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Matlock (2024)
The super power of the older woman! "Nobody sees us coming..."
As soon as I saw Kathy Bates was going to star in a reboot of Matlock, I texted my mother asking her if this was something we would be watching together. We live in different states, but occasionally watch shows together. And I thought this would be an excellent choice. I love the idea of an older woman returning to the world of work. Especially a woman in her 70s!
Let me be clear. I am not a fan of legal shows, and while I'm sure at 54 years old before DVRS when we were at times captive audiences of shows we'd rather not watch, I've unintentionally, accidentally watched an episode or two of the original Matlock. But I definitely was not a fan of the show. That being said, I jumped right in--because everything I've watched with Kathy Bates, *Misery*, *Primary Colors*, *Dolores Claiborne*, etc., etc., etc., has been excellent. So I trusted that *Matlock* would be stellar as well-or Kathy Bates would not be involved.
I watched the pilot and loved the whole thing. Since I did not watch the original *Matlock*, I had nothing to compare it to. I have watched law shows and police procedurals that went so fast and were so complicated I got lost. But *Matlock* is easy breezy, and I was right with all of the twists and turns. Thankfully, none of the characters are annoying or extremely unlikable. As other reviewers said, there is a surprise at the end that we can't talk about, but clues were dropped all along.
If I had to compare the show to another show, I'd say it's like *Columbo*. There are times when "Mattie" struggles with the changing times, she has not practiced law in many years, and then there are times when she seems to be bumbling-so the person can walk right into a trap. It's like Mattie said, "Nobody sees us coming..." YASS the super power of the older woman!
Body in the Attic (2023)
You might see the plot twist coming...
"My Wife's Hidden Lover" (2023) delivers the typical Lifetime movie formula: drama, betrayal, and a twist you might see coming, but not in its entirety. While the movie is definitely watchable, it's plagued by inconsistencies and questionable character choices.
The leading lady is far from sympathetic. Her infidelity, and her audacity in moving her lover into the attic of the house her husband paid for, is frustrating to watch. The husband's insistence on her not working is equally perplexing. If she can manage a clandestine affair, why not a secret job? Her constant "I have to go..." pronouncements and confused facial expressions do little to evoke empathy or further the story.
The motivation for her supposed commitment to the husband - a promise to build a library using his influence - feels flimsy. The lavish lifestyle she enjoys is a more plausible reason for staying. And her willingness to cheat and so blatantly led me to believe she was looking out for herself and her own ambitions.
The plot itself is riddled with holes. The husband's supposed influence with the police was heavily emphasized, yet when the cops arrive, it's the cheating wife holding the gun - a situation that would likely have led to her arrest. The boyfriend's fate at the end is left unclear. And if building a library was so easily achievable, why didn't she just do it herself in the first place? Definitely not an empowering message in this movie.
Despite these shortcomings, the movie does manage to deliver a surprising twist--to me anyway. Other viewers said it was predictable, but I didn't see that one coming.
One thing tho is that the heroine's happy ending feels unearned, considering her actions, but overall, the movie provides a decent dose of entertainment.
Killer Profile (2021)
Wait no punishment for Nicole and her crew?
Okay, so this Lifetime movie is definitely one of those "you know who the killer is" scenarios. And, I'm usually a "click off the moment it's obvious" kind of viewer. This one kept me hooked! The whole "Heather" online profile thing was just too interesting to skip. I really wanted to find out how she became real.
One thing I loved was that the girls in the movie were normal, relatable sizes. No skinny minny stereotypes here! The guy playing Liam also wasn't your typical jock. More of a "noble rich kid" vibe, which I liked. Although, that basketball scene where he was practicing... not so convincing.
And wait, what about the punishment for Nicole and her crew? Even though they didn't know the real "Heather," they were still using a real person's image without consent. That's definitely cyberbullying, fraud, or something! I guess the movie just wanted us to focus on the "killer" plot, but it left me wondering about the ethical implications.
Woman with the Red Lipstick (2024)
OK, but actors seemed more suited for romcom than a thriller
This movie had everything I look for in a Lifetime movie: a mystery and a character who seemed normal throughout but suddenly reveals their crazy side at the end. The story follows Lucy Compton, a Chicago-based journalist whose boyfriend asks her to do a role play where she wears a blonde wig, a particular scarf, and goes by the name "Maggie." Days later, a woman with blonde hair named Maggie goes missing, and Lucy starts to suspect her boyfriend, eventually accusing him.
