Hallmark Christmas Movies (+ other channels) ❤️ comfort & joy

[Imzadi]

Thanks for the handy tip, Imzadi. I just wish the videos didn't keep popping up on Hallmark's website when looking at the schedule. Still, I'm glad it's there to look at

YES! I was so annoyed at the pop up videos on various websites that I Googled about it last week. There doesn't seem to be a way to stop them from popping up yet. (I'm sure someone will figure it out.) Yet there IS a way to stop them from automatically playing and the sound that goes with it. Especially before that little "X" that takes it's time showing up in the top corner of the video to turn it off. And there is a way to set preferences for individual websites, like YouTube, where you may want the video to start playing right away.

This is the one I found earlier. It has step-by-step directions how to change the settings for different browsers.
(Choose Block audio AND video.)

https://www.popsci.com/block-pop-ups-alerts-autoplay-video/

Once you've stopped the pop-up videos from playing & the sound, then you can allow the videos to automatically play when you want to.

Here is an example of where to find it in Firefox for YouTube:
(Click on the what looks like an icon of lollipops, (or a circle) in the top left corner, to the left of the web address.)

Then choose Allow Audio and video. That page will be back to "normal."

 

[Worfiedoodles]

What do you mean? The mountains are clearly not real?

Yes, it’s really obviously a green screen. I didn’t care because I was enjoying the movie, but it was quite jarring.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Today’s selection was “Our Christmas Journey,” with Holly Robinson Peete. It was a different type of story, but well done and I really enjoyed it. This wasn’t about romance, but more about family. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but consider my heart warmed, and me just a little more educated about what families with an autistic child encounter.

 

[Imzadi]

Just don’t look too closely at the mountains

What do you mean? The mountains are clearly not real?

Yes, it’s really obviously a green screen. I didn’t care because I was enjoying the movie, but it was quite jarring.

That reminds me of a time when I was reading an interview with Alison Sweeney talking about filming Christmas at Holly Lodge. (It's the movie where she owns a lodge she inherited from her parents after they died in a car accident when she was in college. The male lead show up, intent on figuring out how to buy the lodge from under her.)

I can't find the interview now, but she showed side by side photos of the same front of the lodge, before and after. They actually filmed in Sept & Oct. So there was no snow on the ground. NOR was there a huge mountain behind the lodge. That was all digitally added in after shooting.

This is the closest photo I could find. You see Jordan Bridges sitting in front of the lodge. At the very top, above the roof of the lodge, you can see a tiny sliver that is green (trees, I suppose.) You can also see the front edge of the fake snow blanket on the ground.



This is lodge as it appears in the movie with a mountain range added behind the lodge roof. (It looks more real in the movie.) Also snow on the roof and a snowy mist blowing.

 

[Imzadi]

Today’s selection was “Our Christmas Journey,” with Holly Robinson Peete. It was a different type of story, but well done and I really enjoyed it. This wasn’t about romance, but more about family. I wasn’t sure I’d like it, but consider my heart warmed, and me just a little more educated about what families with an autistic child encounter.

Was it an emotionally heavy movie? I have it saved on my DVR, along with North to Home. But, they both seem like emotionally heavy and deep. And I'm never in the mood for that, so I keep skipping over them.

 

[Imzadi]

I also keep skipping over watching Cut, Color, Murder now that I know it ends with a cliffhanger. Anyone else feel that way?

I think I'd rather watch it if/when they have a Part 2 and I can watch them together. I also hope Hallmark does not start making cliffhangers their new "thing" with Hallmark mystery movies. For instance, that Part 2 also ends with a cliffhanger.

Hallmark has proven with Signed, Sealed, Delivered that they aren't good about RE-airing movies together when they should be aired together to continue or complete a storyline.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Was it an emotionally heavy movie? I have it saved on my DVR, along with North to Home. But, they both seem like emotionally heavy and deep. And I'm never in the mood for that, so I keep skipping over them.

