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rickhickman
Reviews
Three Wise Men and a Baby (2022)
Laughed so often!
I've never laughed so much (and out loud) at a Hallmark-type movie before. So many clever lines delivered well (love sarcasm). Finally! A movie that doesn't have to rely on romance. There are so many story lines that could be examined. Helping people. A town coming together for a cause. It's a great concept from the start. Begin with three of the most well-liked characters and throw in humor and show people acting more like regular people. (And yes, the dance routine just KILLS). Thank you for a great piece of entertainment. (By the way, I'm usually quite critical of story lines with obvious flaws). Other script writers take notice! THIS is how it's done!!
Faith, Hope & Love (2019)
I expected nothing from this movie.
I had passed this one by but my wife insisted on watching it and I'm so glad she did.
As a viewer of dozens and dozens of Hallmark movies, it was refreshing to see a movie with SUCH a sense of humor, both LOL and great subtle offerings that truly made this movie fun.
Is it possible for a movie to be faith-based but not preachy? I now know there is. The characters became very likable and their portrayals made this film seem so much more genuine than other similar styles.
My Dad's Christmas Date (2020)
Great Acting / Loved the Realism
Thanks for solid writing and direction that allowed this film to move past the typical snarky, snotty teenage stereotype. I was unfamiliar with the work of Olivia-Mai Barrett but she is such a breath of fresh air with a realistic portrayal of life at that age. Instantly likable. I truly enjoyed Jeremy Piven, Hadar Cats & Joely Richardson. Looking forward to more production like this.
Snowkissed (2021)
Oh, is this movie still on?
This movie only gets a 3 because I like Chris McNally and Amy Groening is a babe.
The worst thing I can say is that it was easy to forget I was still watching a movie at all. Once in awhile I'd realize I stopped paying attention. The female lead was written so annoyingly that I can't believe I made it to the end. I've anticipated colonoscopies with more fervor.
The Amy Groening / Simon romance couldn't have been more poorly written. We're supposed to believe that a beautiful, worldly person like her is going to somehow pursue a guy with zero attractiveness, boring personality, bizarre accent and no redeeming qualities, as though going after a guy that has no interest in you is a game that intelligent women play.
It seems the main interest that Hallmark has this season is being a travelogue for Canada. In that it has succeeded many times over.
Love on Harbor Island (2020)
Implausible to the Max
Even in 2021, cell reception in a Hallmark movie is still almost impossible to expect - even in a place like San Diego, Calif. It's time for Hallmark to ditch the "no reception" gambit as it was lame the first 200 movies where it was trotted out.
This movie begins with an aunt who injures her leg and it's necessary for her niece to fly all the way from Seattle to be with her - but the very next day everyone leaves the aunt alone in the house. Guess she wasn't that bad off, after all.
The aunt owns an Inn and is so unconcerned or unable that she allows the Inn to fall into disrepair - to the point where she can't even replace light bulbs. Based on the location of the Inn in the movie, the waterfront Inn would be worth at least $10 million. Certainly worthy of having some work done on it.
One wonders if the writers think that humor could ever be included in a movie. There is NONE in this one - unless you think it's hilarious that the 2 leads and actually collide into each other. Oh, so funny. And... I'm going to start intentionally putting dirt smudges on my face because the only way that 2 people ever kiss in a Hallmark movie is when one of them gets a bit dirty from working so hard.
And let's not forget the overly generous shop keeper that gives everything away for free.
The male lead is a pilot, but somehow scorns technology. He doesn't understand the Internet and doesn't have a modern phone. I guess he only flies his plane at night so he can follow the stars.
The pilot is so bright that he places an ad for lost puppies to be adopted - but the ad won't be published for 2 months hence. That's a strong ad investment.
The town holds a beautiful festival where they release paper lanterns into the water that eventually dissolves into pollution.
I was being kind when I gave this 2 stars as it is one of the 2 worst Hallmark movies ever. The 2 stars is only given because we've seen the 2 leads before and they are good actors but they must have winced when they read this script. The pace is slow, tedious, boring and has so many implausible events that this dog is just one giant eye roll after another. The corny dialog ("If I can make one person's life better) is gag worthy. The writers owe Hallmark a giant rebate.
Sweet Autumn (2020)
Nothing new to see here. Move along.
So disappointed because I always like the 2 leads. There was simply nothing new or adventurous offered in this dull script and it was easy to forget that it was on the TV. A big yawn.
A Winter Getaway (2021)
Strong on Cast, low on hokey
A refreshing movie with divine scenery and 2 very strong leads. Unfamiliar with both lead actors, they were both highly likable and had strong and believable chemistry. It also made me want to take a vacation to Canada!
Christmas Solo (2017)
Depth, Clever Writing, Meaning
This movie had real depth and dealt with real life issues in a realistic way. Kelli Williams is an old pro and both lead characters were believable and had chemistry. Most movies of this type feel like they brought in characters off the street - especially teen actors. This one had a strong supporting cast and is was hard to ignore Ricky He & Kayla Wallace who put in robust performances and should have good careers. I enjoy scripts that offer real humor and this one did so very deftly.
A New Year's Resolution (2021)
Best Dialogue
I hate to parrot all the others who gave this high marks, but I loved it for the same reasons ad did the others. Great lead star chemistry and very funny dialogue sets this script apart. Verbal jabs between actors can real bring life to scripts that can, too often, be predictable. Real solid overall cast helps greatly. No silly scenes of cookie baking, sleigh rides or other routine scenes to bog down this script.
Mistletoe Magic (2019)
Far Above Average
This movie avoided the usual, corny Hallmark trademarks. There was no "whipped cream" on the nose scene nor any Christmas cookie baking flour throwing scene. There was plenty of witty dialogue. Jessica Sipos is always natural and always solid. I thought that Alys Crocker was a real find and a hoot.
My Favorite Wedding (2017)
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
A promising doctor who is the most delightful person on the planet (always doing favors for others, overly thoughtful) suddenly turns into a mean-spirited person the second she arrives in Chicago. A man whom she's never met is kind enough to pick her up from the airport and she is instantly mean to him. She treats him like a plow horse. The change in spirit makes no sense and ruins her character - practically making the rest of the movie unwatchable.