There were a few implausible aspects. First, once Lucy suspected her boyfriend, how could she ever not look at him sideways again? Once he was cleared by the police, homegirl wanted to continue on with the relationship. What?! Also, it's hard to believe a late 20s or early 30s journalist could afford to live in an entire house by herself in Chicago.
The acting wasn't that great either-I kept thinking the dynamic between the actress who played Lucy and the actor who played her boyfriend seemed better suited for a rom-com than a thriller.
But overall this was a pretty good Lifetime movie. Giving it 5 stars.
The Caller (2024)
Worst customer service rep ever...but pretty good movie!
"My Life is on the Line" (2024) is a tense, claustrophobic made for TV thriller that reminded me of those teenage moments where you mess up big time and try to cover your tracks, only to make things worse. Shannon, a 38-year-old mom in the midst of a custody battle, embodies this struggle throughout the entire film.
The movie takes place over a single workday, focusing on Shannon's role as a customer service rep at a financial firm. We see her spiral after a frantic man calls, claiming his wife needs access to her account for emergency treatment. Shannon, way too eager to help, spills personal details and authorizes the transfer, leading to a series of increasingly chaotic events.
While the movie is interesting, there were some plot points that felt confusing to me. For instance, the back-and-forth with the transfer getting flagged, but then verified was a bit unclear to me.
I think the film's strength lies in its intimate atmosphere, achieved by a small cast consisting of Shannon, a couple of coworkers, and their boss. This creates a heightened sense of tension as Shannon's actions unfold. Honestly, she was the worst customer service rep ever. She even contacted the client's daughter for information. Honestly, she was scarier than the actual bad guy!
The film effectively contrasts Shannon's chaotic day with glimpses of her seemingly normal routine, highlighting the stark contrast between her personal struggles and the professional facade she tried to present. She actually thought she could keep her job after what she had done.
Despite all the drama, I found myself lacking sympathy for Shannon. She wasn't willing to do the right thing, even though she desperately needed her job. Her excuses - trying to help, being scared - felt hollow. Her boss even called her a liar, and I couldn't disagree. When she then called her husband "useless" for not being able to pick up their son from school, I wondered how "useful" she was in the marriage considering her reckless actions throughout the day.
Overall, "My Life is on the Line" was a pretty good Lifetime movie. The film's exploration of a woman under immense pressure who makes disastrous choices is undeniably captivating, even if it's difficult to feel empathy during her journey.
Sparsh (1980)
The healing power of love!
The Touch (1980) is the poignant story of Anirudh Parmar, a blind intellectual and Principal of a school for the blind. The story begins with a serendipitous meeting between Anirudh and Kavita, when he shows up at her house. He was looking for her neighbor but was drawn to her after hearing her singing voice. A few days later they meet again at a mutual friend's party, leading to Anirudh's invitation for Kavita to teach singing at his school-a proposition she initially declines due to her own personal struggles.
Her decision to work with the school marks the beginning of a beautiful yet complicated relationship with Anirudh.
Kavita's work with the school catalyzes a transformation in Kavita, sparked by the innocence and joy of the children and of course Anirudh. The film uses a montage to capture their shared moments-growing more intertwined through concerts, discussions about basketmaking, and picnics. Kavita's calm demeanor and humor serve as a counterbalance to Anirudh's emotional walls, making their interactions a highlight of the film.
The exploration of their relationship encapsulates the healing power of love-a core theme that resonates throughout the movie. The juxtaposition of Kavita's light against Anirudh's struggles creates a compelling narrative about vulnerability and connection. Their conversations are sharp, meaningful, and reflect a depth of emotion that elevates the film. But as their bond deepens, it also hits a strain. A pivotal exchange between them encapsulates the essence of their relationship: Kavita's earnest challenge, "the more I get to know you, the less I understand you," contrasts starkly with Anirudh's plea, "Just leave me alone in my city of darkness." Her response, "you are not the only one who lives in the dark," serves as a reminder that pain and darkness are universal. And then Kavita nails it with the poignant line: "but can't our sunshine be one..."?
