LuLuBelleJ Reviews

Chicago Fire (2012– )

This has become The Stella-DEI show

[17 May 2024]

The first several seasons were good, but were starting to go downhill when they began picking off main characters one by one. I continued to watch anyways, in the hopes it would get better. The intensity of the very things that annoyed me got worse though. If you need a lesson in DEI, look no further. The writers/producers have seen to it that there's no shortage of identity politics. 51 is made up of women who, because of their very gender and color, must clearly be spelled out as such, and be made authority figures. And if you're a white male, well, sit down and take your back seat where you should've been all these years. Because, as Stella Kidd has taught us, "anything you can do Stella can do better". So shut up and sit down Mouch and Herrmann. Black Trans Cis Latino Girls Lives Matter! Then you have the token gays. Shay, Forster, Ritter, Seager (*yeah, we all know Seager was into everyone).. My fingers are crossed in waiting for the entry of a trans firefighter. -Where he's a man by day, but a tranny by night! So if you don't like these things, you must be a racist or misogynist, and check yourself. I'm still scratching my head, trying to figure out how Stella became the leader and hero of all. One season you can't stop looking at all the weird faces she's making, the next you can't stop wondering how she braided her hair so tight, then the next, you're *still trying to figure out this so-called "chemistry" between her and Severeid...-But, you got this, Stella Kidd! If you're also wondering how Stella became lieutenant at 51 over Hermann, just shut up you racist misogynist, and sit down.

Most of the core characters are gone now, -but good news!! If you love Stella, you'll LOVE the direction Chicago Fire has taken!!

-And not for nothing.. Dick Wolf should really consider a new spinoff, called none other than, "Girls on Fire" (*let's just hope they identify as "girl").

Poisoned: The Dirty Truth About Your Food (2023)

Another "Blame The Orange Man" production

[25 October 2023]

Another "Blame The Orange Man" production... What *isn't mentioned is "who" was in The White House during all the REPEAT Outbreaks! Watch and discern for yourself. The bottom line is, that until lobbyists are restrained from buying their politicians, the status will remain quo.

How about we talk about all the bad policies and their consequences throughout multiple administrations?

Anyways, it's made obvious that money talks and b§ walks, but the more light that's she'd on these food manufacturers, the better for us all in the end.

Now I'm waiting to see bioengineered foods exposed, and the study of the health affects of them on us!

The Royal Nanny (2022 TV Movie)

YES! YES! YES!!!

[23 December 2022]

PROS- More London!! Scenery was sumptuous!

More NEW TALENT!! Rachel Skarsten and Dan Jeannotte weren't tired, overly-used actors that we are all tired of seeing far too much of! Rachel was quick, witty, and her timing was perfect! Dan Jeannotte was a fresh take on the "Royal Prince role" with his wit and unabashed humor (-and he was very easy on the eyes!). The English accents were most welcome!

GREAT, UNIQUE Storyline, and NOT WOKE!! Hallmark... Just a great, BIG "Thank You" for this!

The two leads were BRILLIANT!! Really. Just great chemistry and humor between the two.

The scenery was a feast for the eyes in London! The storyline was hilarious beginning with the MI5 agent being told she's going to be an undercover nanny, and she doesn't like kids LOL! Favorite quote from movie was "Scary Poppins!"

GREAT JOB HALLMARK! Nailed It on this one!!

Falling for Christmas (2022)

Go Woke or Go Broke... -But-

[23 December 2022]

The GOOD- Hilarious! Great comedic timing!! I have to be honest. I was reluctant to watch because I don't care for Lyndsey Lohan, but it turned out to be great casting, and apropos for the movie. I love Michael & Janeen Damian movies, which was the deciding factor for watching this. They never leave a single sensory detail out of their movies, especially at Christmas! The decor and locations always look like no expense was spared. Their other 2 Christmas movies are well worth the watch too!!! (A Princess for Christmas and Much Ado about Christmas -aka A Hot Cocoa Christmas).

The BAD- On a side note, I deducted a star for it being a woke in the casting, and the waiting for a kiss till the end (I'm seriously over that one....-what are we... 3 years old?)

