John Wick (2014) - Movie Review

It will surprise a lot of our readers and my fellow contributors to read that I enjoyed and would recommend the movie, John Wick.  I do love a great mystery or suspense movie, but not normally violent movies.  This will be the exception!

My husband and I were looking for a movie we could watch together last night and I came across "John Wick".  We are both Keanu Reeves fans.  Clearly, he is an extremely talented actor that excels in multiple genres.  He is also musically talented (see video below).  It would seem this multi-talented entertainer was destined to stardom, but I doubt it was that simple. 

When watching the movie, "John Wick", it is easy to believe Keanu Reeves is Wick in reality.  The character of a vigilante would almost fit with the charitable real-life man who founded a private cancer foundation with a vengence against cancer.   

John Wick is rated R due to violence, foul language and drug use.  Remember, I started by saying you would be surprised that I watched, reviewed and recommended this movie.

I look forward to watching the rest of the John Wick series of movies.  I plan to watch John Wick, chapter 2 tonight for a second round of acceptable violence. 

 

John Wick - Movie Synopsis

 John Wick on Prime VideoCheck Price

Retired hitman, John Wick, is literally drug out of his life of retirement and back into the violent world of his past when the son of a known crime lord, Viggo Tarasov, attacks him in his own home.

It isn't enough for the young fool to steal Wick's coveted 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429.  No, Iosef Tarasov has to make a statement.  No one refuses to give him what he wants and get away with it!  

Iosef and friends enter Wick's home, beat him and kill his dog, which was the last gift from his recently deceased wife.  This attack will not go unanswered.  Even Viggo Tarasov, who describes Wick as the "one you sent to kill the Boogeyman", knows his son is now in grave danger.  

Hoping to save his son's life, Viggo puts out a contract on Wick.  It is interesting to see which "friends" from Wick's past are willing to seek the reward and which one's have his back.

 

Warning - Even the trailer is violent

 John Wick [Blu-ray + DVD + Digital HD]Check Price John Wick 1-4 Movie Collection - Chapters 1, 2, 3 and 4 DVD SetCheck Price John Wick 4K Ultra Hd [Blu-ray] [4K UHD]Check Price

 

Stepping away from the violence, here is the music video of Keanu Reeves with "Dogstar"

 

More Great Movies Reviewed

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

  John Wick (2014) Movie Review by:

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

American Fiction Movie Review - Don't Miss This One!

What American Fiction is About (The Plot)

American Fiction, a 2023 comedy/drama, is a sharp, thought-provoking satire that follows the life of Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, a disillusioned novelist who becomes fed up with how African American culture is often commodified and reduced to harmful stereotypes in mainstream media. 

Monk, an intellectual and somewhat reclusive writer, struggles to write more of the serious work he is known for. 

In an act of frustration and rebellion, he writes an outrageous parody of stereotypical Black literature under a pseudonym. 

To his surprise, the parody becomes a sensational hit, leading to a whirlwind of fame and ethical dilemmas. The film expertly blends humor and social commentary, exploring themes of identity, race, art, and authenticity.

The Cast - Excellent Acting!

Jeffrey Wright leads the film as Thelonious "Monk" Ellison, delivering a nuanced performance that perfectly captures the protagonist's internal conflict and biting wit. 

Tracee Ellis Ross plays Monk's supportive yet opinionated sister, who grounds him in family matters and counterbalances his cynicism. 

Sterling K. Brown portrays Monk's charismatic yet troubled friend, whose life choices add emotional depth to the story. 

Issa Rae appears as a savvy literary agent who recognizes the commercial potential of Monk's parody but also becomes a symbol of the larger machine he despises. 

Together, this talented ensemble breathes life into a narrative that balances satire with genuine human emotion.

