DVD Review: The Bible Stories: David

Fishflix.com sent me, The Bible Stories: David, a made-for-TV movie from 1997 for review.

Nathaniel Parker plays David, the humble shepherd chosen by God who grew up to become king of Israel. This three-hour epic also features Leonard Nemoy (Samuel), Johnathan Pryce (Saul), Sheryl Lee (Bathsheba), and Franco Nero as the prophet Nathan.

This lavish adaptation brings us from David's defeat of Goliath, to his days as a solider in King Saul's army and his kinship with Jonathan, to the flawed king who wooed Bathsheba and suffered through numerous tragedies. It paints an accurate picture of David's life based upon Old Testament readings.

David is a superb movie that drew me in quickly. The acting was wonderful, the scenery and costumes are stunning, and the three hours passed by before I knew it. My only complaint is that there are moments when it's too graphic, especially during battle scenes. I'm guessing they were looking for reality, but I certainly wouldn't be sharing this film with kids under the age of 13.

Fishflix has a mission to bring viewers "The Greatest Christian and Family-Friendly Films in the World at Great Prices." It's current price is lower than Amazon and they offer free shipping on orders over $40. They also have other DVDs from The Bible Stories series for sale. When you buy from FishFlix, you're supporting Christian ministries in the Middle East.

I know I'll be checking out their store more often now that I know about them.

I received a free copy of this DVD from FishFlix. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

TV Movie Review: Angel of Christmas (2015)

Christmas isn't Susan's (Jennifer Finnigan) favorite time of year. That works out just fine, especially for Derek (Tahmoh Penikett), a fellow newspaper staffer who wouldn't mind starting up a romance with the vibrant blonde.

When Yvette (Holly Robinson Peete), her editor, announces she needs a fabulous human interest story for the Christmas edition of the paper, Susan knows this is the chance she has been waiting for. As Susan struggles with a story idea, her parents suggest telling the story of the family's 100-year-old heirloom Christmas angel, whose legend includes the power to bring people together.

Along her journey to writing the article of the Angel of Christmas, Susan meets Brady (Jonathan Scarfe), a handsome, upbeat artist who decides he will help Susan rekindle her Christmas spirit.

Angel of Christmas will most likely end up being my favorite 2015 Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas movie. A healthy dose of romance, writing, and a family legend that blends past and present are mixed together to create the perfect Christmas romance story.

A past heartbreak had stolen Susan's Christmas spirit, but Brady is determined to rekindle it. Derek on the other hand is an ambitious newspaper staffer who believes Christmas is overrated. Typical parental interference comes into play as Susan struggles to come up with her story idea and her parents suggest the family's angel will be the perfect subject because of its storied history--they would be happy if their daughter were settled and maybe the angel could help out. As Susan learns more about her grandfather, Owen (Marc Bendavid), and how and why he created the angel, what Susan believes is put to the test while her attraction to Brady grows.

A sweet ending that brings the past and present together leaves the viewer more than satisfied.


This movie will air again on Christmas morning at 6 a.m. Eastern.

I watched this show on Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

TV Movie Review: A Christmas Detour (2015)

Candace Cameron Bure (Full House) and Paul Greene (Wicked Wicked Games, CSI) star in this romantic comedy about an anxious bride-to-be and a broken-hearted guy who join a married couple on an emergency road trip to New York City during a blizzard.

Paige Summerlind (Cameron Bure) is on a flight to New York City to meet her fiance's parents for the very first time. While on board, she meets the handsome and irritating Dylan (Greene) along with Frank and Maxine (David Lewis and Sarah Strange), a couple whose marriage has seen better days. As a blizzard moves in, the plane is grounded and Paige is afraid she won't make it to her fiance's house in time for Christmas. So Dylan rents an SUV and agrees to get everyone home for Christmas, giving this odd group of friends a chance to get to know one another.

I love this time of year if for no other reason than the sweet, romantic comedies that Hallmark Channel produces. Cameron Bure is the perfect actress for this channel and it's wonderful to see her back on screen. In Paige, she captures that peppy, anxious go-getter viewers saw in 2013's Let It Snow. This is definitely a character type that plays well to her strengths. Greene is realistic and funny as the romantic lead who is intrigued by Paige as she writes articles about the perfect husband and carries around her vision board. He's got a story all his own that slowly unfolds as Paige gets to know him better.

Frank and Maxine's relationship makes for a wonderful side story. Married for decades, they no longer sleep in the same bed and find fault with one another constantly. Their characters add a great deal of humor and some heartwarming moments to this movie.

Viewers will enjoy the journey as each character learns a great deal about life, love, and happiness.