Jolly Good Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

Loved London, but just meh.

[29 November 2022]

Bravo to Hallmark branching out into London more! Give me ALL the UK, European locations you can throw at me! -especially at Christmas time!

Unfortunately, it was difficult watching Will Kemp do an American accent; I would have raised my review 2 stars if it was Brit! The actress who played Anjali was adorable, but her being a chronic hustler was not very appealing. That said, the storyline lacked appeal. All Hallmark had to do was watch a couple Michael Damian movies for inspiration. Europe is magical at Christmas time, and so much more could have been done with this great location and great cast, but unfortunately, I felt let down. Storyline/teleplay was slow and not very romantic. It was a mere 5 for me, and I did want so much to love it.

-Did I mention that dismal "American" accent? Poor Will Kemp...

A Christmas Carousel (2020 TV Movie)

OoooFfff.. Painfully BAD.

[20 December 2020]

OoooFfff.. Painfully BAD. I'll be the first to admit I love a well done "royal" Christmas movie, and always look forward to them each year. They're hit or miss, and this one is realllllllllyyyyyyy a MISS. Rachel Boston is at the top of my "I wish they'd retire" list, and Neal Bledsoe is pretty hard to watch as well. It seems like Hallmark was trying to emulate the "nostalgia" of A Godwink Christmas (with the carousel), and the sentiments of Christmas with a Prince (equally as bad... -maybe even worse). Like another said, this year has been a lame year for Hallmark. I'll take Quality of Quantity, too!! There's basically nothing to spoil, since the story is predictable within the first 5 minutes. The best royal movies, in my opinion will remain: A Princess for Christmas, Crown for Christmas, and A Royal Christmas. Watch at your own risk. *And Hallmark, should you read this...... PLEASE just STOP using the same tired actors and actresses. And for the love of ALL that is holy, -PLEASE get new writers, actors, costumes and locations!!!!

The Christmas Bow (2020 TV Movie)

BEST HALLMARK MOVIE YET! (Next to Princess for Christmas)

[15 November 2020]

BEST HALLMARK MOVIE YET! (Next to Princess for Christmas) Wow. What can I say, GREAT acting from Michael Rady (one of my favorite additions to Hallmark lineups), and Amazing talent from Lucia Micarelli! As a former violist, it was wonderful to see Lucia's skills shine through, -as opposed to watching someone fake it (painful to see....). I would LOVE to see a SEQUEL to this movie! I don't like when Hallmark tries soooo hard to be racially "inclusive". BOTH Katie's (Lucia's) parents *and grandparents were biracial couples in this, and while I have no problem at all with that, I did think in *this case it was it was overdoing it for the "inclusive" card. Other than that, you had your sappy dialog amongst the cast (with the exception of the two leads), and the Michael and Lucia MORE than made up for it!! NO NEAR-MISS KISS HERE!!!! YAAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!! Just a sweet, soft, first kiss that was tastefully done, and more than family friendly (if you have kids). For Hallmark, this will now be tied for first place with A Princess for Christmas. (sorry not sorry... I Looooove young Sam Heughan). Keep bringing NEW, FRESH TALENT #Hallmark !! You CAN do it!!!

The Christmas Ring (2020 TV Movie)

Wow. Another Predictable B O M B . . .

[15 November 2020]

The Good. I liked the actress Nazneen Contractor (nice to see a new face), and David Alpay was okay (not one of my faves, and used too much). The scenery and Christmas decor were beautiful. I loved the locations used, -as opposed to the overly used locations of so many other movies of theirs. The "idea" behind the plot had a lot of potential, *but the execution..... well, not so much....

The Bad. Why is it that year after year Hallmark struggles sooooo painfully bad in finding decent writers??? Everything about this movie was cliche, from overly used scenes, to painfully predictable dialog. The meet/cute was exactly the same as e v e r y other Hallmark movie... girl meets boy, words are exchanged and they butt heads to start off. Everyone's parents are always dead, -this movie is no exception. The leads boss at work is almost always a female, or a token person of another race. (Heads up Hallmark, -we're not *all feminists).

