In Theaters ***^ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

In Theaters ***^ Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)

This is an animated feature.  We are given not only Peter Parker (Chris Pine), Spider Man (who actually dies at the beginning of the movie) but several versions of Spider-Man, including Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) who is newly bitten by a radioactive spider and is learning how to be Spider-Man; Peter B. Parker (Jake Johnson) who is an older version, and comes from a different verse; Spider-Woman (Hailee Steinfeld) who is Gwen Stacey but Spider-Woman in her verse; Peni Parker (Kimiko Glen) a Japanese version with a robot; Spider Man Noir (Nicholas Cage); and a porky the pig version (John Mulaney).  These spidermen team up to defeat King Pin (Liev Schrieber), whose manipulations of inter-dimensional technology to bring his family back, may rip apart the universe.  Another twist is that Miles Morales' uncle (Mahershala Ali) works for the King Pin.  There is some great fun and action here, and also confrontation of your fears. 

In Theaters: **^ Second Act (2018)

***^ Second Act  (2018)  This movie stars Jennifer Lopez as a successful assistant manager at a store, but gets overlooked for a promotion because she does not have a college degree.  Her friends son creates a new persona for her, with diploma and history using the internet, and she is offered a position at a prestigious company.  She takes the job after being humiliated by her new boss.  And so begins a life of deceit.  She takes a task to develop a new line of cosmetic which is more “green.” Against the boss’ daughter who is just revamping the old line.  During the competition, it is discovered that the daughter (Vanessa Hudgens) is actually her own biological daughter she gave up for adoption many years ago.  She forms a quick relationship; but how will it survive when it becomes clear that her education and resume is all fraud.  This movie is actually very good but it is their playing light of the use of cuss words that keeps me from giving it higher marks.  If you are trying to keep your kids from cussing don’t take them to this movie.

In Theaters: ***^ A Dog’s Way Home (2019)

***^ A Dog’s Way Home (2019)  I was really looking forward to this movie, but must admit some where along the way, with the long journey home, it became a bit boring.  The journey took more than two years and allowed our puppy hero to raise a mountain lion, and then be saved by the same mountain lion.  Big Kitty he was called.  Denver must have some pretty restrictive dog regulations, and any three people can certify a dog as a pit bull whether it is or not.  A pit bull cannot be on the streets.  Bryce Dallas Howard voices the dog, Bella.  Her person is Lucas (Jonah Hauer-King).  Bella is loved by the veterans where Lucas works, but is forced to New Mexico by the Denver laws.  From there she makes her long journey.  Wes Studi plays a cameo as a police captain who intervenes in the arrest of a dog.

Christmas Movie: ****^ Dr Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)

****^ Dr Seuss’ The Grinch (2018)  I think this is the best of the theater Christmas movies this year.  I especially like the character of Cindy-Lou Who (Cameron Seeley) who is determined to capture Santa Clause so she can make a special request for her mother for Christmas.  Her personality really shows in this animated format.  Of course The Grinch (Benedict Cumberbatch) shows up for Christmas, taking the tree so he can repair it.  In truth he has taken everyone’s Christmas.  This was a very enjoyable remake.  There are bits with the reindeer that are fun, and the relationship between the Grinch and his neighbor.  

Movie Review: *** Home on the Range (2004)

Home on the Range  (2004)

This is an animated feature.  This is a bank robbing, cattle rustling movie, where the cows decide to make things right.  The cows featured are played by Roseanne Barr, Jennifer Tilly and Judi Dench.  They need $750 to save Pearl’s (Carole Cook) ranch, as the bank is calling in their loan.  At first the girls try a fair, but fail to win the prize.  Next they go after Alameda Slim (Randy Quaid)  himself, for the reward money.  Alameda is rustling and buying up the whole territory with his gains. He is due for a fall.

Book Review: Trelian Trilogy by Michelle Knudsen

The Dragon of Trelian, Michelle Knudsen, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2009.