Some of the Accolades the Movie Received

• Academy Award Winner – Best Adapted Screenplay 2024
• Audience Award – Winner at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
• Independent Spirit Awards – Jeffrey Wright won Best Lead Performance, and Cord Jefferson won Best Screenplay
• Independent Spirit Awards – Nominated for Best Screenplay
• Golden Globe Awards – Jeffrey Wright nominated for Best Actor
• Writers Guild Awards – Best Adapted Screenplay and Paul Selvin Award
• BAFTA Awards – Jeffrey Wright won Best Lead Actor and nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay

Why I Loved This Movie

I was immediately drawn to American Fiction because of its premise—a writer struggling to navigate the fine line between artistic integrity and commercial success. 

As someone who writes, I found Monk's journey deeply relatable. The character of Monk, in particular, pulled me in with his internal struggle, trying to make sense of why society gravitates toward racial tropes in art. 

The film approaches Monk's conflict in a way that feels incredibly authentic. Despite being a Caucasian female, I found myself immersed in his world, empathizing with his confusion and frustration.

What struck me most was how the film handled complex race and identity issues with humor and gravity. The irony of Monk embracing stereotypes to mock them—only to watch his parody gain massive popularity—was hilarious and tragic. 

It highlighted the uncomfortable reality that, despite our shared humanity, stereotypes often creep back into the narrative, shaping perceptions in ways we can't always control. This duality of Monk trying to resist and exploit these tropes made the film compelling and thought-provoking.

While I wasn't entirely keen on how the movie attempted to end, I didn't mind it overall. The ending felt slightly abrupt, as though it didn't fully resolve Monk's arc, but perhaps that was intentional—a reflection of the ongoing nature of these societal issues. 

Best of all, there were parts of the movie where I laughed out loud!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Finding Normal - Movie Review

"Finding Normal" was released in 2013, but I only recently watched it on New Year's Day this year.  Ironically, I thought it had the perfect message for the beginning of a new year.

The title might make one think of finding what is normal.  However, there is a double meaning in that title.  The town in the movie is named Normal.  A big city doctor, Lisa Leland (Candace Cameron Bure), discovers Normal when she is pulled over for speeding through the place and ends up having to spend several days there.  She is truly taken by surprise by the slow-paced, caring for each other, lifestyle she finds in Normal.

In my own world, the holidays always make me feel like I have so much extra to do that I end up speeding through my normal day, perhaps missing some of the things that are most important in life, like special hugs or catching up with each other through normal everyday chats.  This year, I never seemed to find time to drive around and look at the Christmas lights, which is one of my favorite things to do during the holiday season.  By racing around and "doing", I didn't make time to do some of the things I enjoy the most.

The theme of the movie is based on how it is so easy to get wrapped up in making a living that we forget to make a life.  In my case, by trying to make Christmas be our "normal" traditional Christmas, I missed a lot of the real daily beauty of Christmastime.      

As we embark upon the new year, may we all stop and consider what is really most important in life and make sure we embrace it. Some of us, just may need to find a new "normal".

 

Finding Normal

 Finding NormalCheck PriceDr. Lisa Leland has everything by world standards.  She is leaving Los Angeles to join her doctor-boyfriend in a boutique practice 3000 miles away in The Hamptons as concierge doctors (doctors who get paid well to be on call to a limited number of wealthy patients).  She is driving her BMW to New York because "it has to get there somehow".  She quickly finds out that driving 90 mph through Normal (population 321) is going to get a reaction from the local sheriff.  When Officer Lester O'Toole discovers she has 23 parking tickets and a warrant out for her arrest, he has to take her before the town judge.

Appearing in court gives us all a quick view of what Normal is like and how "behind the times" they are.  When Lisa can't come up with $2000 to pay her tickets & fines, the judge orders 24 hrs, 8 hours a day, of community service in lieu of the money. 

