Hallmark Christmas in July 🎄 comfort & joy ❤️

[elgerber]

I watched an absolutely delightful British film on Amazon last night, This Is Christmas. I loved it! Just in case anyone is interested in something to watch that isn't Hallmark/Lifetime/GAC.

 

[Imzadi]

Reminder for tonight: Thursday:

This is the LAST new Hallmark Mystery Christmas movie of the season.

Hallmark Mystery's Miracles of Christmas presents:

Trading Up Christmas is on at 8pm ET/PT, 7pm CT on Hallmark Mystery

Re-airs:
Friday December 20 at 6/5c
Sunday December 22 at 10/9c
Tuesday December 24 at 8/7c

Starring: Italia Ricci and Michael Xavier.
Description: Michelle is the dreamer of her family, always brimming with imaginative ideas to make the world a better place. This Christmas, her sister Keri desperately needs a new home, and Michelle hatches a creative plan to help. Starting with just a Christmas stocking, she sets out to trade her way up to something far greater—a house for Keri. Local reporter Dan is assigned to cover Michelle's story.

This story was inspired by an actual event back in 2021. A guy traded a red paper clip in a series of 14 trades for a house!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_red_paperclip

It became a Ted Talk:

Here is another shorter video where a woman used that idea and traded up for a house in 28 trades:

 

[Imzadi]

I watched Hanukkah on the Rocks yesterday and thought it was a very enjoyable movie. It was fun to see Marc Summers again after all these years.

I watched Hanukkah on the Rocks too. I liked it. It was great seeing Marc Summers again. He has such a BIG roll too. He really is the third lead.

 

[Imzadi]

Following Yonder Star is a DaySpring movie on the Hallmark Channel at 8pm ET/PT, 7CT.

DaySpring is Hallmark's brand devoted to a more faith-based, religious line of products.

Re-airs:
Saturday December 21 10/9c
Wednesday December 25 6/5c
Sunday December 29 8a/7c
Thursday January 2 10/9c

Starring: Brooke D'Orsay and John Brotherton.
Description: Abby Marshall, once celebrated for her role as an inspirational mother on TV, is finding her real life in shambles after dealing with a scandal. She retreats to a quaint B&B, owned by Tom Maguire, who is also a high school astronomy teacher. Since his wife’s passing, Tom has taken on a lot of extra responsibilities, including running the inn and directing the local church’s Christmas pageant. Empathizing with Tom, Abby offers to help with the pageant and various activities around the inn and finds herself enjoying both the projects and Tom’s company. Through newfound community, family and love, Abby discovers that hope sometimes comes in the most unexpected ways.

I watched Following Yonder Star. The overacting was a bit much at times, particularly by the supporting characters. And the male lead was a bit too bumbling at times. Probably to show that a famous TV star could fall in love with an "ordinary guy." But, overall, I liked the movie.

The one line I really liked in this movie was when the female lead, who has a hugely successful leaves it for living a quieter life with the male lead, says, "I've loved my acting career. I've worked all my life for it and am grateful to have been able to live that dream. But, there are other dreams I want to live too.

It has always irked me when the lead gives up all their dreams they've been working toward all their life, once they meet and fall in love with the other lead to live a smaller life. The Hallmark movies usually make it seem like they are giving up something, or finding out they want something better. The message being that smaller, lesser life is better.

In this movie, Brooke had enormous gratitude for what she has been given and what she has accomplished. She's loved it. Now she is moving on to get MORE and OTHER. To me, that difference in attitude is everything.

@flyingdumbo127 You may like this movie as it's a DaySpring movie. They have no fear talking to or about God.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thanks Imzadi, I did overall like the movie because the family did pray together. I believe tbere was a church scene, too. I've also seen fuller acted storylines.

 

[elgerber]

Just rewatched To All a Good Night. This was my favorite last year. Its so good. Makes me cry, which is rare for a Hallmark movie.

 

[Imzadi]

My favorite from last year is A Biltmore Christmas.
Christmas Island came in second.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I also liked To all a Good Night and a Biltmore Christmas

 

[Imzadi]

On the Hallmark Channel this weekend:

There is only ONE new Hallmark Christmas movie left. It's on Saturday. It stars the newly made actor who won the Finding Mr. Christmas series most of us didn't see.

Friday and Sunday Hallmark is re-airing 2 movies from this season with "extended cuts" of some extra minutes in each.

(Sorry, I think that's lame for the last weekend before Christmas, when the most people will be tuning in for Christmas movies. I think they should have done this earlier in the season and shown all new movies this weekend.)

Great American Family, Lifetime, and UPtv are still premiering new movies this weekend. (Details in later posts.)