This is a unique trilogy.  In this first book we are introduced to Calen and Meg, who become fast friends.  Calen is the apprentice to the castle mage; And Meg, actually Meglynne, is the princess.  However Meg is an unusual princess, she has a dragon, and they have formed a bond—which is life-long.  Calen advises her on the relationship as he studies book available through the apprentice.  They both develop in their abilities, and in the end, only working together are they able to overcome some of the hardships they face.  This includes their own safety, but also the safety of Meg’s sister, who is marrying the prince of the neighboring kingdom, and in doing so will help end a long war between the two kingdoms. 

The Princess of Trelian, Michelle Knudsen, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2012.

Everything is upside down in this second version of Trelian, especially at the Magistratum, which of itself has come under attack from some unknown magical force.  Calen is not exactly blamed, but he is implied.  Through seer saying the magistratum is convinced that Calen will be a force for evil against them.  And in the end this appears correct.  Meg’s younger sister is kidnapped, and Meg’s dragon accused of doing harm to a kingdom which is bent on revenge.  And Meg, in rescuing her sister, starts the war that will allow the evil exiled mage  Krelig to return.  What is worse, Calen leaves with Krelig in the end to become his apprentice.

The Mage of Trelian, Michelle Knudsen, Candlewick Press, Somerville, Mass., 2016.
Finally the book where everything comes together.  Meg must train with the dragon, because they will play a big part in the wars.  But more important, the mages train for a mage war.  Calen finally escapes from the evil mage Krelig, and teaches the other mages what to expect.  It is only this alliance that gives them some hope.  In the end it is Krelig's lust for revenge that does him in. 

***^Buttons (2018)  This was a special engagement at the theater, featuring Dick Van Dyke and Angela Lansbury as guardian angels.  A young girl is orphaned, and instead of taken in by her relatives is given a position at their mill.  Conditions at the mill are such that children do not last very long.  Jane Seymour portrays the aunt who turns her away.  Only in a daring escape, and a miraculous intervention is her life spared, and that at other girls at the mill as they are taken in and adopted by a wealthy family.  I think this was a special engagement because it wasn’t quite ready.  There were technical issues with getting the action and the sound to match.  I hate that in a movie.

Christmas Movie: ****^Princess Switch (2018)

****^Princess Switch  (2018)  This is a fantastic show with Vanessa Hudgens in two roles, Stacy de Novo and Lady Margaret.  Lady Margaret is engaged to Prince Edward (Sam Palladio); but she proposes a switch for a couple days so she can get out and meet the people.  Stacy de Novo is a chef and in country for a Christmas cake baking competition.  Her assistant is Kevin (Nick Sagar).  And as it happens as in all good stories, while switched Stacy falls for the prince, and Lady Margaret for Kevin.  Vanessa Hudgens is so beautiful a sure way to make a great movie is to have two of her.  (Netflix)

Christmas Movies: Hometown Christmas; A Christmas Village; Christmas Around the Corner; Christmas Miracle at Sage Creek; A Song for Christmas

***^Hometown Christmas (2018):  Old love is rekindled in this movie where two people had gone their separate ways.  This movie features Beverly Mitchell, Stephen Colletti and Melissa Gilbert.  It is good to see Gilbert and Mitchell who are known for tv ventures, Little House on the Prairie and Seventh Heaven.  (Lifetime)

*** A Christmas Village  In this film we have a struggling father and his kids, who have purchased a failing Christmas Village.  An advertisement, publishing executive takes him on as a client pro bono in an effort to clean her own tarnished name.  Thus begins the revamping of the Christmas Village with a little help from Santa and friends.  And when the opportunity comes to go back and clear her name, will she do so or stay with her new love.  Madeline Leon and Neil Paterson star as the couple destined for love.  (Hallmark)

***Christmas Around the Corner (2018)   A woman decides to spend her vacation at a struggling book store.  She puts her efforts into restoring the store, only to find the own intends to sell, but finds herself falling for her at the same time.  Her efforts bring the Christmas Spirit back to the entire town.  Our contrary lovers are played by Alexandra Breckinridge and Jamie Spilchuk. (Lifetime)