The movie delves into the complexities of emotional turmoil, and ultimately paints a picture of how love can bridge seemingly insurmountable gaps. Overall, *The Touch* presents a exploration of the barriers we construct around ourselves and the courage /vulnerability needed to ultimately break through.
El practicante (2020)
Creepy psychological thriller...
This movie was really creepy. It follows a guy who gets into an accident and winds up in a wheelchair. He then terrorizes those around him, especially his live-in girlfriend who leaves him after discovering he's been spying on her. Initially, I thought there might be something redeeming about him when he started making progress and becoming friendly with his female physical therapist. However, he remained as evil as ever, even attending PT sessions while his girlfriend was bound and gagged at home.
The really creepy part was the chase scene near the end when Ángel, who can't walk, goes after his ex-girlfriend, who also couldn't use her legs, down the stairs. We knew that even if he caught her, the jig was up since there was no way he could get her back up the stairs. Still, the scene was very tense in a good way.
There were a few holes in the story. For instance, how much epidural drug did he steal to keep his ex-girlfriend from walking for days on end? Additionally, the characters lack backstory. The only thing we know about Ángel is that he's a cool-under-pressure paramedic who steals from some of the victims he helps. But we don't know why or anything else about his past. The same is true for his girlfriend; we know she's in vet school and works nights at a call center, and that's it.
Overall, "The Paramedic" delivers a tense and unsettling experience, with a storyline that leaves several questions unanswered and characters whose motivations remain largely unexplored.
While I liked it, and watched the whole thing straight through which is rare for me these days, still I can't give it 6 stars for some reason. So giving it 5.75 stars.
Love at First Lie (2023)
Could have been a good scam story....
I'll admit, I didn't watch Love at First Lie from start to finish. I skipped a small chunk, but tuned back in when Walker was feeding Kate a line about how dangerous his profession was and he had to hide a painting from some dangerous people. At that point, I thought Kate should have run for the hills, but instead, she offers to help him hide the painting at her house. I almost stopped watching right then, but the reviews I read intrigued me.
This whole scenario reminded me of the Malaysian movie, Love Conquers All, where a creep pretends to fall in love with a beautiful young woman, then tricks her into prostitution by pretending to be in danger. Similarly, in Love at First Lie, Walker spins a tale about transporting a $6 million painting to a client, but claims that some bad people have found out about it and he can't get it to them. A dozen red flags should have gone off, but Kate doesn't kick him out. Instead, she offers to store the painting at her home.
If the story was just about the paintings, I would have rolled my eyes and stopped watching. But I continued to watch as Walker gains Kate's trust with compliments, flashing wads of cash, and playing tricks on her, like saying his credit cards were stopped due to the bad guys. Of course, Kate offers him hers. And when he shows up bruised, claiming to be beat up by the bad guys, I was like, "Oh my god, this is just like Love Conquers All." That's all part of the scam. And, as in the Malaysian movie, some women believe despite a million warning signs believe their love conquers all.
I would have given this six stars but the ending was not good at all. This guy was a gigolo scammer not a violent kidnapper.
If You Really Love Me (2012)
Inspirational Family Dramedy
I'll admit, I had my doubts about "If You Really Love Me" at first, especially when I realized it featured a laugh track - not something you typically find in a movie!
However, I was pleasantly surprised by this Christian/inspirational film about three sisters navigating tumultuous times in their personal lives. The story follows two sisters who have always been at odds, only to find themselves driven further apart by a new situation. Meanwhile, the third sister faces a health scare and a lifestyle change when her husband decides to switch professions.
I initially thought the movie would be a romance, but it ended up being a heartwarming family dramedy. One unique aspect of the film is its premise: the sisters' deceased mother, now an angel, witnesses their struggles without intervening.
Overall, I was won over by this movie's thoughtful storytelling and strong performances. Give it a chance, and you might be surprised too.
I Love You, Don't Touch Me! (1997)
A quirky 90s romance
I recently watched "I Love You...Don't Touch Me!" and was surprised to find that I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the initial negative reviews from its release. More recent reviews have been kinder, and I'm glad to count myself among the fans. As a romance connoisseur, I'm shocked I hadn't heard of it before.
One of the things that charmed me was the film's nostalgic 90s aesthetic, complete with light makeup, dark lipstick, stockings, and maxi dresses paired with black shoes. I also appreciated the humor in the character's assumption that, at 25, she should be in a serious relationship - a sentiment that would likely be pushed back to 35 in a modern film. The last movie I watched with this theme, Don't Touch if You Ain't Prayed, the heroine was 40.