On Friday:
Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story: Extended Cut is on the Hallmark Channel at 8pm ET/PT, 7CT.
Starring: Hunter King and Tyler Hynes.
Description: Alana Higman is sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Derrick, Director of Fan Engagement, is tasked with evaluating how Alana and her family stack up against the other two
finalists. As the pair spends time together, it’s clear there’s a spark between them but when her grandfather’s vintage Chiefs good-luck winter hat goes missing, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate, destiny and even questions her future with Derrick – unless, that is, a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary.

Re-airs:
Wednesday December 25 at 8a/7c
Tuesday December 31 at 12a/11c
Saturday January 18 at 12/11c


On Saturday:
Happy Howlidays is on the Hallmark Channel at 8pm ET/PT, 7CT.
Starring: Jessica Lowndes and Ezra Moreland, the winner of “Finding Mr. Christmas."
Description: Mia (Lowndes), a meticulous webpage editor for the Seattle Tourism Board, finds herself unexpectedly navigating the holidays alone. As the only one working, she's drawn into an unusual encounter when she encounters a stray dog. Unsure how to handle the situation, she crosses paths with Max, a dog shelter owner. Mia agrees to let Max's ailing dog find solace with her newfound companion, in exchange for Max showing her the hidden gems of Seattle. Through their journey together, they both step out of their comfort zones, discovering new perspectives and forming a meaningful connection.

Re-airs:
Sunday December 22 at 6/5c
Tuesday December 24 at 10/9c
Saturday December 28 at 4/3c
Friday January 3 at 4a/3c

On Sunday:
Three Wiser Men and a Boy: Extended Cut is on the Hallmark Channel at 8pm ET/PT, 7CT.
Starring: Paul Campbell, Tyler Hynes, Andrew Walker and Margaret Colin.
Description: The story begins five years later with the Brenner brothers preparing for another memorable Christmas. In a crazy turn of events, possibly brought on accidentally by the brothers themselves, the director of Luke’s son Thomas’ school holiday musical steps down. Luke is desperate to make his son’s stage dreams come true, so he enlists the help of his brothers Taylor and Stephan. Meanwhile, the trio navigates meeting their mom Barbara’s new boyfriend and the brothers grapple with their own feelings about this relationship. In true Brenner brother fashion, they are all in for a Christmas they will never forget.

Re-airs:
Wednesday December 25 at 10a/9c
Saturday January 4 at 4/3c

 

[Imzadi]

On Great American Family this weekend:

Saturday's movie actually aired elsewhere in 2023 and is showing on many free streaming sites: Plex, Pluto, Freevee, Roku, the Dove Channel and Tubi, even though GAF is saying the movie is "premiering" on their network for the first time. It has a rating of 5.4 on the IMDb.

Sunday's movie is a new GAF original movie.

On Saturday:
Christmas in Scotland is on GAF at 8pm ET, 7CT.

Re-airs:
Monday, December 23 at 12:00 AM

Starring: Jill Winternitz and Dominic Watters.
Description: On a trip to Scotland, an installation designer finds herself helping a small community create a festive light display, despite the interventions of a wealthy heir. Forced to work together, they unite to bring seasonal magic to light.

On Sunday:
A Royal Christmas Ballet is on GAF at 8pm ET, 7CT.

Re-airs on GAF:
Tuesday, December 24 at 8:00 PM

Starring: Brittany Underwood and Jonathan Stoddard.
Description: A retired ballerina is pressed into service working with a visiting team of royal ambassadors to put on the season's performance of "The Nutcracker" and finds herself center stage in an unexpected Christmas romance.

 

[Imzadi]

On the Lifetime Channel this weekend:

On Saturday:
A Carpenter Christmas Romance is on Lifetime TV at 8pm ET/PT, 7CT and repeats 4 hours later at 12:01am ET.

Also Re-airs:
Sunday, December 22 at 12:01 AM
Sunday, December 22 at 6:00 PM
Monday, December 23 at 10:03 PM
Tuesday, December 24 at 2:04 AM

Starring: Sasha Pieterse as Andrea Metcalf · Mitchell Slaggert.
Description: Actress Sarah Drew wrote this and is executive producer, although she does not act in this movie. She wanted to write sort of a spicy Christmas-y romance, the way she did last year for Lifetime with Cowboy Christmas Romance.

A romance writer retreats to her family’s farmhouse in the town of Wildwood to finish her novel. To her surprise, she soon develops a budding romance with a former crush, a woodworker who’s helping to rebuild the town after it was nearly destroyed by a fire.

On Sunday:
Engaged by Christmas is on the Lifetime TV at 8pm ET/PT, 7CT and repeats 4 hours later at 12:01am ET.

Re-airs:
Monday, December 23 at 12:01 AM
Tuesday, December 24 at 2:00 PM

Starring: Brittany Bristow and Marcus Rosner.
Description: Hoping to save her relationship before the holidays, Zoe seeks help from an advice columnist named Adora. However, when her boyfriend breaks up with her, Zoe tracks down Adora to confront her, only to discover he’s actually a man named Adam.