**** Christmas Miracle at Sage Creek  (2005)  Ike (David Carradine) is determined to run a half-breed family and their grandfather Chief Thomas (Wes Studi) back to the reservation.  Only a miracle can change the hears of Ike whose wife was previously killed by Indians.  This comes in the form of Ike’s sick grandchild, and Indian medicine.  I really enjoyed this story.  You add murdering thieves coming after the father of the Native American family, and everyone trying to find him, and it makes for a pretty good tale.  (BTUtv)

***^ A Song for Christmas (2017)  I really love the musical Christmas stories.  This story is about a singer, whose career is going great, but her musical style no longer belongs to herself, but to her manager.  She becomes stranded on a tree farm when her band accidentally leaves her behind.  She is then trapped due to bad weather.  While there she begins to find her voice, and the ability to stand up for herself.  And of course love comes with that.  This film stars Becca Tobin and Kevin McGarry.   (Hallmark)

In Theaters ****Instant Family (2018)

**** Instant Family (2018)  Here is a movie about the plight of children stranded in the foster care system.  In this case three siblings so to live with a couple who have decided to be parents Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne).  The funniest scene is this movie is when the parents go after a fellow student who has propositioning their oldest daughter (Isabela Moner).  They soon discover they have the wrong person, and the rightful person is the janitor.  However things do not turn out well as they land in jail.  At issue is whether the birth mother will get things together to the point of getting the kids back.  We have been through this process ourselves.  So this movie touches a cord.

In Theaters: **^ Night School (2018)

**^ Night School (2018) is a comedy about a down on his luck man who finds it hard to get employment without a degree, even though he had previously been working in finance.  So he goes back to school, and finds his worse nightmare in terms of a teacher.  Kevin Harty and Tiffany Haddish star as student and teacher.  There is an episode of trying to steal the test answers Navy Seal style, and then being able to attend the school graduation.  The more mature dancing goes over the top for me, and so I cannot recommend this movie.  Mary Lynn Rajskub from “24” stars as one of the other students. 

In Theaters: *** Escape Room (2019)

*** Escape Room (2019)

This is one of those escape room games, but only more so.  The game is designed so no one escapes, but all end up dead.  With that premise in mind, our 6 persons who have been lured by the expectation of a financial reward for winning, start in an office, which soon turns into a furnace.  Other challenges they face are extreme cold, a falling floor, gas and then the game master himself.  This is not a very fun game.  However, one player makes it through, and another goes sideways and beats the game.  Then the end shows that to the game keepers, the game has not yet ended.  The actors portraying stars which include an escape room junkie, a math nerd, a wounded veteran, a financial guru in trouble are: Taylor Russell, Logan Miller, Jay Ellis, Tyler Labine, Deborah Ann Woll and Nik Dodani.

Christmas Movies: A Christmas Prince (2017) and The Royal Wedding (2018)

**** A Christmas Prince  (2017)

This is a very romantic Christmas movie.  Amber (Rose McIver) takes an undercover job as a tutor to the Prince’s sister, Princess Emily (Alice Krige) to get an inside look at Prince Richard (Ben Lamb) who is reported to be quite the lady’s man and is due to be crowned king.  She takes to her new role, and a romance blooms; but what when people discover she is really a reporter.  Worse when Amber discovers that the prince is actually adopted.  This would be a major scoop, which she covers for a time but falls into the wrong hands, the prince’s cousin who would be king.  Now Amber is not only worried about her romance, but also if she can undo the damage she has done.

****A Christmas Prince: The Royal Wedding  (2018)  I think the sequel is even better than the first, as Amber is planning her wedding—but in actually it is protocol that is taking her ability to have the wedding she would like.  Add to this the economic downturn which appears to be caused by Kind Richard’s policies and this episode actually turns into a bit of economic espionage.  And the future queen eventually finds a way to let her voice be heard.  These two TV movies are great because of the feeling they create.  This is a show that helps you just feel good.  I don’t know what it is but I guess the pageantry just gets to me.