Initially, I was worried that the movie would try too hard to be funny, especially with the voiceover introduction. However, it turned out to be a more serious and thoughtful exploration of relationships than I expected. While some reviewers have dismissed it as a "film school project," I think it's a delightful example of a quirky independent romantic film - and I LOVE those!
The heroine, Katy, is relatable and likable, and I agree with the intellectual premise that she needs to have experiences outside of her comfort zone (and her long-standing friendship with Ben) to truly settle down with him in the end. Katy has undeniable chemistry with both Ben and the older man she eventually dates, Richard. Her relationships with her various friends, including her uptight engaged friend, her overly sexualized coworker, and her loud neighbor, add depth to the story.
Also, what I found interesting is that the film didn't tie Katy's career struggles to her romantic journey. Instead, it left her job situation open-ended, focusing on her emotional growth and the development of her relationships. In the end, Katy chooses the man whom she has loved forever, and it's a satisfying conclusion to her journey. Tho there was a reveal regarding her perfect best friend's marriage that happened toward the end and was not expounded upon.
Overall, I'm glad I discovered this hidden gem, and I think fans of romantic comedies will appreciate its unique charm.
It's a Date (2018)
Romance didn't happen until the last 5 minutes...
Darrin Dewitt Henson's portrayal of Wesley was undoubtedly the highlight of the movie "It's a Date". His charisma and distinctive raspy voice made him a compelling presence on screen. Unfortunately, he had more chemistry with London, who turned out to be a villain, than with Anastasia, who was supposed to be his love interest.
The plot of the movie felt lacking, particularly when it came to the romance between Anastasia and Wesley, which didn't materialize until the final five minutes. The ethical dilemma of Anastasia dating a client was an interesting concept, but it wasn't executed well. In fact, it was barely addressed outside of the movie's description and synopsis. The romance felt forced and lacked build-up or tension.
The movie attempted to be humorous, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The montage of bad dates for Wesley, a typical trope in romantic comedies, didn't land due to the leads' lack of comedic timing. However, I did appreciate that the movie explored a workplace romance, one of my favorite tropes. It's great to see successful Black professionals represented on screen. Anastasia, however, was terrible at her job, and I was relieved when Wesley called her out on it. On a positive note, Dalton and Tony made a cute couple.
Overall, while "It's a Date" had some promising elements, it ultimately fell short in its execution.
Nobody's Fool (2018)
I wanted to not finish...but made it to the end
I really wanted to bail and not finish this at 23 minutes in. I REALLY wanted to stop watching when Danica went to pick up Tanya from jail and she was in flagrante with a guy we find out she just met.
Yes, sisters can be very, very different. Tanya did comment that Danica had a mean streak and a hood streak just like her. But I just did not feel any connection between the sisters who grew up together.
I have to admit Tonya (Tiffany Haddish) turned out to be very funny at times, especially when she was filling out the job application for the position at Frank's coffee shop. I actually felt that Frank (Good Lawd that man was fine) and Tanya had a way better vibe going than him and Danica. He deserved better than her. WAAAAAY better. Even after she apologized.
I'm a sucker for a romantic montage (ie my Nollywood romances) and the one for Danica and Frank was to PJ Morton and Yebba's How Deep Is Your Love. So yes, I had warmed up to the movie by then.
The Charlie/Lawrence explanation did not make sense to me.
One thing I'm surprised at the cursing and constant talking about sex in a Tyler Perry movie. He's really changed from Diary of a Mad Black Woman and Daddy's Little Girls days.
Don't Touch If You Ain't Prayed (2005)
Some mistakes but this was an okay Christian movie
The bad reviews for this movie didn't stop me from watching. As a fan of Nollywood and Lifetime movies, I don't expect perfection. This movie follows Pamela, a 40-year-old devout Christian woman who is fed up with dating because she thinks all men only want sex. She meets Jordan online, and then again while having lunch with her coworkers, one of whom happens to know Jordan.
Jordan seems perfect, but he comes with more baggage than a 747's luggage carousel and shows his true colors when Pamela reveals that she is a virgin. There were a few glaring mistakes. For instance, Pamela, who is 40, has a 75-year-old grandfather. How is that possible unless granddad was 15 when he became a father? Either that or dad was 15.
