Monday, September 15, 2014

Hallmark and Other Movies

I've always liked Hallmark movies and others like them, and recently I had a chance to watch quite a few:
  • Chance at Romance - This was a sweet romantic movie where the two main characters developed their relationship despite initially unknowingly being set up by the photographer's son.  I liked that the photographer was able to notice Samantha's good qualities.
  • Fixing Pete - It was nice to see Pete's transformation and the ensuing relationship that developed with Ashley who was also able to learn to "loosen up" and have fun.
  • Christmas Magic - Lindy Booth is a likeable actress, and it was a nice story of how she was able to help a single dad and his daughter.  It just seems like the casting of characters for the dad may have been more effective if they had found someone who would've been a better match for Lindy's character Carrie.
  • Lucky in Love - It was nice that the main character was able to find what truly brings happiness and to learn from her mistakes
  • June in January - The main character was not very likeable as she turned into bridezilla.  The groom-to-be was very supportive, understanding, and kind but he seemed a bit "stiff". Wes Brown seemed to fit better with Love's Everlasting Courage and Love Begins.
  • The Good Witch - I had a chance to watch three of the movies from the series (i.e. the first one, Family, and Destiny); and I really liked them.  I like the main characters; and Chris Potter really comes across as a loving caring person.  It's nice that the family sticks together, even through the challenges.
  • Shadow on the Mesa - This was a bit slow moving but Wes Brown is nice to watch in this one.  The Western genre seems to suit him.
3-Oct:
  •  Perfect on Paper was such a cute story, it got me wishing I could meet someone like the Coop character.  He had "made it" but gave it all up because he wanted more depth in his life.  He contributed to the life of a local young boy, helped out the community, etc.   And, it did not hurt that this movie had a pretty good looking cast also
  • Santa Suit - This was like a revised Christmas Carol where the main character changes his perspective and his company after his learning experience as "Santa".   It was a nice feel-good movie with a happy ending
12-Nov:
  • Recipe for Love was a sweetly romantic movie.  It held some extra interest for me, since it also involved some cooking.   I liked how the female lead was able to look beyond the "character" the male lead played and learned the real person underneath; and it was neat how they developed mutual interest for one another.   It was nice to see everything work out at the end for them both.
  • My Boyfriend's Dogs - The main character in this movie seemed to just be able to attract guys everywhere she went - work cafeteria, art show, pet store, yoga class....   That's not something I can relate to; but, what I found interesting was to see the interactions.   It was also the age-old tale of the right one just being right in front of her but she never noticed till the end.   It was an enjoyable movie.
12-Dec:  
  • A Royal Christmas had a very familiar and predictable plot; but, it was still a very romantic and feel-good movie.  Jane Seymour fits the role of the Queen well, since she does have a very regal air.  The Prince and his "Princess" were a cute couple - they convincingly played characters who truly loved it eachother
  • Christmas Under Wraps was also very sweetly romantic.  It made the small town friendly atmosphere very appealing.  Sometimes I do wonder if I would enjoy quaint and simple more than fast-paced and complex.
15-Dec:

  • The Christmas Shepherd was a cute story of two people who get together based on a turn of events related to their German Shepherd.  There were touching moments and it was nice how things worked out for them at the end
  • The Nine Lives of Christmas - The casting of the main character Zachary worked well, and was convincing.  He was good looking, likeable, and the transition from confirmed bachelor to his being in a relationship was believeable.   I liked how he transitioned from dating vapous model types to a more substantial kind unassuming person.
16-Dec:
  • The Best Christmas Party Ever - The casting was good and the main characters were likeable and attractive.  It highlighted caring about people over corporate pressures.
17-Dec:  
  • The Christmas Secret revealed itself so beautifully.  It was a great story tying together a really special group of people into a very happy outcome.  The characters were well cast, and I thought the little girl Haley was especially adorable.
23-Dec:

  • Northpole - I didn't know I would enjoy this movie so much.  It had all the normal elements of happy ending, growth, sweet romance; but, it also had some witty humor also.  A nice Christmas movie.
  • Christmas Comes Home to Canaan was another pleasant surprise.   It really was a feel-good movie; and was even really touching at the end when Bob was able to walk without his crutches.  I liked how the movie showed the benefits of helping others.  And there was even a bit of romance thrown in.  A nice family-oriented movie where they weren't even afraid to show a scene of saying grace before a meal.
30-Dec:
  • Angels and Ornaments - I really liked this movie.  It was neat that the "angel" turned out to be the main character's grandfather whose love story with her grandmother was woven throughout the movie.  I liked how the main character's best friend decided to step up and "fight for her"; and how well suited they were with one another.   It really was a nice story.
  • The Christmas Ornament - This was another surprise.  The cast of characters were likeable enough; but, what caught me are some really touching lines in the movie, like when Tim says to Cathy about the Christmas tree - to water it, because "even though it's cut down it's still alive" and she says "I can relate to that".   Or, when he says to her that love is not like a bus or a train that comes on a schedule; sometimes you wait all your life for it, and when it comes around, you grab hold of it.

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