Movie Review: Frozen II (2019)

As a follow up to its popular Frozen movie released in 2013, Disney released Frozen II in November of last year. Now available on Disney+, Blu-ray, DVD, and Prime Video, this follows Elsa, Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven on a journey to discover the secrets of the past in an effort to help their kingdom.

Elsa rules over the peaceful kingdom of Arendelle with her sister, Princess Anna, but she has steadily felt her powers growing and doesn't always feel Ardendelle is where she belongs. When a mysterious song continues to keep her awake, Elsa decides to answer the siren's call. Elsa, Anna, and their friends make their way to the enchanted forest to find the answers they seek, only to discover there is more to the history of Arendelle and their relationship with the neighboring tribe of Northuldra than they could ever imagine.

Captivating, exciting, and funny are all words to describe this sequel, but parents should be aware Frozen II is a bit darker and more intense than the original movie. When Elsa agrees to answer the siren's call, it comes at a cost. While, ultimately, things turn out the way one would expect in a Disney movie--happily ever after--the journey is fraught with danger and emotion (topics like death, feeling rejected and alone, Olaf talking about how he will understand everything once he matures, and the discovery of Arendelle's past) that may be intense for some children. The scene where Elsa extinguishes the fire in the enchanted forest might be frightening.

Overall, I felt this is a great movie with superb animation. Anna, Elsa, and Kristoff all sing songs that will tug at your heartstrings, and the ending will definitely make you smile.



Official Sites: Disney+ | Official Site
Runtime: 103 min
Language: English
Release Date: 22 November 2019 (USA)
Rated PG for action/peril and some thematic elements

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

Movie Review: The Monuments Men (2014)

If you enjoy World War II movies, then The Monuments Men will provide a unique and exciting departure from your typical wartime movie.

The Monuments Men is the story of an unlikely World War II platoon tasked by FDR with going into Germany to rescue artistic masterpieces from the Nazis and returning them to their rightful owners. As The Third Reich falls and orders are given to destroy everything, the Monuments Men are in a race against time to avoid the destruction of 1000 years of culture. Can this group of seven museum directors, curators, and art historians, succeed in protecting and defending mankind's greatest achievements?

Based on a true story documented in Robert M. Edsels' book of the same title, The Monuments Men is unlike any World War II movie I've ever seen before. While there is definitely action and thrills as the Monuments Men race to find the treasures before they are destroyed by the Nazis or stolen by the Russians seeking to plunder their enemy's spoils, for the most part the story of this unlikely platoon unfolds methodically, taking place in numerous locations at the same time.

George Clooney wrote the screenplay and also directed and starred in the movie. If you're expecting Ocean's Eleven type of action, you'll be disappointed. But if you're looking for a complex story of intrigue and adventure dashed with action, this is the perfect choice. Other stars include Bill Murray, Matt Damon, John Goodman, Jean Dujardin (The Wolf of Wall Street), Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey), and Bob Balaban (The West Wing, Seinfeld). Cate Blanchett plays Claire Simone, a volunteer at the Jeu de Paume museum who is instrumental in helping the Monuments Men discovering the looted works of art.

My husband and I went to see this movie in the theater on March 14, 2014. We had divided feelings on The Monuments Men. I loved it so much that I ordered Edsel's book the next day. My husband, however, was looking for more action from a wartime movie. Why I believe this is such a superb movie--besides the excellent acting by this powerhouse of stars--is that these were ordinary men and a woman making a difference during the war for something they were passionate about. These men did not have military experience. This woman secretly spied on the Nazis once they occupied her country and was vital to so many of the missing pieces being rescued. That's an amazing feat. And I feel all the actors and the screenplay captured their accomplishments and their passion well. I particularly thought the opening scene with Frank Stokes (George Clooney) and the ending scene that takes place years after the war is over, display what these men and this woman set out to accomplish and honors them for it.

Highly recommended!


Release Date: 7 February 2014 (USA)
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Fox 2000 Pictures, Smokehouse Pictures and more
Rated PG-13 for some images of war violence and historical smoking
Runtime: 118 min

This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

Movie Review: Divergent (2014)

Divergent is an action-packed futuristic thriller movie based upon the novel by Veronica Roth. After the war, people were divided into distinct factions based upon human traits: Abnegation (selfless), Amity (peaceful), Candor (honest), Dauntless (brave), and Erudite (intelligent). This system is meant to maintain peace and order.

When an aptitude test shows that Tris Prior (Shailene Woodley) is Divergent, she is warned not to tell anyone. As Tris and her brother Caleb (Ansel Elgort) prepare for Choosing Day (the day each young person of age gets to choose which faction they belong regardless of the faction they were born into), Tris battles with the knowledge of being Divergent and her duty to her family. When she discovers a conspiracy by a faction leader (Kate Winslet), Tris must place her trust in the mysterious Four (Theo James) for help in discovering what makes Divergents so dangerous.

