Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Movie Reviews. Show all posts

Friday, October 13, 2023

Remember Sunday (2013) Movie Review

Remember Sunday Movie Review
Most often, I watch movies in the background while I work.  I guess you could say, they keep me company.  However, Remember Sunday is not a background movie.  This is one you really want to be invested in.  It is well worth watching.

The actors are adorable and kind.  You pull for them throughout the movie because you really want them to succeed.  They both possess a positive attitude and strong determination as they face difficult times and situations.

Since I have never known anyone who survived an aneurysm, I wasn't sure how accurate the movie's presentation of it was until I did a bit of research.  I found that, in some causes, the memory loss after an aneurysm was accurately depicted in the movie.  This knowledge made me like the movie even more.  Not only was I captivated by the story, but I learned something.

I will warn you, the movie is not all sunshine and flowers.  As you can imagine, not being able to remember someone, conversations, activities, etc. would make you, and everyone that is a constant in your life, struggle for consistency or the bond of a continuous relationship.  Shared experiences are the foundation of almost any relationship, even the bad ones.  Without those memories, it would be nearly impossible to have a bound.


Synopsis of Remember Sunday

Gus Gillenwater (Zachary Levi) wakes up every morning to post-it notes!  Yes, that is correct.  He has post-it notes all over his home and a file marked "Read Me Every Morning".  The notes and file tell him where he is and what he is supposed to remember.  After he reads through the file, he calls his sister each morning and she tells him, again, why he is living in New Orleans and answers any questions he has.  He works at a jewelry shop owned by old friends.   

Gus's notes, file, and daily routine are extremely important because Gus has no short-term memory due to an aneurysm.  

He is kind, even tempered, and happy, but he is living day to day without the memories of most of his adult life.  He tries to "fill in the gaps" by recording the things he would like to remember, like appointments, things he needs to do, and whatever he thinks is important in his day.  He is surrounded by friends and neighbors who try to daily help him.

Gus meets his life-long friend, Jerry, for breakfast each morning.  On the day when we first meet Gus, he will be meeting Jerry at a new restaurant, Addie Mae's, for breakfast.  He is immediately attracted to his waitress, Molly.  Sadly, he will not remember her tomorrow.

____

Molly Branford (Alexis Bledel) is a waitress at Addie Mae's Restaurant.  She is living with her best friend since she can't afford an apartment on her own.  She is also taking a business class.  She hopes to start her own flower shop when she receives the inheritance that is currently being held up by lawyers.

Molly is adorable, sweet, and well liked although frequently underappreciated by the men she dates.

When she meets Gus, of course she likes him, but she can't understand why he would stand her up for their date. 

Fortunately for both of them, Jerry knew about the date.  When he calls to see how things are going, he finds out Gus is at home, totally oblivious to the fact that he is supposed to be out on his first date with Molly.

___

After the initial mix-up, Molly and Gus do start dating, but their dating life is fraught with misunderstandings, difficulties and distress until Molly learns more about Gus's aneurysm and why he can't remember.  

Gus, himself, questions "is it possible to fall in love with someone every single day?"

 


 

 



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Remember Sunday Movie Review by:
House of Sylvestermouse




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.”


Tuesday, September 26, 2023

A Review of the Movie The Tomorrow War

the tomorrow war



I recently watched a movie on Prime video called The Tomorrow War.  Being a fan of science fiction, I was totally enthralled by the scenario.  Great story!  I thought the acting was well done, in addition to the extremely realistic special effects.  Overall, I gave it a 10 out or 10!  Let me tell  you about it......

The Tomorrow War is a Amazon Original Movie that was released in 2021.  It was supposed to be released to theaters, but because of Covid, it was decided to release it straight to Prime Video.  It was the most streamed movie on Prime Video in 2021, and a sequel is in the works!


Main Cast


Chris Pratt as Dan Forester
Yvonne Strahovski as Colonel Muri Forester
J.K. Simmons as James Forester
Betty Gilpin as Emmy Forester
Sam Richardson as Charlie
Jasmine Mathews as Lt. Hart
Edwin Hodge as Dorian
Ryan Kiera Armstrong as Young Muri Forester

Short Summary 


The world is shocked when a group of soldiers, armed to the teeth, appear in the middle of the World Cup to tell the world that in 30 years the earth will be invaded by a hostile alien species.  The soldiers are from the future and have come to ask for our help to turn the tide of the war that they are badly losing against the vicious invaders.