Dr. Leland has a very condescending attitude toward the locals.  That seems to be based on her "higher" education as well as the inconvenience of having to spend days in this rural town, which has put her in a bad mood.  The town people are obviously accustomed to visitors and their assumptions.  Most of them seem to take her condescension in stride and try hard to be kind to her.  However, after she calls Lucas, "Jethro", and talks to him like he is an imbecile, he wishes her a nice day and moves on.  When they see each other later at the judge's home for dinner, they start bickering with one another.  As the movie progresses, his "$5 charm and $10 smile" starts to grow on her.  Actually, the entire town of Normal starts to appeal to Lisa, but her life is set in a different direction.

This movie reminds us that not every path in life is set in stone.

 

 

Where to Watch "Finding Normal"

I watched Finding Normal on the Pure Flix subscription streaming channel. Pure Flix offers movies and shows that are suitable for the whole family and are often Christian based movies.  They are owned by Great American Media.

 

More Great Movies Reviewed

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

  Finding Normal Movie Review by:

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Carry-On (2024) Netflix Movie Review

Anyone who travels and flies on airlines is very familiar with the term "carry on".  Even those who have never flown most likely know what someone is talking about when they reference a carry-on.  Therefore, the title of the movie tells us a great deal about the movie before we even read a synopsis.  We know instantly that a carry-on bag is going to be part of the main plot.

For those who travel during the holidays, we know to expect highways, rental agencies, bus terminals, train stations, and especially airlines to be crowded and for everyone to be irritable.  Every experienced traveler knows they can anticipate delayed flights and lost luggage.  A carry-on bag can be an essential element of making everything more comfortable for a passenger in an atmosphere that requires patience.

Personally, my carry-on consists of one change of clothes and my glasses in case my checked luggage gets lost.  Many of us carry itineraries, tickets for events, makeup, contact lens supplies, jewelry, laptops, books, crossword puzzles, and a vast assortment of things to keep us prepared for mishaps and/or occupied during travel time.  

What no one expects is for someone to be able to get through all of the security with an explosive or deadly agent.  We expect to arrive at our destination, albeit late or without our luggage, we expect to get where we are going.  This movie is based on the unexpected and involves passengers as well as airline employees.  The very frightening scenario and unusual plot of this movie makes it the best thriller for this holiday season, or any time.

 

Carry-On Movie Synopsis

On Christmas Eve, TSA agent, Ethan Kopek, is headed to work, prepared to request job advancement and a pay raise.  The last thing he expects is to find himself in the middle of a high-level threat that no one else knows is happening.  

Only Available on Netflix

When Ethan asks his boss for a job with more responsibility, his friend in a higher level position, suggests that Ethan can take his place on one of the carry-on scanners and he will move to a different location for the day. Since the airport is shorthanded and needs more coverage, their boss agrees to a trial to see if Ethan is truly ready.  

Ethan is thrilled and quickly moves into place behind the scanner. His friend, happy to have helped, moves to a location in a different section.  Neither man has any idea what is happening in the background or that they just made a group of terrorists scramble to change plans.  As it turns out, when the leader of the group finds out Ethan has a pregnant fiance, he is content to use Ethan instead of his friend.

When Ethan slips an earpiece into his ear, an unknown voice starts talking and giving him directions on exactly what he will do.  Even though he doesn't want to participate, they are threatening to kill his fiance if he does anything to stop them.  Unfortunately for one co-worker, Ethan finds out just how fast the terrorist will kill. They are determined to get a specific carry-on bag onto a specific flight and plane. They are equally determined that nothing will get in their way or stop them.

 Samsonite Hardside Carry-On - TSA, Airline-ApprovedCheck Price London Fog Westminster 15" Under The Seat Bag, BlackCheck Price

 

____________

 

As I said earlier, this action-packed suspense thriller movie is the best thriller for the holiday season.  As a Netflix original, it is available only on Netflix.

Be sure to find time to watch it, especially if your are not traveling for the holidays.  If you are traveling, it might well make you decide to drive if you are planning to fly.

 

More Great Movies Reviewed

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

Carry-On (2024) Netflix Movie Review by:

 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

A Sci-Fi Time Travel Series With An Interesting Twist

When I first stumbled upon Travelers, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect.