This movie will air again on Tuesday, December 15 at 8 p.m. Eastern. It is also available on DVD from third party sellers at Amazon.

I watched this show on Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

TV Movie Review: Crown for Christmas

Danica McKeller (The Wonder Years, DWTS) stars as an out of work maid turned governess in the sweet and romantic, Crown for Christmas. Having premiered on Hallmark Channel in November, this is the story of Allie Evans (McKellar) who after being fired from her job as a maid in a ritzy New York hotel reluctantly accepts a job as governess to a powerful family in Europe. Little does she know that her new little charge is a princess and her father the King of Winshire (Rupert Penry-Jones).

As Allie bonds with Princess Theodora (Ellie Botterill) and brings King Maximillian and his daughter closer together, sparks fly between Allie and the king. The jealous Countess Celia (Alexandra Evans) is not about to let some silly governess get in her way, though. A marriage was arranged between Maximillian and Celia when they were children and she plans to see that the king fulfills his obligations.

This was a beautiful movie. Classic Hallmark Channel when you consider two unlikely people meet under odd circumstances and fall in love while others work to help the cause or stand between them. Great performances by all, especially Ellie Botterill, who makes her television debut in Crown for Christmas.

In some ways this is a modern retelling of The Sound of Music--minus six children and the singing. The cold King Maximilliam warms as he watches Allie and Theodora bond. Their relationship forces him to reconsider his duties and soften to become a better father.

A lovely setting, a great storyline, and fabulous costumes make this a must see holiday romance.

Crown for Christmas will air again on Saturday, December 12 at 4:00 pm Eastern. It is also scheduled for a DVD release on December 20.

Format: Widescreen, Color, Dolby
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.)
Rated: G (General Audience)
Studio: Hallmark
Run Time: 87.00 minutes
ASIN: B018TNBX50
Pre-order here!

I watched this movie on Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

TV Movie Review: Angel in the Family (2004)

When widowed father (Ronny Cox) collapses, his daughter Sarah (Tracey Needham) calls her estranged sister. Beth (Natasha Gregson Wagner), feeling like she is jeopardizing her job, begrudgingly leaves her husband and a major account behind to be with her father in Los Angeles.

Their father convinces them that they need to return home to Trinity for Christmas. The house has been closed up since the death of Buddy's wife. When a frustrated Sarah cries out to her mother, the miracle of Christmas returns Lorraine (Meredith Baxter) to her family to help heal the wounds that have torn them apart.

Hallmark Channel has been running this 2004 movie as part of its Countdown to Christmas lineup. It features a fractured family that soon realizes their late wife/mother is what held them together. Sarah feels like the unappreciated older daughter who has been left behind to care for her widowed father; while Beth, the one who got everything--including all the love and attention, is pursuing a great career and is happily married. What Sarah doesn't know is how fragile Beth's marriage is. Their father, Buddy, has struggled to let go of his late wife, and is unable to move on.

This is a touching, heartwarming seasonal story. There are a few subplots that branch off of the main story, giving Angel in the Family a great deal of depth. This is an emotional story; one that will require a tissue or two. It will also force you to suspend a bit of common sense. It's touching to see how Lorraine comes back to help her family and the magical things that she can do, but other things she can't do make no sense: she can cause a tree with no lights strung on it to light up, can make the beds and cook hot chocolate without being seen, but she can't find an old phonograph so she and Buddy can dance together to music. I have to admit, I didn't care for Beth at first, but she grew on me as the movie progressed. I feel the best part of this movie is that everyone is able to step back and reflect on how their actions contributed to the distance between them--even Lorraine. If you like movies about second chances, this would be a good choice.

Angel in the Family is available on DVD and Blu-ray. It will also air again on the Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 23rd at 6 a.m. EST.

Format: Color, NTSC, Widescreen
Language: English
Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Number of discs: 1
Rated: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Echo Bridge Home Entertainment
DVD Release Date: December 5, 2006
Run Time: 88 minutes
ASIN: B000ION27G

I watched this movie on Hallmark Channel. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

TV Movie Review: Window Wonderland (2013)

Photo credit: Hallmarkchannel.com

Chyler Leigh plays Sloan Van Doren, a driven young woman determined to become the next window dresser at McGuire's Department Store. Also interested in the job is artist Jake Dooley (Paul Campbell). Mr. Fitch, who heads up advertising and promotion, challenges Sloan and Jake to create a series of seasonal storefronts. The creator of the window that gets the most attention from passersby will get the job.

As the competition moves along, a mutual attraction develops between the serious and professional Sloan and the happy-go-lucky Jake, which is hampered by the contest and Sloan's rich boyfriend. With support from the store's window washer, Mac (Terence Kelly) and bathroom attendant Rita (Naomi Judd), it's anyone's game to win.