They want to bring people from our time to the future to help fight.  A world draft is instituted and Dan Forester, an ex Green Beret is drafted to go and help save the human race.  What Dan finds in the future is stunning, but it is nothing compared to what he finds when comes back home.

The Trailer:




The below synopsis contains spoilers, please skip if you don't want to know!

Detailed Plot Synopsis


In December 2022 former Green Beret Dan Forester and his wife and daughter are having a home Christmas party.  Everyone is watching the World Cup when a disturbance happens on the field and a group of heavily armed soldiers appear out of nowhere.  They announce that in the year 2048 hostile aliens, called Whitespikes, invade Earth and start killing every living thing on the planet.  For them that was three years ago and now the population of the Earth is almost gone.  The soldiers have come back into the past to ask for help defending our world before the human race becomes extinct.

A worldwide draft is initiated and within a year Dan is drafted.  Upon arrival at the draft office he finds that the term of service is only seven days, but only 30% of people make it back.  The people drafted are sent in with weapons, but almost no training.  Another thing Dan finds strange is that they do not show the draftees a picture of the enemy.  

Dan and his fellow draftees are sent through a device called the Jumplink to the year 2051, but due to a glitch in the system, they are transported to the wrong location high above a skyscraper and the only people that survive are the ones that had the luck to land in the swimming pool on the roof.  Luckily Dan and a couple of his newly made friends do, along with a few others, and they are radioed by Colonel Forester to proceed to a laboratory downtown and to rescue a group of scientists and a toxin they are working on to kill the Whitespikes. While on the way to the lab, the draftees finally get a look at the aliens and it quickly becomes clear why they don't show anyone pictures.  The Whitespikes are the stuff of nightmares!

the tomorrow war

Image by Ken Barthelmey
Creature & Character Designer | info@theartofken.com

Upon arrival at the lab, the scientists were dead, but Dan is able to find a dozen vials of the toxin.  While trying to flee from the city, the group is besieged by Whitespikes and all but Dan and two of his friends are killed.  An explosion saves them and they wake up in the Dominican Republic in a military camp hospital.  When Dan meets the camp commander, he is shocked to find it is his grown daughter Muri.  Happy to see her, he is puzzled and hurt at her cold attitude and refusal to speak of the past.  


Muri explains that they need to capture the female Whitespike, who is like a queen bee.  After they capture the queen, and transport her to a lab on an oil rig they find that the toxin that kills the males does not work on the female, so work begins on finding a variant that will.  When they finally find a workable toxin to kill the female, the male Whitespikes flood the base to free the female.  During the fight, Muri gets wounded by a poisonous spike and just as she and Dan begin to connect, his seven day term of service comes to an end.  As he is about to transport back to the past, his daughter gives him a vial of the toxin and tells him to mass produce it in the past so they can be ready to use it in 2048.

Back in his own time, Dan tries to give the toxin to the government to produce so he can go back to the future and distribute it when he finds out that the future Jumplink was on the oil rig that was overrun with Whitespikes and damaged so it was no longer functional.  The world goes into panic thinking the loss of the Jumplink means the future war was lost.

Dan and his wife try to figure out where the Whitespikes come from, and they formulate that maybe they didn't come to earth in 2048, maybe they were already here all along.  Since they were first seen around a glacier on Komsomolets Island in Russia, Dan decides that would be the first place to look.  After drafting his two friends Charlie and Dorian from his future group, they go to see Dan's dad, James, who is a prepper and conspiracy theorist.   Of course, James knows someone with a plane who can fly them to Russia where they find the crashed space ship.  They deduce it has been there for over a thousand years.  After finding half a dozen compartments with frozen Whitespikes, they realize that this was where the "invasion" came from.  They were here all along, frozen in the ice.

They begin injecting the Whitespikes with the toxin and it quickly kills them, but also wakes up the others and the mission devolves into a vicious fight to kill the aliens before they escape and start the war early.  They plant explosives to blow up the ship which manages to kill the rest of the males, but the one female gets loose and leaves the ship running out into the snow.  Dan and his father go after her in an all out battle which they finally win and kill her.