The Ugly. This is a Christmas movie. HELLO. Last time I checked, this is the Celebration of Christ's Birth. IF you want to be INCLUSIVE #Hallmark, maybe INCLUDE the ACTUAL story of Christmas in some of your movies. (rant over on that). Yes folks, this movie included another small town "Christmas shopping bazaar". In one scene, when David was pulling up to Nazneen, it was snowing, but when he got out of the car, it was not snowing. It was so distracting and laughable, I had to rewind and watch a couple times!! Everything about this (and e v e r y other Hallmark gem) was ooey-gooey, sappy, saccharine-sweet dialog. This movie had the one near-miss kiss and one to finish it off (goodness forbid there should be a display of affection, -which is perfectly natural to see without corrupting someone). Heads up Hallmark... we're NOT all 10 year olds watching.

Nazneen Contractor and David Alpay, I feel bad for you both. You didn't have much to work with, but I appreciate your efforts!

Darcey & Stacey (2020– )

Clearly, Friends/Family are writing 10 star reviews here...

[25 October 2020]

Flat out. The show sucks. If it weren't for their tv-producer father, who had a hand in getting this show to begin with, it never would have been aired. Darcey and Stacey are pathetic, desperate, middle aged women trying to be like their teenage kids. I'd personally be terrifically EMBARRASSED if one of them was MY mother! We've seen Darcey bring home 3 (YES, THREE so far) different foreign men, HALF her age, only to fall madly in love with each (after 3 dates), -only to be left dumped and ugly crying. She's always quick to talk about their "future wedding", or maybe "getting a ring", and then later in confessional scenes, she's constantly reassuring herself of her worthiness. She clearly doesn't get that she scares men away, and that that's the *REAL reason they always run. There are a few statements she's got down perfectly, and you can count on hearing with ANY guy she hooks up with- ... "I'm strong", "I'm beautiful", "I'm deserving" and "I've waited a long time for my prince", and "doggone I'm a good person." (Later, always followed by, " You NEVER loved me, you liar").

• And then there are the ugly cries that follow; and you can *always count on them to come, and yes, they are extremely u g l y . You can always tell when they've just had her newest injections of Botox, too. Her and Stacey lips are so swollen, they look like they were attacked by a bees nest, and when they turn a certain way, you can see where their face lifts end. It's really pathetic that they are so painfully insecure. What a terrible example that sets for impressionable teenage daughters. It's so "surface" and sad, because here they are always talking about how "worthy" they are (and really, aren't we all?), but they clearly only equate worthiness by appearances only. Their fear of aging is so transparent. The sisters's both dress disgustingly inappropriately, with their fake boobs all but popping out of their tops that are ten sizes too small for them, to their heels that are so high, they'd make make a stripper look like a nun (not to mention how funny they look when walking in them!). While they love each other fiercely, Darcey cannot *stand to NOT have what Stacey has (*they're supposed to be grown ups, -right? Darcey and Stacey are just flat out AWKWARD and cringey. I find it hard to believe they even get these young guys... then again... that green card is quite a powerful enticer for these men. And these men are THIRSTY.

Overall, I thought this would be another "guilty pleasure" like 90 Day Fiancé, -but nope, it's just "The Fake Lives of Two Desperate Sisters". Nothing about it is real, *literally, nothing.

Royal New Year's Eve (2017 TV Movie)

Had Potential....

[7 December 2018]

Had potential, but missed the mark. Like everyone else said, Sams attempt at an accent was dismal at best. The casting was just meh... hallmark is desperately in need of improving their royal movies, to The likes of "A Princess for Christmas," "A Royal Christmas," "A Crown for Christmas". Good casting (not the saaaaaammmmeee old contract players), good NEW locations, Fairly Better costuming...). As for the rest: *** Hallmark, if you're reading this... PLEASE STOP IT WITH THE ONE-KISS WONDER IN E V E R Y SINGLE MOVIE. *Even in Family movies, showing affection with kisses is a normal, sweet way to express how people feel. The utterly STUPID interrupted kiss before the one final kiss is enough to make me want to change the station when I see it coming. Stop Dumbing things down. Please. Really.... Please. You insult intelligence. It's not like we don't "get" the whole family friendly format, but seriously? Cast members dialog is dumbed-down in sooooo many movies (not this one) you'd think you were watching Men-Child and Women-Child behavior. Enough with the only drinks allowed in the movies: Egg Nog, Hot Cocoa, and Hot Cider. People drink wine and sodas. A hot toddy can be extremely festive!

