Hallmark Movies ❤️ comfort & joy

[Worfiedoodles]

Today’s selection is Hallmark’s Nantucket Noel with Sarah Power and Trevor Donovan. I like both leads, so it was a pretty easy sell. A well-used plot, but I’ll forgive that with good acting and a decent script. I’ll even overlook the awful green screens Thankfully there are a few gems buried in the glut of Lifetime movies I DVR’d. I think I’m going to just delete all the Lifetime ones because they are generally dreck

 

[elgerber]

Today’s selection is Hallmark’s Nantucket Noel with Sarah Power and Trevor Donovan. I like both leads, so it was a pretty easy sell. A well-used plot, but I’ll forgive that with good acting and a decent script. I’ll even overlook the awful green screens Thankfully there are a few gems buried in the glut of Lifetime movies I DVR’d. I think I’m going to just delete all the Lifetime ones because they are generally dreck

I liked that one too.

 

[Imzadi]

I just tried to watch Lifetime’s Making Spirits Bright. Just no, the female lead was unlikeable, and it wasn’t enjoyable to watch. I made it about 22 minutes in and gave up.

I think you mean Lifetime's Baking Spirits Bright. Hallmark put one out last Christmas called Making Spirits Bright. I didn't like the Lifetime one either. The female lead was too harsh & judgemental and unlikeable.

The Hallmark one was the story of the two fathers of the leads had a longtime feud. The two leads weren't having any part of that feud. I liked how the story wasn't just focused on the leads but got the family involved.

There's also the same storyline of the feuding families (except the leads,) from a couple years even earlier called Check Inn to Christmas. It's actually one of my Hallmark favorites. It's with Rachel Boston & Wes Brown. Both of their families own separate inns in the same town. The two dads, (one of them is Richard Karn from Home Improvement) add a nice complexity to the story.

 

[Imzadi]

I think I’m going to just delete all the Lifetime ones because they are generally dreck

There's (only) one I liked from last Christmas on Lifetime called It Takes a Christmas Village.

 

[RangerPooh]

Just read that Candace Cameron Bure has signed an exclusive deal with GAC. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hallmark-staple-candace-cameron-bure-131046627.html

While I'm not a big fan of hers, Hallmark continues to lose it's talent. I'm curious who remains with Hallmark, and how many of those who remain are those who I don't care to watch.

 

[Mrs. Ciz]

Thanks to this thread I’ve been on the lookout for the Signed Sealed Delivered movies and series. I think I’ve seen them all now.

I also started looking out for the Veil trilogy movies. All 3 were on last week! Keep the recommendations coming!

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I think you mean Lifetime's Baking Spirits Bright. Hallmark put one out last Christmas called Making Spirits Bright. I didn't like the Lifetime one either. The female lead was too harsh & judgemental and unlikeable.

The Hallmark one was the story of the two fathers of the leads had a longtime feud. The two leads weren't having any part of that feud. I liked how the story wasn't just focused on the leads but got the family involved.

There's also the same storyline of the feuding families (except the leads,) from a couple years even earlier called Check Inn to Christmas. It's actually one of my Hallmark favorites. It's with Rachel Boston & Wes Brown. Both of their families own separate inns in the same town. The two dads, (one of them is Richard Karn from Home Improvement) add a nice complexity to the story.

You are absolutely right, I had the wrong title — and I loved Making Spirits Bright! Baking was the No Go

 

[Worfiedoodles]

Just read that Candace Cameron Bure has signed an exclusive deal with GAC. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hallmark-staple-candace-cameron-bure-131046627.html

While I'm not a big fan of hers, Hallmark continues to lose it's talent. I'm curious who remains with Hallmark, and how many of those who remain are those who I don't care to watch.

I am genuinely shocked. I thought Hallmark would never really let her go…

 

[Imzadi]

Just read that Candace Cameron Bure has signed an exclusive deal with GAC. https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/hallmark-staple-candace-cameron-bure-131046627.html

While I'm not a big fan of hers, Hallmark continues to lose it's talent.