Conclusion


I really liked this movie.  If you like science fiction, I believe you will too.  It is more than just a shoot 'em up alien war movie.  The connection between the Forester family members is quite complex with interactions I didn't include in the synopsis.  (I can't tell you everything!) I also loved that it had a happy ending!  I highly recommend this movie!

Unfortunately, this movie can only be seen on Amazon Prime, and cannot be purchased on Amazon.  I have had Prime for years and find it to be more than worth the $139 a year.  A full Movie channel and free shipping on all orders along with other perks......definitely worth it.  If you are interested in subscribing, click here:   Amazon Prime





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.”


Friday, September 1, 2023

From Chicago With Love (2023) aka Lease on Love Movie Review

From Chicago With Love Movie Review
I had previously skipped over From Chicago With Love starring Rebecca Liddiard & Dan Jeannotte simply because the title did not pull me in.  It sounded like a byline for a radio station.  

In my opinion, the movie cover image didn't match the title, but it also didn't give any obvious clue about the plot of the movie, other than it features a cute couple.  I assumed they were co-workers, perhaps both anchors on a radio show.  

None of those things are true!

It turns out, this movie was originally released as "Lease on Love" in 2022.  I'm not sure I would have found that title any more appealing in a search. 

Title changes can be very confusing.  This isn't the first time I have seen a title change on a movie.  I recently reviewed "Friend Request" aka "Chance at Romance".  

Some title changes make sense.  For instance, The Avengers in the US was renamed Avengers Assemble in the UK to avoid confusing it with a TV series that carried the same name.  Others title names are changed due to copyrights. They may also change when the movie is released on DVD.  Regardless of the reason, I would personally prefer titles not being changed after they have been released.  Of course, I would understand why a title would change from trailer time to release time.

Either way, this was a great romantic movie that I would recommend for light entertainment.  Just be sure to search for both names along with the actors names.


From Chicago With Love Synopsis

Poppy's life appears to be perfect.  She is engaged to be married soon to a nice guy she has been dating for a long time.  What viewers notice immediately is that Poppy is always giving in to what her fiance, Joel, prefers.  For example, even though she has a great apartment, they plan to live in his apartment once they are married.  He doesn't want her to bring anything to the apartment after they are married, except herself and her clothes.  Exclusions include a Gainsborough couch that she wants to keep.  He suggests they should pick out a new couch together.

She also has a good job as a marketing specialist, but she feels she is not appreciated by her boss, Ingrid Jordan.  She would love to be given free rein with an ad campaign, but Ingrid has her own creative, somewhat extravagant, ideas.  Ingrid is a phenomenally successful beauty therapist and influencer on social media and believes she is solely responsible for her success, even though Poppy has been with her all along.

Ingrid sets up a meeting with a top executive from Aspire Ad Agency to help her launch Jordan eye shadow. Aspire happens to be the ad agency where Poppy has dreamed of working.  

The executive, Milo Asher, turns out to be a gentleman Poppy met at her apartment building earlier that morning.  He wanted to rent the penthouse, but the manager is extremely selective about who rents there. Tony will only lease to someone who is "stable".  

Poppy would love to get a job at Aspire Ad Agency, which Milo can give her.  Milo would love to get the penthouse in The Gregory apartment building, but he needs a fiance to appear more settled.  A plan is hatched between them that Poppy will pretend to be his fiance, which surprisingly her real fiance approves. 

As you can imagine, things don't go exactly as planned.  



This story line makes for a unique and entertaining romantic movie.  You will not be surprised by the ending, but it is still a delightful movie experience.



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From Chicago With Love (2023) Movie Review by:
House of Sylvestermouse




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.”


Friday, August 18, 2023

Marmaduke (2010) Movie Review

Marmaduke (2010) Movie Review
At the end of an especially grueling day recently, I went in search of a movie that would offer the much needed dose of levity.  Passing right over my normally preferred romantic comedy section, I moved on to the kids movies and came across Marmaduke.  

I can't say that I ever really thought about a dog looking quirky before, but that is exactly the word that came to mind when I spotted Marmaduke.

As I started watching this lanky, socially awkward, kind canine with exaggerated facial expressions and floppy ears, I felt the stress of the day start to evaporate.

Marmaduke is a beautiful Great Dane whose large size might make him look dominate in the world of dogs, but his sweet and easy going disposition actually makes him unprepared for bullies.  However, unprepared or inexperienced does not mean incapable, which is a reminder we all need to hear.