Once Upon a Prince (2018 TV Movie)

Cute, and New

[24 May 2018]

This was better than many of the other movies Hallmark has made, but like another person said, it's still not as good as "A Princess for Christmas, or A Royal Christmas or A Crown for Christmas." It's light, easy to watch, and not the same old locations they usually use. (however, It definately did NOT look a thing like Savannah, GA). Again, we got gypped out of a Royal wedding at the end which I was really dissappointed with. 6 Stars. That's it.

Royally Ever After (2018 TV Movie)

Where Was The Wedding??????????

[24 May 2018]

I LOVED the Location! Finally, a Hallmark movie NOT made in the same tired locations they continually re-stage for differing themes. Not the same contract actors/actresses that they use in the majority of their movies. (I am always annoyed when I see new movies debuting, only to have the same actor pool, different coupling swapping spit...) Royally Ever After was Funny, uninhibited, and a refreshing change of pace for a Hallmark "Royal" movie. The acting and casting was pretty good for a change, too! Finally, No toying with the stupid "one-kiss-wonder" theme used in so many of their movies. If they think that's their "schtick" -it's a pretty lame one. The costuming of the Royal ball was improved, but seemed like they went polar opposite of the $5 tiaras to the oversized pageant tiaras... well, at least the quality of the rhinestones were noticeably better. The dresses still need improvement. Many of the ballgowns looked like outdated, modest-styled LDS dresses. (Not that there's anything wrong with that...). As a dress shop owner, I suppose I am much more in tune to actual high end fashion. A trained eye, if you will... Anyways, the movie is well worth watching, but the biggest let down was the ENDING. WHERE WAS THE WEDDING???? I was SO expecting to see a wedding. Too bad. Maybe they'll make us a sequel. That would be awesome!

Southern Charm (2013– )

Bless their Southern Hearts....

[4 May 2018]

Where do I begin? .....Since when do guys refer to themselves -out loud, on a regular basis, "A real Southern Gentleman does this, or does that..." --really--??? Actions honey, -not words. Anyone who has to describe some "thing" or someone as "class" or "classless" really needs to reevaluate. Class is something that should be seen, not heard. "In the South we do things like ___" or "In the South we we put in our best face, etc..." -I hate to break it to y'all, but people are people no matter where you go, so please spare us your "In the South" education. How many of the cast members are actually from the south anyways? A good amount of people who have grown up in the south would most likely agree, that with friends like these, who needs enemies? Granted, it's a tv show, produced by cast member, Whitney. I find myself intrigued by the awful nature of the show, but shame on me, I still watch. Unfortunately, Whitney is about the only cast member that comes across authentic, if that's even a thing in this manufactured friendship circle. Cameran, has a bad case of the green eyed monster, and probably needs to worry more about herself, and less about everyone else... Thomas reminds me of Butthead, and Cameron, -Beavis. And Craig? -well, I just don't see how he made it onto the show (> trying too hard..?)Maybe they should do a spin-off called, Northeast Wasps? Even then, I think that's a stretch... For now, I'll pour me a bourbon ale, and binge-watch some more seasons. Dittums, my medicine, please.

My Christmas Prince (2017 TV Movie)

Nope. Just Nope.

[4 December 2017]

An American "commoner" dates a guy while living in NYC, all the while not knowing he is a prince. She goes home for Christmas, and he surprises her with a visit. Thinking he is "unknown" there, the local town gossip gives him away, and his girlfriend now knows his true identity. (Spare me the stupid crocodile tears at finding out your boyfriend is a prince..) insert eye roll.