I misread the first sentence as I thought for sure Hallmark got her.

She's giving up her Aurora Teagarden mysteries - if it isn't already cancelled.

I am genuinely shocked. I thought Hallmark would never really let her go…

Me, too. However, according to her public statement about the deal, it's probably due to the GAC owner, Bill Abbott, working with her to produce more (Christian) faith-based projects. I don't recall off-hand if Lacey's contract mentioned she is doing stuff for GAC Living, (GAC's second channel for non-scripted programming,) whereas it's definitely mentioned Candace is "to develop, produce and star in movies and television programming across GAC Family and GAC Living, Variety has confirmed. Additionally, Bure will take on a prominent executive role at the company and help to curate programming for the networks."

Candace said (bolding mine):

“I’m very excited to develop heartwarming family and faith-filled programming and make the kind of stories my family and I love to watch. I am constantly looking for ways that I can inspire people to live life with purpose.”​

​

She adds, “GAC fits my brand perfectly; we share a vision of creating compelling wholesome content for an audience who wants to watch programming for and with the whole family. Great, quality entertainment with a positive message is what my partnership with GAC is all about.”​

Personally, I'm for inclusion & diversity. But other than Jonathan Bennett's two Christmas movies, this new Hallmark's storylines and overly-obvious & clumsy portrayals of inclusion have been rather cringey instead of flattering. The writing is horrible. And the actors they cast often can't act - the white as well as the minorities. I watch many TV shows & movies on other networks that are inclusive without hitting me on the head that's their overly-obvious intent and their writing is much better. The stories are simply about human beings, some are minorities, some are gay, sometimes issues come up about that. The shows also have many episodes that do not address this issue at all. It doesn't make them non-inclusionary during those episodes.

Alternately, I like watching some shows that celebrate Christmas and Easter, even though I do not agree with all the tenets of this faith.

I really hope this isn't going to be the hill these two networks die on. I watch Hallmark and hopefully GAC for some light-hearted escapism at times from the the constant division, strife and warring going on in the world today. I don't want to be caught watching some war between these networks.

Hallmark: Get or keep better actors and get better writers who have more elegance in their writing.

GAC: Yes, let's celebrate Christmas and Easter together. I also get your stance. Just don't hit me on the head, preaching some beliefs that end up reminding me why I'm considered "lapsed" in those areas.

I would like to be able to pick and choose and watch the better projects of both networks that appeal to me.

 

[PollyannaMom]

She's giving up her Aurora Teagarden mysteries - if it isn't already cancelled.

That's too bad. I liked those.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I misread the first sentence as I thought for sure Hallmark got her.

She's giving up her Aurora Teagarden mysteries - if it isn't already cancelled.




Me, too. However, according to her public statement about the deal, it's probably due to the GAC owner, Bill Abbott, working with her to produce more (Christian) faith-based projects. I don't recall off-hand if Lacey's contract mentioned she is doing stuff for GAC Living, (GAC's second channel for non-scripted programming,) whereas it's definitely mentioned Candace is "to develop, produce and star in movies and television programming across GAC Family and GAC Living, Variety has confirmed. Additionally, Bure will take on a prominent executive role at the company and help to curate programming for the networks."

Candace said (bolding mine):

“I’m very excited to develop heartwarming family and faith-filled programming and make the kind of stories my family and I love to watch. I am constantly looking for ways that I can inspire people to live life with purpose.”​

​

She adds, “GAC fits my brand perfectly; we share a vision of creating compelling wholesome content for an audience who wants to watch programming for and with the whole family. Great, quality entertainment with a positive message is what my partnership with GAC is all about.”​

Personally, I'm for inclusion & diversity. But other than Jonathan Bennett's two Christmas movies, this new Hallmark's storylines and overly-obvious & clumsy portrayals of inclusion have been rather cringey instead of flattering. The writing is horrible. And the actors they cast often can't act - the white as well as the minorities. I watch many TV shows & movies on other networks that are inclusive without hitting me on the head that's their overly-obvious intent and their writing is much better. The stories are simply about human beings, some are minorities, some are gay, sometimes issues come up about that. The shows also have many episodes that do not address this issue at all. It doesn't make them non-inclusionary during those episodes.

