3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost (2023 TV Movie) User Reviews

The Hallmark Channel's best Saturday night movie premiere of 2023

[matthewdgabriel · 8/10 · 8 October 2023]

Starting with its clever and appealing title, "3 BED, 2 BATH, 1 GHOST" is my vote for The Hallmark Channel's best new Saturday night feature of the year...and, trust me, I've seen (or, perhaps more apropos, endured) them all.

This is not Hallmark's first go at a story involving a ghost or an old estate, by any means, but, compared to the channel's usual offerings, this one feels rather fresh. Anyone familiar with The Hallmark Channel should be pleased with the return of the highly affable Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally, who are apparently one of Hallmark's real-life power couples. As always, their performances here do not disappoint, mostly because they're consistently just so darn likable.

What's different this time is that this story features a third lead, and she's a true scene-stealer. Madeleine Arthur (2014's "Big Eyes" and Netflix's 2022 limited series, "Devil in Ohio," just to name a couple) as Roaring '20s youngly deceased socialite, Ruby, is a gem. Like her character, Arthur shines like gold here, and anyone would be blessed to be haunted by the likes of her. Speaking of shining like a gem, Arthur (Ruby) has the most gorgeous blue eyes that, in exterior daylight shots and interior shots where the light hits them just right, shimmer like sun-soaked shallow Caribbean tides. If Arthur were a devil in the aforementioned Netflix series, she's an angel this time around. That's versatility for ya!

This feature, I'm quite happy to state, left me genuinely satisfied, rather than disappointed. "3 Bed..." = 3 lead artists that, under competent direction and a well-written romantic story, gift Hallmark with a long-awaited crowning achievement (pun intended).

Pleasantly surprised

[mizkj · 8/10 · 11 October 2023]

I really liked this movie. I had expectations of a Hallmark re-tread story of some sort, but was pleasantly surprised by this story. The story wasn't the usual girl goes to big city for work then has to return home to small town for some obligatory reason. Love the main actors but especially loved Madeleine Arthur as Ruby. This is my first time seeing her and I have to say I loved her! She gave a super performance and I think she stole the show! She was such a natural. The other cast members were great, too, and they all combined to make this movie a fun time. A little something different from Hallmark, much appreciated.

Ghostly fun!

[paulclaassen · 7/10 · 12 October 2023]

Ruby has just turned 25. Charlie loves her, but she shuns his love, saying they are just too different, and her Father does not approve of him.

We jump ahead 100 years, and the house Ruby lived in is up for sale. Anna is a real estate agent working for her Dad. Having just received her license, her Dad hands her a house that's been listed several times - apparently being jinxed.

As a matter of fact, the house is not jinxed, but it has a live-in ghost. Oh no, this is not a haunted house story, this is a delightful romantic comedy with a ghost not able to leave the house. The ghost in question is Ruby, who tragically died in a car accident on her 25th birthday. She is wonderfully portrayed by Madeleine Arthur. I absolutely loved this bubbly and energetic character!

Anna has just broken off her engagement with Elliot, but they are still good friends. Anna is determined to sell the house, but Ruby refuses. Noticing the similarities between her and Charlie's relationship and Anna and Elliot's, she is determined to bring them together - and the house is her chance to make it happen.

'3 Bed, 2 Bath, 1 Ghost' is every bit as predictable as most romantic comedies are, but this was nevertheless fun. I enjoyed the chemistry between Anna and Elliot - maybe because Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNully are indeed a real-life couple. The film also has underlying messages, telling us not to have regrets. I enjoyed the contrast between the time periods. We actually have so much to learn from yesteryear....

This is a ghost story that won't give you nightmares, and is a delightful movie the entire family can enjoy!

Ridiculous, but Wonderful

[MichaelByTheSea · 9/10 · 17 October 2023]

I was anxious to see this because it stars Julie Gonzalo (who was in "Falling For Vermont", one of my favorite Hallmark movies) and her real life love buddy Chris McNally. They have obvious chemistry and elevate the quality of whatever Hallmark movie they're in.