In terms of looks, Jordan and Pamela looked good together and had chemistry. The best acting came from Randy Brooks, who played Jordan. However, there were a lot of improbable moments. Jordan brings his 9-year-old daughter with him when he goes to break ties with the nefarious people he had been doing business with. There was a weird sequence of events where Jordan ghosts Pamela after he finds out she was a virgin, then he has his business associate call her to test the waters, as if she was the one who broke it off with him. It was very strange.
Also, since this is a Christian movie, Jordan should have been shown to have an epiphany that made him want to change his ways. Additionally, I find it hard to believe that Pamela's family would have encouraged her to be with Jordan after finding out all of the lying he had been doing.
I did like the end, where everyone was in church - Pamela's work friend, Jordan's alcoholic wife, and so on. It was a nice, happy ending.
Student Seduction (2022)
Far Fetched but a good Lifetime movie
Charmed and Cheated (AKA Student Seduction) was LMN fun, but definitely far fetched. All those girls did was cheat, shop and party. And the lengths they went to to cheat, they might as well have gone ahead and did the work.
The lacrosse coach was kinda made to seem sympathetic as he was blackmailed into flirting with Annie. But there is NO excuse. Quitting the job would have been better than taking the risk of being fired and arrested.
Annie thought she could tell her mom about the conspiracy. After she said the part about kissing the coach, of course her mother would hear nothing else. Again the movie was far fetched. Had the mom called the police when she threatened to, there would have been no chance to kill the coach as he would have been in jail.
The cheating ring was so rinky dinky--three girls? And it wasn't even sophisticated (breaking into classrooms to steal the answers for the test e etc) yet the principal was the mastermind. I would think he would have had a broader and better plan than that. And how would Annie have proven that she found the Rio drive in the principal's office?
As another reviewer mentioned, Annie would have had to face some consequences for cheating, but she was still happily playing lacrosse at the end.
Again far fetched but fun to watch.
Swag Inc. (2019)
Good message but leads had no swag
The two leads seemed very immature without an ounce of swag, which is why they had so much difficulty attracting the women they truly wanted.
I did like several of the messages in the film--be your authentic self and if your professional life blows up, pick up the pieces and start over again.
Also the movie tried to hard to be funny and failed. The shame is that the white boss, who was trying to be "down" was the funniest person in the movie.
Oh and Ashley's dad was funny. He was controlling her by threatening to fire her from the family business where she worked as a cashier/handled inventory for their sporting goods shop. I was like huh? She can't get a better job than that without family connections?!
This was a comedy, yet at one point one of the couples had an argument and it seemed way too serious for a comedy. Still overall this was watchable. So giving it five stars.
Sinners Wanted (2018)
Romance, Love, Faith, Suffering and ultimately Redemption
Let me start by saying, as soon as Pastor Shephard pulled up in his car with the license plate that read "SINNER," I was ready to give the movie at least 7 stars. And then my dude had tattoos and opened up the church gates to the neighborhood, I thought, "alright, I LOVE this reverend!!!"
However, there were a few things that didn't quite add up. This was not a megachurch. This was a small neighborhood church. So why were they so afraid of addicts and prostitutes? Speaking of prostitutes, our heroine, Gigi, really showed up to church in full prostitute attire? These things seemed improbable.
Other than that, the story was FANTASTIC! I had read reviews regarding the acting, but I've seen far worse in my Lifetime/Hallmark movies. The acting was adequate. Besides, the chemistry between Ginger and Leo was amazing, and there were so many heartwarming moments.
In one scene, Leo pays for Gigi's time, but she mistakenly thinks he paid for sex and came out of the shower naked. Leo quickly turned his back and said, "I'm in a covenant with God. Sex is for marriage!" Gigi, mortified, exclaimed, "Oh my God, I just got naked in front of a pastor." Leo replied, "It's okay to be naked---in front of God." That became a repeated theme in the movie. And there was a beautiful montage of Gigi and Leo bonding, and him baptizing her.
Gigi and Leo had instant, credible chemistry. The actors looked perfect together, but storywise I didn't understand why Leo was so attracted to Gigi. When Leo's backstory was revealed, it all made perfect sense.
