rkaden-28150 Reviews

Christmas on Cherry Lane (2023)

Another Christmas Winner!

[8/10 · 23 December 2023]

I really enjoyed seeing Catherine Bell and James Denton back together again after watching them for years in The Good Witch. Jonathan Bennett is one of my favorite Hallmark actors as well and never dissapoints. Once I realized this story line was about residents of the same house, it was fun putting together the clues to see how they all would be tied together. As one reviewer said, it brought back memories of "This Is Us". I thought all the actors had great chemistry, especially Bennett and his partner. I had to give only 8 stars because I felt one again Hallmark avoided reality by having the entire kitchen rebuild completed in less than a day! Counter top installation, cabinets, etc. All done in time for a holiday party. At least they had Jonothans character cook it elsewhere!! But... another wonderful Holiday movie.

Round and Round (2023 TV Movie)

Nice Twist from Hallmark

[9/10 · 23 December 2023]

Every season Hallmark writers find a way to avoid the standard holiday story popular with most of the movies shown this time of the year. This was an outstanding story with an exceptional cast. The lead actors were very good and had great chemistry. I also enjoyed seeing Rick Hoffman as the doting father, a part very distant from Louis Litt on Suits (in which he was great!). The grandmother was the rope that tied the story together. It kept us guessing as to how it would end and we were not dissapointed. Vic Michaelis was wonderful and it was nice to see a lead actress look "normal" instead of just out of Vogue Magazine! Our only issue was some of her lines were delivered so rapidly they were hard to undertand...but, I don't want to criticize her performance. This was a very enjoyable movie. Thanks Hallmark.

My Norwegian Holiday (2023 TV Movie)

Another Change for Hallmark

[9/10 · 11 December 2023]

Hallmark seems to making an effort to get away from their standard holiday story line as well as the locations of their movies. This one does not dissapoint. The story was refreshing and all the actor, especially the actual Norwegan actors, were excellent. I really like the femail and male leads who had a great chemistry.

I enjoyed how their relationsihip was developed and the surprising twist regarding the female lead was a great idea. The location and scenery was beautiful. It's always nice when Hallmark uses the real locations instead of having Vancouver or some other Canadian city pretending to be somewhere else.

Checkin' It Twice (2023)

Good Start Hallmark!

[8/10 · 22 October 2023]

I remember feeling like last seasons Hallmark Christmas movie lineup was so much better than previous years. Not as many predictable story lines as in the past. More stories were actually very interesting. After watching this movie, it's my opinion they've kept up the new tradition of crafting a story with actual believable events and endings. Both leads were very good and it's obvious that Keven McGarry can actually ice skate (as I imagine lots of Canadians can). I didn't give this a 10 rating since I felt, as with lots of TV movies and especially Hallmark, the actual sporting event scenes are played out in almost slow motion so us viewers can feel te drama and not miss what's happening. That being said, this movie is well worth watching. I'm looking forward to the next countdown movie!

Ride (2023)

Not Interested!

[3/10 · 21 April 2023]

The previews for the show looked promising, unfortunately, they were the best part of this show. It tries to be Heartland and Yellowstone at the same time and is niether. Too much drama way too fast in the first episode. I remember Hallmark's short lived "When Hope Calls" had a ranch family as a back story with basically the same issues. That family was actually interesting. This was a moder update and I don't think it works. Another widower with a huge ranch under forclosure. Seems like that's been done before.

They've tried to put to many story lines into one show. I'm a big fan of Hallmark series, but won't watch this one. It's too bad because I liked the cast.

Reggie (2023)

Where's the Celebration?

[7/10 · 1 April 2023]

Being a lifelong Yankee fan I looked forward to this documentary. Reggie gave us fans one of the greatest memories in Yankee histroy with his 3 HR game in the WS. All great stuff. However, like some reviewers stated, where's the joy in Reggie? Winnig 5 world championships and MVP awards had to bring some pleaure. Where also is the interviews with any of the Yankees on those late 70 teams? It would have been nice to hear from a few of them, good or bad. Not that I doubt for one second the hardships endured by Black Americans at the time. Tragic as that is, Reggie seems to have enjoyed a successful career and a good life, evident by his house and collection of expensive cars. He seems like he's still angry and was dealt the short straw. Not sure if that's the case. He obviously worked hard to accomplish what he did and deserved the accolades and recognition but.....he was outspoken and did, at least appear, to alianate some of his Yankee teamates. Where was a segment on the emotions shared by the Yankees and Reggie following Munson's death? I was at the game the day after. It was a sad, sad, place to be.