Oh, and perhaps I should tell you, in the movie "Marmaduke" all dogs talk and are quite animated! 


Marmaduke - Movie Synopsis

 Marmaduke [Blu-ray]Check PriceWhen Marmaduke hears that they are moving from Kansas to California, he isn't too thrilled to leave his yard full of buried bones. But, he will be with his family and his only animal friend, Carlos the cat, so he goes along without fuss. Little does Marmaduke know, the world of ocean waves, unfamiliar neighborhoods and the "pedigrees" await him.

Upon arrival, he loves the new house, especially the big doggie door and his new "bathroom".  Plus, his new friends; Maisie, Raisin and Guiseppe, are adorable. I had to laugh when Guiseppe states that he is afraid of pumas aka mountain lions.  That is a reasonable fear for anyone, but he is so cute with his constant reminders about them throughout the show.

I laughed  until I cried watching the Great Dane surf!  I totally forgot that I was having a bad day and enjoyed the movie.  I think you will too!



Where to Watch Marmaduke

I cut the cable years ago.  As a prime member on Amazon, I watch a lot of movies for free, but I also subscribe to a few streaming services.  I watched Marmaduke on Peacock.  It is also available to rent or buy on Amazon.

Now that I am finished sharing this fun movie, I think I go watch it again.  See you there!



Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com



Marmaduke (2010) Movie Review by:
House of Sylvestermouse



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.”


Friday, August 11, 2023

Friend Request aka Chance at Romance (2014) Movie Review

Friend Request aka Chance of Romance Hallmark Movie Review
Before the horror movie that bears the same name was filmed, this delightfully fun and uplifting movie was released in 2014.  

To make it more confusing, this movie has two different names.  If you watch it on the Hallmark channel, it is "Chance at Romance".  However, if you watch it on the PixL channel, like I did, it is "Friend Request", which was the original title.  

There are some slight editing differences in the the Hallmark version, but it is unlikely a viewer would notice, or even care about them.  

Erin Krakow and Ryan McPartlin are both well known current day actors which each have a huge fan base.  The movie name change could easily have your thinking you missed one, only to discover that you had previously seen the movie, just under a different name.

Regardless of the title, it is a great movie that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys romantic comedy movies.


Friend Request Synopsis

While walking home after another failed blind date, Samantha Hart (Erin Krakow) slips into an art show featuring the photographer, Heath Madson (Ryan McPartlin).  

 Friend RequestCheck PriceWhen Heath makes eye contact with Samantha during his short speech about seeing "something that just takes your breath away", she is immediately enamored with the man, as well as his photos.  Because she misses the opportunity to speak to Heath at the show, she decides to write to him through his contact link on his website.  When he answers, she is encouraged and continues to correspond with him.  After several emails, he offers to send her a ticket and book a hotel for his next show.  

When she arrives, his 12 year old son meets her at the train depot and takes her to their home.  When Heath arrives, there is a very awkward greeting between the two.  Heath has no idea who she is.

Can you guess who Sam has been communicating with, how she got a train ticket, and why Heath didn't recognize her even though everyone else around knows who she is?  

Things get really distressing for Sam when there is no hotel room available and her suitcase is stolen.  Then she meets "the woman" who already has designs on the photographer.



 Chance at Romance is one of the movies included on this DVDCheck Price
I watched "Friend Request" on the PixL channel on Frndly TV.  I no longer subscribe to the Hallmark channel, but "Chance at Romance" can sometimes be seen in their lineup of movies.  

It is not currently available on Amazon even though they do have the place holder for it (linked above) and you can add it to your watchlist.  

Hallmark has released a DVD which includes "Chance at Romance" as one of the three movies.  

I recommend searching both movie names in your own favorite streaming service to see if it is currently available.  Just be sure you click on the movie that stars Erin Krakow and Ryan McPartlin.  Otherwise, what you will see will not be funny, or romantic!

 

Personal Note

In the movie, Heath's photography is referred to as "High Dynamic Range Photography".  He accomplished this technique by making computer enhancements to his photos.  

His technique reminded me of our own fellow contributor Mary Beth Granger, photographer mbgphoto, who has shown us how to enhance our own photos with Photoshop.  She has perfected the art of removing or adding to the photos, eliminating or changing unwanted backgrounds, plus shows us how to take photos with dramatic elements like rain drops, snow, or even adding an overlay of music scores over a musicians fingers on their instrument.

