A Review of Halfway to Halloween ~ or Halfoween

We are all familiar with Christmas in July.  Now we have a midpoint Halloween Holiday called Halfway to Halloween ~ or Halfoween.

Halfoween or Halfway to Halloween Fun Facts

Halfoween is a celebration midway to All Hallow’s Eve, usually occurring on or about April 30th or May 1st. It has become a great time to enjoy some early spooky fun. Many celebrate with themed events or other activities.

This halfway Halloween holiday often finds people putting up Halloween decorations, preparing and eating Halloween-themed snacks and drinks, and having special events like watching favorite spooky movies or putting on a costume and enjoying a Halloween party or attending a festival.

*Personal Note: My daughter-in-law will be thrilled to learn of this special halfway holiday, as Halloween is her VERY favorite holiday for which she has TONS of decorations for both inside and outside the house. Now she will be able to use them twice a year! :) 

This holiday hasn’t been around very long, but it is interesting to note that this date of Halfway to Halloween occurs around the date of Walpugis Night, or Walpurgisnacht (‘Night of the Witches). This is a pagan festival celebrated on April 30th each year. The tradition involves lighting bonfires and singing Celtic folk songs to mark the arrival of Spring.

The Disney Parks “Halfway to Halloween"

In recent years, the Disney Parks have adopted this Halfway to Halloween celebration as an annual event where the Disney destinations announce and preview their upcoming Halloween celebrations. They have parties like “Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party" at Walt Disney World and the 'Oogie Boogie Bash' or Haunted Mansion at Disneyland. You can check out the upcoming new offerings, plus early looks at Halloween decorations and merchandise on the Disney Parks Blog. 

Summary

A really exciting way to celebrate the Halfway to Halloween Holiday is to attend one of the many festivals (or spooky film festivals) being held around the country around the end of April or the first of May. Do an online search to see if there is one happening in your area, or plan on attending one that appeals to you.

The most fascinating one I spotted for this year is the Wicked New England Festival being held on May 3rd in Salem, Massachusetts (home of the Salem Witch Trials in 1692). Quite an appropriate location for a Wicked Halfway to Halloween Holiday Festival. The event is for anyone who can't wait for Spooky season!

So, mark April 30/May 1 on your calendar to celebrate Halfway to Halloween in your favorite 'celebrate Halloween' way. 

Related Post:

• Crafty Cuties for Halfoween

*Halfway to Halloween Holiday Review written by Wednesday Elf

Halfway to Halloween Stuff! 

Womens Halfway to Halloween Retro 70s Flowers Groovy Floral Ghost V-Neck T-Shirt

Happy_ 1/2 Halfway to Halloween Tote Bag

Womens Halfway to Halloween V-Neck T-Shirt

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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.

 

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The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows Review

Tis the holiday season and what are holidays without classic songs! And the perfect time to bring in a little holiday nostalgia courtesy of Andy Williams.

I happened upon this holiday gem while surfing Christmas shows that were streaming for free. What a find! The Andy Williams Christmas Shows were originally filmed from 1962-1974. This is a compilation from the Christmas shows, The Best Of Andy Williams Christmas Shows. 

The Voice

Smooth as silk as always, Andy Williams sings the classic and timeless holiday favorites. 

Songs included: Jingle Bells, I'll Be Home For Christmas, The Most Wonderful Time of the Year, Happy Holidays, What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?, Ave Maria, Mary's Little Boy Child, Silver Bells,  The Christmas Song, Holy Night, You Meet the Nicest People at Christmas.

Also included are the Williams Brothers! Don, Dick and Bob and Andy began as a quartet and reunited during the Andy Williams Christmas specials. Special appearances by Andy Williams family also include his mom.

The Sets

By today standards of television sets and costumes the Christmas sets are charmingly simple. But simple in a very very good way as the emphasis on the song. It is fun to look at the styles as a trip of reminiscing down vintage clothing lane. Also noted is the color coordination and classic style which holds up through the years (and may be in a store near you currently!)

At Home With Andy

One viewer aptly noted watching Andy Williams and his special guests at Christmas is like watching home movies with Andy at the holidays. What a great way to describe the feeling generated by Andy and his guests as they seamlessly harmonize through the classics.

Where To Find Freevee? And Is It Free?

Yes, the shows on the Freevee app are free and yes, access to the Freevee app is free! The app is actually loaded already on many devices and smart televisions. The app may not be evident on your device, so a search for the app can be started to see if the Freevee app is pre installed.

Amazon has announced in November 2024 it will begin integrating Freevee into the Amazon Prime service; the content will remain free and it is not required to have an Amazon Prime membership to view the content.

More Free Streaming Services

Free is relative (as in access to your local library!) But library memberships can open up a variety of  streaming services included with your membership. The library is the middle party and contracts with the services and access is via your library membership /library website.

Kanopy offers free movies with an emphasis on Indie films and documentaries.

Hoopla offers free books, movies and television shows.

Freegal offers music of every genre.

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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

 

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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.

 

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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.

 

 

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ReviewThisMovies.com

A Hot Cocoa Christmas - Movie Review by:

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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

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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), Esty (Awin), and/or Zazzle Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”

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Christmas Novels Review

Holiday themes are always popular novel subjects, especially around Christmas Time. It is the perfect time of year for stories of love and romance, hope and happiness.

In addition to the classic reads, such as A Christmas Carol and ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, many authors publish Christmas novels for your holiday reading enjoyment and for gift-giving.