It was great seeing the enduring friendships he has with his Oakland A teamates but, the only Yankee in the video was Derek Jeter who was not part of the "Bronx Zoo".

That being said...thanks Reggie for providing lasting memories to all Yankee fans.

The Gift of Peace (2022 TV Movie)

Deserves a Perfect Score!

[10/10 · 14 December 2022]

This is the first time I've ever felt a Hallmark film deserved a 10 rating! Having lost our spouses 20 years ago and meeting at a bereavment group, both myself and my wife had tears in our eyes throughout this film. The story was so familiar to both of us. Trying to overcome the loss of someone you thought you'd spend the rest of your life with was devestating. Going to the meetings with others we could identify with was very helpful since neither family or close friends could. We both were leary at first to open up at the meetings, just as Nikki's character was. Then when she was in a situation with Brendan's character where they were actually having fun, she had these guilt feelings. My wife and I could identify with these exact feelings.

Finally, in the end they both realize, as our priest told us, life is for the living. This movie hit every nerve in our bodies and made us remember all those feelings we had of never being able to move on, Yet somehow, we found each other and have enjoyed a wonderful life together. This was the best Hallmark film.

The Holiday Sitter (2022 TV Movie)

A Wonderful, Fun Movie!

[8/10 · 14 December 2022]

It's hard to believe it's taken Hallmark this long to make a Christmas themed movie where the main characters, attracted to each other, are the same sex. But, good for Hallmark! We love Jonathan Bennett. This was a very funny movie and like most other Hallmark holiday movies, a bit over the top but, that's what we want when we tune in to Hallmark. Especially their holiday films.

This movie was as predictable as most others but, the fact it revolved around a gay couple, was a welcome change to reality. Love happens, even between same sex couples! Honestly, we enjoyed the premise and comical events in this so much, the fact it focused on two men was forgotten. It was another entertaining holiday romcom from Hallmark. We feel Halmark has outdone itself this season with a number of good holiday movies.

Undercover Holiday (2022 TV Movie)

Nice Holiday Story

[6/10 · 8 December 2022]

This may not have been the best Hallmark holiday movie or the most believable story plot but, as I expect on Hallmark, it was an enjoyable, watchable movie. Very typical of Hallmark Christmas movies, a nice escape from reality! I give credit to Hallmark for giving viewers diverse views of some other ethnic holiday traditions other than good, ole' down home America! This involved a Mexican-American family. A recent movie infolved a Chinese-American family.

I think with the defection of many long time Hallmark stars to GAC, it's refreshing to see some new faces, as it was with the femail lead, Noemi Gonzalez, in this movie. I thought she did a wonderful job. I always enjoy Stephan Huszar. Some viewers may see them as an unlikely pairing, but, as with life, you never know!

I do have to comment on one reviewer who decided Hallmark should not have "fat girls" as a lead in their movies. Noemi isfar from fat and is beautiful. She also looks normal to me and the her character had many wonderful things going for her including her beautiful good looks!

A Holiday Spectacular (2022 TV Movie)

A Real Holiday Treat!

[9/10 · 5 December 2022]

Hallmark hit the mark again with this holiday movie. A much different story line than the usual Hallmark plot. Focusing on the Rockettes really was a nice change while still developing the relationship between the two lead actors. Both Ginna and Derek were excellent in the movie as were the supporting actors. It was great to see Ann-Margaret, who one could actually believe, was a Rockette! She really looks great. Adding in Eve Plumb from the Brady Bunch was another nice touch. Carolyn McCormick as Maggie's mother was wonderful as well.

Personally, I remember as a child in the '50's seeing the Christmas Spectacular and the Rockettes at Radio City. I know some reviewers pointed out some historical inaccuracies, which you can do in most Hallmark movies that take place in the path, but that didn't detract from this wonderful movie. Hallmark has had some winners this season. Three Wise Men and a Baby, Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas and Ghosts of Christmas Always come to mind. I'll add this movie to my list!

Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

The Best So Far!

[10/10 · 3 December 2022]

This was the best Hallmark movie we have seen this season and may be one of the best ever. It seems everything Tyler Hines is in can be put in the better category and this movies was no exception. Steve Bacic is another Hallmark star we've missed. It was good to see him as a good guy again after a turn on When Calls the Heart and Virgin River as a nasty character! The stars had great chemistry and the story was exceptional with a totally unexpected twist ending.

