tncunningham Reviews

Holiday Hotline (2023 TV Movie)

A classic in the making.

[10/10 · 20 November 2023]

Just when you there were no more ways to remake "The Shop Around the Corner"... Hallmark has done it again. The plot may be formula, but the chemistry between these characters (and the actors) is inescapable.

While there is no actual conflict between them, the parallel relationships blooming at different rates keeps the story engaging and makes the commercial breaks seem too long.

Okay, the hidden relationship seems almost contrived, but with a hint of "meant-to-be" for seasoning. And the bad (dad) jokes sprinkled in add just the right garnish.

Overall, it's another in a long line of romances based on vague deceptions, which is bound to have the obligatory verbal sparring, but I'm sure it will all turn out fine, with the expected kiss in the last two minutes.

Oh, and of course there's the cute, spunky daughter to add the right amount of zest, and bake in the ready-made family.

(Note, I'm still about half way in, but I'm confident that my option is justified.) And sorry for the weak culinary humor, I couldn't resist.

Love, of Course (2018 TV Movie)

FYI southern hemispere

[18 January 2020]

I thought this movie was slightly better than average for hallmark, with mostly standard stuff.

Another comment was confused by spring break in Australia. Since seasons are based on the tilt of the earth, when it's tilted toward the sun we have summer, but at that time the Southern Hemisphere is tilted away, making it winter. As such, fall in the north is spring down under.

Christmas Reservations (2019 TV Movie)

Pretty typical Christmas tv-movie

[8/10 · 10 November 2019]

While not an award winner, this was pretty enjoyable. I thought all of the matches were pretty obvious, but handled very well. As a typical Hart-break production (Melissa Joan and her mom) it is family friendly and fairly relaxed. The young people tend to get in trouble, but their elders show the wisdom of experience. Trying to avoid spoilers, I'll just that it does ramble a bit, and the running gags are pretty tame. Romance and happiness are slow to form, but are unavoidable in the end. Not a bad way to spend a couple of hours on a last afternoon or evening.