This Canadian sci-fi series, which premiered in 2016, ran for three riveting seasons and immediately drew me in with its unique twist on time travel. 

The premise? A group of highly-trained operatives from a dystopian future are sent back in time to our present day. Their mission is to save humanity from the catastrophic fate that awaits. 

What's fascinating is the way they do it — by transferring their consciousness into people who are moments away from death, taking over their lives while covertly working on their mission. 

With three seasons of drama, mystery, and moral dilemmas, this show is a hidden gem for any sci-fi enthusiast.

The Storyline of Travelers – Time Travel With a Twist

The story starts with five strangers who suddenly begin acting out of character, which is how we're introduced to the concept of Travelers. 

Each team member has a specific role, from the leader to the medic, the historian, and even a tactician. 

These people are chosen because their hosts' deaths were imminent, meaning no timelines are disrupted. 

What I loved most about Travelers was how it blended personal stories with the broader mission. As the series progresses, the team faces increasing challenges, both from external forces and the complexity of pretending to be their host's original selves. 

The show masterfully balances action, ethical dilemmas, and emotional depth, keeping you hooked from episode to episode.

The Cast – A Stellar Cast

The cast of Travelers is another reason the show shines. Eric McCormack leads the series as Grant MacLaren, the team's determined leader and an FBI agent in his host's life.

MacKenzie Porter plays Marcy Warton, the team's medic with a complex backstory. 

Jared Abrahamson stars as Trevor Holden, the team's historian and a high school student in his host's life. 

Reilly Dolman plays Philip Pearson, the team's tactician and a recovering heroin addict.

Finally, Nesta Cooper portrays Carly Shannon, a single mother and the team's strategist.

Each actor brings depth and nuance to their character, making their struggles and triumphs feel incredibly real.

Why I Enjoyed This Series

Time travel has always been one of my favorite genres, so it's no surprise that I was glued to Travelers from the start. But what set this show apart was its originality. 

The concept of taking over the lives of people moments before their death was just strange enough to be intriguing, and the ethical questions it raised kept me thinking long after each episode. 

The series was compelling, dramatic, and emotional, with just enough mystery and action to keep me on the edge of my seat. 

I looked forward to each new episode, eager to see how the story would unfold. By the end of the third season, I was completely invested in the characters and their journey. 

Travelers was more than just a sci-fi series for me; it was a thrilling escape from everyday life. An out-of-this-world series is a perfect escape!

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

A Hot Cocoa Christmas Movie Review

A Hot Cocoa Christmas is a delightful holiday movie about a woman from a wealthy home who hides her true identity in hopes that a man will want to date her for herself.  It becomes even more fun when she has to sneak around to keep him from finding out that the new marketing account his company hopes to land, is with her mother.

We frequently see movies about rich men who want to find a wife that will love them and not their money.  They keep their wealth a secret when dating.  I liked the twist of it being the female who withholds her true identity this time.

It does seem that one lie leads to another though in order to keep the secret.  Plus, the question of when to reveal the secret definitely becomes a problem in a blossoming relationship.

_____

Once again, a movie undergoes a name change.  A Hot Cocoa Christmas was released in 2021 and originally named Much Ado About Christmas.  In my case, I am certain I selected this movie to watch because "hot cocoa" was in the name.  Therefore, I think it was a great name change.  

 

A Hot Cocoa Christmas Movie Synopsis

A Hot Cocoa Christmas

When Haley Logan Lloyd (Susie Abromeit) steps in to help serve hot cocoa at a Christmas party, she has a rare opportunity to meet two men who have no idea who she is.  That is an awesome advantage for her because both men are more honest about who they are when interacting with a nobody barista making and serving them hot cocoa.  

With one, Claud Miller (Torrance Coombs), she experiences instant attraction.  The other shows his less attractive side which keeps her from falling for his "gentlemanly facade" after he finds out her real identity.