It’s a little heavier than the usual, but “Hallmark heavy,” if you know what I mean. I wouldn’t watch if if you want something light, but it wasn’t any heavier than an episode of Blue Bloods, if that helps.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Was it an emotionally heavy movie? I have it saved on my DVR, along with North to Home. But, they both seem like emotionally heavy and deep. And I'm never in the mood for that, so I keep skipping over them.

For what it’s worth, the story as presented ends. I think the cliffhanger is really more a tip off to the next story, but that’s just me.

 

[Imzadi]

For what it’s worth, the story as presented ends. I think the cliffhanger is really more a tip off to the next story, but that’s just me.

Thanks! That really helps a LOT. I thought the current story ended as a cliffhanger. That would be too frustrating to watch and wait for the next one.

 

[Imzadi]

I finished the whole Wedding Veil trilogy. I like liked Autumn and Alison's stories equally the best. I think Lacey had a harder time getting the legend started. And Kevin McGarry having an on and off accent was a little distracting.

While I didn't quite think the chemistry was there between Autumn & Paolo, I liked the quest of the veil, so that kept the story going.

I liked seeing so many Hallmark actors and supporting actors in Alison's story. Paula Shaw, who played Victor Webster's Nonna in this was in Five Star Christmas with him. I wonder if he put in a request for who played his Nonna?

Even Sam Page got air time as his Kia/RoboDog commercial aired during the movie.

I loved the art on all the walls in Alison's movie. ❤ Normally, I'm not a big fan of abstract art, but one painting, especially, had colors that were so vibrant and lively.

The trilogy was inspired by a book. Hallmark should definitely buy more books to make into movies if they are as well written as this trilogy. Lacey, Autumn, and Alison each executive produced their movies. Lacey was an executive producer on all three, which kept the quality high. And the same director did all three movies, so the trilogy stayed cohesive that way.

Dear Hallmark: Yes, more movies like these, please!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I finished the whole Wedding Veil trilogy. I like liked Autumn and Alison's stories equally the best. I think Lacey had a harder time getting the legend started. And Kevin McGarry having an on and off accent was a little distracting.

While I didn't quite think the chemistry was there between Autumn & Paolo, I liked the quest of the veil, so that kept the story going.

I liked seeing so many Hallmark actors and supporting actors in Alison's story. Paula Shaw, who played Victor Webster's Nonna in this was in Five Star Christmas with him. I wonder if he put in a request for who played his Nonna?

Even Sam Page got air time as his Kia/RoboDog commercial aired during the movie.

I loved the art on all the walls in Alison's movie. ❤ Normally, I'm not a big fan of abstract art, but one painting, especially, had colors that were so vibrant and lively.

The trilogy was inspired by a book. Hallmark should definitely buy more books to make into movies if they are as well written as this trilogy. Lacey, Autumn, and Alison each executive produced their movies. Lacey was an executive producer on all three, which kept the quality high. And the same director did all three movies, so the trilogy stayed cohesive that way.

Dear Hallmark: Yes, more movies like these, please!

I have it saved and plan to spend President’s Day watching them. So glad to hear the generally good report! Thank you

 

[PollyannaMom]

I watched the third part of the Wedding Veil Trilogy this morning and really enjoyed it.

I think they left it open to more movies in the future, too - maybe the last groom's sister??

 

[Imzadi]

I think they left it open to more movies in the future, too - maybe the last groom's sister??

I noticed that too. He supposedly has 3 sisters. So they can do another trilogy. But, if one of the sisters is the one who runs the restaurant with him, she's doesn't really have that essential, undefinable "Leading lady" quality, in my opinion. There's a reason why certain actresses get cast over and over as only the sister or best friend, and certain actors are the boyfriend who gets dumped as not the right one. They don't have that "it" quality.

After being burnt on that Butlers drivel, I have no interest in wasting another 2 hours of my life watching Hallmark upgrade usually supporting actors & actresses to leads just because they need anyone to fill a weekend time slot. Hallmark seems intent on making more movies with new females as the lead or two unknowns as leads. I'm leery now. I'd rather see a good rerun of my favorite actors & actresses.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I finished my “The Wedding Veil” watch party.