While the movie is entirely predictable, it's about the worst royal flicks I've ever seen, (and I LOVE the movies that have a royal fairy tale).

Here are my reasons: 1. The acting is just dismal, with the exception the Hardy Boy dad. No screen "chemistry" between the two leads, overly annoying mother of the prince, phony baloney bodyguard actor, irritating extras playing the townies.....there's no end. It's just bad. 2. The overabundance of unkempt fake Christmas trees. Everywhere. ALL Decorated the exact awful way, ribbons and and some sparse cheap glass ornaments, and what looks like a single strand of lights per ugly tree. (Seriously, who puts up 7-8 trees in there house?) at LEAST straighten the branches of those trees so they don't look so ratty. 3.The writing... bottom of the barrel. 5. Did I mention the two leads, the prince and his girlfriend are so dismally matched, and have little acting skills. 6. Save your two hours and watch A Crown for Christmas, A Royal Christmas, or one of the others on Hallmark. They at least invested in beautiful landscapes, and better acting, and script writing.

While I'm at it... Oh, and Hallmark, if you're reading this... PLEASE STOP IT WITH THE ONE-KISS WONDER IN E V E R Y SINGLE MOVIE. *Even in Family movies, showing affection with kisses is a normal, sweet way to express how people feel. The utterly STUPID interrupted kiss before the one final kiss is enough to make me want to change the station when I see it coming. Stop Dumbing things down. Please. Really.... Please. You insult intelligence. It's not like we don't "get" the whole family friendly format, but seriously? Cast members dialog is dumbed-down in sooooo many movies (not this one) you'd think you were watching Men-Child and Women-Child behavior. Enough with the only drinks allowed in the movies: Egg Nog, Hot Cocoa, and Hot Cider. People drink wine and sodas. A hot toddy can be extremely festive!

A Gift Wrapped Christmas (2015 TV Movie)

Meredith Hagner is AWESOME!

[2 December 2017]

This is Easily one of my Top Favorite Christmas Movies!

Gwen (Meredith Hagner) is a personal shopper, who has that special gift for knowing exactly what makes a gift special to others, and her love interest, Charlie, is no exception. Charlie, is a single widower dad, who is all work no play, until his regular personal shopper is unavailable to help him through Christmas.

Gwen is assigned to him, and and the first thing she notices at Charlie's work place, is the mug collection his secretary has accrued. Gwen, being very chatty strikes up conversation with his secretary, and finds out that's what Charlie gets her for every present.

Gwen slowly starts helping Charlie appreciate the real meaning of Christmas, and helps to reignite a new chapter of life into Charlie. (It's so inspiring, and sweet, without the saccharine sweet of some other dumbed-down Christmas movies.)

It's SO INCREDIBLY AWESOME. While it is predictable, it is Most Enjoyable to go on the "Gwen and Charlie roller-coaster!!" - So beautifully written, casted, and filmed.

Enchanted Christmas (2017 TV Movie)

I wanted to like it, but....

[16 November 2017]

I wanted to like it, but it took me 4 times to watch it through because it was soooooo boring..... and predictable. The acting was just bleh.... the story was just, meh....... skip this one. It will be 2 hours you will never get back, that you could've been watching something better. Two thumbs way down.

All of My Heart (2015 TV Movie)

My Favorite Hallmark Movie!

[16 November 2017]

First Off, I'm a HUUUUGGE Fan of Brennan Elliot. I can't believe he hasn't been in more movies!! Hot, SWEET, AND Sexy! Like someone else here wrote, "he outacted Lacey" -I'd say he was actually a great compliment to Lacey. They both have awesome screen chemistry. I just saw that Hallmark came out with a sequel to this: All of My Heart: Inn Love (2017). How did I not see this???? My goal is to just buy the DVD of it along with the first one.

