pgibbons-83953 Reviews

CrimeTime: Freefall (2024 TV Movie)

Quirky, Strong Script, and Adorable Cast

[10/10 · 24 February 2024]

I have no idea why this currently has a pretty low rating, because I absolutely loved this movie. I don't typically enjoy the vast majority of Hallmark's mystery movies. They tend to take themselves too seriously, leaving my eyes rolled back, and my face naturally cringing. Crimetime was different, though, not one eye roll or cringe to be found, from me!

If you are like me, and get annoyed by the Hallmark mysteries that have a civilian jump into play detective, without any cause or being asked, give this movie a try! While our leading lady does play an actress, she didn't join the investigation on her own accord. She even pushes back, not wanting to join it, at first. Those small script changes made this movie 10x more enjoyable for me to watch.

*I just checked, and the Crimetime writer also wrote, Haunted Harmony: Murder in G Major, which was one of my favorite movies last year; so I'm not surprised I love Crimetime so much! 👏👏👏

The cast was adorable, and everyone portrayed their characters, beautifully. Great chemistry throughout!

Crimetime is perfect for those who, like me, enjoy the more quirky mysteries, such as Haunted Harmony and Dancing Detective. 10/10 - no notes!

Unexpected Grace (2023 TV Movie)

Script, Cast, Directing, everything is a 10/10

[10/10 · 15 March 2023]

I watch a lot of Hallmark movies, but I don't write many reviews; however, this movie is extremely special.

This script was layered, authentic, beautiful, moving, and understated in the best way possible. With this type of script, the casting was very important. Luckily, they were able to get Michael Rady, Erica Durance, and David Attar, who all poured their hearts into their performances.

Unlike most Hallmark movies, this wasn't a straight forward romance story, this was a human connection story.

This movie was filled with mature and thoughtful conversations. Characters listened to understand, instead of simply listening to react. There were a lot of ways that this script could have gone off the rails, but it didn't. Each decision, while making this film, was obviously done with a lot of care and concern for the audience.

The Wedding Veil Expectations (2023 TV Movie)

Kevin and Lacey were at their best!

[10/10 · 9 January 2023]

It took me awhile to warm up to the original Wedding Veil movies. I liked them okay, but they weren't movies I was going to run right out and rewatch. I had no idea what to expect, coming into this one, but I absolutely loved it. We were told that these movies showed what happened after the wedding, and that's exactly what this showed. Avery and Peter were still in a very loving, healthy relationship, with life's normal bumps along the way. I typically don't enjoy Hallmark's movies about married couples, because they are usually about marriages in trouble. This was not the case, with "Expectations."

Their marriage was in a healthy spot, they shared a ton of sweet kisses, hand holds, cuddles, and authentic conversations within a marriage. I found this movie to be extremely well acted, incredibly romantic, and one of the best Hallmark movies I've seen.

I have read comments by people saying there was not a large enough plot point, but I disagree. What we saw was a healthy, functional, loving marriage. We were told we were going to see what happened after the wedding, and that's exactly what we saw.

In my opinion, it is the best acted movie, by both Kevin McGarry and Lacey Chabert, and I've seen them all. :-)

The Dog Lover's Guide to Dating (2023 TV Movie)

Low expectations, but high results! 10/10

[10/10 · 2 January 2023]

Listen, I'll be honest and say the previews for this movie did not excite me; however, both my husband and I ended up loving it! It premiered on January 1st, and was fun, playful, lighthearted, had great banter and chemistry between the leads, was energetic and entertaining, and was the perfect movie to jump start the new year. I don't typically enjoy dog training movies, but this one worked for me.

At one point, it looked like it was about to go deep into some family drama, but they only used that information to explain a reaction to something else, and kept it moving. It did not bring down the mood of the movie, which often times can happen.

I would say this movie is best to watch when you are needing a break from the heaviness of life.

It was such a wonderful pick-me-up!

Campfire Christmas (2022 TV Movie)

Loved it!

[10/10 · 17 July 2022]

Tori Anderson and Corbin Bleu are always such joyful, warm actors and this movie was no different. This was a really fun, cheery, heartfelt, and authentically "Christmas in July" movie. I would love to see Corbin and Tori in a lot more Hallmark movies!

10 Stars!

How to Train Your Husband or (How to Pick Your Second Husband First) (2018)

Great cast, awful storyline.

[5/10 · 22 May 2022]

Loved this cast, they were all wonderful!

As Thumper once said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

So, I guess I will simply restate that I enjoyed all of the actors and that a story existed.

When Calls the Heart: In Like a Lion (2022) Season 9, Episode 1

Former Team Nathan and now Team Hope Valley!

[10/10 · 7 March 2022]

I was disappointed by S8, but I went into S9 with an open mind, and I am so glad I did! I loved every second of this S9 premier and can't wait to see how these storylines unfold. When the episode was over, I had all the warm and fuzzy feelings that Hope Valley brought in S1-7. Truly loved it!

Sweet Mountain Christmas (2019 TV Movie)

Wonderful Chemistry!

[10/10 · 18 February 2022]

Love, love, LOVED the leads' chemistry!! Such a sweet movie, authentic and cozy, with beautiful music. I smiled all the way through. Will happily watch again and again!