Unbeknownst to Haley, both men are at the Christmas party to curry favor with Leona Lloyd, owner of Lloyd Industry, and Haley's mother.  They both work for advertising agencies that are vying for her new fragrance line account. 

Before Claud leaves the party, he spots Haley and asks her for her number.  She writes her name and phone number on a napkin for him, but she leaves her last name off.  She just wants a "real" relationship based on attraction and love, not prestige.

Just to add a little more fun to the movie, Haley's best friend, Beatrice, previous dated Claud's co-worker, Ben.  When Haley and Ben play matchmakers by inviting them to join them for Christmas karaoke, Beatrice and Ben find they are still attracted to each other.  For those of us who are hopeless romantics, having a second happy couple in the movie, is like adding whipped topping on hot cocoa.  Just makes it all the better!

Haley and Claud make a really cute couple.  Your heart breaks a little when Claud finds out who she really is and feels betrayed.

 

 

 

 

 

Check Out More Great American Family Christmas Movie Review

The Great American Family Channel (GAC) has become my favorite streaming service.  GAC offers family-friendly programming with movies that pure entertainment without disturbing scenes or foul language.

Here are some of the GAC Christmas movies that I have previously reviewed. I hope you enjoy watching them as much as I did! 

A Royal Date for Christmas
Lives are changed forever when a European duke's luggage is lost & he goes to a local store to buy a suit. He realizes he needs more than just clothes​.

A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Movie Review
A really sweet & uplifting movie about 2 people whose sacrifices for others result in significant changes to their lives that lead them to each other

A Brush With Christmas
When the demands of her restaurant increase for the holidays, Jillian must choose between her commitment to her family & her art due to limited time.

Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023) - Great American Family Movie
A grandmother sends a text to wrong number & ends up making friends with a woman who replies. A Christmas invite is a chance for fun, family & romance​.

A Dash of Christmas
Great American Family channel delivers "A Dash of Christmas" in time for the season. A delightful romantic movie with lots of cooking, baking, & fun.

 

 

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

A Hot Cocoa Christmas - Movie Review by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Three Wiser Men And A Boy Hallmark Movie Review

Hallmark's Three Wiser Men And A Boy is a sequel to Hallmark's very successful Three Wiser Men And A Baby in 2022. The original was the most watched Hallmark movie in 2022 and fans were eagerly awaiting the sequel.

Time fast forwards five years from the end of the original movie; hence, 'and a baby' becomes 'and a boy'.  In the original movie, three brothers with the help of their mother take on caring for an abandoned newborn during the holidays. Comedy prevails as the bachelor brothers accept their mission with limited skills. In the interim between original and sequel, the baby is a member of the family.

The school Christmas musical plays a pivotal role in the storyline as the brothers volunteer their talents to save the musical the Hallmark way!

The Hallmark A Team

Hallmark fans will immediately recognize the three stars: Andrew Walker, Paul Campbell and Tyler Hynes. Each are Hallmark favorite actors who are on the top of the list of popular Hallmark films. Hallmark star Kimberly Sustad makes a small cameo as her contribution to this film is as a writer.

Margaret Colin plays the mother of the three brothers and is a welcome addition with comedic flair and a seasoned pro of film and television.

The Chemistry

The chemistry between the three brothers and Colin as the mother definitely shines in this movie. Each brother has a definite and different personality lane, but it is the chemistry between all which helps ensure a successful Hallmark movie.  The storyline with the mothers' boyfriend and his interactions with the brothers and the musical was not particularly believable, but the great chemistry between the rest of the cast overshadows the minor boyfriend storyline.

The Writers

The same team which wrote Three Wiser Men And A Baby (who coincidentally happen to be on the Hallmark A team actor list) also wrote Three Wiser Men And A Boy. Paul Campbell stars in both movies and Kimberly Sustad has a supporting role in each movie also. Russell Hainline also cowrote the second movie. 

Which Movie Is Better?

That is the inevitable question! Which Do You Prefer? Does It Matter?