Christmas: Angela's Christmas (2017); All I Want for Christmas (2013) Debbie Macomber's Dashing through the Snow (2015)

**^ All I Want for Christmas (2013)

Elizabeth (Mellssa Sagemiller) is a little too intense and too rude.  This gets her into situations at work, and prompts her boss (Tom Arnold) to hire another executive, Robert (Brad Rowe).  She tells her story to someone who turns out to be an elf, and lends her a brioche which allows her to hear he thoughts of others.  This can be a blessing and a curse.  However, Elizabeth only grows after she gives it back, and truly changes her ways.  (ION)

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*** Debbie Macomber’s Dashing Through the Snow (2015)

Here we have a woman traveling home for Christmas (Meghan Ory) and she is falling for her travellng companion (Andrew W. Walker) who is actually a secret agent as they think our leading lady may be a spy.  I don’t get how anyone could make that mistake so this didn’t work for  me.  (Hallmark)

***^ Angela’s Christmas (2017) 

This is a short animated feature.  Angela, a young girl, starts to worry about Baby Jesus in the church as the church is so cold.  She determines to take him home and warm him up. (Netflix)

In Theaters: ****Bumblebee (2018)

I usually don't care for the Transformers movie, so this was a pleasant surprise for me.  This is really an enjoyable Transformers movie.  It is not as loud and overbearing as most.  I think the one thing that makes this movie stand is the young woman, Charlie (Hailee Steinfield) who for her 18^th birthday takes home a junk Volkswagen Bug, and discovers Bumblebee.  Bumblebee had escaped from his home planet where the Decepticons rule.  His voice box was cut in the escape.  And so begins an adventure where Bumblebee and Charlie must save Earth.  Agent Burns (John Cena) is at first after Bumblebee, but then realizes he is fighting against the Decepticons.

Movie review: ****Aquaman (2018)

Aquaman (2018)  Here is the definitive story of Aquaman from DC Comics.  Aquaman is the son of Queen Allana (Nicole Kidman) and a human male, Tom Curry (Tamuera Morrison).  Who knew there were so many beasts living under the sea.  Aquaman’s (Jason Momoa) brother, King Nereus (Dolph Lundgren) is determine to wage war on the surface dwellers.  Facing him is his older half-brother Aquaman, and his allies Mera (Amber Heard) and Vulko (Willem Dafoe).  Mera and Aquaman end on a quest to find the Trident of Atlan.  Only the rightful king can wield the trident.  Tailing them is the Black Manta (Yahya Abdul-Manteen II), whom Aquaman offended when he let Manta's father die.  He has sworn revenge on Aquaman, and using weapons provided by King Nereus, and tracking information from Mera’s bracelet, hw nearly succeed.  However things are not easy.  Aquaman must face a sea monster who is guarding the trident.

Movie Review: ***^The Green Book (2018)

The Green Book (2018)

Here is a movie about much more than a book; but perhaps the book represents all that was wrong during this period of time.  Dr. Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali), a doctor of music, decides to make a concert trip to the south playing piano.  He is accompanied by two other musicians who ride in a different vehicle, and his driver/body guard Tony Lip (Viggo Mortenson).  Green Book refers to an annual publication letting African Americans know of accommodations suitable for them during the era of the Jim Crow laws.  This book deals with racial discrimination, and how these two deal with this, and deal with the community around them.  They both finally have enough, and skip playing their last engagement.  This is a very good study of prejudices and discrimination; and how prejudices can change with closer contact and friendships can be built. 

Movie Review: ****Joyful Noise (2012)

I like music, and this movie has plenty of music and jumping and clapping songs that praise the Lord.  The church choir director has passed away, and the position maybe should have been passed to his wife G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) but instead goes to a choir member, Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah).  But the two that really sing are Sparrow's grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) and Olivia (Keke Palmer).  This starts a pretty bitter rivalry.  The choir is wanting to compete and make it to nationals, which they have never quite accomplished.  However there are differences in which way the choir should go, more traditional vs more modern.  In the end they put on quite a show, which they really need.  And the two young people strike up a relationship. 