It's no surprise that this movie took top spot at the box office opening weekend. Not only is the acting superb, the special effects are amazing. Combine that with the romantic element of Tris and Four, and you have a movie that will attract teens and young adults in droves. It's an angst-filled, emotional 139 minutes that includes tons of violence and action. The PG-13 rating is definitely earned for the violence that, while not overly gory, could scare younger children. The dream sequences in the Fear Landscape are intense, one character commits suicide, and more than one character takes horrible beatings. There is no sex in this movie, but there is some passionate kissing and viewers see Four's naked back when Tris asks to see his tattoo.

While I've done my best not to compare Divergent with The Hunger Games in my mind, I found that Divergent opened with a much slower pace and took its time setting the scene for all that was to transpire after it than The Hunger Games. This made Divergent seem like a longer movie, when the running time is a few minutes less. Once Tris chose the faction she wanted to belong to and left her family, the pace picked up quickly and it was pretty much an anxiety-filled, thrilling adventure through to the end.

The Lil' Diva (12) had read the books and was eager to see this movie. She's aching to see it again and impatiently awaits the next installments of this series--Insurgent (2015) and Allegiant (2016)--in theaters. She was a bit disappointed in characters that the movie left out from the first book and is suspicious of how the movie story line will move forward when those characters played roles in books 2 and 3.

Overall, if you like dystopian fiction and were a fan of The Hunger Games and Catching Fire in theaters, you'll most likely enjoy Divergent.

Release Date: 21 March 2014 (USA)
Production Co: Summit Entertainment, Red Wagon Entertainment and more
Rated PG-13 for intense violence and action, thematic elements and some sensuality
Runtime: 139 min

We saw this movie in the theater on March 20, 2014. 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.

Movie Review: Pitch Perfect (2012)

Beca Mitchell (Anna Kendrick) is an aspiring DJ who is sent to Barden College by her father (John Benjamin Hickey), where she seems not to fit in with any group. Muscled by Chloe (Brittany Snow) into joining the Barden Bellas, an all female a cappella singing group, the independent thinking Beca quickly knocks head with the group's leader, Aubrey (Anna Camp).

As Beca works to lead the Bellas out of their traditional songs and perfect harmonies into new mash ups, Aubrey is determined to remain in control so they can beat the college's all male a cappella group, the Treblemakers, at the college music competitions.

The Lil' Diva (11) and Lil Princess (9) have been bugging me for weeks to see Pitch Perfect. The classic, "Everyone else has seen it" argument has been used several times. I finally conceded that I would watch it first, and then allow them to see it if I felt it was appropriate. It's not. How some things manage to come away with a PG-13 rating is beyond me.

I loved the premise of the movie. The acting is superb. And though Rebel Wilson, who plays Fat Amy, annoys me to no end with her vulgarity, she had some funny moments in Pitch Perfect. The thing that bothers me most about this movie is that over half of it is wasted by discussions of sex, venereal disease, the girls trying to figure out which one of the Bellas is a lesbian, and inappropriate gestures. I can see why the movie is so popular. It's outrageously funny. Overall it's about a young woman finding her place in the world. There's the intense rivalry between the two a cappella groups. Pitch Perfect has so much to offer, that it's a shame I can't let my girls watch it because of the sexual content and vulgarity.

Here are a few examples:

• The two remaining Bellas (Aubrey and Chloe) are trying to regroup at the start of a new year at Barden after a crushing loss at last year's competition. Beca wants none of it and claims she can't sing. In a later scene, Beca goes to take a shower. As she walks by, she notices two sets of feet in a shower stall, but minds her own business and finds an empty stall. She begins singing and the shower curtain is pulled back by Chloe in the buff. The girls continue having a conversation, though Beca is busy trying to hide her naked body behind the curtain and telling Chloe to "cover her junk." When Chloe says she won't leave until Beca sings, they sing together, and a naked guy wanders in and tells Beca she has a nice voice. Though you don't see any private parts, it's obvious they are all naked.
• A disgruntled girl talks about being told her boobs look like bologna, and her cream colored shirt clearly reveals abnormally large nipples underneath.
• Stacie (Alexis Knapp), one of the Bellas, admits to the girls she has a lot of sex. In addition, she is often seen fondling her own breasts. It's a running joke as they try to prepare for competition to try to keep Stacie's hands off them.
• Two of the new Bellas are kicked out for having sex with boys from the Treblemakers.
• When Chloe admits she has nodules on her vocal cords, Fat Amy makes a crack that at least she doesn't have herpes.

These are just some of the things I don't wish my pre-teen girls to see. And though some of the dance numbers had girls gyrating, if that was the worst it got, I could have relented. The latter half of the movie focuses more on the competition and reinventing the Bellas, in addition to Beca's trouble with allowing people to get close to her. There are some truly great elements to this movie that were ruined by trying to make it edgy.

