Tag: Hallmark Obsession

My Hallmark Obsession

Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas Tree Lane

ladybeezdesignsLeave a comment

CHRISTMAS NOSTALGIA!!!!

From the opening credits with the vintage home videos….to the ending scenes, if this movie didn’t take you back in time to Christmas past…you might have been sleeping.

Now, it’s my duty to say, once again….Andrew Walker cannot ever make a bad Hallmark movie in my eyes. He’s my fav. So, I will apologize if my bias shines through, but I guess you’ll have to live with that since it’s my review and I can fawn if I want to. Highlights of his character, Nate: his LOVE of sugary drinks with the all sprinkles and the way he looks at Meg. SWOON!

Oh, yeah, the other lead: Alicia Witt. She ain’t too bad herself. 😉 Honestly, when I see Alicia is starring in a Hallmark movie, I always expect fun, quirky, and playful…so this movie really did surprise me with how very heartfelt it was. And girl can sing! (which I knew from other Hallmark flicks) I was nervous after her first song…but the Concert Performance was beautiful! For those of you who don’t know, those are HER original songs! That woman is MULTI-TALENTED, and I LOVE HER!

SIDE BAR REAL QUICK on Nostalgia: John Black! What in the world?!?! Any Days of Our Lives fans out there? I would lie and say I almost didn’t recognize him with the white hair and without the squinty, serious stare…but, John, I’d know you anywhere!

Back to this movie: I love the feel of Old Time Shops….we have so many in our state of Wisconsin (even right in my hometown of Oshkosh) I truly miss the way that 2020 has taken some of that joy away 😦 That’s why I love that at least we can watch it on Hallmark and dream of the day we can experience it all again in person!

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is img_2037.jpg

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Nate & Meg were SUPER adorable throughout this whole movie. THE PIANO LESSON SCENE. My Heart. They were so good together…but I couldn’t give them all 5 hearts. 😦 Nate brought it every time. Meg still had moments when I just wasn’t feeling it….gurl, it’s Andrew Walker, swoon a little more, please (also one of my brothers (Nate) is married to a Megan…so that was fun)
STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ Loved it all. The whole theme of Saving of Christmas Tree Lane, the Music, the Family businesses, both leads shining in their respective careers. Every second of it was well thought out and flowed. It had my Christmas heart the whole way through.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️ Both families were played very well. JOHN BLACK, HOLLA! I don’t even remember his character’s name…and I don’t care. 😉 Nate’s dad was a tough cookie until the very end, though. Man, that was frustrating! Loved all the shop owners and friends coming together and helping with professional AND personal troubles. 2 special mentions yet: Kelly and her beautiful voice…and MABEL! The flipping cutest name for the cutest little peanut!
FEELS❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ I’ve talked already so much about the leads chemistry, the Christmas shops, the music…so a couple more things that NEED to be said: THAT BLUE DRESS. Girl, WORE THAT DRESS! Nate said it best, “WOW!” also can we take a moment to remember the piano lesson scene…… 🙂
HALLMARK SURPRISE (anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation) ❤️❤️❤️ This really did follow the norm of the Hallmark Movie equations as far as plot and conflict. I would have killed for a kiss by the piano or after one of their many “dates”…..my biggest surprise was something I should have expected. THE GAS LAMPS! I was too focused on the rest of the goings on that when they lit up, my heart exploded right along with Meg’s! Alicia Witt kills a surprise reaction every time!

21/25 ❤️ I wouldn’t turn this one off if it was on again. It would be a great movie to watch while Christmas shopping from your favorite local shops on-line 😉

P.S. Question for you Readers: In what world do we drink HOT COCOA WITH A STRAW???? That seems like a Burnt Mouth waiting to happen…..

My Hallmark Obsession · Uncategorized

Hallmark Movie Review: Jingle Bell Bride

ladybeezdesignsLeave a comment

ok, real talk….I need someone who lives or has lived in Alaska to verify:

DO YOU REALLY STOP AT MOOSE CROSSINGS without seeing actual MOOSE?!?!! If we stopped at Deer Crossings without ACTUALLY seeing actual deer in Wisconsin…we’d never get ANYWHERE!

And #2 WHAT ARE THOSE COOKIES….in what look like Pistachio Pudding Boxes???? I’ve never seen such a thing! Are they real? If so, they seem to very tasty…and I have to try!

ahhhhh…..Countdown to Christmas 2020….you have arrived and EARLIER than ever. I don’t hate it. I’m ready for all the Christmas feels. With 40 new movies though, I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep up!

I will, however, be watching 32 for sure….as this is the 2nd year I’m hosting a Hallmark Christmas Showdown Bracket Challenge (Shout out to my 53 Hallmark Showdown peeps!)

