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Reviews
Branching Out (2024)
A wonderful celebration of family
I love the alternate universe of Hallmark movies. I started watching them in 2017 and they have been a soothing escape from troubled times. But even I get a little tired of the formula. So I was delighted last years when Hallmark Movies and Mysteries began providing movies with a little more depth like Guiding Emily, Come ly with Ne, etc. They've migrated to Hallmark and I strongly suspect that this gem was originally intended for HMM.
If you've seen the commercials, you know the basic story- a child conceived by IVF is curious about her donor. A wonderful cast makes this a joy all-around experience. Most important is the joy of family and the recognition that family comes in many forms. After watching again, I have to add how much I enjoyed the "introvert sucked into a loud, boisterous family" theme. I can relate to that. And also how refreshing it is to have characters who are flawed but still likeable. Very well done.
My only minor quibble is the teacher. No real teacher would push off a student's concern on such a sensitive topic with a platitude. I understand the limitations of time, but that one thing niggled at me.
If you are a Hallmark fan and have enjoyed those mentioned that have a little more depth, I think you will love this.
Under a Lover's Moon (2021)
Most unlikeable lead since Cruella DeVille
Man, that was awful. Not often you find a rom com with a lead character who is just dreadful from beginning to end. From the beginning she was shallow, controlling and concerned only with appearances and that never changed. That the nice guy boyfriend broke it off wasn't the surprise, it was that he came back for more. Dude- run! The only things that pushed it from 1 to 3 stars were the scenery and the sweet side story with the sister. It would have been a much better movie if they had focused on that. It is hard to come up with more to say about this since it is almost unwatchable. Doesn't even work as a mild diversion. I'd give it a pass.
The Secret Gift of Christmas (2023)
Disappointing
I love Christmas movies and Hallmark makes some of the best. (I want to live in that alternate universe.) Few of them are truly great but they are usually a comforting break. But this one was more annoying than anything. Primarily because they made the female lead way over the top.
This is basically a rewrite of the 2015 Lifetime movie A Gift Wrapped Christmas, but that one was able to create an overly enthusiastic lead who also managed to be charming.
An attractive cast and simple story line make this a quiet wat to pass the time if you can tolerate the lead character. But given a choice, I would strongly recommend you track down A Gift. Wrapped Christmas instead.
Under the Christmas Sky (2023)
Enjoyable without being cloying
Under the Christmas Sky is one of my favorites so far this year. An attractive and really pleasant cast in a story that's a bit of a change from the usual formula. The leads were great together and the cute couple in the secondary romance were adorable. In fact, the casting was one of the best parts of the movie. The best friend was especially well done. Plus a story involving NASA, a planetarium and a bit of Christmas history is a big win for me. A nice change from the Christmas pageant/parade/small town plot.
I am a little puzzled by the negative reviews. Maybe people don't like science being included in Christmas? A shame. If you enjoy science and space exploration this will be fun for you.
This Is Christmas (2022)
Better than average Christmas movie
I am a big fan of Christmas movies and this is one of the better ones. While it has the requisite romance it also explores so much more- friendship in all of its variations, sorrow, regret and reconciliation. The entire cast is talented and attractive with interesting characters who have depth. And I very much enjoyed the music- the "band" is delightful.
Basically, this is every bit as warm and fuzzy as a typical Hallmark movie but with many more interesting characters that you learn to love. It's a sweet movie you can save for Christmas, but it really is a treat any time of year. You won't regret the time.