Pitch Perfect is available on Blu-ray and DVD. 

Release date: October 5, 2012

Runtime: 112 minutes

Rating: PG-13

I rented this movie from Redbox. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way. 

Movie Review: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 (2012)

Ever since the end of Breaking Dawn - Part 1, the Lil Diva (11) and the Lil Princess (9) have been bugging to make sure they get to see Breaking Dawn - Part 2.

I didn't get them involved in The Twilight Saga. Their brother and friends did. I haven't read a single book in the series, and this is the only movie out of all four that I've seen. The girls haven't read the books either, but they loved all the movies.

In this final Twilight movie, Bella (Kristen Stewart) awakens after the birth of Renesmee (Mackenzie Foy). Now a vampire, she has skills and gifts she must learn to control and develop. When her daughter begins to grow at an accelerated rate, the Cullens feel they must find out more about her gifts.

Allegations about Renesmee reach the Volturi, forcing the Cullens to gather other vampire clans in order to protect the family.

Having not seen the events leading up to Breaking Dawn - Part 2, put me at a disadvantage. I didn't know these characters' history. I didn't immediately know how they were connected to certain people. I also had no idea who or what the Volturi are. That last one hasn't changed. All I know is they were the bad guys in this movie.

I have to admit, if I knew how violent this movie was, I never would have agreed to take the Lil Diva. The Lil Princess went with her brother around Christmas time. Now I know why she's been having nightmares for weeks. Not a ton of blood, but very disturbing violent images, especially during the final battle scene. The girls insist the other movies weren't like this.

That aside, the plot was great. The Volturi are afraid the Cullens have produced an immortal child that is a threat to all vampires' existence. The Cullens search far and wide for members to be a witness for Renesmee, showing she is no danger to anyone. They believe if the Volturi learn of the girl's true gifts, they will allow them to live in peace. Other than the violence, there are a lot of intense scenes and a few partially naked moments.

The movie didn't make me want to go back and watch the previous installments, but it did make me curious about the books. I don't think I'll read them soon, but I might add them to my extensive wish list.


Release Date: 16 November 2012 (USA)
Runtime: 115 min
Rated PG-13

TV Movie Review: Naughty or Nice (2012)

Pardon the lack of a photo for this review. This is a new release from the Hallmark Channel, and I didn't feel comfortable swiping a photo off their website. You can see photos from this movie at http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/naughtyornice .

Hilarie Burton plays Krissy Kringle, an ad executive who lives on Candy Cane Lane. Having worked her tail off to get new business for her company, she doesn't have time to worry about participating in the neighborhood's house decorating contest. When she is unexpectedly fired by her boss, Helen (Michelle Hurd), she's also not in the mood for the misdirected pile of mail intended for Kris Kringle.

As she's plowing through Santa Claus's mail, she discovers a package that contains his "Naughty or Nice" book, which he had left behind while visiting a child. She soon discovers the book is magical and allows her to see the bad deeds of those around her. But when the naughty list hits too close to home, it causes problems between Krissy and her long-time boyfriend, Lance (Matt Dallas) and one of her neighbors.

This is a fabulous movie. While funny, dramatic, and romantic all in one, the subtle theme behind this movie is the danger of jumping to conclusions. Krissy makes a lot of mistakes along the way, but eventually turns things around.

It was great to see Meredith Baxter and Michael Gross together again as Krissy's parents, Carol and Walter Kringle. I loved them on Family Ties, and it was like no time had passed for the actors as they fell into that sweet, loving chemistry they portrayed when they were the Keatons.

My favorite character, however, is Marco (Gabriel Tigerman). Once Krissy loses her job, her mother secures her a place at the local mall working as an elf in the gift wrapping area, which is where she meets Marco, who's also playing an elf. I was wondering where they were going to take their relationship, but you'll just have to see the movie to find out. You can catch is again on Saturday, December 29th at 6 PM Eastern. I'm hoping they will release this one on DVD, because I would buy it tomorrow.


Release Date: 24 November 2012 (USA)

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

TV Movie Review: Trading Christmas (2011)

Based upon Debbie Macomber's novel originally titled, When Christmas Comes, this 2011 seasonal tale provides the viewer with romance, humor, and tender moments.

Emily Springer (Faith Ford) has been a widow for three years, but she's still trapped in the past. Upset when she learns her daughter Heather (Emma Lahana), who is in college in Boston, won't be coming home for Christmas, she calls her best friend Faith (Gabrielle Miller) in California for sympathy.

Charles Johnson (Tom Cavanagh), a Scrooge-type college professor and writer, lives in Boston, not far from his brother Ray (Gil Bellows). Charles's publisher is pushing him to make edits to his latest book before the deadline, but he's experiencing the worst writer's block of his life. He needs somewhere quiet where he can concentrate without distractions.