None of the leaders in the church could be trusted, so Leo (Pastor Shephard's) wise counsel came from the church's facility director, One Eye, who was once a notorious drug dealer.
Despite being warned about the ending, I initially thought it tarnished the message, but upon further reflection, I see the purpose behind it and it makes perfect sense--sometimes our direction in life is revealed through our suffering. Gigi's transformation is the message.
The movie also did a great job of exposing the hypocrites within the church and ensuring that the bad guys got what they deserved in the end.
Overall, an excellent movie deserving of many, many stars!!
A Lot Like Christmas (2021)
There are so many cool things about this movie!
I thought this was going to be yet another big-bad-executive-comes-to-the-small-town-to-ruin -it holiday movie. But in A Lot Like Christmas, the Big Bad executive is Clay Moore, who is one of those guys who everybody likes. He comes into town from Manhattan looking for a Starbucks. He asks these two elderly men that are sitting on a bench and they tell him that of course there is no Starbucks in that small little town, but there is a local diner. After getting the directions, Clay asked them if they wanted anything. They give him a big order which Clay remembers! Clay is just a nice guy who can talk to anybody about anything, buys random strangers breakfast, and helps older women with their groceries, etc ect etc
There were so many cool things about this movie. I loved the fake falling snow. The mayor was an African American woman. There was thankfully just two small town traditions. Too many can ruin a movie.
Jessica and Clay meet when she hits him with a tree she is cutting down on her family's farm. Oh and one of the things I look for in all of these Hallmarkish romances is a dance scene btw hero and heroine. After Jessica declares Clay her enemy, they have this we're-not-dancing-together dance to Jingle Bells, which was sooooo cute!!!!
And did I mention how much I loved Clay--with his lilac shirts and purple suits!
Take Me Back for Christmas (2023)
Okay, but didn't feel like much was at stake
This was okay, I do like holiday stories that do not contain a bunch of annoying traditions. I also liked that this was in the city.
But I wanted the heroine to tell the hero that she was from a different reality, or if that was not possible, to really try to get him back. That's why I watched, not just for her to reconnect with him on a business/platonic level never revealing that she wanted him back romantically.
Also, with these tropes, there is sometimes a choice to stay in the new reality or go back to the old one. Renee was never given a choice. I felt that was a cop out. There was really nothing at stake here. No major choice Renee had to make within a timeline or else!
From Friend to Fiancé (2019)
I love my blue collar heroines!
This was cute! I thought it was going to be one of those "let's pretend to be engaged to get our parents off our backs or get a promotion," but in actuality, the story revolves around the heroine's best friend, who is getting married and asks her to be his best man and help plan the wedding.
I liked so many things about the movie. The heroine's wardrobe was so cute. And instead of having that best female friend telling her she needs to go for it, etc., she talks to the residents at the assisted living facility where she works. I loved that she was not a big executive or anything; I love my blue-collar heroines.
I loved how the heroine went back and forth from enjoying her friend and spending time with him (i.e., when the wedding party had the paintball fight) to being heartbroken and envious as she realizes she loves him romantically just as he is about to walk down the aisle.
Also, the mean girls from high school-the bride and her friends-were perfect.
Romance with a Twist (2024)
Sooooo Good!!! A Work Vs Love romance
So good I'm giving this 7 stars, which I'm not sure I've ever done for a Hallmark romance.
Accept for one small thing, this movie was perfect. It was mission driven "gotta learn this aerial routine in six weeks because the annual small town festival DEPENDS on it." And then there was a beautiful performance at the end. I rewound the final performance no less than five or six times and put the song Catch Me by Thomas Bergersen on my YouTube playlist.
The hero and heroine looked beautiful together. The banter was funny. Nobody was annoying. The small town didn't have any of those "cute" quirks, which I usually can do without. ( I grew up in a small town and it was *nothing* like they show in these Hallmark movies.) This movie showcased a realistic small town atmosphere.
There was some tension and drama with the question of whether Luna could transition from dance to aerial silks. Whether she would stay in the construction business, whether the hero would leave town and continue to tour, etc. So I guess this was also a Work vs Love romance
There was a stepfather in this movie, which was a refreshing change from the widowed parent, which is the norm for a Hallmark romance.
I mean there was *nothing* annoying and everything to like about this movie.