This romantic seasonal comedy is another new movie in Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas lineup. I loved every minute of it. Sloan and Jake work for an extravagant department store in the city vying for a chance to become the new window dresser. Sloan has the college education, but Jake has natural artistic ability, which irritates Sloan to no end.

Sloan's boyfriend, Kenneth (Cameron Mathison) is a wealthy businessman. He doesn't take Sloan's job seriously and can't understand why she does either. It doesn't help that Sloan is so embarrassed by her family that she can't even bring herself to introduce them to Kenneth.

Window Wonderland has all the trademark elements of a great Hallmark Channel movie: romance, conflict, humor, a great setting, and a cast of actors who play their parts superbly. This seasonal movie would be nice to unwind with by the fireplace or to watch while trimming the tree. The storefront windows definitely inspire. And the surprise ending is a nice treat.

You can catch it again on Christmas Day at 6/5C.

I recorded this movie through my cable provider. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

TV Movie Review: The Christmas Spirit (2013)

Picture credit: IMDB

In this magical story of Christmas, Nicollette Sheridan plays renowned journalist Charlotte Hart. She is visiting her family over the holidays when a real estate developer shows up in Laurel Springs with an enticing offer to transform Main Street. Skeptical and looking for the real reason Daniel Huntsman (Bart Johnson) is making such a lucrative offer, she is en route to see the developer when she is involved in a horrible car accident. 

Charlotte awakens in the hospital to find she is in a coma, but her spirit is very much alive. She also meets the spirit of Daniel Huntsman, who happened to be on his way to see her when their cars collided. With only a few days left before the townspeople vote on whether to accept Huntsman's offer, Charlotte must find a way to change her friends' minds. The problem is they can't see or hear her. 

You can blame The Christmas Spirit for making supper late last night. I had recorded it on my DVR when it first aired and sat down to watch it yesterday. My poor hubby came home in the middle of it and had to wait to eat because I had to see how it turned out.

Considering this is the Hallmark Channel, you know some heartstrings will be pulled. And they are--up to the very end. Plenty of surprises and magic fill this seasonal movie of one woman's crusade to save her hometown. While the acting was superb by all, and it was great to see Sheridan on screen again, Olympia Dukakis gives a moving performance as Gwen Hollander, Charlotte's family's next door neighbor, who happens to be able to see and talk to spirits. She offers help to Charlotte and Daniel as they work their way through trying to get back to their lives again, which is interesting since they are after different things.

A touching, magical story awaits you in The Christmas Spirit, another new seasonal movie from Hallmark Channel. Catch it next on Sunday, December 15th at 12/1c.

I recorded this movie through my cable provider. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

TV Movie Review: Let it Snow (2013)

Picture credit: Hallmarkchannel.com 

Let It Snow is one of the new seasonal movies in Hallmark Channel's Countdown to Christmas lineup.

Stephanie Beck (Candace Cameron Bure)  is a driven executive working for Falcon Resorts. When Falcon acquires the family-owned and -operated Snow Valley Lodge from a retiring couple (Gabrielle Rose and Dan Willmott), Stephanie must spend the week before Christmas on-site drafting a proposal for renovations. Arriving in Maine, Stephanie quickly butts heads with the couple's son, Brady, played by Jesse Hutch, who has decided to leave the family business over creative differences with his father.

Though not one to celebrate Christmas, Stephanie finds the festive traditions shared with the lodge's guests provide a special touch and sense of belonging she hasn't felt from her detached father (Alan Thicke), president of Falcon Resorts. As the magic of Christmas wiggles its way into Stephanie's heart, her relationship with Brady develops from friendship into love, and she begins to question Falcon's planned overhaul. With her Christmas Eve deadline approaching, Stephanie must decide if she should transform the lodge into a hip hot spot for Falcon's single and married professional clientele or embrace the family traditions that make Snow Valley Lodge so special.

Let It Snow is a heartwarming story of two people who learn more about themselves and what they want for the future in one short week than they did for years before. At the beginning of the movie, Brady and Stephanie don't have any Christmas spirit. Stephanie's father has buried himself in his work and she has become a workaholic right alongside him, hoping to at least get a tiny bit of his attention and approval. Brady had big plans for Snow Valley Lodge once, but his dad refused to make any changes to what his grandfather and father had built, so Brady lost heart and wants no part of the family business. Watching the transformation of these two people, and others, makes this a special movie you won't want to miss. Seeing favorite actors (Bure and Thicke) definitely adds an even nicer tough to a lovely story.

The next airing of Let It Snow is on Sunday, December 15 at 6/5c.

I recorded this show through my cable provider. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.