Movie Review: ****Where the Red Fern Grows (1974)

This is a classic movie.  I came across it after several years and enjoyed it again.  I read the book as a youth and the movie is mostly true to the book.  A boy and his dogs, how he comes about getting his dogs, and then how he comes about leaving his dogs after they both die.  This book tells a very good story of love and loyalty; but also hard work. 
Stewart Petersen, a Mormon played the lead.  His parents are played by Beverly Garland and Jack Ging.  His grandfather is portrayed by James Whitmore.  Based on the book by Wilson Rawls. 

In Theaters: **^ Once Upon a Deadpool (2018)

Once Upon a Deadpool:  This is the Marvel Superheroes gone rank.  This movie is suppose to be milder than the “R” rated version, but it had enough garbage in it the same.  Watching Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) grow a new bottom half of his body was just gross, although they were trying to make fun of it. This part was not in very good taste.   They also used the bleeping thing to make people sound like the were saying bad words etc.  The story line involves the X-Men and Deadpool and some recruits rescuing a young man, Firefist (Julian Dennison) with X-Men like powers from Cable (Josh Brolin) who is from the future.  Deadpool is convinced he can save  the youth from a life of evil, in which he murdered Cable’s wife and child.  Cable is from the future.  This movie is only for Marvel purist, otherwise the implications are too much.  This movie has Fred Savage recreating his role  from Princess Bride but this time as an adult.

In Theaters: ***Robin Hood (2018)

*** Robin Hood (2018)  Here is a very good version of the Robin Hood (Tara Egerton) story, with a mining operation outside of town; and the Sheriff of Nottingham (Ben Mendelsohn) is exploiting the people at the request of the cardinal who is using the money to keep the war going (financing the Moors) in the hopes King Richard will perish.  Moorish Little John (Jamie Fox) figures he has to travel to America to get to the end of the war.  He trains Robin, as he lost a son and a hand in the war.  Miriam (Eve Hewson) has moved on from Robin since Robin left to the war some years before, and was reported killed.  She is now with Will Scarlet (Jamie Dornan) This movie has a good start, and a terrible finish.  The new sheriff is just a contrived ending to make for sequels, which I don’t think should be made.  The question is what more does this version offer.  The only thing is the mining community outside of Nottingham.  But that is just putting gothic scenery into the film and really doesn't work. 

***^ In Theaters: Smallfoot (2018)

***^ Small Foot (2018)  Here is a cute animated movie about a reporter who is willing to bend the rules, even using an impersonated Big Foot for a news story, but gets a huge awakening when one actually kidnaps him to take back to his village to prove that the Smallfeet actually exist.  Then follows a confrontation, and two cultures deciding if they can live together. Among other voice contributors are Channing Tatum, LaBron James, Danny Devito, Common and Zendaya.  

Movie Review: ***^Welcome to Marwan (2018)

Welcome to Marwan 

After a man, Mark Hogencamp (Steve Carroll) is brutally attacked, and "the memories kicked out of his head" he says, he develops PTSD which he deals with by creating a village based on a WWII theme and fighting the Nazis, his PTSD.  One of his attackers had a swastika which fuels the connection. This movie is based on the true story of Hogencamp and his dealing with his PTSD.  A recurring theme is the women of Marwen saving him from the Nazis.  Some of the women who star in the movie are Leslie Mann, Merritt Wever, Leslie Zemeckis and Eiza Gonzalez.  The characters are all doubled with real life persons, and then their doll counterparts.
I enjoyed this as an example of PTSD and one man's attempts to deal with it. 