Let’s Jump into the Jingle Bell Bride, shall we?!?!

First impression: this was a mediocre at best Hallmark Christmas Movie. I feel like it’s going to get higher praise than it actually deserves because it has the advantage of being 1st. The excitement of the new premieres of the season really tend to cloud my eyes with Candy Cane colored glasses, ya know?!?!

I’ve come to realize…everyone enjoys Hallmark movies for different reasons. I’m 110% a romance girl. All the other Hallmarky-ness is just fluff to me….well, the FLUFF was this movie’s saving grace. I just wasn’t feeling these leads together…and believe you me, I REEAAALLLY wanted to. I mean, were you listening to Matt’s voice? I could listen to him all.day.long. Get that man on an audiobook or a podcast, and I’ll SUBSCRIBE!

Alright, let’s do this thang:

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY (between the leads) ❤️❤️ Matt & Jessica…you had a few moments. The Northern Lights scene…the Bouquet of Blessings at the dance….but when you had your MOMENT TO BRING IT HOME….ya tanked it. The Man FLEW from Alaska TO New York on CHRISTMAS to surprise you…and Jessica….you’re reaction was underwhelming to say the least. We could have used an OVERreaction there, my friend. Just wasn’t feeling the love in this one.
STORYLINE (overall plot of the movie) ❤️❤️❤️ I actually really like this story. Motivated career woman…getting it done, while trying to find that balance. I loved that she still accomplished what she set out to do…but still had her heart changing moment.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️ Matt’s aunt and cousin were super sweet. The Alaskan townspeople were super sweet. Jessica’s sister, you guessed it: super sweet…. nothing really stood out. We had a little bit of a Villian in Rebecca…still, not really played up. I will say, I Loved the diversity of the cast…AND the Español that was spoken was a delightful treat! oh, one more thing: I was REALLY hoping the pilot was going to plant a big ol’ smooch on the mayor….another Mistletoe Missed Connection 😦
FEELS❤️❤️The only REAL feels I got was from the Christmas Decor. The Home Decor, the Christmas Church Wedding, and the DANCE! Oh, you better believe I took a screenshot of those wooden tree shelves!!!!
HALLMARK SURPRISE (anything that really jumped out from the “norm” Hallmark Movie equation) ❤️❤️ the surprise for me was that the ending was so lack-luster. There was SO MUCH POTENTIAL. Oh, well. We still have 39 more new premeries to get us revved up Christmas, no? I also to have to mention that the biracial couple as leads is relatively new for Hallmark too, and I’m here for it!

11/25 ❤️ Wouldn’t say I’d watch again….unless I lose my tree shelves screen shot…better put that here so I don’t forget

My Hallmark Obsession

Hallmark Movie Review: Sweet Autumn

ladybeezdesignsLeave a comment

I’m tempted to just leave this pic here and that’s it, because…Andrew Walker….and Nikki DeLoach.

Could you possibly go wrong when pairing these two???

The LAST of our FALL HARVEST films….because the BIG CHRISTMAS SHOW starts this coming weekend!!!!!!

When I saw this movie announced, I could barely contain my Hallmark heart. I just love both of these actors, and together, they are BOTH “SWEET ON THE INSIDE”!

So here’s the deal…I actually watched this twice in 24 hours. The first time, I had all 4 of my kiddos watching with me, and I was very distracted by, well, 4 kids….so I figured if I was going to give you a good review, I better watch it again.

100% WORTH IT! and if it’s even possible, it was better the 2nd time around.

This movie had me from the moment they met, bike-side. Chemistry OFF the charts! But, also the storyline was quite complex for Hallmark. There was so much going on, I wonder if watching it more than once was a necessity to get all the little nuggets.

Aunt Dee’s Will Video. Ugh, how sweet was that?!?!? She played such a huge part in this whole storyline, and all in her angel form. My heart couldn’t take it all….the video….the candy wrappers….the letters….the music box and POEM…. AUNT DEE, give my heart a break!

The JOKES! The banter! Maggie & Dex DELIVERED. Perfect timing, perfect zingers…they even made trying to go through the door at the same time adorable. Okay, I’m gonna dive in below.

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Dex and Maggie 4 LIFE! Hallmark doesn’t get much better than these two. Somehow even when he was being super closed off in the beginning, she soften their interaction. The comedic timing, the awkward moments, the flirting…the KISSES: I’d give it 8 hearts, but, rules.
STORYLINE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I almost had to take notes on this one! There was so much going on! I loved it! So, again, we had a will reading that set off the whole thing, letters from Aunt Dee to pair these two perfectly….the business, the candy making, the music box and poem….ALL THE FALL ACTIVITES!!!! (and colors….even though so many were fake-ity-fake-fake)
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I mean. AUNT DEE. Mic drop. See all of the above.
FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I NEED MORE HEARTS FOR THIS! Dex and Maggie got IT. But, I’m going to take this moment to highlight the CRAZY, AMAZING KISS AT THE END. CAN WE SAY STEAMY??????
HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The biggest surprise for this one was that our couple actually “got together” halfway through the movie. That was such a fun surprise, because we got a little bit different feel for the 2nd half. Loved it!