But the best and most engaging performance of the movie was by Madeline Arthur who played Ruby the ghost. She has beautiful blue expressive eyes and really brought to life a well written character. She's bubbly and animated but also convincingly sad and upset when that's called for. And she really delivers the old 20s lingo like "Jeepers" and "Toots." She looked and sounded a little like Betty Boop. I loved her.

The movie opens with Ruby and several party-goers dancing to the Charleston. It was a great intro and captured the feel of the 20s. And I liked the cut from Ruby's lost love Charlie dropping the flowers he bought for her to the flower tree that grew in that spot (100 years later).

One of Arthur's scene stealing moments is the scene in which Anna gives Ruby some sage to "rid the space of lingering spirits." Ruby's fake and exaggerated depiction of it working reminded me of the famous Meg Ryan scene in "When Harry Met Sally" after which another diner said "I'll have what she's having,"

There's also a fun scene where Anna shows Ruby her modern cell phone and demonstrates how to send text messages. Ruby is amazed and asks "What do you do with all the time you save?" The half groan response by Gonzalo was subtle but effective.

There's also a fun and pointed discussion about what women can do today that ends with a real zinger.

I also liked how the writers avoided following any strict "Ghost Rules" with a wink to the audience:

Anna: "How can you move objects but not people?" Ruby: "I don't know sweetheart. Cruel irony."

The civil way that Anna and Elliot act towards each other, however, after dissolving their business and breaking off their engagement a few months earlier struck me as very ... Hallmarky. Couples who break up are usually not that pleasant to each other, nor do they bump into each other that often. As Anna tells Elliot (in a cute scene):

"We should start avoiding each other like good exes"

But the civility works for this movie because it makes the prospects for a reconciliation more likely.

Anna's father is the no nonsense head of a real estate brokerage and has brought Anna on board following the end of her business with Elliot. Although the villainous realtor Terrence is a bit of a caricature, the father was perfect and the last scene with him and Anna was lovely.

Normally the fun banter is between the couple, but here it's between Anna and Ruby:

Ruby: "You don't want to fight me. I'm as unsinkable as the stock market" Anna; "You're not making the case you think you are."

Anna and Elliot apparently had a restoration business together which Anna abandoned. It's a theme in the movie that is best captured by this line:

"We don't quit. We restore. So let's just restore us"

This was Hallmark at its best.

A decent TV movie

[lisafordeay · 6/10 · 12 October 2023]

Real life couple Julie Gonzalo(A Cinderella Story) and Chris McNally star in this supernatural drama about a real estate agent named Anna Jenkins(Gonzalo)who is sent to a haunted mansion where a 1920s starlet named Ruby Baker(Arthur) is still living there and she refuses to cross over until she has found her purpose. So she helps Anna to reunite with Anna's ex fiance Elliot Barnes(McNally)who Anna still loves,but will Anna be able to help Ruby cross over to the other side. Parts of this film reminded me of Just Like Heaven as you have a ghost who is stuck in the present day and won't cross over until there self journey is complete.

It's a good flick and I'd probably rewatch it again in the future.

Enjoyable and Well Cast

[lisamlaucsr · 9/10 · 9 October 2023]

You usually can never go wrong when a Hallmark movie stars a real-life couple and this one is no exception. I'm a big fan of both Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally and, as usual, their chemistry is palpable and enjoyable in this movie. The storyline centers around a historical mansion. The main characters were once engaged and a wickedly fun and friendly ghost tries to help them find their way back to each other. Madeleine Arthur is perfectly cast as said ghost and equally drives the storyline with wonderful expression and comedic skill. Kudos to Hallmark for casting her.

The only reason I rated this 9 stars is because the supporting characters could've been better utilized and the writing could've used a bit more detail and polish. Otherwise, I would recommend this movie because the feel of it is different than what you usually see on the Hallmark channel and in a good way.