Both movies are very enjoyable and worth bookmarking for the holidays. The storylines are not apples to apples. The first movie does have the benefit of viewers tuning in not knowing what to expect and finding great chemistry between the actors. Hallmark fans report the original is a movie they will rewatch multiple times. The sequel has the benefit of viewers coming to watch because of the proven chemistry and success of the original.

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2024

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2023

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2022

Hallmark Christmas Movie Reviews 2021

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Don't Miss This Holiday Movie! Love The Coopers

The Storyline of the Movie "Love the Coopers"

Narrated by the family dog, Rags (voiced by Steve Martin), the film takes a whimsical yet insightful perspective, making it stand out among holiday movies. 

"Love the Coopers" unfolds during a chaotic Christmas Eve, when four generations of the Cooper family gather to celebrate the holiday. 

Each family member brings their own baggage—strained relationships, life struggles, and unspoken truths—which set the stage for both humor and heartfelt moments. 

The mood is a balance of lighthearted humor and poignant realism, as it captures the messiness and unpredictability of family life. What struck me most was how authentic the film felt—highlighting both the love and dysfunction that can coexist in any family.

The Cast - An Impressive Ensemble of Actors and Actresses

"Love the Coopers" boasts a stellar cast that brings the story to life:

• Diane Keaton is Charlotte Cooper, the family matriarch determined to create the perfect Christmas but is questioning her marriage.
• John Goodman is Sam Cooper, Charlotte's husband, who also questions their relationship after forty years but wants to keep going and trying.
• Ed Helms as Hank, their son, who is struggling with divorce and unemployment.
• Olivia Wilde as Eleanor, their daughter, a playwright hiding her loneliness with sarcasm.
• Alan Arkin as Bucky, Charlotte's father, whose bond with a young waitress (played by Amanda Seyfried) adds a touch of warmth.
• Marisa Tomei as Emma, Charlotte's quirky sister.
• Anthony Mackie as Officer Williams, a reserved cop who crosses paths with Emma.
• June Squibb is Aunt Fishy, the family's elder relative.
• Timothée Chalamet as Charlie, Hank’s teenage son navigating young love.
• Jake Lacy is Joe, a soldier who spontaneously connects with Eleanor.

This ensemble cast brilliantly portrays the complexities of their characters, making each storyline engaging and relatable.

Why I Love This Movie

What I love most about "Love the Coopers" is how it delivers a moving holiday message despite the family's apparent dysfunction. 

It's not a Hallmark-style movie with a picture-perfect family but rather a story that feels real and grounded. Each character's perspective adds depth, and we begin empathizing with their struggles and triumphs. 

The ending truly stayed with me—a beautifully unexpected moment of joy in an unexpected place that brought everyone together and reminded us what the holidays are all about.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

A Royal Date for Christmas - Movie Review

I was pleasantly surprised by this Christmas movie.  I liked both of the actors and movie characters.  

To start with, Damon Runyan looks like royalty.  He is totally believable playing the part of a European duke.  It was fun to watch his character develop throughout the movie.  At first, we only see his serious side, but as the movie progresses, we find he actually has a rather playful side that he hides from public view.

Danica McKellar is perfect playing the part of a shop owner who knows her customers and provides more personalized service.  She is very kind, lively and spontaneous.  She can easily pick out clothing that suits the needs and preferences of her regular clientele, but doesn't hesitate to embrace the challenge of a new, all business, customer with classic style preferences.      

Bella Sparks (Danica McKellar) is exactly what Stefan Brown (Damon Runyan) needs in his life. These two make such a cute couple!

 

A Royal Date for Christmas Synopsis

 A Royal Date for ChristmasCheck PriceAfter a delayed flight in London, Stefan William Francis Brown, the Duke of Tangford, arrives in America without his luggage. On the way to his family's estate, he visits Bella Sparks couture shop to purchase a suit with all of the accessories and a "sleep garment".  He is in a hurry, so he gives Bella his tailor's contact information and requests delivery to Snowy Crest on the outskirts of town.  Of course, Bella has no idea who he is.  She simply knows he is a bit abrupt.