Emily decides to surprise her daughter in Boston. So, she and Charles swap houses for the holidays. Imagine Emily's surprise when she discovers that Heather has taken off to Arizona with her boyfriend Jason (Andrew Francis). Meanwhile, Faith, who feels bad for her friend being all alone for Christmas, makes plans to travel to Emily's to spend Christmas with her, not realizing she isn't there.

Trading Christmas is the perfect blend of sweet romance and humor. Emily and Charles are both out of their elements when they travel to opposite sides of the country during the Christmas season. Emily meets Ray. Charles meets Faith. Heather, who is so excited to do something different for Christmas, realizes she misses all the things she does with her mother.

While I felt the opening of the movie was a bit jumbled, moving from Washington to Boston to California, once each character was settled in their part of the country, the storyline flowed nicely. Faith Ford and Gil Bellows, and Tom Cavanagh and Gabrielle Miller had excellent chemistry as they interacted with each other. You couldn't help but root for them to get together. The storyline with Heather and Jason really isn't much. Heather's decision not to come home is the reason everything played out the way it did, but she's not vital to the story otherwise. When the movie switched to college in Boston or where she and Jason were in Arizona, it felt like they were just putting the characters in there so you wouldn't forget about them.

Placing a grump like Charles, who doesn't like Christmas, in a town--and specifically a house--where Christmas is unleashed full-throttle, is hilarious. Cavanagh plays this grouchy, anti-social, nervous guy to a tee. His banter with the character of Faith is great. He's not too keen on women. She's not too keen on men. It makes for some funny conversations. It's touching to watch Emily and Ray get to know each other. Their lives are so different, even how they grew up. And, yet, they are perfect for each other.

The ending of Trading Christmas was sweet and predictable, but you come to expect that of a Hallmark movie. You can catch this one on Saturday, December 22nd at 2 AM Eastern on Hallmark Channel if you would like to see it. Like many of these movies, it's also available on DVD.

Release Date: 26 November 2011 (USA)
Run time: 88 minutes


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

TV Movie Review: Farewell Mr. Kringle (2010)

This heartwarming tale of the season is a must see. Christine Taylor stars as Annabelle Wahl, a jaded journalist who is sent on an assignment to cover the 50th anniversary of Mistletoe's own Kris Kringle. After being widowed on Christmas Eve, Annabelle doesn't celebrate Christmas. She begs to get out of this assignment, but her editor and friend, Zoe Marsden (Vivica Fox), insists she blog about her experiences in Mistletoe for the next month.

The town and its people are overwhelming to a classy girl from the city. She can't stand their quaint ways, and she thinks the way they have embraced John Wilson's decision to be Kris Kringle (William Morgan Sheppard) is a bit too quirky, going so far as to rename the town and all its streets to holiday names. But when she hears Kris's story from the townsfolk and learns of all the good he's done, she's eager to interview him.

Slowly the town of Mistletoe works it's magic on Annabelle. But meeting Mark Stafford (Christopher Wiehl)  throws her for a loop. A former cutthroat divorce attorney, he returned to his home town and now owns the local bed and breakfast. Still hurting from the loss of her husband, Annabelle isn't sure she's ready to open her heart again.

This is a fabulous movie. A classic Hallmark Channel movie that includes drama and romance, Farewell Mr. Kringle is a must see this holiday season. You'll definitely need a tissue or two while you watch this one. Little did Annabelle know when she arrived in Mistletoe that she and Kris Kringle share a hardship: both of them lost their spouses close to Christmas.

Watching Mark and Annabelle's relationship unfold is so touching. Both have reasons not to open up their hearts, but Mark is willing to do it if she is. Annabelle is just harder to convince.

Between the small town feel of Mistletoe, the celebration of Christmas, and the romance, you really can't go wrong with this one. All the characters were delightful. Make sure you catch this one on Hallmark Channel on Friday, December 21 at 4 PM Eastern.


Release Date: 4 December 2010 (USA)

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

TV Movie Review: Once Upon A Christmas (2000)

Kathy Ireland stars as the daughter of Santa Claus in this family tale of the season.

Santa is unhappy that so many families are on the naughty list, so he's going to cancel Christmas and take off on vacation with Mrs. Claus. This leaves his oldest daughter, Rudolfa (Mary Donnelly-Haskell) in charge, and she plans to change Christmas in drastic ways. Kristin Claus (Ireland) can't let that happen, so her father tells her if she can bring one family from the naughty list onto the nice list, he'll come back.

That won't be easy. The Morgan family consists of a widowed, work-aholic father played by John Dye, and two spoiled, bratty kids who have chased off every nanny they've ever had. There's also Uncle Johnny (Wayne Thomas Yorke) who's living off the family and has no plans to get a job any time soon.

