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Reviews
A Tail of Love (2022)
Lackluster Film
I found it difficult to take this movie seriously from very early on, when the two leads first met. The eye liner on Brittany was poorly done. There was a separate dark line on the lid that was unconnected on her left eye. Actually, it seemed like Brittany kept blinking because she could feel something was wrong with her eye makeup. Chris' hair was lustrous, wavy, and enviable like usual, but entirely wrong for an active military man. In fact, I just did not believe in his character. He was miscast, and I so enjoy him in so many other movies and shows. It was hard to believe no one had a good copy of the lost document, as well. I was "out" of the movie from the first few minutes and just could not find a good entry point to "escape" into the movie. This felt like everyone on set was just phoning it in, including hair and makeup. The saving the dog/pet rescue center has been done before by Hallmark and done better. Cute dogs, aside, I was relieved when it was all over.
A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love (2019)
A Hallmark Movie with Heart
A fictionalized representation of a true to life love story, this Godwink movie charms and warms the heart. The lead characters have that much needed chemistry to make you believe they are meant for each other. The issue that keeps them apart for awhile is more serious than the standard Hallmark fare, and the situation also gives the movie more depth than most Hallmark Christmas fare. This was a sweet film with good characters, family interactions, and decent acting. It just might make you feel something.
The Presence of Love (2022)
Sublimely Scenic and Poignant Movie
This is a lovely film filled with wonderful poetry references and quotes, fabulous views of the English countryside, and a touching exploration of different kinds of loss. There are several themes threading throughout and the film is not afraid to explore difficult subjects, like loss, fear, the expectations of others and ourselves, and difficult personal health or psychological challenges. This doesn't mean it is a heavy movie, but it is not afraid of delving a little deeper than some Hallmark romances, and it is not really light and airy. If the movie were not constricted to 90 minutes, I could see where some themes could have and should have been explored more. Even with the limitations of a television movie framework, I appreciated this one very much. It's not perfect. It's lovely for what it is. I could relate to Joss in certain ways, and I longed to visit Cornwall myself, while watching this movie.
Deliver by Christmas (2020)
A Sweet, Quiet Christmas
This is a favorite movie of mine from the 2020 season. I kept the recording and watched it again just last night. This time, I found a few more things took me "out" of the movie for a moment than on the first viewing, but I still give it a high rating, based off my initial reaction This is a movie for those who like quiet, gentle films that focus on building relationship gradually. There is a sweetness to the romance and to the other relationships depicted in the movie, particularly the father and son, that is appreciated. The leading actor and actress need to appear in more Hallmark films as leads. They were both new to me.
Right in Front of Me (2021)
Awkward Start
This film has a long, slow, awkward first half. The initial meeting of the two main characters was especially awkward. Perhaps the fact that they are stuck in one location for the majority of the film increased this aspect for me, because I know many Hallmark movies feature a "meet cute" moment that is sometimes pretty awkward. The movie improved in the last half, but overall this is a forgettable one from the Hallmark movie machine.
Crown for Christmas (2015)
"You had me at sewing kit"
Here is a movie with believable romance in the midst of a fairytale storyline.
Danica McKellar is consistently adorable in her movies, and she is just that in this movie, but it is the addition of her romantic interest, Rupert Penry-Jones, that elevates this movie beyond your normal fare. He is charismatic on screen and dashing on the top of his horse. He delivers a nuanced performance, revealing a lot of emotional depth and meaning in one glance. He has enough chemistry in his little finger to make up for anything that might be lacking in his leading lady, but Danica holds her own quite well. She is a pro in this genre and it shows. The romance in this movie will sweep you away. Some Hallmark films try to be romantic, tell us they are romantic, and maybe even have their moments. This one is romantic.
It Was Always You (2021)
Delightful Rom-Com
I was completely enchanted with this romantic and funny film featuring Tyler Hynes and Erin Krakow, while watching it last night on our DVR. They have "zing," the word used in the movie for chemistry, and it is not just because we are told in the movie that they do. There were real, laugh out loud moments, great one liners and crackling exchanges between the characters. I loved the romantic confession at the end of the movie that perfectly mirrored an earlier moment. I also loved the idea that a true love challenges you to remember and be your true self. This seemed to be the central theme of the film, and the wonderfully spunky Paula Shaw (who really should be in more Hallmark films!) was the one to expound on this theme for us as the grandma. This movie felt fresh in the world of Hallmark films and stayed with me after watching it. Sometimes a Hallmark movie is enjoyable enough in the moment, but the next day I barely remember what happened in the film, as though it was a vapor or cotton candy. This film has more to recommend it. It is truly a delight.