 

[Imzadi]

On UPtv this Weekend:

UPtv is premiering TWO of their own original movies this weekend.

On Saturday:
A Country Music Christmas is on UPtv at 7 pm ET/PT, 6CT.
Starring: Alexandra Harris, Jonathan Stoddard.
Description: Songwriter Brooke has the decision of a lifetime to make when a charming executive makes promises of fortune and glory that require leaving her best friend and writing partner behind.

On Sunday:
North by North Pole: A Dial S Mystery is on UPtv at 7 pm ET/PT, 6CT.
Starring: Abby Ross, Joey Scarpellino.
Description: Can Santa help a couple solve a mystery and find love? Zoey’s wish to produce the perfect Christmas Festival becomes difficult when she clashes with partner Dalton while suspicious things happen that could to stop the festival.

Re-airs:
Sunday, Dec 22 at 7:00 PM
Wednesday, Dec 25 at 1:00 AM
Tuesday, Dec 31 at 9:00 PM

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thank you as always Imzadi. The names Adam and Adora make me think of the 80's caetoons He-Man and She-Ra. Adam and Adora were twin royalty.

I did watch Trading Up Christmas and thought it was just okay. Creative idea and kind community for sure. Perhaps for me not the fullest of storylines. Enjoy a good movie everyone this weekend.

 

[PollyannaMom]

On Saturday:
Happy Howlidays is on the Hallmark Channel at 8pm ET/PT, 7CT.
Starring: Jessica Lowndes and Ezra Moreland, the winner of “Finding Mr. Christmas."

Oooh, thank you for this reminder! I watched the first 2(?) episodes then forgot all about the show because the rest were on a channel I don't have. (The description of this movie explains the dog photo shoot challenge, though!) I just set it to record.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I enjoyed Christmas Under the Stars about a single mom teacher (Autumn Reeser), her son and a kind Christmas tree lot owner who is extra family to both of them. I really cheered for Jesse Metcalfe's character Nick and how his heart grows in kind faith. I would have loved a few extra minutes of this story.

 

[PollyannaMom]

Oooh, thank you for this reminder! I watched the first 2(?) episodes then forgot all about the show because the rest were on a channel I don't have. (The description of this movie explains the dog photo shoot challenge, though!) I just set it to record.

So, I typed the above post yesterday, but must not have hit the button. It recorded overnight and I watched it this morning - really enjoyed all the dogs and the outdoorsy Christmas stuff, and thought the contest winner did a good job with his first movie Hallmark movie. I expect we'll see him again.

 

[Imzadi]

I enjoyed Christmas Under the Stars about a single mom teacher (Autumn Reeser), her son and a kind Christmas tree lot owner who is extra family to both of them. I really cheered for Jesse Metcalfe's character Nick and how his heart grows in kind faith. I would have loved a few extra minutes of this story.

I like this movie. It's one I watch every year as I like the two stars. I like how Jesse's character received a lesson in humility and turned it around to help others.

 

[Imzadi]

So, I typed the above post yesterday, but must not have hit the button. It recorded overnight and I watched it this morning - really enjoyed all the dogs and the outdoorsy Christmas stuff, and thought the contest winner did a good job with his first movie Hallmark movie. I expect we'll see him again.

Oh good. I thought Hallmark was possibly taking a real risk putting that movie last in their lineup, in case this new guy couldn't act and the movie turned into a real snooze fest. I'll add it to my Watchlist. There are about 5 Hallmark movies that got rather high ratings on the IMDb .com that I've been saving to watch. I like to end the season on a high note.

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I agree Imzadi and thanks PollyannaMom. That us good to know

 

[Imzadi]

A Carpenter Christmas Romance is on Lifetime TV.

Also Re-airs:
Monday, December 23 at 10:03 PM
Tuesday, December 24 at 2:04 AM

Starring: Sasha Pieterse as Andrea Metcalf · Mitchell Slaggert.
Description: Actress Sarah Drew wrote this and is executive producer, although she does not act in this movie. She wanted to write sort of a spicy Christmas-y romance, the way she did last year for Lifetime with Cowboy Christmas Romance.

A romance writer retreats to her family’s farmhouse in the town of Wildwood to finish her novel. To her surprise, she soon develops a budding romance with a former crush, a woodworker who’s helping to rebuild the town after it was nearly destroyed by a fire.

I watched A Carpenter Christmas Romance. The pacing was a bit slow as they were trying to be dramatic, rather than light fluff. I would have preferred the pacing of the last 5 minutes at the end as they were trying to wrap things up, for the whole movie. It did end nicely.

As for the spicy scenes, they weren't hot and steamy like the TV shows Scandal or Grey's Anatomy. But, they did have a few scenes where they were talking in bed before and after. And the sister asked once how was it. So, this isn't a movie one would want to watch with the kids.