Because of his dispassionate attitude, Bella decides to spice up his life with a "fun" sleep garment.  When the duke sees it, even he has to chuckle.  

Stefan returns to Bella Sparks Couture Boutique the following day because his luggage still has not arrived and he needs additional clothing for the week. He ends up making a very unusual request.  Due to his busy schedule, he would like for Bella to act as his personal stylist for his week of luncheons, dinners and meetings.  He also asks her to step in as his "plus one" when needed, "strictly professional, of course".  Coming from anyone else, that "proposition" would sound inappropriate, but his delivery makes it all sound so acceptable, and Bella's business could use the extra funds for a desired expansion.

As they get to know each other, Bella discovers that he is really very nice, simply concerned about protecting his family's reputation publicly and she is happy to help him succeed.

 

 

Check Out More Great American Family Christmas Movie Review

The Great American Family Channel (GAC) offers family-friendly programming with movies that pure entertainment without foul language or disturbing scenes. Because I love their movies so much, my husband gave me a subsription to Pure Flix, which is owned my Great American Media, last year for Christmas. It was the perfect gift for me!

Here are some of the GAC Christmas movies that I have previously watched and reviewed. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Movie Review
A really sweet & uplifting movie about 2 people whose sacrifices for others result in significant changes to their lives that lead them to each other

A Brush With Christmas
When the demands of her restaurant increase for the holidays, Jillian must choose between her commitment to her family & her art due to limited time.

Twas the Text Before Christmas (2023) - Great American Family Movie
A grandmother sends a text to wrong number & ends up making friends with a woman who replies. A Christmas invite is a chance for fun, family & romance​.

A Dash of Christmas
Great American Family channel delivers "A Dash of Christmas" in time for the season. A delightful romantic movie with lots of cooking, baking, & fun.

 

 

Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com

A Royal Date for Christmas - Movie Review by:

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Continuum: A Must-Watch Series About the Future and Time Travel with a Twist

The Plot Line of the Series Continuum

Continuum is an exciting Canadian sci-fi series with four enjoyable seasons and a gripping storyline centered around time travel, corporate greed, and the fight for justice.

The series begins in 2077 when corporations have become governments, controlling society with an iron fist. A group of rebels known as Liber8 is determined to overthrow this corporate-dominated world. 

During their escape from captivity, they activate a time travel device and inadvertently bring Kiera Cameron, a police officer from the future, back to the year 2012 with them.

For example, in the 21st century, a rebel group uses this method to evade capture and carry out their mission to change the future. This ingenious approach to time travel creates ethical dilemmas, as the travelers must grapple with the lives they inherit and the consequences of their actions in reshaping history.

Stuck in the past, Kiera must navigate a familiar and strange world while trying to stop Liber8 from altering history in a way that could prevent her own future from ever existing. The show balances action-packed moments, moral dilemmas, and complex character arcs, creating a futuristic and relatable world.

The Top Cast Members

The cast of Continuum is fantastic, bringing depth and emotion to their roles:

• Rachel Nichols as Kiera Cameron: The protagonist is a law enforcement officer from 2077 who is fiercely loyal to her future but conflicted by the events unfolding in the past.
• Victor Webster as Carlos Fonnegra: A detective in 2012 who becomes Kiera’s partner and friend, unaware of her true origins.
• Erik Knudsen as Alec Sadler: A young tech genius in 2012 who becomes Kiera’s ally. Alec’s future self plays a pivotal role in the world Kiera comes from, adding an intriguing layer to the story.
• Tony Amendola as Edouard Kagame: The leader of Liber8, a revolutionary group with a vision for a different future, though their methods are extreme.
• Stephen Lobo as Matthew Kellog: A cunning and opportunistic member of Liber8 who often plays both sides to his advantage.

Each actor delivers compelling performances, making their characters feel authentic and multidimensional.