Alternately, I like watching some shows that celebrate Christmas and Easter, even though I do not agree with all the tenets of this faith.

I really hope this isn't going to be the hill these two networks die on. I watch Hallmark and hopefully GAC for some light-hearted escapism at times from the the constant division, strife and warring going on in the world today. I don't want to be caught watching some war between these networks.

Hallmark: Get or keep better actors and get better writers who have more elegance in their writing.

GAC: Yes, let's celebrate Christmas and Easter together. I also get your stance. Just don't hit me on the head, preaching some beliefs that end up reminding me why I'm considered "lapsed" in those areas.

I would like to be able to pick and choose and watch the better projects of both networks that appeal to me.

And I think Lifetime just needs to go back to the drawing board. I do not want a new movie every night if it’s unwatchable…

 

[Imzadi]

Thanks to this thread I’ve been on the lookout for the Signed Sealed Delivered movies and series. I think I’ve seen them all now.

You've actually done better than me. I still haven't seen the last movie yet. Because it probably IS the last movie of the series. I kind of like having that last movie waiting to be watched before it's finally over.

 

[Imzadi]

And I think Lifetime just needs to go back to the drawing board. I do not want a new movie every night if it’s unwatchable…

Amen to that! It sounded way to ambitious when they announced it. I was worried about the quality even then. And I was worried about the burnout of having many more new movies to watch. My DVR only has so much space and I have to watch some every week to make some space. But then when the movies turn out to be horrendous, argh!

I thought there was only two good movies out of, what 40-ish Lifetime movies they made last year. (Chad Michael Murray's movie was one.) There was not one that I thought, "This one is so good, I wonder what it would have been like if one of the better Lifetime Christmas regular actresses had done it instead?" I don't think other than CMM and Cindy Busby, there were any of the better, recognisable Lifetime actresses, were there? Most likely, Lifetime spread their budget so thin for all those extra movies that they couldn't pay for better scripts or better actresses.

 

[RangerPooh]

I misread the first sentence as I thought for sure Hallmark got her.

She's giving up her Aurora Teagarden mysteries - if it isn't already cancelled.

I too thought that she had commented on staying with Hallmark, but guess not. I do think you're right in that she can have more faith based programming there. Although isn't that what the UP channel is for?

It has been confirmed that she is giving up Aurora Teagarden Mysteries.
Candace Cameron Bure Won’t Appear in Hallmark’s Holiday Lineup, ‘Aurora Teagarden’ Not Moving Forward (EXCLUSIVE)

 

[Imzadi]

This ping-pong game continues.

The next actress to sign an exclusive deal with Hallmark this time is: Taylor Cole.

"Taylor Cole signed an exclusive, multi-picture deal with Crown Media Family Networks, the company behind Hallmark and Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, Deadline reported.​

​

Cole told Deadline: “I am beyond excited for what is in store next. Being able to continue creating such amazing stories is something that I hold near and dear to me. I am forever grateful for the work I get to do with Hallmark.”​

​

Taylor Cole’s movies with Hallmark include “Making Spirits Bright” in 2021 opposite Carlo Marks, “South Beach Love” opposite William Levy, “One Winter Proposal” opposite Jack Turner, “Christmas in Homestead” opposite Michael Rady, “Unlocking Christmas” opposite Steve Lund, “Ruby Herring Mysteries” opposite Stephen Huszar, “Matching Hearts” opposite Ryan Paevey, and “Christmas Festival of Ice” opposite Damon Runyan.​

​

https://heavy.com/entertainment/hallmark/taylor-cole-signs-deal-with-hallmark/​

​

 

[Imzadi]

I wonder if after Hallmark blundered and told many of the actors/actresses last summer that their series and the secure, individual seasonal movies they counted on were being cancelled and Hallmark wasn't sure who they were going to use going forward, and then the actors/actresses ran to book work elsewhere, that Hallmark is now trying to secure the ones left that they can?