I can see proof of Mary Beth's training through her articles in my own photos.  She has encouraged me to step out of the "point and shot" mode and look more closely at focus, technique and editing.  

I believe my own interest in photography made this movie more relevant to me personally, especially when I kept thinking of my friend and co-contributor here on Review This Reviews.

 

Here are the links to mbgphoto's articles that I referenced above:


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Friend Request aka Chance at Romance (2014) Movie Review by:
House of Sylvestermouse



 



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.”


Sunday, July 30, 2023

Finding Love at Any Age: Don't Miss this Classic Rom Com

Don't miss this fantastic classic Rom-Com movie

Hey there, fellow movie enthusiasts and hopeless romantics! 

Today, I'm excited to talk about one of my all-time favorite films that will make you believe in love again, regardless of age. 

It's the heartwarming and side-splitting romantic comedy, "Something's Gotta Give."

Picture this: an aging playboy, a sophisticated playwright, a picturesque beach house, and a whole lot of hilarious encounters. Welcome to the whirlwind world of "Something's Gotta Give."


Side Note: The beach house in this movie, and the master suite where "Erica" writes, is my personal-manifestation-dream-writing-spot!


First things first, here's the star-studded cast. Jack Nicholson, Diane Keaton, Frances McDormand, Keanu Reeves, and Amanda Peet.

When you have the legendary Jack Nicholson and the timeless beauty Diane Keaton in the lead roles, you can expect nothing less than magic on the screen. With their sparkling chemistry, the duo brought this heartwarming story to life and made us laugh, cry, and cheer them on throughout the movie.


Side Note: How many times do you watch a movie you love? I've watched this one more than 20 times!


So, what's the story all about? Well, brace yourself for an unexpected turn of events. The film starts with Harry Sanborn (played by Nicholson), a seasoned music mogul with a reputation for dating women half his age. While on a romantic getaway with his latest young girlfriend, Marin Barry (the daughter of Erica Barry played by Diane Keaton) things take a wild turn when he suffers a heart attack.  

After Harry's health scare, Erica and Harry end up spending time together in Erica's beautiful beach house, and that's when the real fun begins. 

Both Harry and Erica are strong-willed and fiercely independent individuals, each set in their ways. Sparks fly, witty banter ensues, and soon they find themselves caught in a love-hate relationship that has us on the edge of our seats.

Now, here's where it gets interesting. While "Something's Gotta Give" could have taken the typical route of a May-December romance, the movie beautifully delves into the complexities of relationships and self-discovery. Harry and Erica's dynamic is a rollercoaster of emotions, full of laughs and poignant moments that'll tug at your heartstrings.

The film's charm also lies in the supporting cast, including the quirky but endearing Marin's (Peet) pursuit of her own happiness and the charming doctor for Harry, played by the ever-charismatic Keanu Reeves. 


Side Note: One of the many reasons I rewatch this movie is the amazing Keanu Reeves


Amid laughter and unexpected romance, "Something's Gotta Give" leaves us with a powerful message: that love doesn't always happen at the "right" time or the "right" age. It's unpredictable, messy, and beautiful in all its forms. 

The movie reminds us that we should embrace the journey, cherish the moments, and never shy away from taking a chance on love, regardless of age or circumstance.

So, if you're in the mood for a delightful romantic comedy that'll make you laugh, cry, and believe in love again, "Something's Gotta Give" is the perfect pick for your movie night.

With its witty humor, fantastic performances, and a heartwarming story that transcends age barriers, it's a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Remember, love, knows no age and can surprise us when we least expect it. Who knows, maybe you'll find your own "something" when you watch this excellent movie. 

So grab some popcorn, cozy up on the couch, and let "Something's Gotta Give" work magic on your heart. 

I watched it again the other night and plan to watch it again soon.




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.”


Friday, July 14, 2023

Accidentally Engaged (2016) Movie Review

Accidentally Engaged
You might wonder, as I did, how does one become "accidentally" engaged.  

I first thought of the popular movie "While You Were Sleeping" when Peter Callaghan wakes from a coma to find out he is engaged to a stranger.  We have also seen movies where people do crazy things when intoxicated that they don't remember when sober.  I'll start by telling you that the characters in "Accidentally Engaged" were neither comatose nor intoxicated.