More Christmas/Holiday Movies

***Kung Fu Panda Holidays (2010)  This is a made-for-tv short animated feature about the importance of family and friends for the holidays.  It concludes with those dignitaries joining the family celebration and learning something in turn.  This show includes the voice talents of all the Kung Fu Panda regulars including, Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Lucy Liu and Jackie Chan.  This is available on Netflix

***Journey Back to Christmas (2016)  In this movie a WWII nurse gets sent back in time somehow by a comet.  She helps people in the modern era remember some of the things about Christmas, like caroling.  She does meet a couple old acquaintances, who give her hope.  This movie would have been better if the plot had been more believable.  Hallmark

**** Christmas Harmony (2018)  This easily is one of my favorite in this genre because of the music.  Harmony (Kelley Jakle) returns home after a bad breakup.  She has been pursuing music, writing for someone else (her jerk boyfriend) but in returning home she reacquaints with her father (she hadn’t been home since her mother passed away) and a new man in town, Luke (Adam Mayfield).  Together they make some beautiful music, with only one momentary fly in the ointment.  These shows always have that fly someplace.  I really enjoyed this film. 

***^ Sons of Mistletoe  (2001)  This is a story about a man (George Newbern) who grew up in a boys home, and has taken over the running of the home.  However their benefactor, and landlord passes away.  Everything passes to his daughter (Roma Downey), who is more interested in getting away than continuing the family interest in the home, and the family mercantile business.  A large conglomerate from “the city” is willing to pay big bucks.  So while the young man is struggling to save the home, it seems his benefactress is sabotaging his efforts.  But what is she were to become attached to the boys? BYUtv

Movie Review: ***^ Creed II

***^ Creed II  (2018)  This is an excellent movie if you like the Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) movies.  This has the same feel and the same tension, especially of Rocky III.  In this movie, it is the son, Viktor Drago (Florian Munteanu)  of the boxer, Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren)  who killed Apollo Creed in the ring, who is now taking on Creed’s son (Michael B. Jordan).  In the first match, Creed is badly beaten and injured; but escapes with a victory when Viktor hits him after Creed is down and time is called by the referee.  However there has to be a rematch.  Rocky comes in to manage.  I new style and a new toughness is needed; which is found in the Nevada desert.  But will it be enough?

**** Movie Review: Invincible (2006)

Invincible:  This is a crazy good football movie.  This is the story of Vince Papale (Mark Wahlberg), a sandlot football player, who when the invitation came to tryout for the Philadelphia Eagles, takes the opportunity.  He was down on his luck, and the Eagles had not been good for some years.  The brought in a new coach, Dick Vermeil (Greg Kinnear), who had the idea of the try out.  This was mostly a publicity stunt, but Papale stuck, based on his speed, and his guts.  This movie talks of the struggle it is to play in the NFL; but also of self-confidence.  He meets a new girl, a New York Giants fan, Janet (Elizabeth Banks).  The movie ends after the first season, but Papale actually played three seasons for the Eagles before retiring due to a shoulder injury.  He actually played semi-pro football for a couple years before the try out.  He did not play college football, but participated in track and field.

More Christmas Movies 2018

***^ Shoelaces for Christmas  (2018) This is a Christmas Carol type movie with a major twist, the scrooge is a spoiled teenage girl who has some growing up to do when her mother gets sick with cancer.  Jennifer Miller (Mia Topalian) is only focused on her friends and fashion, planning a trip to Paris with her best friend.  However a homeless shelter intervenes, at the insistence of her father.  Jennifer grows up, and even forms attachments with people at the shelter; which relationships change her focus on life.  It is directed by Craig ClydeThis could be considered a Mormon movie and made in Utah movie.  t was on BYUtv.