Snowkissed (2021 TV Movie)

10/10 - All for Chris McNally

[10/10 · 1 February 2022]

Chris McNally mentioned, in an interview, that this was his first comedic role. Well, bravo!! He killed it!! His comedic timing, mannerisms, and facial expressions were perfect. There was a lot to dislike about the movie, like how negative Jen Lilley's character was (which I often see in her roles), or the unusual best friend "relationship," but I'd watch again to see Chris shine!

**It's weird that I have to mention this, but we are in unusually divisive times over fictional tv shows on Hallmark. For fellow Hearties who might assume I am TL and just trying to talk Chris up, you'd be wrong. I was TN, but have always enjoyed Chris as an actor (even plying L) and thought he did a fantastic job in Snowkissed.

Butlers in Love (2022 TV Movie)

Wit, Charm, and Spunk!

[10/10 · 30 January 2022]

I loved this so much! I've watched countless Hallmark/Lifetime/UpTV movies and this might be my favorite. The chemistry was on point, the banter and wit was authentic, and the friendship - turned love, was completely believable. My husband and I both enjoyed it from start to finish. We liked the storyline, but these two lead actors pushed it over the top! 10/10! Hallmark, please continue hiring Stacey Farber and Corey Cott!

Where Your Heart Belongs (2022 TV Movie)

"Super Hot Cousin" - That should tell you enough

[1/10 · 3 January 2022]

I should have stopped watching when I heard the line, "...when my super hot COUSIN started making you blush." Hallmark, I am thoroughly enjoying the increase in diversity and inclusivity, but can we pump the breaks before having characters describe family members as "super hot"?

Hallmark, if you needed someone to mention that Christopher Russell is "super hot" then either have it come from a non-family member or simply make him a family friend. I haven't even finished it, but I am determined to make it all the way through simply because I want to watch the Deck the Hallmark podcast covering this movie. Hallmark should definitely pay the Deck the Hallmark guys, because their podcast has been what's forced me to finish some of Hallmark's not-so-great movies. I should mention I typically love HM movies, so I am not here to trash them, but this movie was a total mess.

Christmas in Harmony (2021 TV Movie)

8/10 - but one huge misstep

[8/10 · 3 November 2021]

Spoiler - The "rub" is ridiculous and places the blame on the wrong character. Blame should be on the dad, but instead they place it on the leading man. Otherwise, I enjoyed the cast, singing, and banter.

Coyote Creek Christmas (2021 TV Movie)

Gave it a 5/10 due to the script

[5/10 · 3 November 2021]

Janel and Ryan deserved a better script. There is only so much actors can do to help a script that doesn't make sense.

• Parents created a ridiculous situation and DRAGGED leading man into it, against his will.

• Leading lady found out and put 100% blame on the leading man.

• Parents allowed leading man to take the fall for the situation THEY created.

My husband got up and walked out, he was so frustrated. I only stayed because I enjoyed watching Janel and Ryan, but was equally as frustrated.

Boyfriends of Christmas Past (2021 TV Movie)

Loved it!

[10/10 · 26 October 2021]

The lead actor and actress were both fantastic. The dad and stepmom were charming and fun. I had no idea what to expect, but I truly loved it. I hope to see these leads become regulars on Hallmark! I truly don't know what the negative reviews are talking about, everyone did a wonderful job.

Resort to Love (2021)

Just watch it!

[10/10 · 28 September 2021]

It's funny, charming, heart warming, and shows beautiful, positive interactions between women. My husband and I loved it so much!

After the Sun Fell (2016)

I laughed, I cried, I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

[10/10 · 17 September 2021]

I really enjoyed this movie. I don't laugh out loud often, but this movie made me do just that. Aside from its many comical moments, it was truly a beautiful story about a family reconnecting, after a tragedy almost tore them apart. I thought it was really well cast, but was especially moved by Neal Bledsoe and Joanna Bayless' performances.

10/10 from me!

A Christmas Carousel (2020 TV Movie)

Loved this movie!

[10/10 · 14 September 2021]

For starters, Neal Bledsoe always elevates a movie; then pair him with Rachel Boston, and you've got a winner! Loved every minute of this and have watched it many times. Rachel and Neal are both fantastic with quick and flirty banter, dry humor, and making us fall in love with their characters falling in love.

Blueprint to the Heart (2020 TV Movie)

Good Chemistry Between the Leads

[10/10 · 17 July 2021]

Dennis Andres always lights up the screen and makes any movie fun to watch. This was a cute movie and enjoyable from start to finish.

Hint of Love (2020 TV Movie)

Cute and fun movie!

[10/10 · 17 July 2021]

Dennis Andres elevates any movie he is in. He brings a warmth, charm, and authenticity to his characters which is always a joy to watch!

When Calls the Heart: The Kiss (2021) Season 8, Episode 12

The Show Left Hope Valley Behind

[1/10 · 12 May 2021]

Instead of having Elizabeth grow and conquer her fear, they brought back Hamilton Elizabeth. We watched Nathan and Elizabeth's beautiful love story unfold for three seasons. We watched them bond over shared grief, parenting, common values, shared outlooks on love, vulnerable conversations, and mutual support, only to have it all erased in the S8 finale. She told him she loves him but was always looking for Jack in him. Didn't even see him as an individual. She chose the man she's never had a truly deep conversation with, who doesn't share the same life or love values, and she went back to being Hamilton Elizabeth. If I watch S9, it will only be to see Nathan and Allie happy, for once. If they screw that up, too, I'm out.