I do love a good romantic comedy, so, needless to say, I was intrigued by the title of this movie.  I recognized Lexi Giovagnoli from previous movies, but I was not previously familiar with Brant Daugherty.  Turns out, both are adorable and fun to watch.

Since both the name of the movie and the actors shown on the cover compelled me to watch it, I recorded it to watch when I had time. 

Weeks later, that opportunity presented itself and I settled back to see the show.


Accidentally Engaged

 Accidentally EngagedCheck PriceClarissa Byers is a struggling actress working as a waitress to pay the bills.  She has a small bit part in a movie starring Chas Hunter, a successful "heartthrob" actor.  

Playing the part of a waitress, which should be a comfortable role for Clarissa, she accidentally spills coffee on Chas when the lid comes off of the coffee pot.  She is fired from the movie for not properly checking the props.

When Clarissa returns home for her best friend's wedding, she is immediately hit with questions about Hollywood, her love life, working with Chas Hunter and what he is really like.  She is too embarrassed to tell them she was fired from the movie.  When one of the girls comes across a picture on social media that looks like Clarissa kissing Chas, the conversation gets completely out of control and Clarissa tells them she is dating Chas.  Of course, her friends start sharing the dating information on social media.

Since Chas is actually dating a married woman in the middle of a divorce, he seizes the opportunity to claim the woman in the photo is Clarissa.  They make a plan to cover for each other, but when the paparazzi snaps a photo that looks like Chas is proposing, they opt to make the best of it.  Clarissa could use the press to help further her career and Chas needs a stand-in girlfriend.  But, he does need a public breakup too, so Chas decides to join Clarissa at her best friend's wedding to stage the breakup.  However, it's not that easy!

This turned out to be a really good romantic comedy and a nice break from a day's work.  I do recommend it if you are seeking a fun and entertaining romantic movie.



As a side note, you will probably recognize Clarissa's talent agent.  The part of Jeannette is played by Maureen McCormick who many of us know as "Marcia".


Where to Watch "Accidentally Engaged"

I recorded and subsequently watched Accidentally Engaged on Frndly TV.  It is also available on Prime Video on Amazon and is free to Prime members or you can rent it if you are not a member.


Check Out More Movie Reviews at
ReviewThisMovies.com



Accidentally Engaged Movie Review by:
House of Sylvestermouse



 



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.”


Monday, June 26, 2023

Hallmark Christmas In July Movies 2023 Reviewed

Yes, it is the summer event all Hallmarkies are eagerly awaiting. A perfect way to escape summer heat and humidity with Hallmark's Christmas In July 2023 movies. As usual your favorite Hallmark Christmas movies from years' past will pop up along with a few new Hallmark 2023 movies.

Santa with snowglobe - christmas in july banner


Here are a few favorite Hallmark Christmas movies showing this July. 

The number one do not miss, do not pass go 2022 Christmas movie that was a huge hit and deservedly so! Three Wise Men And A Baby starring three A Team Hallmark male leads Andrew Walker, Tyler Hines and Paul Campbell. And written by Paul Campbell and Kimberely Sustad another Hallmark A team actress.

Reminiscent of Three Men And A Baby with its' chemistry, cute storyline and of course the Hallmark magic. This movie will make you smile, the actors will make you laugh and this movie is a reminder that when Hallmark is at its' best - it can be pure entertainment.

Another top must see for Hallmark Christmas In July is A Cozy Christmas Inn with David O'Donnell and Jodie Sweetin. This is a sequel to the hugely likeable Christmas Under Wraps in which O'Donnell was the lead. Many of your beloved characters return to "Garland" and if you loved Christmas Under Wraps you will at a minimum Hallmark like this sequel. Sweetin and O'Donnell make this sequel charming and worth putting on your July watch list.

All Time Favorites Coming Back For July:

Christmas Under Wraps - Candace Cameron Bure, David O'Donnell

The first Alaska movie which predates A Cozy Christmas Inn. The adorable town of Garland is introduced with its' town CEO who coincidentally looks very much like Santa, a visiting doctor stationed in rural Alaska and a handsome son whose Dad maybe the Santa CEO? Hmmm. Many Hallmark Christmas movies have arrived in the years since this debuted and this is a Hallmark classic that remains a fan favorite!