Who gets Ryan Paevey? He should do a "Chad Michael Murray" and not sign with anyone and do movies for both networks. He might actually get more work that way as both networks probably want him.

I wonder if Nikki DeLoach will stay at Hallmark?

I think most of the other men don't work enough to be offered exclusive contracts. Kristoffer Polaha is probably the only exception. Now that he has the upcoming Jurassic World 3 on his resume, he probably doesn't need Hallmark or GAC.

 

[Imzadi]

Finally some movement on the GAC Family channel.

Next Saturday, April 30, from 12pm noon to 12am midnight, ET, GAC Family will show a marathon of movies. Most are older movies, possibly previously shown on UPtv or Pixl.

Then Mon, May 2 and Tues, May 3 (so far on my TV channel guide) GAC will air two movies per night, at 8pm & 10pm ET.

 

[Imzadi]

Reminder:

Saturday, April 23: A Tail of Love premieres at 8pm ET on the Hallmark Channel.
Starring: Brittany Bristow and Chris McNally
Directed & executive produced by: Brittany's dad, longtime Hallmark producer, Leif Bristow
(Re)written by: Brittany's mom, Agnes Bristow, who also produced the film.

Description: Brittany portrays Bella Channing, who with her grandmother Lily (Jayne Eastwood) runs a dog rescue and rehabilitation center that specializes in homing ex-police and military canines. But when the surrounding land is sold to a developer by the recently deceased owner's son JR (a soldier on leave to handle the sale), things look bleak for its future. Especially as Lily can’t find the title document proving her family purchased the land years before. As JR (McNally) joins the search for the document, he bonds with Indie, a retired military dog, and as the hunt continues, begins bonding with Bella, too.

Fun Trivia:
Brittany was thrilled to have been a part of this project in particular -- which was a real-life family project. “My parents had seen this project a long time ago as one they really wanted to get on board with and take under their wing and produce,” she explained during an exclusive chat with MediaVillage. “After a few years [they] wanted to rejig the story a little bit and had the idea that it would be really fun to all work together. So, my mom rewrote the script to make it really the story we all knew it was capable of being, and my dad was available to direct.

“I’d sort of reached 'leading lady status' if you will,” she continued. “And they were excited about the idea of working with me. It just all came together [. . .] It was so much fun, and we had an absolute blast making it. My parents are so supportive, and they believed in my ability to [play] the role. The only thing that would have made it better was if my sister could have been a part of it, but she's a chemical physicist, so I don't really know what she would have done.” [. . .]

"Then we were so lucky that Chris McNally came on board. Chris is one of those people that brings so much authenticity to his roles and to the set every single day,” Brittany said of her co-star. “He was so eager to do a good job. He's invested and knows exactly what he wants to do. He brought such life to the set every day, and it's incredible to work opposite that. He was the No. 1 pick for the role, so when he agreed to do it, everyone was so excited. We all thought he’d be so perfect. He was!”


I like Brittany. She has done a LOT of great, solid supporting roles on Hallmark (also produced by her father & mother team.) She was able to do some great foreign location film shoots. Love Blossoms shot in Brugge, Belgium (with Shantel VanSanten & Victor Webster, who met on the film & subsequently fell in love and married.) Love on Safari in Africa, starring Lacey Chabert. Love, Romance, & Chocolate, also with Lacey, but this time in Brussels, Belgium.

 

[Worfiedoodles]

I just watched the Mrs. Miracle with Caroline Rhea, and Gingerbread Miracle. Both were good, solid entries. I do wonder what this holiday season holds for us?

 

[flyingdumbo127]

I can't wait for Christmas movies, Wofiedoodles I also have A Tail of Love set to record this weekend. I hope those of you who have already seen it, enjoyed.