I believe this is the first 10 rating I've ever givin a Hallmark movie. I wonder if there are two sets of writers. One for the familiar plot lines on Hallmark and another for the movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries? The HM&M movies seem to never dissapoint and generally have more realistic story lines.

I do believe this holiday season Hallmark has done some of the better movies than in the past, this one being tops!

Haul Out the Holly (2022 TV Movie)

HOA's Rule!

[7/10 · 2 December 2022]

This movie was so rediculous and over the top, it was actually funny. All the characters over acted their parts, except for Lacey, and were very convincing as members of a neighborhood HOA. Having lived with HOA's for almost 30 years and been a president for 12, I can identify with trying to get residents to obey the rules. Although, getting a violation for not having enough Christmas decorations up was a bit extreme. Wes Brown pulled of his part of being the enforcer but not wanting to really offend anyone.

The one troubling part of this film occurred right at the beginnng when the parents were about to leave their 7 year old home alone on Christmas morning to put on the annual Christmas carnival or parade, I forget which.

All and all, as I said, I thougt this was a funny movie although not one of Hallmark's best.

Ghosts of Christmas Always (2022 TV Movie)

Hallmarks Best!

[9/10 · 3 November 2022]

It's become a yearly tradition to try and watch as many Hallmark holiday movies as we can. For the most part, 30 minutes into each, we can figure out how they'll end but continue to watch because Hallmark gives us that escape from reality and a good feeling. This movie hower, was so very different and had a great twist at the end. It had just about everything you could want in a great rom-com, comedy, romance, heartache, tragedy and a great finale!

The actors were great each with their own little quirks to pull off this fantasy of a story. We may have given this a 10 star rating but, when the movies was over we both had to think and talk about the ending and say, oh yes....that must be what happened. This was the best Hallmark holiday movie we've seen in memory. Highly recommend it. This is one we'd watch again to pick up on things we might have missed or just to enjoy it again.

Love Hard (2021)

Very Entertaining!

[8/10 · 16 October 2022]

We really enjoyed this film. It was recommended to me on Netflix and it did not dissapoint. I hadn't heard of it, but when we saw the plot line decided to watch. Very funny and enjoyable. It really made us laugh! The odd pairing of the leads worked well together and the other cast members were excellent, a few playing over the top characters! It all worked well and although probably a predictable plot, we couldn't help but feel for the two leads.

As with almost all other holiday films, I always wonder why it is the outside lights on these homes are always on and not one is out!

I could see this characters in a sequel.

The Knight Before Christmas (2019)

Holiday Fantasy Fun!

[8/10 · 16 October 2022]

I thought the leads were great together. I've become a big fan of Vanessa Hudgens. If you want an enjoyable, holiday, not to serious movie, this one if for you. It's a feel good story with a typical hard to believe, hard to explain plot but, the chemistry and all the characters make it work. When watching movies I often check their info on this database for the goofs and this has a few. Only one both myself and my wife noticed while watching. Other than that, we really enjoyed everything about the film. We only wish, when watching movies like this as well as on Hallmark, we could decorate every corner of every room at Christmas as perfect as in the movies!

This deserves a sequel for sure.

The Princess Switch (2018)

Enjoyable Rom-Com Trilogy

[8/10 · 18 September 2022]

We watched this trilogy for a break from the usual R rated movies and were not disapponted. The story is far fetched and the acting sometimes a bit over the top but......the movies were fun, entertaining and we laughed often.

Vanessa Hudgens was excellent and convincing as all three characters. We were also a big fan of the tv show "Nashville" and it was great to see the multi-talented Sam Palladio again. We are constantly amazed at how these actors can be so convincing in such different roles they play.

We actually thought the third movie was the best of the three and that was thanks to Ms. Hudgens portraial of Fiona! What a great character.

We recommend all of these movies if you want an enjoyable, laugh filled evening.

She Wore a Yellow Ribbon (1949)

The Best of the Best!

[10/10 · 5 June 2022]

This is by far the best cavalry movie made. I believe it's also the best of the John Ford/Wayne cavalry trilogy, although Fort Apache and Rio Grande were excellent movies.

John Wayne was at his best in this one, no doubt. The supporting cast, as seen in many John Ford westerns, is a good one. Although having read many books about the old west and especially the cavalry, I'm not sure being in the cavalry or a military man back then was as noble as depicted in these films. Having also been to Monument Valley, I watched this movie with the pictures I took on my trip and paused the scene as a rock formation I was fiamiliar with appeared in the movie.