There was just one little tiny thing, the sound was off during the performance of Give My Regards to Broadway so it looked like a bad lip sync performance. But otherwise I really enjoyed this romance.
Man with My Husband's Face (2023)
But there was never any proof!
This was pretty good for a Lifetime mystery/thriller. I didn't find it predictable at all, and was surprised by the twists all the way up to the end.
The only problem I had with this movie is that throughout the entire thing, Katrina never had one shred of actual proof. She had her own eyewitness account, but it was still her word against theirs, and there was already a question of her sanity.
Even at the end, where was the proof that any crime had been committed, especially since as other reviewers pointed out, the part about the attorney was just dropped.
I thought the cop was going to come in with some breakthrough information, but nope. He only showed up at the house when he noticed Katrina escaped from the little holding room. Still with absolutely no proof, the cop at the end says "I still can't believe everything you were saying was true..."
Also if the cops put everybody who appears delusional in for a 72 hour hold, the hospitals would be overflowing. Katrina was raving, but not a danger to herself or anyone else.
But aside from those plot holes the story was pretty good.
Dating a Killer (2021)
This was not the kind of LTM mystery I usually enjoy
Giving this one 4 stars mainly because it lacked the signature Lifetime Movie twist that usually hooks me into these mysteries. In "Secrets She Keeps," the bad guys were straightforwardly the bad guys, with only a somewhat surprising accomplice revealed towards the end, which, unfortunately, didn't elevate the overall plot.
Discovering the boyfriend's true age, 29 instead of the claimed 19, immediately marked him as irredeemable. I must admit, I wasn't fully engrossed in the movie and only realized it was a revenge plot after reading reviews. Also I found out the original title was "Dating a Killer." Had I known that I would have skipped this one. Again, as I said, I thought this was a mystery. That title gives it all away.
The heroine and her mother, new owners of a previously foreclosed store turned art studio, become targets of the vindictive former owners. However, this revenge plot seemed somewhat disconnected from the initial events involving Lacey who we see in the beginning of the movie. The characters' attempts to link everything felt forced, and the elaborate schemes---one involving a dating app--seemed nonsensical.
The backstory and high school scenes were highlights for me. I appreciated the deviation from the typical mean girl trope, with the mean girls here being part of the homecoming dance committee instead of cheerleaders. Despite the lack of the usual twist, the movie had its moments, especially in exploring the characters' pasts and dynamics within the high school setting. The rest was not that great.
The Pregnancy Promise (2023)
Terrible acting, but interesting story and subplots made it worthwhile
I am not usually someone who complains about bad acting in a movie. But the acting in The Pregnancy Promise was not just bad, but atrocious. Not just reading lines, but reading them badly--in every single scene except for one. When Skye's mother comforted her during late pregnancy when she said she felt "as big as Jupiter." That scene was realistic and well-acted, but the rest. Whew!
Still I'm giving the movie 5 stars because otherwise it was soapy Lifetime fun!!!! In addition to the best friends being pregnant, there were several other interesting subplots. The villain was a complete surprise. However, unfortunately, because the acting was not good, the revelation fell kinda flat when it could have been really awesome.
Some things were improbable, like scrawny, nerdy Jake ever being a prospect for the NBA. Why didn't they just make him a geek who wanted to skip college and be the next Steve Jobs?
The babies at the end were so darned cute! And they wouldn't just be best friends; they're actually cousins.
AMCOP: Hell Mary (2019)
Love, obsession and ultimately redemption
Mary, played by Mofe Okorodudu, is a beautiful, talented but aimless young woman who recently graduated from college, but has no interest in anything except smoking weed. Her mother owns a fashion enterprise and demands Mary join and grow the family business. Mary is resistant until she goes into the office one day and meets the lead photographer, Andre. Andre, played by a very handsome and bearded Felix Ugo Omokhodion, is in love with Sarah, one of the company's models. The love is unrequited. Mary is also not interested in Andre at first either. But after spending a day with Andre, learning the details of the business and posing for photos, his enthusiasm and energy rub off on her. Mary changes her mind about working for her mother's business. Mary is especially happy when she realizes she will be sharing an office with Andre. Andre continues to pine for Sarah while Mary falls for him.
One day Mary is talking liberties with Andre, rubbing his shoulders and back. When he realizes she's being inappropriate in the office, Sarah walks in, sees them, and gets angry. Andre tries multiple times to explain, but Sarah refuses to hear him out.