Lacey and Brennan shine in All of my heart, as they experience the ups and downs of taking ownership of a house that was left to them after the owner died. The home has a charm that Lacey loves, and she sees potential in fixing it up, and making it a B&B. Brennan is a big city professional who doesn't have the time or patience for a place like this. They go thru things breaking left and right, and then experiencing sweet little victories when things start to get better. Watching them grow closer together on screen was amazing!!! Soooo Believable. (I know, I need a life...I'm way too into this movie). By the end, you'll be sniffling happy tears when they become the proud parents of Gabby Goats "kids" ~it's just TOO GOOD to pass up! A+++ Hallmark. I can't stand when Hallmark has to insult my intelligence by spelling out e v e r y little emotion. Seems to me if the actors have any merit, as well as the screenwriters, all should be able to follow and read in between the lines. No saccharine sweet garbage here. Just a light, happy ending movie with awesome actors and pretty locations.

Surprised by Love (2015 TV Movie)

If you can get past the stupidity....

[14 November 2017]

I've always felt Paul Campbel has been dealt the short end of the stick when it comes to good roles in Hallmark movies. The character he plays best is in Once Upon a Christmas. Finally he's not a nerd or a loser. He actually is quite handsome as a hard working bachelor.

This movie is painful to watch.... saccharine sweet, and ridiculously stupid story line. Not everyone needs plots spelled out in such detail you get sick of the movie in the first 15 minutes.

My Summer Prince (2016 TV Movie)

Meh...

[30 April 2017]

I LIKE the Hallmark Royal movies generally, but this one is just a Stinker. Location is the same tired place they shoot many of their movies....and the cast is just "meh" -So it's supposed to look realistic when a prince stays in a "resort" that looks like a 2 star hotel?? And allll those BOWS? Every holiday, Hallmark really likes using Bows to decorate with....Dollar store bows.... soooooo cheesy! Kind of like the dresses in the pseudo royal ballroom scenes. The dresses look like mediocre department store prom gowns, not like what you'd expect from a costume drama team.

The prince is cute, but a bit juvenile (maybe it's just the awful dialog). Taylor Cole is not really a good on screen match for him either...she seems older than him, and he's exceptionally immature. There really isn't any on screen chemistry I find the least bit believable. She did REALLY well opposite the guy in Christmas in Homestead!

The royal theme in this one is more cliché than some of the better ones. I loved the following because they had good cast, and beautiful locations: A Royal Christmas (they had the cute chemistry, good cast, beautiful location) , A Crown for Christmas (5 stars cast, chemistry, location), A Princess for Christmas (awesome chemistry, beautiful location). My Summer Prince does not even come close to these others.

I'm tired of Hallmark using the same Utah, and Pacific Northwest locations. I've even spotted repeat homes and locations used in movies., that just makes me feel tired of seeing the same old same old....The past year just hasn't been the best for Hallmark. More stinkers than good goodies. A movie doesn't have to be "saccharine sweet" to be good and wholesome. It insults my intelligence.

And pleaseeee....EVERY single Hallmark film seems to have one thing in common, and that's that there is ONE NEAR-MISS KISS (insert eye roll..because someone interrupted it) and then one final kiss to end the show. (Insert another eye roll) If kissing is so bad, then Hallmark better stick to The Duggar family Side-Hug. Ughhhh. In any case, this movie falls into the "stinker" pile

A Royal Winter (2017 TV Movie)

I love the Hallmark "Royal" themed Movies

[14 January 2017]

I LOVE These Hallmark Royal films!! (Christmastime and Winterfest are my faves). This movie was exceptionally good, and looks like it was filmed in the same location, as A Crown for Christmas. This is equally well casted and scripted as 'A Crown for Christmas', and 'A Princess for Christmas.'

Maggie, a recent law school graduate from NYC is deciding what direction she wants to go in, and gets invited by a girlfriend to go on a vacation to a small European country to think things out, and get away from the pressures of her dad. While there, she meets the handsome, and fun Prince Adrian, but she doesn't know he's a prince, and It's chemistry at first sight.

I love the actors! It's refreshing to see new faces in Hallmark flicks. The movie, like most is predictable, however, it wasn't what I like to say "saccharine-sweet" which is awesome! There was wit, great dialog, and beautiful sceneries. I hope, and look forward to more Royal-themed movies!!