This is the cavalry movie all others should be judged by!

Just One Kiss (2022 TV Movie)

A Welcome Change for Hallmark!

[10/10 · 31 May 2022]

Finally, a Hallmark movie with a different plot line! Interesting and varied characters and a few story lines unlike other Hallmark shows. The lead actors were great and their chemistry worked. Obviously, he's a talented singer. The gay couple could've held the movie on their own. Their relationship was a pleasure to watch. The added touch of the ghostly Mom's was really funny too.

I hope Hallmark continues to stretch the envelope, as they did on this movie, with more new movies. Just my opinion but, this would be a great Hallmark TV series.

Dolly Parton's Heartstrings (2019)

Great Stories!

[9/10 · 1 November 2021]

We found this series while looking for a pandemic bings show. Great stories and we love the format of having recognizable actors in each show. We just finished episode 3.

In reading about the show, it appears season 2 became a victim of the pandemic stoppage of tv/movie productions. I only hope it's delayed and not finished!

You, Me & the Christmas Trees (2021 TV Movie)

Please Remember, this is Hallmark!

[7/10 · 1 November 2021]

I normally don't review or comment on these movies but, after reading so many negative reviews about Hallmark movies, I just had to offer my opinion.

Please folks, keep in mind, these movies are not expected to win Oscar's! If you watch them as we do, it's to escape from every day issues, problems, family drama, etc. They may be predictable and we all know how they'll end but, that's the pleasure in watching them!

I enjoyed this movie. Both stars are two of my favorites and I thought were great together. I give Hallmark credit for at least coming up with some new pre-happy ending story lines instead of the old somebody leaves the small town for the big city and comes back to find love and happiness.

I look forward to the upcoming holiday flicks!!!

Ordinary Joe (2021–2022)

Interesting Concept, but.....

[6/10 · 12 October 2021]

We're always looking for something different on tv other than the standard crime or miserable family shows and this sure is different! We enjoyed the first few episodes although had to hit the pause button a few times to talk about what just happened and who was who.

We really like the cast and the story lines. This issue is, fitting three story lines into one hour show (actually more like 40 minutes after commercials) has made the show move along quite fast and jump from one story to another, even if just a few seconds for a scene.

We will continue to watch it, but wonder if devoting each weeks show to one of the story lines might have been a better approach???

A Little Daytime Drama (2021 TV Movie)

Different Story Line

[8/10 · 13 September 2021]

These are two of our favorite Hallmark actors and they didn't dissapoint! Hallmark seems to be trending to different story lines and this was a good one. Some of the new stories are not as predicatable which makes this movie more enjoyable.

Roadhouse Romance (2021 TV Movie)

Weak Story, But Enjoyed it!

[7/10 · 13 September 2021]

We liked this movie and were impressed with the job Lauren Alaina did. She seemed very natural. We hope Hallmark finds other parts for her. Tyler Hynes is one of our favorite Hallmark guys!

We watch Hallmark movies because of the feel good stories and this was no exception. I will admit, the story line is a bit weak but, overall we enjoyed the movie.

When Calls the Heart (2014– )

A Great Break from Reality!!!

[9/10 · 26 May 2020]

During this years pandemic we were looking for something to watch and decided on When Hope Calls. That was a good show. We then realized it was a spinoff from When Calls the Heart. We got hooked on WCTH season 1 and although neither of us were a fan of season 2, we stuck with it and are glad we did.

I have to laugh at all the negative reviws because of the clothing, makeup, hair styles, etc. People, this is Hallmark! It's not meant to be a cinima classic. Enjoy it for what it is, wholesome, family entertainment.

I'm not saying it's a perfect show, and there are plenty of inaccurracies, but the show really helped us get throught these tough times.

The one thing I kept bringing up to my wife as we watched the series, I don't notice any power lines or telegraph poles or lines, yet they sent telegraphs and had plenty of Christmas lights strung throughout the town! How did they ever light that tree every year in the town center????

That being my only issue or question, we both look forward to season 8 and hopefully, season 2 of When Hope Calls.

Isn't It Romantic (2019)

Nice Comedy!

[7/10 · 5 August 2019]

I thought this film was just as intended, a nice, funny satire. The NY city Rebel encounters after her knockout was obviously an alternate world as were the characters she encounters. Good stuff!