The first week in July is ending strong with another top ten Hallmark Movie Christmas favorite - A Christmas Detour with Candace Cameron Burr and Paul Greene. The chemistry, the storyline, the actors keeps this movie on the top ten list of all Hallmark movies for Christmas. 



One to lookout for >> Crown for Christmas  - Danica McKellar and Rupert Penry-Jones

Another top ten of all time Hallmark Christmas Movie. Keep your eyes peeled and hope Crown For Christmas makes its' annual July appearance. This movie is not only a Christmas favorite but a favorite for movies with a palace theme. Hallmarkies will watch again... and again. 


New 2023 Christmas Movies

Hallmark fans will be delighted that Christmas In July this year will include  brand new Christmas movies - albeit early.

A Royal Christmas Crush premiers July 8 - original new movie

The Christmas Reboot premieres July 15 - original new movie

More Hallmark Christmas Movies Reviewed

A Cozy Christmas Inn Reviewed 2022  by The Savvy Age

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2021 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

You, Me & The Christmas Trees by The Savvy Age

A New Year's Resolution by Cynthia 

Hallmark Christmas Movies 2020 Reviewed by The Savvy Age

Finding Father Christmas by Cynthia

Christmas Tree Lane by The Savvy Age

Broadcasting Christmas by Cynthia

Top Ten Hallmark Christmas Movies by The Savvy Age

Debbie Macomber's Mr. Miracle Hallmark Movie Review by Cynthia






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.”


Monday, June 19, 2023

Reviewing Marie Antoinette Season 1 (2022) on PBS

I rarely get interested in a television series so much that I begin looking for the next season's premiere date as soon as the last episode airs. But that is what has happened with me when watching PBS's Marie Antoinette (2022). The settings, costumes, characters, and the dilemmas that occur when a teenage girl is sent from one country to another to create an alliance had me captivated. I was hooked within the first few moments.

PBS Marie Antoinette 2022


I have no idea how realistic and historically accurate this portrayal of Marie Antoinette is. Frankly, while I read some historical novels I know that history is not my strength. However, I find myself wanting to know more after getting this glimpse at not only this family but of how countries chose to support each other. Especially after the episode in which young King Louis XVI makes a controversial decision to support the Americas as a country versus a colony. But I'm jumping ahead.

Beautiful, young (just recently a teenager) Marie Antoinette leaves her home in Austria to join her in-laws in France. She is expected to marry the Dauphin(1) of France (Louis XVI) and to quickly become pregnant with his child. A male child.  Antoinette is moved to Versailles where she is expected to follow the complex, confusing rules and etiquette there. Will she become Queen? Will she produce an heir - not only to continue her family line but for this Royal Family in France? 

Young Louis XVI is being raised by his grandfather. His Grandfather Louis XV and essentially his mistress, Madame du Barry. Louis XVI is far more gentle compared to his brother Provence. Provence eventually marries Josephine and in this series they are portrayed as trying to undermine Louis XVI and Antoinette.

While history disagrees with the cause, it is true that Louis XVI and Antoinette take a very long time to consummate their marriage and then take years to have a child. It is true that pornographic and disparaging pamphlets and rumors are spread about Antoinette in the French Court. Becoming Queen in a new country is not an easy thing.

People who review this series seem to love it or hate it. I love it. I love the setting, the costumes, and the portrayal of children who are expected to become leaders of countries. I fell in love with the children Louis XVI and Antoinette... temper tantrums and all. I love the family drama and the relationships that rise and fall when power is involved. People who dislike the series seem to dislike it due to the factual problems that come when a historical setting is portrayed by modern actors/actresses from a modern script. I don't believe it helped that this Marie Antoinette is advertised as feminist.  I approach movies and television series as entertainment with a dash of educational benefit (an example of that educational benefit is realizing the Louis XVI was a mere 20 years old when he became King of France. I don't recall that from High School history class). I assume that things on my screen are going to be factually inaccurate. It is with that bias that I found myself LOVING this version of Marie Antoinette and look forward to the 2nd season. I loved these characters so much that I have more factual (reportedly) portrayals lined up to read and watch.



While I have watched Marie Antoinette (2022) on PBS I have also viewed episodes on Amazon Prime Video.  The Season 1 DVD is available on the PBS site

Content advisory: nudity, violence, frightening scenes, alcohol use, foul language, sexual content

(1) Dauphin - the title of the eldest son of the King of France, the heir apparent to the crown, from 1350 to 1830





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