When I looked up this movie to write my review, I was surprised they produced a sequel (Twice Upon A Christmas). I had a few challenges with the plot of this one. While it all works out in the end and you discover Santa's true intentions, the early minutes of the movie show a Santa that is not discouraged over how the world is changing, but one who is ready to blow off all the good kids who deserve presents so he can take a vacation. I'm not sure that's the kind of movie I want my children to see, even if Santa is redeemed. I also didn't care for the fact that Santa has an evil daughter and some naughty elves who help Rudolfa carry out her plan to ruin Christmas.

The main characters of this movie were portrayed a bit stereotypical for my taste. Bill Morgan (Dye) buried himself in his work after the death of his wife, and has lost sight of what is important. To make up for his absence, he's spoiled his kids, Kyle (James Kirk) and Brittany (Kirsten Prout), lavishing them with gifts they don't even play with. Kristen Claus (Ireland) is so good that one can't even consider she would jaywalk. And if I were to be totally honest, Uncle Johnny creeped me out a bit. The only character I truly loved was the Tooth Fairy played by Liz Torres. She was hilarious.

Once Upon A Christmas has potential. If they rounded out the characters a little bit; made Santa more sympathetic; tossed the evil daughter, and made Kristen more believable, it could work. Proust did a great job in the role of Brittany, and I was glad to see her finally come around.

Though this movie really wasn't for me, the ending was superb. I wish the rest of the movie had been like the ending. I would have truly enjoyed it. This will replay on Thursday December 27th at 2 AM and 4 PM Eastern if you would like to catch it.


Runtime: 90 minutes

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

TV Movie Review: The Case for Christmas (2011)

Could someone actually sue Santa Claus? That's what happens in this 2011 Hallmark Channel movie starring Dean Cain and Rachel Blanchard.

Young attorney Michael Sherman (Cain) is at the courthouse looking for clients when he finds a man claiming to be Kris Kringle (George Buza). After being charmed by Michael's daughter, Lily (Helen Colliander), Kris asks Michael to represent him in a class action suit being brought against him by Braxton Bennett (Barry Flatman), a rich entrepreneur. Bennett is suing Santa for emotional distress because he didn't bring him the presents he asked for, and he's found others who claim to have the same problem.

Widower Sherman has student loans to pay, so he's certainly not about to turn down a case, but Santa Claus? This guy certainly must be off his rocker. Lauren (Blanchard), a good friend of Michael's deceased wife, and Lily think Kris is the real deal.

It's hard not to like a movie with Dean Cain in it. He's such a versatile actor, who brings great depth and emotion to all his characters, whether he's playing Superman (Lois & Clark), Joseph Smith (September Dawn), or a toy maker living on a ranch (The Three Gifts). The Case of Christmas is definitely a feel-good seasonal tale. Cain plays emotionally detached Michael Sherman well and makes him believable and sympathetic. Colliander's Lily is also a star. Not only adorable, her wonder and awe of Kris Kringle and her quick belief of who he is and what he can do add a great deal to the movie.

I have to admit, however, that Blanchard's character lacked chemistry for me. Lauren is pining away for Michael, and when Kris asks her why she hasn't told him she's in love with him, her plain answer is that he would never be interested in a girl like her. Yet, she can believe Kris is the real Santa Claus without missing a beat. Blanchard delivers her lines, but until she gets angry at Michael I don't feel any emotion behind them. I didn't even sense the connection between Lauren and Michael at the end. It's  like the writers made the decision that the movie had to have a romance storyline in it, whether it would work or not. Personally, I felt it would have been better without the romance.

What I do think is hilarious is the sub-story of problems with the equipment at the North Pole. Kris has to keep disappearing to go back home to fix the machine. When he does, he leaves his right hand man, Charlie Elfkin (Dylan Roberts) to help Michael with the case. Charlie is an annoying guy with a huge appetite, leading to many funny moments. Bennett and his attorney, Dina (Krista Bridges), also add several funny scenes.

Overall, this is a cute seasonal movie. The combination of serious and funny was good, but I wouldn't have minded if the movie was more drama and less comedy. It should run again on Sunday, December 23 at 10 AM Eastern if you want to catch it.


Release Date: 19 November 2011 (USA)
Runtime: 87 minutes

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

TV Movie Review: Fallen Angel (2003)

Another tear-jerker from the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection, Fallen Angel is a superb seasonal movie.

A tense relationship with his father forced Terry McQuinn (Gary Sinise) to leave Maine and never look back. Now a successful L.A. attorney, he returns after the death of his father to settle the estate. Terry has no plans to stay in Rosepoint, but when he learns that Katherine Wentworth (Joely Richardson), who he met when he was only a boy, wants Serenity Cottage opened for Christmas, he decides to help get it ready for her.