Soon Mary officially throws her hat into the ring by sneaking into Andre's house to cook for him. Andre is understandably creeped out when he discovers her in his place, making herself at home. He reluctantly eats the delicious food she made, but is uncomfortable when she tries to cuddle and says she is staying the night. Despite coming from a privileged background, Mary really wants to care for Andre, showcasing her willingness to go above and beyond for him. It was a unique mix of creepy, cute, and funny moments as she tried to demonstrate her affection by cooking, cleaning, and showing physical affection. Mary recognized Andre's exceptional qualities and wanted to claim him for herself.
There was this one poignant part in the movie where Mary asks Andre if he does not want her because of Sarah when they aren't even dating. Andre says "I told you that I'm working on it." Mary replies with a truth saying, "You don't work on people who don't want you. You flow with people who want you, who value you..." Yes, she was being a hypocrite. But it was the truth, regardless.
Then there was this other scene where Andre asks, "is this how you often throw yourself at guys. When you want someone, you just throw yourself at him without wondering if he wants to go with you or not?" Mary replies saying, no she usually has a queue of men after her. But there is something about him she wants. She says she knows she would feel safe with him.
After yet another rejection, Mary decides to fight dirty. One plan backfires, and she lands in prison herself. Andre forgives her and begs her mother to get her released. Her mother, Laura, who does not bat an eye at her daughter's predicament, is determined that Mary serve the full sentence, but finally she relents, and a humbled and chastised Mary emerges from prison. Andre then realizes that he was only interested in Sarah on a surface level; it is Mary he truly wants.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hell Mary and would LOVE to see a sequel. It would be intriguing to witness a transformed post jail Mary who would have a whole new dynamic with nice guy Andre.
The rest of the Hell Mary cast includes Tina Mba as Mary's mother Laura, Odera Olivia Orji plays Sarah, and Noela Okonkwo is Rachel, Sarah's sensible best friend.
Snowbound for Christmas (2019)
Classic Boss-Employee romance, but nobody is a scrooge!
Snowbound for Christmas (2019) is a nice holiday romantic comedy. While featuring a mostly white cast, I loved seeing Zarrin Darnell-Martin and Henderson Wade shining as the African American leads, Rachel and Adrian, respectively. Their chemistry made it easy to be swept away by the romance, despite the potential HR nightmare they would encounter in real life. The movie revolves around the classic Boss-Employee romance trope, which still manages to be popular despite the real-life consequences often associated with such relationships, especially in recent years.
If the story is otherwise good and the characters have real chemistry, I can suspend my disbelief. However, Adrian had a few lines that kept reminding me. In one scene, they were sitting having dinner all alone in the hotel as they were snowbound, and he says something like "since we've been alone I've gotten to see a whole new side of you that I really like..." then he invites her to his parents. She says "Christmas with my new boss?" He said "Yeah nevermind, that sounds weird and creepy..." Ugh a reminder that he should NOT be romancing his employee....then he says "...this feels like we're breaking some kind of rule..." and I'm like "yeah you can't date your subordinates!" but the movie went on and I was swept away again.
Adrian breaks the mold of the stereotypical mean boss. In fact, both characters defy expectations, steering clear of the trope where one of them is overly focused on work while the other teaches them how to relax. In this movie, they both embrace their shared love for the holidays.
The romance was basically drama-free until a small wrench was thrown into the mix by a jealous ex. But it was pretty quickly resolved, and this ex also had a cute little romantic stranded-in-a-cabin with a rugged hot guy subplot of her own.
One thing is that when Rachel and Adrian were dancing and then went their separate ways to watch the snow fall in their rooms, I couldn't hear the words to the song that was playing in the background. I know people complain about how loud the music is in these made for TV movies, but the soundtrack is one of the reasons why I watch them. I caught some of the lyrics:
Been a long journey
So many times have
I need you here by my side
cuz you know me so well
Bringing warmth in the cold night
and shelter for my soul
you know that I'll always be here...
Very nice and fit the story. I just wish I could have heard the whole song.
The little cut out montage at the end of the movie was cute serving as kind of epilogue. Oh and kudos for casting a normal-sized woman as the lead. Rachel who was really into her yoga was no stick figure!