Keep it up, Hallmark :)

Heaven Sent (2016 TV Movie)

Sweet and Spicy Little Angel!

[10 December 2016]

It's Christmas time and Maire and Billy Taylor have been married 9 years, but their marriage has gone by the wayside, and Maire has filed for a divorce, but Billy does not want it.

Enter one sweet, and precocious (but oh, so intelligent and witty!) little angel, Taylor! The couple is immediately smitten by this little one, as the audience will be too! (Mallory James Mahoney is AH-MAZING).

Maire and Billy are both in tailspin mode, as this little angel is opening their eyes to so many little things that add up to the big things in life. They begin to see each other in a new light, all because of little Taylor.

So many Christmas movies have the same old plot again and again, and yet, this one broke that mold! (I should've known it was a Michael Landon, Jr movie.) Don't miss this GEM. No trailer can do justice to the movie. Christian Kane, and Marley Shelton have phenomenal on screen chemistry, (and he's soooo cute and funny in this movie!!).

Ernie Hudson, who plays Donatello was fantastic too! I'm getting teary eyed writing about how touching and sweet this movie is... So you're just going to have to see for yourself.❤️

A Princess for Christmas (2011 TV Movie)

A Hallmark Christmas Classic!

[11 November 2016]

A Princess for Christmas has been an annual favorite of mine since it was released! General plot has been summarized to pieces in other reviews, so I will just comment on my likes and dislikes.

The cast was excellent, and yes, it was a bit hard to get past some of Katie McGraths accent slip ups. I love when Hallmark uses a cast that isn't in every other movie they make. I prefer good acting from otherwise "unknowns" than seeing the same actors they use in many of their other movies over and over.

Sam Heughan......can we just say, "I'll have a Scotch on the rocks?" The kids are cuties and butlers and wait staff are awesome! I thought Sir Roger Moore was just fine. If you consider the role, I think he nailed it. It was especially cute when Maddie hands him his favorite ornament, and the way he looks at her.... Just precious!

So here are my Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Loved the casting

• Great on screen chemistry between Katie McGrath and SamHeughan (wished there was a sequel!)

• surprisingly GOOD story line

• loved the locations they used!!!

• loved that it wasn't "the usual" Hallmark casts

• Loved that it ended with a wedding

Cons:

• Minor accent slips from K. McGrath (not a deal breaker, she's still a great actress!) - The Ball Scene has something like a string Quartet, playing the music of a full orchestra, but it's OK... I know it's just a Hallmark movie...

• The cheap looking, and just plain "odd" looking bridal shop reject dresses Katie and the women wore in the ball scene. Katie's dress was just a hot mess....and not hemmed... Most of the dresses I recognized from regular dept stores, and even some bridesmaids dresses! I was hoping for "Royal" costuming! ...I'm big on costuming. I don't think the Dutchess of Cambridge would buy a Macy's dress.... Just sayin...

• Again, that pathetic looking wedding dress Katie wore, and like her ball dress, it wasn't hemmed either. I kept worrying that she was going to trip on the dress!

I wish Hallmark would bring the cast back together for a Royal Sequel!

One Starry Christmas (2014 TV Movie)

Painful to Watch

[11 November 2016]

I know it's a Hallmark movie, and I usually enjoy them, but One Starry Christmas is just painful to watch.

Girl and boy in a relationship. girl wants to get married, boy is procrastinating. Girl goes on trip to surprise boyfriend, but meets Cowboy. (Cowboy has painful acting skills with an even worse fake accent.)

Girl and Cowboy have some really boring cliché Christmas adventures, boyfriend gets jealous when he suspects she's moving away from him.

--If the acting couldn't get any worse, insert the parents of the girl... Saccharine sweet, corny, too many face lifts mother, is just about as annoying as annoying gets. The "perfect" family is so distracting that I can't even focus on the movie at this point. ~Cowboy has brother that has a great set of pipes and sings a beautiful song at the dinner table. (That is probably the only redeeming value in the movie)

Bad accent cowboy teaches New Yorkers how to miraculously line dance in just one, 2 minute lesson, and they're all urban Cowboys now!