Why I Love This Series

What draws me to Continuum is its fascinating exploration of time travel (my favorite movie topic). The series blends futuristic technology with the challenges of living in a less advanced world, which is thrilling and thought-provoking. 

One of the most compelling aspects of the show is watching Kiera use her knowledge of the future to navigate the past while grappling with ethical dilemmas.

The themes of corporate control versus public interest are also incredibly relatable. The struggle between those in power and those fighting for justice mirrors many real-world issues, making the series feel relevant even though it’s rooted in sci-fi. It’s not just about action; it’s about asking big questions—what kind of world do we want to live in, and how do our choices shape the future?

Ultimately, Continuum is more than just a time travel story. It’s an innovative, engaging series that challenges viewers to think about society, morality, and the ripple effects of our decisions. If you’re looking for a show that’s as entertaining as it is creative, I highly recommend trying this one. I loved it.

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON:

Damn Yankees Musical Comedy Movie Review

Anyone who knows anything about me knows I am a huge baseball fan, that of all baseball, but most especially the New York Yankees. What you may not know is that, as a teen in the 1950s, I was also a big Broadway musical fan. Living near the upstate New York city of Rochester, the excitement of New York City and Broadway shows was appealing to me. Not being able to go there myself, I followed every musical that opened on Broadway, buying the record album and learning all the words to all the songs. 

Damn Yankees really appealed to me, from the perspective of both my interests, musicals and baseball. THe play opened on Broadway in 1955. I don’t really remember most of the original actors, except for Ray Walston and Gwen Verdon. And, of course, the music.

The following year, the traveling road show of Damn Yankees came to the Auditorium Theater, a Performing arts theater in Rochester, New York, and my uncle took me to see the play for my birthday. The memory remains a special one for me.

Damn Yankees was made into a movie in 1958, with Ray Walston and Gwen Verdon recreating their Broadway play characters for the movie.  The movie also starred Tab Hunter as young Joe Hardy. 

Movie Synopsis

Damn Yankees

Damn Yankees was a musical comedy based on the book “The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant” (which adapts the Faust theme of a deal with the devil to the world of American baseball in the 1950s. This was a time when the New York Yankees dominated Major League Baseball and the storyline centers on the New York Yankees and the Washington Senators baseball teams.

Joe Boyd is a middle-aged fan of the unsuccessful Washington Senators baseball team. When he sees his team lose once again, he declares he would sell his soul to the devil to see his team beat the Yankees. Of course, the devil appears, disguised as the suave conman, Applegate (Ray Walston). He promises Joe he can restore Joe’s youth and make him a ball player who can win the pennant for the Senators. Joe agrees, but insists on an escape clause - if he leaves the team the day before the last game of the season, he can return to who he was with his wife Meg, instead of having his soul belong to the devil.

Joe becomes young Joe Hardy (Tab Hunter), a talented ball player with tremendous home runs and game-saving catches. Joe leads the Senators on a long winning streak into contention for the pennant. But he misses Meg and keeps sneaking back home to get a glimpse of her. 

Applegate gets worried that Joe could leave before the end of the season and ruin his plans, so he tries to entice him away from thoughts of Meg by bringing in his demonic right-hand girl, Lola (Gwen Verdon), a seductress. But Joe loves his wife and Lola fails. 

Summary 

By the end of the season, the Senators are on the verge of overtaking the Yankees when Applegate tries one more time to ruin everything. Check out the full write up of the plot of Damn Yankees here on Wikipedia. 

I watched this movie on Friendly TV for free. You can also view it for free on Tubi, or buy the movie on Amazon Prime Video.

*Reviewer’s note:  I had not heard the music to Damn Yankees in more years than I care to admit, yet I was delighted to discover that I still remembered all the words to songs such as Whatever Lola Wants (Lola Gets) and (You Gotta Have) Heart. A fun memory trip back in time. 

*Damn Yankees Movie Review written by Wednesday Elf 

Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

FOLLOW US ON: