be created out of nothing. These two final episodes are a sad way to end a classic satire of rural life. There is one scene with a couple, the woman in yellow and the man in white, where you actually see the man mouthing the woman's script. Two stars for the two stars, zero otherwise.

On a Wing and a Prayer (2023)

A surprisingly well-done story with veteran leads

[23 April 2023]

One of the best films I've seen this year, although it takes 10-15 minutes to set the background. If you like a suspenseful story with just a touch of Christianity thrown in - definitely not a lecture - than this is a movie you might very well enjoy, otherwise this might not be for you. I've seen Dennis Quaid and Heather Graham in movies quite different from this, and I'm glad they signed on, because they, and their on-screen family, have believable chemistry. The supporting cast is equally fine and help the viewer to understand what it can take to bring people together to solve a crisis; I hope Amazon can sponsor more such stories. Well done.

Love in Glacier National: A National Park Romance (2023 TV Movie)

A pleasant drama/comedy/romance.

[15 March 2023]

I visited Juneau AK in 1988 and was up in the snowpack along the Perseverance Trail, mostly in the rain, and I was advised about avalanches in the area from time to time, and being a little too old to repeat that feat, the scenery was the main star of this movie - it was beautifully filmed in British Columbia, not Montana, but that was just fine with me.

Both the screenplay and direction were in the top tier of Hallmark movies from the last few years; Ashley Newbrough as Heather and Stephen Huszar as Chris had believable chemistry - first professional, then awkwardly romantic, then the "Hallmark Breakup", then reconciliation.

The cast seemed to really enjoy working on this, although it was really more of a drama than romance or comedy. Sure, as others have observed, there were times when the acting was a little stiff and signs of a low budget abounded, but I had no problem putting such issues aside, and the remembrance at the close of the movie perfectly fit the serious spirit of this story. Hallmark can really tell some wonderful stories at times, and this one bears repeated watching. I would love to see Hallmark put the whole company behind this effort into more movies, or even a series.

Star Trek: Assignment: Earth (1968) Season 2, Episode 26

A unique episode of The Original Series

[31 January 2023]

All those decades ago when it first appeared, I still recall how much I loved it, especially for the stock footage of the Saturn V, but I was too young to know it was a pilot for a series that was not to be; it was just so upbeat, different and - as Spock would say - fascinating, that I find myself revisiting it more than any episode of the original series. I love reading the other comments here that show I wasn't alone! Perhaps in a galaxy far, far away, there may be a show or movie in the Star Trek universe that could incorporate Mr. Seven and Ms. Lincoln, although Robert Lansing has passed and Teri Garr retired from acting some years ago.

Night Court (2023– )

Not ready for prime time

[30 January 2023]

What a dud. They should have made John Larroquette the judge; I keep thinking that the rest of The Big Bang Theory cast will go bad and end up in court. For one, Rauch - cute and potentially a lot funnier if only she had better material - looks like a friendly dwarf compared with the towering Larroquette, and the supporting cast doesn't have a bunch of standout goofballs like the original. The show's just getting started and may turn out just fine if the writing improves and the cast gels, but as of right now, it's a hollow shell of its predecessor. A few comments have mentioned how annoying the laugh track is, but I don't see how the show can function without it until it actually becomes worth laughing at. One of my favorite shows from the 60's, 'Green Acres', was pretty straight-laced until it morphed into a brilliant satire of rural life; here's hoping that this reboot has the same future.

The Most Colorful Time of the Year (2022 TV Movie)

Absurd premise, but it doesn't take itself too seriously

[16 December 2022]

Somehow we're expected to believe that a man can get through learning a PhD and becoming a science teacher, yet is suddenly discovered to be colorblind by a woman who, of course, has all the perfect qualifications to fall in love with him. Of all the 2022 Hallmark movies thus far, I like this one the best because it isn't trying to push some sort of woke agenda, although I realize others would disagree. It's a traditional Hallmark formula with a bit of a medical twist that's a pleasant diversion for a couple of hours, and that's all I was looking for. Hopefully Hallmark will still be capable and encouraged to make such simple little stories that don't require much thought and don't exist primarily to make statements that are shoehorned, sometimes awkwardly.

A Holiday Spectacular (2022 TV Movie)

Upbeat cast with minor goofs, woke inclusions and flaws in the script

[28 November 2022]

Overall, a very satisfying story marred only slightly by goofs and additions that seem to be necessary in 2022 Hallmark films: it shows a decidedly plus-sized dancer towards the end, when there were no such dancers in actuality in the 1950's Rockettes, and not shown in the brief shots of them dancing in the movie. A goof was showing the modern logo of NBC NEWS towards the end, that wasn't edited out. The young woman Maggie told her fellow dancer about happy she was to learn how love can make her feel, literally lifted almost verbatim from the Hallmark movie "The Christmas Card". The story got a little too preachy on the "be your authentic self" mantra floating around today. As annoying as these unnecessary issues were, they could be overlooked as deliberate decisions by the writers and director - the cast was very upbeat and I could watch the movie again.

Disenchanted (2022)

No spoilers needed; the negative reviews say it all

[21 November 2022]

I could watch Enchanted any time I want to feel better about the basic goodness of people - and that is what is missing in Disenchated. Apart from James Marsden's dimwitted return as the Prince, and finally letting Menzel sing (albeit a forgettable song amidst a sea of forgettable songs), there's nothing to recommend here. It's a sequel that shouldn't have been made, or at least not by a group of writers, which appears to be the case here. Same cast as Enchanted, Amy Adams actually looks even nicer this time around, but what a godawful story they're stuck with - it's just a mish-mosh of set pieces, each trying to set up the next piece, and failing. As was the case with Hocus Pocus 2, Disney has lost its way.

A Royal Christmas on Ice (2022 TV Movie)

A familiar story with a cast that matters

[6 November 2022]

It was nice to hear about, and finally watch, what Fred Olen Ray was filming in our village (East Aurora, NY). Sticking to a tried-and-true formula of "Prince Comes to America and Falls In Love", including bits of area footage of his earlier film "A Price For Christmas", Ray and his team put together a good cast and a comfortable story, with characters worth caring about, on a fledgling network that appears to be accumulating Hallmark talent and movies, which is just fine with me - it's nice to find movies that are worth watching more than once. As far as Hallmark is concerned, they seem to be going into more contemporary stories, whereas the Great American Family channel seems to be more interested in traditional programming; both have their place.

Two Tickets to Paradise (2022 TV Movie)

Too much baggage...or none?

[25 September 2022]

A pleasant, if unoriginal, movie, lots of good reviews here, but she can barely get her luggage in the limo, yet I never saw it being taken to her room. Small detail, but considering she changed outfits every few minutes, where did they come from? Not much chemistry between the leads...oh, how I wish she would have realized she didn't have her luggage with her! All in all, I did spend a lot of time not watching the TV. Ashley did restrain her signature ear-to-ear smile, which is good because I've seen her flash that in situations that seemed ill-advised; her Halloween-themed movie being a good example, although I've watched that one several times. This is a pleasant once-and-done for me.

Long Shot (2019)

An unexpected good time at the movies

[9 July 2022]

Like others, I dismissed this as just a grain in the beach of crummy movies, but something about the absurdity of the story and the strange mix of leads led me to giving it a try, and I loved it, surprisingly. Those who know Seth Rogan playing raunchy, funny potheads and Charlize Theron playing strong, independent women with a sometimes-hidden good heart, can rest assured that's who they are in 'Long Shot', and it works - they work well together. I'd watch it again and recommend it for those having doubts.

Heart of the Matter (2022 TV Movie)

Serious, superb adult drama about grappling with one's seemingly insurmountable lapses in judgement

[28 May 2022]

Like others, I'd watch any story with Aimee Teagarden ever since I first saw her in "Once Upon A Christmas Miracle", and she'd done some work that would never air on Hallmark, yet this movie was quite different from what I expected from the previews. This was almost pure drama, and the romance was incidental to the story. The overriding message is how one can be one's own worst critic, and potentially forfeiting a promising future over tragic lapses in judgements, and yet one can rise above that by being open and honest with those who care, and even with those who have every right to hate them, if only they are brave enough to rise to the challenge. At the time of this writing, Hallmark is barely airing this story at all, and that seems like such a bad idea.

A Kiss Before Christmas (2021 TV Movie)

James Denton sees his family life from a different perspective

[24 November 2021]

In recent years, Hallmark has curtailed the frequency of their Hall of Fame movies. 'A Kiss Before Christmas', although not billed as such, is in the same vein: digging a little deeper into the subject matter, taking a more serious, mature, thoughtful approach. In 'Christmas Carol' fashion, it's James Denton's turn to see what his life might be like in an alternate timeline. He and Teri Hatcher play their roles in a way that one might expect, since they've known each other professionally for years. Although I wish the story had been shortened about 30 minutes, if a successful Hallmark movie is one that makes one feel better for having watched, then I see this as a success - perhaps you will, too.

My Christmas Family Tree (2021 TV Movie)

A fascinating exploration of family.

[15 November 2021]

For someone so young, Aimee Teegarden has a lot of experience in television and film, so it didn't surprise me to see her succeed in this installment for Hallmark. She seems to specialize in characters that are placed in very unlikely situations that require a lot of emotions in need of reconciliation. The trailers pretty much give away the story, but it's an enjoyable ride, nevertheless, and one worth watching more than once. I think a successful Hallmark movie is one with characters worth caring about, and which makes the viewer feel better for having watched; everyone has an opinion that matters to them, but for me, this is a winner.