Unique and Funny

[jputnam-89167 · 10/10 · 8 October 2023]

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie for many reasons. The story was really unique and combined romance, comedy and a bit of a mystery. The setting was gorgeous and it starred two of my favourite actors Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally. The actor who played Ruby was excellent too. It certainly broke out of the usual Hallmark formula and was a refreshing change. The musical number at the beginning was so catchy and the ending was heartwarming. Hopefully Hallmark will continue to make more movies that aren't cookie cutter storylines. More movies with these stars would be welcome too. Thank you for an entertaining evening.

poor acting but not a bad story

[brian_spence_ni · 5/10 · 9 October 2023]

Julie gonzalo continues to be a sensationally bad actress; the whole film was quit poorly acted. Despite that, I quite enjoyed it. Several of the characters are fun and interesting, the premise is slightly out of the bounds of usual, and there's enough going on to keep you engaged. Not the best film I've ever seen but I've seen a lot worse. If you've time on your hands, it's possibly worth a watch, though do be aware its another trope-based production so there won't be any surprises. I do think Chris and Julie being married in real life is the only reason its comes across successfully; you don't need to act chemistry when you have it!

A lot of fun, creative and a fresh storyline

[cincy-47983 · 9/10 · 9 October 2023]

Well now, another refreshing surprise from Hallmark. This is about the fourth or fifth recent Hallmark production which has deserved a great rating. Clearly Hallmark must have some new management as their recent batch of movies are far more creative and lively.

In this movie, while most aspects of it were well done, the real star is the ghost, Madeline Arthur. Ms. Arthur really made this movie and added zest and a lot of character. I hope to see her again in upcoming movies.

Probably some folks will have issues with the ghost elements and what the ghost can and cannot do. Okay, maybe this doesn't follow official ghost rules (not that any of us really know) but it really did not detract from the movie.

Love the set/mansion the movie was based in and, again, the acting and production were top notch.

A ghostly mess of a plot

[mschuler-55168 · 2/10 · 14 October 2023]

This movie started and ended with a mess of a plot. Very little in the movie made any sense. The two main ladies in the movie were very poor in acting and the movies supposed suspense turned out to be nothing. No understanding as to why she can only see the ghost, no real explanation for where Charlie has been and why all of a sudden she is able to be with him and move on. Why could she leave the house after 100 years now? And as usual Hallmark has a brutally mean parent some how turn into a loving and supportive dad after one conversation. Please skip this movie and save yourself from the ghostly terrible plot and acting.

The best Hallmark movie in 2023, hands down!

[forspecial-17032 · 10/10 · 12 October 2023]

This was one of the BEST Hallmark movie I've seen in awhile. It is now on my top 5 of all time best! I loved it! I loved seeing Julie & Chris together in a Hallmark movie again. FINALLY!!

This was different than the usual Hallmark meet-cute movies by far and the ending was sooooo unexpected. Madeleine Arthur's character Ruby was a hoot! She did a great job brining Ruby to light. Ruby's outfits were stunning too!

I NEVER SEEN THAT ENDING COMING! I was very emotional and felt like it could definitely be a real love story. Well, maybe not the Ruby part, but between Anna and Elliot for sure. The movie held my total interest from start to finish and that is rare with Hallmark as some movies can be rather corny. : /

Kudos for adding this wonderful movie to your Fall lineup.

Now, Hallmark please give us a CHRISTMAS MOVIE WITH CHRIS MCNALLY TOO!

Chasing your ghosts away

[gfrasmd · 9/10 · 9 October 2023]

While watching this new Hallmark production, I just could not help wandering back to the 1974 project where bits and stretches of Fred Astaire and other dancers' old films were glued together under the title: "That's entertainment!" This is entertainment!

It is refreshing that somebody at Hallmark has dared to forgo patent or hidden messages and overused cliches, to produce something innovative, light and "spirited", with the only intention to offer a couple of hours of levity and fun. Actually, under its gaiety, the movie conveys deeper sentiments, rich emotions and its own moral. It takes a ghost to chase Anna's ghosts and lead her to find herself.