Debbie Macomber and Christmas

Perhaps the most well known author to bring out new Christmas novels is Debbie Macomber. She has earned the title of “the official storyteller of Christmas” by virtue of her annual Christmas books. Six of these stories have been made into original Hallmark Channel movies. 

A Christmas Duet Synopsis

Debbie Macomber’s 2024 Christmas novel, A Christmas Duet, is her latest story for this holiday season.

A Christmas Duet

Hailey Morgan is an assistant high school band teacher in Portland, Oregon. Hailey’s life has always revolved around music. She once hoped to make a living composing her own songs, but the reality of life changed that.

As holiday time draws near, Hailey dreads having to again spend Christmas with her meddling family. When her close friend offers a family cabin, empty this time of year, for a solo retreat, Hailey decides it is time to do something to make herself happy.

Hailey arrives at her friend's cabin in a small Washington town, expecting a peaceful getaway. However, her plans are initially disrupted when she discovers that the cabin is unexpectedly inhabited by several wild animals.

Lucky for Hailey, the local mayor’s son - Jay - is very willing to help make the cabin livable. Jay is charming and also happens to be a former musician.

Image Source: Pixabay

It doesn’t take long before Hailey and Jay are inseparable, enjoying holiday traditions together. They chop down a tree and decorate it while sipping hot cocoa in front of a cozy fire.  They also spend time playing music together and, with Jay’s encouragement, Hailey begins to believe she might yet succeed as a songwriter. 

Hailey is truly enjoying her snow-dusted oasis at the cabin, but her family’s holiday drama interrupts her newfound peace. Also, Jay reveals some things that present complications of their own.

With challenges and complications interrupting her Christmas paradise, Hailey has to learn to stand up for herself and find a way to embrace the holiday spirit.

Summary

Debbie Macomber’s Christmas novel “A Christmas Duet” puts us in the festive spirit. The magic of Christmas becomes a part of the plot and captures the essence of the holiday season. A delightful holiday read. 

Related Links:

• For more information about Debbie Macomber’s Christmas novels, visit her website: www.DebbieMacomber.com.
• For more Debbie Macomber book and movie reviews, click here.
• For More Book Reviews on Review This Reviews, Check Out ReviewThisBooks.com

*Christmas Novels Reviewed by Wednesday Elf

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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:

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A Paris Christmas Waltz (2023) Movie Review

Reminiscent of Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, Jen Lilley and Matthew Morrison are a beautiful couple that make ballroom dancing look fun, easy and very romantic. 

I assure you, I don't take comparing Lilley and Morrison to Rogers and Astaire, lightly.  For as long as I can remember, I've thought Ginger Rogers was the epitome of grace, beauty and talent.  To say she was captivating would be an understatement.  Plus, she was an extremely talented actress in a variety of movie genres, including comedy.  She is, by far, my all time favorite actress.

Fred Astaire's name is synonymous with dancing.  He was, quite literally, born to dance and he made precision dance look effortless.  Astaire's talent wasn't limited to dance and choreography.  He was a singer, composer, and played several instruments.  His talents, as well as awards and recognition, seem limitless.  

As you can see, I greatly admire Rogers and Astaire's talents.  They were consummate entertainers.  

As for Lilley and Morrison, they have decades to share their talents with us.  However, I do believe they have already captured the ability to appear to shut out the rest of the world when they are dancing with each other, just like Rogers and Astaire.   

A Paris Christmas Waltz - Great American Family Movie

A Paris Christmas Waltz

The movie opens with Emma Harris and her best friend, Cece, attending a Christmas Gala performance.  Emma is mesmerized by the beauty of the dance and the powerful performance by Leo Monroe and his dance partner.  When she expresses how she would like to dance like that, her friend immediately knows what she will give her for Christmas, ballroom dance lessons.

When the performance is over, Leo returns to his dressing room to discover an emergency call from a hospital in Paris.  When he is informed that his dance teacher and mentor, Henry Fontaine, needs him, he immediately makes plans to fly to Paris.  He is still in Paris helping with Henry's dance school a year later when Henry shares that he feels well enough to choreograph a new dance for Leo so he can compete in the Paris Yuletide Pro-Am.  Since Leo has severed ties with his previous dance partner, he will need a new partner and decides to audition potential dance partners when he is in New York.  That is where he meets Emma.

Emma's heart is touched when a co-worker is informed that his job is being cut.  Since she is single with no dependents, and he has children, she offers to take the job cut herself to save his job.

After Emma sacrifices her own employment, she has plenty of time on her hands.  Fortunately, she has wisely saved money so it is not imperative that she take a new job immediately.  Therefore, when she is given the opportunity to dance with a renowned professional dancer in a Pro-Am competition in Paris, she is ready and excited to embrace this new adventure.

"A Paris Christmas Waltz" is a really sweet and uplifting movie about two people who sacrifice for others at Christmastime.  The changes to their own lives as a result of those sacrifices are significant, yet those changes lead them to each other and much more than a Christmas waltz.

 

 

Check Out More Great American Family Christmas Movie Review

The Great American Family Channel (GAC), which began in Sept. 2021, offers us family-friendly programming with movies that are clean. Pure entertainment without foul language or disturbing scenes. It is my favorite channel to watch! Here are more Christmas movies that I have previously watched and reviewed. I look forward to seeing what comes next!

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.

 

 

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