Christmas in Montana (2019 TV Movie)

A relaxing change from reality for a little while

[3 November 2021]

I don't think I'll ever see Kellie Martin overact in any movie - quite the contrary! Nevertheless, I couldn't finish this on my first watch, it seemed so boring. I'm glad I gave it a second, now third, watch; with pleasant chemistry amongst the cast, it moves at a relaxed pace that is lacking in so much of life today, and it accomplishes for me what I hope any Hallmark movie could do for the viewer: to make them feel better than they did before watching it.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

A great superhero movie remembers the little things.

[27 December 2020]

Like Sam Raimi's 'Spiderman 2", that I found myself thinking about more than once while watching 'WW84', it is superior than its predecessor in the ways that make it more meaningful and rewatchable: more intimate, slowing down to show that even superheroes have human feelings, relying less on explosions, and thankfully no Nazi's this time around. If Raimi had written and directed 'WW84', it might have had many of the same qualities presented here, but I think Patty Jenkins

• and Gal Gadot - have truly made this version of Wonder Woman their own. Still, both movies are worth a watch or two or three, to see what makes a great superhero movie for people who wouldn't otherwise watch a superhero movie.

Trauma Center (2019)

Ed Wood would have hated this movie.

[3 October 2020]

Joel and the Bots on Mystery Science Theater 3000 would have had a blast riffing on this movie, it's so bad it's an unintentionally funny movie. I can't disagree with those who are begging people not to see it, yet it's worth a rental just to see that Ed Wood-quality movies are still being made.

Follow Me to Daisy Hills (2020 TV Movie)

Follow me to one of Cindy Busby's earlier movies

[22 September 2020]

I don't know why Hallmark is casting her in such dreary roles that move at a pace that, if these were normal people doing normal things, could have been over in 45 minutes. Also, the practically non-stop, loud music couldn't hide the fact that almost nothing happened from start to finish. Look for her in any movie before 2020; soap operas move twice as fast as these stories they've saddled her with; I hope they start giving her better stories to help tell, she certainly was wasted in this downer.

The Twilight Zone: I Am the Night - Color Me Black (1964) Season 5, Episode 26

Just as powerful in 2020 as it was in 1964.

[21 August 2020]

No spoilers; if you haven't taken the time to view this statement on hatred, please do; it's just as relevant now as it was centuries before Rod Serling wrote this, and it will likely, unfortunately, be just as true centuries from now if we manage to somehow not destroy ourselves before then.

Romance in the Air (2020 TV Movie)

Cindy Busby's usually perky, but this movie is a turkey.

[3 August 2020]

I always said I'd never rate a Hallmark movie below a 5 because they're family-friendly, but this should have premiered at Thanksgiving because it's a turkey. Cindy Busby spends most of her time pretending to care about a cast of near-cardboard cutouts and a stupefying soundtrack, which is a shame because she's carried movies before and during her time at Hallmark. If the movie was trimmed to about thirty minutes, it might have moved at a more realistic pace and the writers might have been inspired enough to give their actors something to do.

Check Inn to Christmas (2019 TV Movie)

Weak Rachel Boston movie

[30 July 2020]

Pretty weak for a Rachel Boston movie, but rarely do I rate any Hallmark movie less than 5. The story line was so thin, the whole cast, but especially the two leads, seemed to be more consumed with explaining the movie and pushing it ahead, rather than actually talking like real people do. Not much in the way of chemistry among anyone; look for just about any other movie she or he have been in and it's a good bet it will be better than this.

Picture a Perfect Christmas (2019 TV Movie)

It's barely a Christmas movie, and barely watchable.

[11 July 2020]

Weak story, poor direction and casting. Merritt Patterson has been fine in other movies, that's not the problem. There was no chemistry between her and the male lead, making every scene with them seem so forced and scripted, and the pacing makes soap operas seem mighty brisk by comparison; this would have made a good one-hour movie. So many scenes seemed to be speak-move on cue-react and it was rather distracting once it became so obvious. I can't give a Hallmark movie less than 5, and this is a 5.

Frozen II (2019)

Skip to the closing credits to hear the music that Robert and Kristin Anderson Lopez are capable of

[29 February 2020]

This was a movie written by committee; I loved the first one, a complete and understandable story. This was a hodge-podge mess with such forgettable songs. The Lopez team has written so much beautiful music, but like other composers, they need to understand what they're writing for. Skip to the closing credits and enjoy their music unencumbered by the confusing sketches that preceded it.