All is done with a pinch of pleasant silliness, as expected in a total fantasy, softness and delicate humor. The story is gentle, with endearing characters, including the the most captivating specter since Casper, with elements to please many tastes. Among the background of a fascinating historic house and lively flashbacks to the roaring 1920ies, we get to explore the bonding developing between Anna and the ghost, Ruby, separated by a hundred years and, yet, sharing much in common, in a friendship that enriches one another. Julie Gonzalo is at her best in the role of Anna, Chris McNally is rock-solid and Madaleine Arthur simply fantastic as the spirited ghost. Even the final revelation, perhaps a bit forced and anachronistic, fits well in a work of pure fantasy that warms the heart. Which proves that, when one puts heart and mind into it, one can, still, produce valuable and enjoyable cinematography without sensationalism, perversions, and expensive special effects. Conscious that gems come rare to find, I hope Hallmark will continue trying for selective quality, rather than easy quantity.

A Charming and Happy movie!

[timwest-66412 · 10/10 · 20 October 2023]

3 bed, 2 bath, 1 ghost is a thoroughly charming and bright movie. About a gorgeous historical home with a sweet and mischievous ghost and a couple with great chemistry who belong together, the movie has a fabulous cast who work great together. Chris McNally is as always, the very handsome, wholesome and charming leading man and he comes across as a natural. Julie Gonzalo is wonderful, as is Madeline Arthur who plays Ruby.

This movie is a winner and I know you'll enjoy watching it as much as we did! It's the type of movie that proves that Hallmark Channel knows what the audience wants and loves.

Very different Hallmark movie

[jiaidc · 9/10 · 13 October 2023]

It was nice to watch a Hallmark movie that doesn't have all of same overworked bits. The actress that plays Ruby was wonderful and Julie Gonzalo was good. Chris McNally, to me, was the weakest part - he could be completely removed and the plot still works.

The story is sweet and not overly convoluted. Still, this being a Hallmark movie you still have to watch a romance develop and be blown up in the last half hour, so it can be fixed in the last five minutes and end with a kiss.

The dialogue from Ruby is great. Words I remember from my grandmother that are no longer used; jeepers, toots ... It made me remember how much I enjoyed spending time with my grandmother; a time that went away way too quickly.

I recommend this movie and there aren't that many Hallmark movies these days that I like.

All around excellent

[lorirobert-13876 · 10/10 · 9 October 2023]

This movie had everything. It starts with a beautiful recreation of a 1920s party and sets the stage for the love story to follow. The house was exquisite with beautiful attention to detail. The dialogue was great, the scenery, as often it is in a Hallmark movie, makes you wish you were there. The characters were well executed, heartwarming and believable. The three main characters were well suited for their parts. There was nothing about this movie that I did not enjoy. Each scene left you wanting more. Though we come to expect happy endings this one made sense and really tugged at your heartstrings. And in this difficult world today, you would hope we could come up with such wonderful solutions. Also makes you believe in ghosts Well done Hallmark this is one of the better ones in a really long time.

Madeleine Madeleine Madeleine

[alphaglobedancer · 8/10 · 9 October 2023]

The true star, and savior, of this movie is hands down Madeleine Arthur. (Recognized her straight away from now-iconic Supernatural ep About a Boy 10x12, a scene-stealer even opposite JA's adult Dean, no easy feat.) What a gem is she and character Ruby. Without her sublime performance, this would be just another meh HC seasonal entry whose trailer you bought into w/high hopes, only to be disappointed. Well, no worries, this one doesn't disappoint, mainly due to Arthur. Her presence almost single-handedly transforms a typical flawed HC offering into something memorable and fun, despite its lackluster and shallow writing, laughably stereotypical villain (he all but twirls his nonexistent mustache), and nonsensical romantic conflict. (Still unclear what the issue was between the two leads and, IWL, pretty quickly didn't care.) The redeeming aspects include the big energy she brings to the interactions between her ghost character and the realtor played by talented and usually reliable-but-lo-key Julie Gonzalo. Their lively chemistry is palpable, an absolute joy to watch from beginning to end and, in THIS case, far beyond even that of Gonzalo and her hottie talented co-star/IRL partner, Chris McNally. Maybe living together w/new baby has temporarily reduced their sizzle to a fizzle. In any case, it's not a stretch to say that the real love story here is the platonic love that develops between The Ghost and Ms Annie. Have to say, the ending moved even this jaded old bird. I'd love to see a sequel or even a series reuniting these two, perhaps to cement the still uncertain fate of Ruby's historic estate once and for all, and in the process help reconcile another troubled couple. Starting w/Annie's sourpuss, emotionally stunted dad. He's clearly embittered due to some great lost love and needs to learn how to show love again. A series could have a troubled romance of the week. You're welcome.