As Terry's past and present collide, he is drawn to Katherine and her young daughter, and his once fulfilling life in L.A. doesn't seem so satisfying any more.

Oh, my goodness, what a great movie this is. Sinise is a fabulous actor who can play rough and bitter guys like Lieutenant Dan Taylor in Forrest Gump, a hero fighting evil in The Stand, and a romantic lead in this touching 2003 movie that will make you laugh and cry.

Sinise and Richardson had such chemistry in this movie. And because the character of Terry has memories of their first meeting that Katherine doesn't have--for reasons I can't reveal or it will ruin the movie for you--the viewer watches Terry's struggle unfold. Should he help her reconnect with the past? Should he let the memories stay hidden?

This movie started with backstory. We first meet Terry McQuinn at the age of nine. His mother is deceased and he lives with his detached father in Rosepoint. His father is the caretaker for the cottages inhabited by wealthy residents who visit Maine, so he's working a lot of the time. After a tragedy that takes place around Christmas that year, his father never allows Terry to join him at work again, and the chasm between them widens.

We then see Terry again at 18, graduating from high school. It's at this point he decides to leave Rosepoint and his father behind. So, the first half hour of the movie pretty much sets the stage for the rest of it. I felt the short scene between Terry and his dad at age 18 could have been left out, but perhaps the viewer needed to see that tension explode and push Terry to the edge so that his return to Maine was more meaningful.

Despite the title, there are no angels in this movie. It's a term used by one of the characters to describe the homeless people who lean across car hoods to get warmth from recently shut off engines. That's another tidbit I can't explain, but I thought it should be clear there are no heavenly spirits involved in this one.

Hopefully you can catch this movie on Hallmark Channel next week. It's supposed to air at 2 AM Eastern on Monday the 17th and 6 PM Eastern on Thursday the 27th.

Release Date: 23 November 2003 (USA)
Runtime: 120 minutes


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

TV Movie Review: A Season for Miracles (1999)

Miracles, romance, and family blend together in this heartwarming tale of the season.

A Season of Miracles is a typical Hallmark Hall of Fame movie. It has conflict. It has a family in trouble. It features small town America and its nosy neighbors. But most of all, it touches the heart from beginning to end.

This movie stars Carla Gugino as Emilie Thompson, the aunt to Alanna (Mae Whitman) and J.T. (Evan Sabara). After Emilie's sister (Laura Dern) overdoses again, the children are threatened with foster care. Not wanting her niece and nephew to be separated, Emilie runs off with them and arrives in the little town of Bethlehem. With guidance from an angel, portrayed by Academy Award® winner Patty Duke, Emilie and the children take over an abandoned Victorian home across from an angel statue in the town square.

Nosy neighbors assume Emilie is the niece of Miriam Pierce, who owned the house and left it to her niece when she passed away. When her car breaks down and Emilie must find a job to pay for the repairs, she pretends to be Miriam's niece so that the children have a warm place to stay until they can move on. She doesn't count on falling in love with Police Captain Nathan Blair (David Conrad) or on the blessing of many friends who help her while in town. Can David's love convince her to stay in Bethlehem? What will happen if her secret is found out?

A Season of Miracles is one of the sweetest movies I've ever seen. I didn't know that it was based upon the book, Season for Miracles by Marilyn Pappano. According to the reviews of the book on Amazon, many were disappointed the book wasn't as good as the movie. That's a change. I still think I'll order a used copy or see if my library has one available.

David Conrad plays the honest, caring Nathan to a tee. As the story unfolds, you can't help but like him. You want this situation to work out for all of them. The viewer gets a chance to see the kids come out of their shell the longer they stay in Bethlehem and have what resembles a normal life. Toward the end, when Alanna is sitting before the judge (Lynn Redgrave) and sharing some of what her life was like when she was with her mother, it was almost impossible not to cry.

You have to suspend a little bit of reality when you watch this movie. Not because of how the angel helps guide these people along, but because I just don't see how in real life this truly would have worked out in any good way. That said, if you get a chance to watch this movie on Hallmark Channel this month, it will be time well spent.

Release Date: 12 December 1999 (USA)
Runtime: 100 minutes

I recorded this movie on my DVR off the Hallmark Channel. This movie contains my honest opinions, for which I haven't been compensated in any way.

Movie Review: Argo (2012)

If you only see one movie this year, make it Argo. 

Academy Award® winner Ben Affleck stars and directs this movie about the covert rescue of six Americans hiding out in the home of  the Canadian ambassador when militants storm the United States Embassy in Iran, taking 52 American hostages.