25/25  a PERFECT HALLMARK MOVIE

Friends, if you LOVE these 2 together…..you can watch them in other Hallmark Movies 😉

SPOILER ALERT: They are GOOD!

My Hallmark Obsession

Hallmark Movie Review: My Best Friend’s Bouquet

ladybeezdesignsLeave a comment

um, this is the most dramaztic re-telling of the Bouquet toss lore….EVER. and how is this not common knowledge to everyone by now?

There were lots of very funny moments… most relatable though: “Last time I went on a date: Decembuary” LOL! #same I may have laughed out loud and a little too long at that.

I really loved the leads on this one! Their chemistry was so natural. They truly sold the “old friends hiding their true feelings vibe” so, that being said, how come ONLY ONE OTHER FRIEND and 2-date Laurissa see it?!?!?!

ALEX & JOSIE! Kids, you’re killing me!

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Alex and Josie…again, how are there only 2 people in this movie seeing the unspoken love between you two?!?!?! They played it so well! Alex’s move announcement and Josie’s reaction hurt my heart something fierce.
STORYLINE ❤️❤️❤️
Most of this whole storyline was good and well acted…but this whole “Lore of the Wedding Bouquet” I couldn’t stomach. EVERYONE knows that, right?!?!?! You’re stretching it Hallmark.
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️
All I’m going to say, if this friend group was as close as they claim to be…..there would have been a LOT more meddling. These two have obviously been into each other for a long time…..I’m quite disappointed in the lack of friend meddling. READ THE ROOM! This dude has it bad!
FEELS ❤️❤️❤️
the “practice” wedding….the HANDWRITTEN LETTER, that magically gets mailed….all good things….but we had the big moment, a WEDDING…and still no kiss until the very last second: so many missed opportunities!
HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️
The only surprise to me was that the secondary “wrong” relationships fizzled out naturally and honestly.

15/25  I don’t think I’d watch it again, but I’d most definitely watch this couple again!

My Hallmark Obsession

Hallmark Movie Review: Country at Heart

ladybeezdesigns2 Comments

Oh, my country music loving heart!

This flick peaked my interest from the very first preview I saw. If you LOVE country music…and Hallmark love stories….THIS ONE IS WORTH IT!!!!!

These songs are not only original, but the actors are really and truly performing them! How cool is that?!?!?! Did I mention I’m a huge country music fan????

I loved every single minute of this Hallmark movie. The songs weren’t CMA worthy, but I don’t even care. The chemistry between all 3 leads was TOP NOTCH. I couldn’t even hate on Duke like I was suppose to. I have so much to say, but I’m going to save it for my 5 categories to help me lay it out.

So here’s how I’m going to break it down:
5 categories, 5 hearts possible in each

CHEMISTRY ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
The chemistry was oozing out of every possible place in this one! All 3 leads had it with each other. Grady & Shayna….Duke & Shayna…..Grady & Duke…..I could’ve watched another 2 hours of these good ‘ol country folk. Then you throw in music and guitars….writin’ and singin’ songs. SWOON! I’d give it 6 hearts if I could.
STORYLINE ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
SO SO GOOD! So many angles explored in this. The history between the men…the struggle of an artist trying to make it big…finding herself in her music, but back in her small town. Are you sure this was a Hallmark movie? Felt a little bit “big budget” for them!
SUPPORTING CAST ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
There were 3 leads as far I am concerned….so we gotta reach out a bit on this. Dad kills it. I love that he saw the Grady/Shayna relationship budding the whole time and completely backed it. The record label peeps even played their douchie rolls well.
FEELS ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
If you haven’t been able to tell by now, I am a big fan of this movie. The first song at the beginning was rough….but that’s what they were going for…….all the duets were killing me with sweetness….and if you didn’t get into the final number..and the kiss…and the kiss….and ooh, one more kiss ;)……. check your heart.
HALLMARK SURPRISE ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I wasn’t surprised by the end….I think we all saw that coming. I was sweetly surprised by how well all the characters were written, developed and ACTED! The fact that I still flippin’ LOVE Duke and want to see a sequel where he finds love makes me know this movie is a true Hallmark gem!

24/25  I’d watch it again and again!

Did you read that last review point?

I want a DUKE FINDS LOVE SEQUEL!