Shockingly, the boy and girl break up, and girl rides off with bad accent cowboy. The end.

Crown for Christmas (2015 TV Movie)

Best royal Hallmark film yet!

[11 November 2016]

A Crown for Christmas is by far the very best movie Hallmark has made in years! Before this, A Princess for Christmas held that spot. I love movies that have a wonderful love story, and then have royalty added in.

Where A Princess for Christmas lacked (small details like bad costumes, and cheap tiaras) A Crown for Christmas makes up!

The castle they filmed in was beautiful, the casting was excellent! (The Princes little girl was PERFECTION!!) The main characters really had on-screen chemistry, the same way Crown for Christmas and Princess for Christmas did!

While predictable, the story was still VERY engaging and entertaining! I wish Hallmark would make more of The Royal themed Christmas movies -especially over in Eastern Europe inside real castles. I LOVE when they cast the movies with unknowns. These (somewhat) unknowns, really have A LOT of talent!! I can't say any one character in this movie (or the other) was annoying, sappy, or irritating to watch.

The costumes were beautiful, and didn't look like bridal shop rejects, except, when princess Theodora has an orange bow in her hair with a red dress (still bothers me every single time I watch it. (Oh, And they hemmed the dresses on the main characters!!!) I own a bridal boutique and would Happily Donate New Tiaras to Hallmark for filming these movies. And dresses, for that matter! (That really look regal!).

The locations didn't look like the same old tired, usual Pacific west coast or Salt Lake City locations used in SOOOOOoooo many of the other movies they do.

This movie left me with the "warm and fuzzies." ~ I want to see their Royal Wedding now!

Oh, and Hallmark, if you're reading this... PLEASE STOP IT WITH THE ONE-KISS WONDER IN E V E R Y SINGLE MOVIE. *Even in Family movies, showing affection with kisses is a normal, sweet way to express how people feel. The utterly STUPID interrupted kiss before the one final kiss is enough to make me want to change the station when I see it coming. Stop Dumbing things down. Please. Really.... Please. You insult intelligence. It's not like we don't "get" the whole family friendly format, but seriously? Cast members dialog is dumbed-down in sooooo many movies (not this one) you'd think you were watching Men-Child and Women-Child behavior. Enough with the only drinks allowed in the movies: Egg Nog, Hot Cocoa, and Hot Cider. People drink wine and sodas. A hot toddy can be extremely festive!

I give THIS movie a Solid TEN!

Outlander (2014– )

I deducted One Star, *only because of the DIA Finale.

[10 July 2016]

The whole season has been amazing, and true to the book. The *only episode that fizzled (in my humble opinion) was the Season 2 (DIA) Finale. 90 minutes just wasn't enough time to put emphasis on the events that happened in the book. The Battle of Culloden was mainly skipped over. Other scenes that lacked more detail and time spent, i.e.: when Claire and Jamie part {seriously -I was expecting a long, drawn out parting, and felt robbed of what was such a STRONG part of the book.} Remember "The Wedding" episode? No detail was spared, including time spent focusing on their growing attraction. I would have liked to have seen this same attention to their parting, just before Claire goes back through the stones. Such an utter disappointment. What about the scars they give each other to remember each other? What about the cabin by the stones?? I feel robbed of the best part of the end of the book.

When Roger, Bree and Claire are standing near the stones, and the noise started to howl: In the book, the noise was "deafening," and Roger felt "The pull" of the stones too. They "rushed" this scene too. It could've been so much more...

It just seems like where soooo much much time and detail went into the series, someone thought it was a good idea to cut short on the finale. ~Don't serve the most sumptuous appetizers, and then serve a dainty dinner... It makes no sense.

Overall, the entire series has been extremely true to the books. The sceneries have been lush, and the acting has been top notch! It was brilliant that they brought Diana Gabaldon onto the set for the creation of the the series. So many TV series based on books have been a disappointment, but Definitely not this one.