I agree the first one was the least watchable — still good but Kevin McGarry’s disappearing and reappearing bad Boston accent was distracting. And they had the least chemistry of the 3 couples. I think Autumn and the Italian guy had the best.

What a great event to have 3 connected stories with name actresses and good scripts, plus some location shots.

Lacey had the best wardrobe. Sami (whoops, Alison ) had the prettiest wedding for my taste.

This also made me really want to go on a fun trip with girlfriends…already married so maybe a nice exploration of WDW? We don’t need to find a magic veil

 

[mandy200587]

It may be because life has been crazy but did we know there's a new mystery movie on tonight possibly?

 

[flyingdumbo127]

Thanks, Imzadi. LOL to the grass! I will have to rewatch Christmas at Holly at Lodge sometime. Was that the movie with the art camp?

Woorfiedoodles, thank you also. That movie does sound heart tugging. I'll have to check if it's on again.

Have a good night everyone and be cozy!

 

[Imzadi]

It may be because life has been crazy but did we know there's a new mystery movie on tonight possibly?

I don't see anything. I have noticed that every few weeks, Hallmark will slip in a movie during the day that I don't recognize. It is either so old, that Hallmark stopped playing it for a long time. Or could have been a Lifetime or UPtv movie that they are playing.

Edited: I do remember Hallmark showing ads for a movie marathon for today for President's Day. But no new movie.

 

[mandy200587]

I don't see anything. I have noticed that every few weeks, Hallmark will slip in a movie during the day that I don't recognize. It is either so old, that Hallmark stopped playing it for a long time. Or could have been a Lifetime or UPtv movie that they are playing.

It apparently aired last year, it was a vineyard movie. I must have missed it

 

[Imzadi]

Thanks, Imzadi. LOL to the grass! I will have to rewatch Christmas at Holly at Lodge sometime. Was that the movie with the art camp?

No, different lodge with different cutthroat finance guy trying to buy the lodge. In this one, Holly, was "orphaned" after her parents died in a car accident, while she was in college. Many of the regular guests, who were older and didn't have any other family, became Holly's extended family as they returned every Christmas to be with her and each other. That's when mean finance guy comes in threatening to end it all by buying the lodge for his rich boss, because she's late with the mortgage payment.

Wow, we could have a Hallmark movie game, where we name parts of a plot, and we see how many movies we come up with, with the same plot.

 

[Imzadi]

SOME GOOD NEWS:

Lacey Chabert Commits Exclusively to Hallmark With a 2 Year, Multi-Picture Deal

Crown Media revealed in a press release that after starring in films with the channel for more than 10 years, Lacey Chabert has signed an exclusive deal with the network that lasts two years. Her contract includes starring in and executive producing movies, along with developing additional content for the channel and other Hallmark platforms.

Chabert said about the deal:

My experience at Hallmark, a home to me for over ten years now, has been wonderful and it’s beyond rewarding to create characters and develop stories that resonate so strongly with viewers. I’m also incredibly grateful to Crown’s programming team for supporting me as a producer and empowering me to develop and star in projects that bring my passion and creative vision to life. I am so excited for what’s next and to continue connecting with Hallmark’s audience.​

Lacey's ‘Wedding Veil’ Movies Have Broken Hallmark Viewing Records according to the press release, Chabert developed, executive produced, and starred in. The first movie in the series was the second-most-watched non-holiday movie among households with women ages 18+.

Heavy previously reported that the first “The Wedding Veil” movie outperformed all the Hallmark movies of 2021, including the Christmas movies, in terms of live viewers. Second was “Christmas at Castle Hart” which also starred Chabert. Third was “My Christmas Family Tree.”

According to ShowBuzzDaily’s numbers, “The Wedding Veil” received 3.394 million live viewers, [. . .] These live numbers are higher than the top 10 Hallmark movies of 2021.

The second movie [Autumn's movie] was the most-watched cable TV program in the week of its release among women ages 18+. The stats on the third movie aren’t yet out, since it just aired on February 20.

Source: https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/lacey-chabert-hallmark-exclusive-multi-picture-deal/