Best Hallmark Movie

[debranebreda · 10/10 · 8 October 2023]

I have been an avid Hallmark movie watcher for years and like many novelists the storyline can get very predictable. This movie differs. The two lead ladies Madeline Arthur (Ruby)and Julie Gonzalo share a chemistry of understanding and friendship while they are both from different eras. Madeline Arthur as Ruby is addictive. She is absolutely engaging as a woman with her own story during the roaring 20's. The movie is not routinely predictable and does not feel like your ordinary hometown hallmark movie. It feels a cut above the rest from the onset and not a movie you want to end. It is easy to see how it could have been made into a series. The 3 leads Julie Gonzalo, Chris McNally and Madeline Arthur worked seamlessly together to make something very special and award winning.

A Very Unique and Engaging Hallmark Movie....So Very Special!

[spm42229 · 10/10 · 6 November 2023]

From the opening dance scene to the scene at the end, the movie was captivating and heartwarming. Anna is a realtor who has been given the job of staging and selling an old 1920s' mansion. Much to Anna's dismay, the house also includes a ghost... a 1920s era, flapper style, ghost. In addition, Anna and Elliot, her former fiancé , are beginning to reconnect. The developing relationship between the ghost and Anna was fun to watch and their bonding as the movie progressed was very sweet. Anna and Elliot's growing relationship was so natural and endearing. Chris McNally and Julie Gonzalo as Elliot and Anna were great together and Madeleine Arthur as Ruby the ghost was a hoot. Include beautiful costumes, snappy dialogue, 1920s' references , a great old mansion, and a touching ending, and you have a winner! Would love a sequel!

Surreal estate comes to Hallmark for the fall.

[cgvsluis · 8/10 · 9 October 2023]

This was a little departure from the usual Hallmark fair...although by no means the first with a ghost. I loved the premise of a haunted house going on the real estate market with a ghost trying to prevent its sale, very surreal estate! The ghost in question is the lovely Rose, who died in the 1920's while in her 20's and the real estate newbie is Anna. The relationship that builds between these two is the bulk of the film...they both think they have lost the loves of their lives. Rose pushes Anna not to make the mistake that she did and miss out on a forever with her ex who is a restoration specialist.

Secretly I hope those two buy the house and restore it. It was a lovely home. I like the familial connection in the end, that tied the story up sweetly. I loved the throwback to 1920's and the era. The three main actors: Madeleine Arthur, Julie Gonzalo and especially Chris McNally. The one relationship that could have been better was Anna's with her father. I understand the conflict...but unless he was an absentee father, he could have been warmer in his interactions with his only child.

This was great for fall without being in your face with pumpkin-spice everything and I really liked it.

Charming, funny and not typical Hallmark

[mguelkerwilson · 9/10 · 10 October 2023]

I loved the movie, love most Hallmark movies but also like supernatural or sci-fi themes. The combination of the two coming together in this movie was a win. Madeline Arthur stole the show as Ruby, the sassy socialite determined to keep everyone out of her house. Julie Gonzalo's character is incredibly likable, and while she struggled with always having her father's approval, she's certainly not a doormat. And Chris McNally --- is there anything he can't do? I think the only thing that was somewhat not believable was how quickly Ruby seemed to pick up on 21st century inventions - a smart phone, a lap top, etc. She was on her way to turning Anna's open house into a party a little too easily. And why would Anna leave something so important in the hands of someone she just met, AND a ghost? But then, this is Hallmark and anything is possible. All that said, it's worth the watch, definitely entertaining and still with the element of romance that is Hallmark's trademark.