Based on real events, this dramatic thriller takes place in November 1979. Tony Mendez (Affleck), the CIA's top "exfiltration" specialist is tasked with coming up with a viable plan to get the six Americans in hiding out of Iran safely. His plan: to enter Iran under the ruse of scouting locations for a sci-fi adventure movie, where he will hook up with the six Americans and play them off as his production crew. For this, he'll need the help of Executive Producer Lester Siegel (Alan Arkin) and make-up artist John Chambers (John Goodman), along with support of his superior Jack O'Donnell (Bryan Cranston).

From the opening moments of this movie to the time the credits rolled, I was one hundred percent captivated. While still young when the historical events took place, I recall television news footage of the Iranian Hostage Crisis. Though my husband remembered this rescue, and how the Canadian government was given full credit for it to hide our government's involvement, and therefore, not further stress Iranian-American relations, I only recall the failed rescue attempt that resulted in the loss of American serviceman, an Iranian civilian, and two aircraft.

This is a powerful, action-packed movie. As politics, espionage, and danger mingle, the stakes rise higher and higher. You get a glimpse into what these militants were all about. How much they despised America's support of the Shah of Iran, and the lengths to which they were willing to go to keep the de facto Iranian government in power. You witness the deep desire in the CIA to see these Americans come home alive, and how desires can often be influenced by politics.

There isn't a dull moment in Argo. You are glued to your seat the entire time. I don't think anyone left the movie theater for 120 minutes. All the actors portrayed their parts well. You felt their fear. You felt the danger. You felt every emotion dripping from each of these actors. I was totally enthralled. I don't say this about many current movies, but I would love to see this one again.


Release Date: 12 October 2012 (USA)
Run time: 120 minutes
Rating: R for language and violence

I paid to watch this movie in the theater. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

Movie Review: Disney - Pixar Brave (2012)

In a world of legends and magic, Princess Merida  works to change her fate, not knowing that an ill-fated wish will toss the kingdom into chaos.

The Lil Diva (10), the Lil Princess (8) and I went to go see Disney - Pixar's Brave this weekend. I rarely go to the opening weekend of a movie, but the warm weather seems to have kept the crowds away.

This is a funny, often tender, sometimes crude story of Princess Merida (voiced by Kelly Macdonald), who is confronted with a lackluster life filled with marriage and duty. Her overbearing mother (voiced by Emma Thompson) has spent years showing Merida how to act properly, so that she will be prepared, but Merida would much rather let loose, riding her beloved horse, Angus, and perfecting her archery skills.

Merida's three little brothers (or devils as she calls them) get to create mischief around the castle; no doubt encouraged by their father, King Fergus (voiced by Billy Connolly). But Merida's mother expects her to be the dutiful daughter. Very unfair.

The story behind Brave isn't a new one: mother and daughter don't see eye to eye on the future; an independent mind is eager to defy the conventions she was born into; what seems to be a good idea at the time ends up being a disaster (think of all those wishes Timmy Turner made in Fairly Oddparents). With Pixar's amazing animation and classic Disney appeal, Brave is an exciting, fun time for the family. Like Mulan before her, Merida makes a choice. It's when Merida realizes what that choice might have cost her and her future kingdom, that she becomes the brave soul who will make a difference.

If your family only sees one movie this summer, it should be Brave.

Rated: PG
Run time: 100 minutes
Released: June 22, 2012

My girls and I saw this movie in the theater. I was not compensated for my review in any way.

Movie Review: Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted (2012)

Alex, Melman, Gloria and Marty are aching to return to their home in Central Park Zoo. They seek out the penguins for help in getting back home. Unfortunately, after crashing a party, they capture the attention of Animal Control Captain Chantel DuBois (voiced by Frances McDormand) and need to lay low. When they stumble upon a traveling circus, they hope to hide out there and use it as a cover to gain safe passage to America.

If you enjoyed the first two Madagascar films, you are bound to love this one. Actors Ben Stiller, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, and Chris Rock return to voice these fabulous and funny characters. This is one of those franchises that I can see never getting old. The antics are always outrageous, but the circumstances Alex and gang face always touch upon a part of all of us. In Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted it is the love of home.

When the animals stumble upon this traveling circus, they think it's an easy, quick solution to their problems. They soon discover the circus is failing and the circus animals are looking to Alex and the others to help them rejuvenate it in the hopes they will attract a promoter and make it the once fabulous circus it used to be. Vitaly (voiced by Bryan Cranston) is skeptical of these newcomers, but Gia (voiced by Jessica Chastain) and Stefano (voiced by Martin Short), truly believe Alex and his friends hold the key to their success. The monkeys, King Julien and Maurice are also back to keep things lively.

If movies weren't so expensive, I would go see Madagascar 3 again in a heartbeat. Filled with laughs and touching moments, the whole family will love it.

Rated: PG
Run time: 93 minutes
Released: June 8, 2012 (USA)


I saw this movie in the theatre with the Lil Princess (8) and one of her friends. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

Movie Review: Men in Black 3™ (2012)

The Lil Princess (8) and I went to see Men in Black 3™ last night. Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are back again in a thrilling, action-packed alien adventure. With the passing of Zed, new leadership comes to the Men in Black organization in the form of Agent O (Emma Thompson). Agent J travels back in time to the 1960s to stop an alien from killing Agent K and changing history.