***^Finding Father Christmas  (2016) After her mother passes away, Miranda (Erin Krakow) embarks on a mission to find her biological father.  All she has to go on is an old picture leading to a town.  There she discovers her father is a famous actor who has also passed away.  But he sponsors a Christmas Carol every yer in his town where he lived with his wife.  Miranda’s mother was a interim affair.  The family eventually accepts her, on the premise that things be kept secret.  More importantly, Miranda finds a love, Ian (Niall Matter).  In this case Father Christmas refers to Miranda’s birth father who also had a special place in his heart for Christmas.  She is returning to her job in the city, with a promise to return next Christmas. Hallmark

***Engaging Father Christmas  (2017)  We are back for more, and Miranda has been true to her word of keeping things secret; except for divulging her father to her ex-boyfriend who encouraged her to seek him out.  She is over heard by a reporter, and this revelation could ruin everything.  Of course her stepmother is disappointed; but she realizes the truth cannot hurt them, but the divulge this to another reporter who has been writing a story about the family; and of course Miranda and Ian become engaged.  Hallmark

***Marrying Father Christmas (2018) The wedding would go off without a hitch, except the venue (Her father’s old home) may not accommodate everyone, and another man has entered the picture, Miranda’s uncle whom she has never met.  I enjoyed this series of feel-good Christmas movies. Hallmark

*** The Santa Incident (2018)  This show starts with a very nice premise, two kids hop on Santa’s sleigh and go for a ride.  When they reveal themselves they scare Santa enough that he crashes the sleigh, the reindeer get away, and Santa loses not only his bag of toys but also his magic Santa hat.  Mrs. Claus always told him to take a spare.  So the kids are about to be left hundreds of miles from home, when they join Santa on a quest to get the toys, hat and everything and save Christmas.  In the meantime Santa ends up in jail for abducting two children.  The kids have to find what is needed.  Kurt Russel portrays Santa Claus, and this Netflix movie is very cute.  However the elves are short and mean and sort of ruin the spirit of the movie.  Santa rocks out in jail and the elves rescue him.  Of course first the kids had to get Santa through the sack to inform them of Santa’s plight.  This is a Netflix movie.

****The Christmas Secret (2015) This is one of those Hallmark type movies with lots of coincidences.  Christine’s (Bethany Joy Lenz) life is falling apart.  Her ex is threatening to take the kids, he does not pay child support.  She gets an eviction notice.   Social services in on her case, she loses her job, everything is headed downhill.  However a man, (she initially thinks he is spying on her for her ex)  Jason (John Reardon) turns out to be a keeper.  He is tasked with finding the lady who saved his mother from death when she had a heart attack.  He cannot find her anywhere.  It is saving her that caused Christine to lose her job, but she finds a new job at a bakery.  Jason befriend Christine’s kids, but is known as “clutch” to them.  Eventually everything comes together.  And turns out that the person who hired her at the bakery is actually Christine’s grandmother on her father’s side.  She had just a locket from her father, and the bakery owner has the key.  The woman who was saved runs a toy store, so the kids are spoiled for Christmas.  And she gives her money for back rent.  And then Jason and Christine have a thing going on.  Hallmark

**^Romance at Reindeer Lodge  (2017) Her is a movie where romance is the key word.  We have a young couple, hoping to see reindeer, which have not visited for some years, and a new couple who start off as rivals, but are forced into the same room.  Romance is bound to happen.  Hallmark

***Christmas Dance  (2012) This is a Hallmark movie.  It is also known as “Come Dance with Me.”  It stars Andrew McCarthy as the business executive, Jack, who is putting together a purchase of a building for his company, and Michelle Nolden as the dance teacher, Christine,  whose studio is in the same building.  They clash on one level, but on another level Jack is taking lessons from Christine so he can impress the boss’ daughter to whom he has intentions of marriage.  However, as their relationship blossoms into love rather than just professional, or a way to get ahead, Jack is left with a conundrum.  He wants to save the dance studio, while also looking good for his boss.  Hallmark

Hallmark Christmas Movies: 2018

I just love the Hallmark Christmas movies.  Here are a few I has watched this year.

***Once Upon a Christmas (2000)

Santa is discouraged due to a lack of Christmas spirit.  His daughter is tasked with getting a family from the naughty to the nice list to save Christmas.  Kristen Clause (Kathy Ireland) has a pretty big task.  Especially since her sister, Rudolfa (Mary Donnelly Haskell) is intent on changing the Holiday to Christmas Fools Day.  In the end the sacrifice Kristen is called upon to make may be larger than she is prepared to do.  This movie was fun.  Ruldolfa is an evil soul but her father gets back at her in the end.