Fun

[Jackbv123 · 8/10 · 11 October 2023]

I have no idea whether this is a rip off of a sitcom currently running on a broadcast network, but the premise intrigued me and I wasn't disappointed.

Julie Gonzalo and Chris McNally are married in real life and you can tell they have chemistry. But Anna and Elliot are not the central story. There is a strong connection between Gonzalo and Madeleine Arthur who plays the ghost, Ruby. It's here that we see the usual pattern of relationship development common in TV rom/coms between the romantic leads, except it wasn't romantic. They even help each other to grow.

The story is not complex, but that's OK. The dialogue is great. I thought the acting seemed natural, at least for the main characters.

Dad seemed more like a stranger to Anna than a father. It's not uncommon for a story like this to have a father who is also boss, but Garrett lacked any feelings for Annie, not even ones overwhelmed by his desire to control. The scene that precipitated Anna's demotion was clumsy and overly contrived. Where is Dad's outrage at someone taking a video through a window of his daughter enjoying herself in a private moment, and what was the guy doing there at that hour in the first place? Dad's acceptance of it just reinforces my belief that he had no fatherly feelings for her.

Love The Actors, But I Wanted More Backstory

[Leemelod · 8/10 · 8 October 2023]

I gave this movie a 7, because all of the actors were great. I love Chris McNally and Julie Gonzalo, but the standout was newcomer Madeleine Arthur. I thought she was phenomenal. It was great to see Chris McNally and Julie Gonzalo together in a movie again. They are so great together. I have to give props to the costume designer Mackenzie Serin. Ruby's wardrobe was gorgeous and so true to the time. I couldn't rate this movie higher, because I wanted more of the 1920s and that backstory. There was a lot of holes and I think they really could have done more to show us the 20s. It was probably a budget issue. Too bad though. This one really had potential to be a 10.

Adorable, fun, new plot

[deskisamess · 8/10 · 26 October 2023]

This is a fabulous Hallmark movie. The premise is silly, but it works. The casting is perfect, costuming brilliant, just a flat out good cute movie.

The actress who plays Ruby was perfectly cast as the 1920's Flapper girl ghost. She is adorable, but doesn't overplay her part. She throws herself into the role and truly nails it.

Julia Gonzalo is always fun to watch, and her pairing with Chris McNally works really well. They have good chemistry.

Julia's father in the movie is a tad overbearing, but he is supposed to be. The protagonist is icky, just like he is supposed to be.

Overall, this is a fun entertaining movie, and nothing like the usual Hallmark fare. What a pleasure to watch. So nice to see a fairly new idea and plot.

Great Movie a d more

[WCTHfanalways · 10/10 · 18 October 2023]

An entertaining movie from start to finish.. Different and delightful for a Hallmark movie. Yes, the girl and guy love theme is there, but the friendship of Anna and Ruby is really special and their conection is tender, poingant, spunky, and just fun. Elliot (Chris McMally) and AnnaJulie Gonzalo) have great chemistry. Well they should as they are RLP.

When Calls the Heart fans should pay soecial attention to this one, because there may just be a few hints as to what lies ahead in season11.

The visusl hints (digitally. Imposed) are there, some conversations between Anna and Elliot wiil evoke Lucas and Elizabeth storylines, and Elliot says in the end that it is about restoring(relationshiips) and then he and Anna join hands in similar manner of Lucas and Elizabeth bridge scene in WCTH S10. Those hints and so many more! What a movie!!!

Best Hallmark Movie of 2023!!!

[mlouw-24712 · 10/10 · 6 November 2023]

This is definitely one of the best hallmark movies I have seen in a long time. The top three actors were all spectacular. Two of them are partners in real life. This was done so well so top notch Hallmark we need more movies like this so different than the other typical Hallmark movies Chris McNally is sizzling right now in his career, so happy to see him being such a successful production. Don't miss this movie you'll regret it heading out to be one. If not the top premiere for Hallmark in 2023 ratings were through the roof with almost 4,000,000 viewers in live +3. So settle down and get ready to be entertained.