I've loved this franchise since the beginning, and while some felt Men in Black II was lackluster, I enjoyed it. Now, Agents J and K return with a threat that comes from K's past. In order to save the world and prevent K from being assassinated, J travels back in time to stop history from being changed.

Will Smith's trademark funny faces and antics add a great deal to this movie, but what is so amazing to me is Josh Brolin's spot on portrayal of the young Agent K, who must learn to trust Agent J in order to prevent an alien from changing history in a way that would lead to the destruction of the planet Earth. Brolin is so convincing that it was hard to imagine it wasn't a made up to look younger Tommy Lee Jones acting the part.

The other actor who truly shined in this movie is Michael Stuhlbarg (Ugly Betty, Hugo). He played Griffin, an alien who lives through multiple futures. He added an extra dose of humor, while being a great hero.

Men in Black 3 provides the viewer with insight into what made K who he is as the man who recruited J originally and as his partner for the past 14 years. There is still a ton of action, great special effects, and loads of nasty aliens. The ending is superb. I think it's a perfect place to end the franchise; though I wouldn't be disappointed if the crew was able to come up with a blockbuster MIB IV.

We watched the movie in 2D, because it worked for our schedule, but I would love to watch MIB3™ in 3D to see how those special effects look up close. The Lil Princess commented on the plethora of cuss words. It's also too violent for really little ones.

Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-fi
Release date: May 25, 2012
Runtime: USA: 106 min
Rated PG-13 for sci-fi action violence and brief suggestive content

We paid to see this movie in our local movie theater. I received no monetary compensation of any kind for this review.

Movie Review: The Hunger Games (2012)

Photo credit:  www.thehungergamesmovie.com

In what was once known as North America, the Capitol forces each of its twelve districts to send one teenage boy and girl to compete in The Hunger Games, a nationally televised fight to the death annual competition where only one victor can be named. The Hunger Games are a punishment for a past uprising by the districts.

When young Primrose Everdeen's name is called at the reaping, her older sister, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence), volunteers to take her place. Relying only on her instincts and limited advice from her drunken mentor, Haymitch, Katniss must make impossible choices in the arena if she ever hopes to see her family again.

Having read The Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins, the Lil Diva (10) and I were eager to see this movie. As an author, I especially enjoy comparing books to their film counterparts. Though I liked the books more, I was totally captivated by the movie. It had action, adventure and a hint of romance.

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson, who played Peeta Mellark (the other tribute from District 12), portrayed challenging roles to perfection. Hutcherson is so talented, it's hard to imagine him not being superb in any role, but he does so well as the shy, quiet son of a bakery family. Though what is amazing about Peeta in the book and in the movie, is how he knows exactly what to say and do to make the people in the Capitol want to root for him and Katniss.

Woody Harrelson (Doc Hollywood, White Men Can't Jump) played the role of Haymitch Abernathy. The first thing the Lil Diva and I thought when we saw him in the trailer was, "He doesn't look anything like Haymitch." Haymitch is a former District 12 victor of the games. Now serving as Katniss's mentor, he's supposed to provide direction and insight to Katniss on how to win the games. In between drunken stupors, he proves himself funny and helpful. Harrelson did a fabulous job of bringing him to life, despite his physical traits being totally off.

One of the largest differences between the book and the movie is that the entire movie is focused on the character of Katniss. While she is the narrator in the first two books, you get the feeling that the story is almost as much about Peeta as it her. You don't even get to really meet Portia (Peeta's stylist played by Latarsha Rose) in the movie, but you do get to know her in the books. You also learn a fair amount of information about some of the other tributes in the arena in The Hunger Games book, but the only two tributes who get any real time in the movie are Cato (Alexander Ludwig) and Rue (Amandla Stenberg).

The sole focus on Katniss also is responsible for downplaying her relationship with Peeta in the movie. Because the viewer isn't privy to her internal thoughts--which they get in the book--she doesn't really know exactly how Katniss feels about Peeta.

Director Gary Ross created an action-packed, intense movie with great effects.  It's no wonder The Hunger Games has taken the top spot at the box office the past two weekends. The soundtrack from this movie, The Hunger Games: Songs from District 12 and Beyond, debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart too. If you're looking for a good movie, you'll definitely want to choose The Hunger Games. This movie is rated PG-13 for, "intense violent thematic material and disturbing images - all involving teens." I felt it was on the edge of violent content for the Lil Diva's age group. The IMDB provides a detailed parent guide. Run time is 142 minutes.

I saw this movie in the theater on March 31st. I received no monetary compensation for this review.

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