***^Twice Upon a Christmas (2001)  Her is a sequel with Kristen and Ruldolfa still at it.  However, as a result of the first movie Kristen has lost her memory of her life with the Clauses as well as her immortality.  Ruldolfa comes back from her banishment with the goal of selling the North Pole.  In this way Christmas will be done.  She sends pieces all over the world.  She even plans to sell the real estate to Donald Trump for a Trump Tower.  And without her memory Kristen is not likely to intervene; although she knows something is not quite right.  It is a doll that they kids have gotten as part of the pole that jogs her memory and puts Kristen into action.  Here is a sequel with a bit more magic than the original.

****A Town Without Christmas (2001)

Peter Falk plays the role of the magical manipulator who is getting everyone together.  In the end, two people, a writer and a reporter, (Rick Roberts and Patricia Heaton) who are both in Seacliff, Washington pursuing the story of a boy Chris, who has sent a note to Santa hinting at suicide.  They have different motivations however, as the writer has received some paintings which portray the past and the future and include a picture of the letter.  However their two pursuits merge and leads to a romance.  However the big question is finding and saving Chris. 

***^A Town Christmas Forgot (2001)  When the Bensons (Rick Roberts and Lauren Holly) at stranded with their two children due to car issues in Nowhere, Colorado, they come upon a town that is dying due to the loss of the coal mining industry.  The people are depressed, many having left, and the mayor has failed at finding any other business to come to town.  No one will finance a ski lift up the mountain behind town.  But in the end they find likeable people, and even though their car is fixed so they can travel on to the fancy resort they have reserved, the turn around to join the locals for the Christmas Eve Pageant.  And the Bensons are in position to help the town with their problems. 

****A Christmas to Remember (2016)

I think this is my favorite of the Hallmark movies I have watched.  The romance just seems to jump off the screen more.  This is the story of a woman, Jennifer Wade (Mira Sorvino) TV personality, cooking show, who needs to get away.  She is headed to a rural Colorado, and while doing so, she slides off the road and bumps her head, and loses her memory.  She has no memory of who she is.  She is taken in by a single man and his family.  John Blake (Cameron Mathison) and his children are still dealing with the death of his wife and the kids’ mother three years prior.  Even though she does not remember her name, she still remembers her cooking and domestic skills.  Through these skills the family begins to heal, as well as herself.  A romance ensues; but this is interrupted when someone recognizes her and she is forced back to her urban life.  However Jennifer has other plans.

***Santa Incident (2010)  Santa (James Cosmo) is shot down by the Air Force, and he is found with a cracked skull by two siblings who are taking a restricted short-cut to school.  The little girl’s smile is very infectious.  She believes in Santa, while her brother is not sure.  Santa was gathering supplies and Christmas is coming.  On his tail are two people from Homeland Security who pursue Santa as a threat to national security.  Santa has enough magic to make toys.  He sets up shop in an abandoned warehouse where the older brother likes to spend time.  However he still needs to be rescued by the elves.  The eventually show up with the restored sleigh and Christmas is saved.  However not before Santa sparks a romance for their mother.  Father ran away a couple years prior. 

***^A Carol Christmas (2003)  Carol Cartman (Tori Spelling) is the diva of the talk show scene.  Everyone is scared of her and she doesn’t hesitate to fire those who displease her.  That is until she is visited by four ghosts.  First her Aunt, who mentored her in the business to be sure everyone is always waiting for you, and treat everyone as you inferior.  She even chased off her love interest.  Then the Ghost of Christmas Pat (Gary Coleman) and the Ghost of Christmas Present (William Shatner)  And of course the Ghost of Christmas Future.  When they are through with her, Carol is a changed woman.  The mood of her show is changed from being cynical to being uplifting.  She even offers to pay for all her cast to travel to Hawaii.